Jennifer Deibel's Blog

 

 

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

The hunt BEGINS on 4/10 at noon Mountain with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com. Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 4/13 at midnight Mountain)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Hi, I’m Jennifer Deibel–but most people call me Jen! I write sweet historical romance set in Ireland. After living there for six years, I just couldn’t leave it behind. So, now i get to share this amazing country and her people with you through the pages of my books! I absolutely LOVE connecting with readers and fellow bookworms, so i do hope you’ll join me on Instagram and Facebook! Of course, I adore stories, and my latest release, Heart of the Glen, is no exception! Here’s a little bit about the book:

When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night.

Aileen’s brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he’s injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new–and distracting–mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She’s determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her–perhaps as much as she needs them.

Ireland, tweed weaving, a loyal dog? Sold, right?? One of the most fun parts of writing this book was learning about the incredible craft of weaving tweed.

Threads of Time: The Magic of Irish Tweed Weaving

Ah, Irish tweed—there’s nothing quite like it! A fabric so rich in history, so full of charm, you can almost hear the looms whispering the tales of old Ireland. For centuries, skilled weavers have been crafting these woolly wonders, threading together stories of misty landscapes, rolling green hills, and the occasional mischievous sheep.

Tweed weaving in Ireland is more than just a trade—it’s an art, a legacy passed down through generations. Picture a cozy little workshop on the windswept coast of Donegal, where the rhythmic clatter of a loom sets the tempo for the day. Each piece of tweed is woven with a blend of skill, tradition, and just a hint of Irish magic. No two bolts of fabric are ever quite the same, making every tweed jacket, cap, or scarf as unique as the hands that created it.

Once worn by farmers and fishermen for its warmth and durability, Irish tweed has now strutted onto the world stage, gracing catwalks and city streets alike. So, the next time you wrap yourself in a fine Donegal tweed, know that you’re wearing a piece of Ireland—stitched with stories, spun with soul.

Here’s the Stop #27 Basics:If you’re interested, you can order Heart of the Glen at Baker Book House, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook or at your local bookstore!Clue to Write Down: squeeze in the Link to Stop #28, the Next Stop on the Loop: Chawna Schroeder’s site! But wait! Before you go, I’m offering a coaster made of authentic Donegal Tweed, a custom sticker, bookmark, and signed bookplate to one of you! All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter (top right of my home page) or note that you’re already a subscriber (USA only). Simply comment on this post that you subscribed or are already a subscriber. I’ll choose one of you at random to sent these fun goodies!

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

The hunt BEGINS on 3/14 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 3/17 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.Submit you entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Hi, I’m Jennifer Deibel, but my friends call me Jen. I’m a middle school ELA teacher by day, wife and mom all the time, and writer by any other time. LOL I write Christian historical romance set in Ireland. My stories aim to whisk you away to rolling green hills, lilting music, and more while encouraging and challenging you in your faith journey, no matter where you are along that path. Oh, and there’s always some swoony kisses along the way. I hang out online mostly on Instagram, but also on Facebook. I hope to see you there!

My newest release is another dreamy historical romance, The Irish Matchmaker. Here’s what it’s about:

Catriona Daly is no stranger to the business of love–even though personally she has yet to find it. Eager for a match of her own and a fresh start away from her sleepy village, she makes grand plans for the annual Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. She never expects a shy, widowed sheep farmer to distract her from her goal.

 

A matchmaking tale set in Ireland? Did you know that there’s a real life matchmaking festival that takes place every September in the wee village of Lisdoonvarna, even to this day??

Third generation matchmaker, Willie Daly, keeps the tradition alive that started way back in the late 1800’s!

It all started when a local doctor discovered the mineral spa wells scattered all around the area of this small village located in the heart of County Clare! I’d like to show you some of the real-life places that inspired this story!

The Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage Center

© The John Hinde Archive / Mary Evans Picture Library

Once the good doctor discovered the wells and their medicinal qualities, he started advertising it to the wealthy in the area. They started coming to take the waters, and used it as an opportunity to make suitable matches for their children, as it was one fo the few times they were able to mingle with others of their own station.

Fun fact, this image makes up part of the cover of The Irish Matchmaker, and is an actual painted glass negative of a photo from the area at the time the story is set!

 

 

 

 

2. The Matchmaker Bar/Pub

Photo Credit: http://www.sheilahaycoxphotography.co...

This wee pub in the heart of Lisdoonvarna is the inspiration for The Imperial Pub our heroine and her father live over. Catríona Daly and her father, Jimmy, are a nod to the generations of matchmakers that have helped people find their true love over the centuries. According to my research, this was originally named The Imperial Bar and was changed to The Matchmaker Bar later when the festival really gained traction and popularity.

 

 

 

3.  This Lisdoonvarna Town Square

Photo found on Booking.com

Situated right in the heart of Lisdoonvarna, the town square serves as gathering place, picnic spot, and more for the locals. And the perfect place for a midday dance to celebrate the midpoint of the festival–which is what happens in The Irish Matchmaker. They’ve even erected sculptures of dancing couples of musicians. One of the most pivotal moments of the story takes place right on this exact spot.

 

 

 

Here’s the Stop #22 Basics:

If you’re interested, you can order The Irish Matchmaker on Baker Book House, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore!

Clue to write down: a big TBR

Link to Stop #23, the next stop on the Loop: Tracie Peterson’s Site!

But, wait, there’s more!

I’m offering a special giveaway to anyone who stops by my post! You can win a signed bookplate for The Irish Matchmaker, a set of Irish-themed earrings, and a handmade version of Pete the Cow from the story!

Simply comment on this post with the favorite place you’ve traveled to via book! I’ll choose a winner at random once the contest closes!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

Hello, friends!

I am so very excited to be sharing this post with you today! I’ve been keeping almost everything about this story under wraps, and I’m about to burst!

So, I’m so glad to be able to reveal to you the title and cover for this book, which releases February, 1, 2022!

This story includes so many of my favorite facets of Ireland: the legend of the Claddagh Ring, Galway city and county, the Irish people, their War for Independence, and the underlying tension between the Irish and British. Of course, there is plenty of the Irish culture and charm woven into this story, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

In 1920 Galway, amid the Irish War for Independence, the daughter of a British landlord becomes an apprentice jeweler to the descendent of the creator of the famed Claddagh ring. As the two learn to work together and see each other in a new light, they start to uncover the true meaning of love, loyalty, and friendship.

Without further ado, I am pleased to introduce you to The Lady of Galway Manor.About the story:

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family–descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family’s jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the lies the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the “other side” isn’t quite as barbaric and uncultured as they’d been led to believe–and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

Preorder The Lady of Galway Manor!Baker Book HouseBarnes & NobleAmazon

I am so happy that Annabeth, Stephen, and their friends are heading your way, and I’d love to have your help spreading the word! Below are a couple of graphics that you are welcome to save and share to your social media! If you share, please be sure to tag me!! And if you like using hashtags, feel free to use #theladyofgalwaymanor #claddagh #jenniferdeibel in any of your posts as well!

Thank you all for coming along with me on this journey!

Blessings,

Jen

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #27

PLEASE NOTE! THIS HUNT IS NOT YET LIVE. IT WILL BEGIN 3/18 AT NOON MST. PLEASE RETURN THEN.

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

• The hunt BEGINS on 3/18 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.

• Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).

• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 3/21 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.

• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Hi there! I’m Jennifer Deibel–a former-expat-turned-middle school-teacher now living in Arizona. I write historical fiction, currently set in Ireland. You can connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and through my monthly newsletter. My debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, just released on February 2, and I’m so excited to share it with you! Here’s a little bit about the book:

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her Irish mother’s descriptions of her homeland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira accepts the challenge to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the homeland village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence, but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends—and the strength of an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced. While Moira learns to trust Sean and his intentions, she struggles to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

I lived in Ireland for 6 years, and I fell head over heels in love with the land and her people! Two of those years were spent in Donegal, so I thought I’d share with you My Top 5 Places In (and Around) Donegal!

#5. The Bloody Foreland

Rugged, wild, and absolutely gorgeous. This is an amazing place to watch the sunset, enjoy the ocean view, or look out over the valley behind you. Just make sure you hold onto your hat–it is almost always crazy windy here! Photo credit: Gareth Wray

#4. Bad Eddie

This shipwrecked boat on the beaches between the sister villages of Derrybeg and Bunbeg is a local iconic landmark. I love that when the tide is out, you can go right up to it and look inside. There are several legends about how this ship landed here, but it’s just fun to explore! Photo credit: Gareth Wray

#3. Assaranca Waterfall

These gorgeous falls are tucked away off the beaten path. They are absolutely stunning, and they look different every time you visit. It’s especially lovely in the fall, when the trees around it are changing. Photo credit: Gareth Wray

#2. Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)

The tallest sea-cliffs in Europe, the Slieve League cliffs are a close second for my most favorite place in the county. Now a booming tourist destination, it was once a hidden gem. The fabled home of the giant Finn McCool, vistors can hike the trails, and even go across the highest point–wide enough for only one person to traverse at a time. In the water, you can see Finn’s desk and chair–all that remain from his fortress. Photo credit: Gareth Wray

#1. The Poison Glenn

Easily one of the most gorgeous places in the county, The Poison Glenn is home to several of my favorite haunts: Mount Errigal, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, and this roofless church near Dunlewey Lake. Photo credit: Gareth Wray

Here’s the Stop #27 Basics:

If you’re interested, you can order A Dance in Donegal at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or at your local bookstore!

Clue to Write Down: slip

Link to Stop #28, the Next Stop on the Loop: Tracy Higley’s site!

But wait! Before you go, I’m offering an exclusive A Dance in Donegal sticker, a hand-crocheted sheep, and a print of The Lord’s Prayer in English and Irish! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter! (USA Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hello again, friends! Can you believe we are already back to January?? I feel like 2020 both slowed to a snail’s pace, but flew by at the same time!

I’m even MORE excited because A Dance in Donegal releases ONE MONTH from today! And to celebrate, Revell and Goodreads are hosting a giveaway of 15 copies of A Dance in Donegal!!

If you’ve already preordered (Thank you!!), you can still enter, and gift a friend if you win!

Welcome to the 11th day of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

The prizes are building, and today’s winner will receive a copy of A Dance in Donegal, and some yummy chocolates from me!

And

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron

Coral by Sara Ella

Cold Case Christmas by Jessica R. Patch

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

Literature and Lattes by Katherine Reay

Until I Met You by Tari Faris

The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah Ladd

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

The Cowboy’s Christmas Blessings by Jill Kemerer

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson

It’s not too late to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below by following some of your favorite authors on social media and signing up for their newsletters. We draw a new winner every day, from December 1-12, 2020, and on December 12th, we’ll give away a $100 Amazon Gift Card in addition to all the other great prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don’t forget to stop by Liz’s blog tomorrow to see what prize is added then. 

Calling all book-lovers! Love Ireland? Even better!

I’m looking for enthusiastic readers to help get the word out about the release of my debut novel, A Dance in Donegal.

Here are the deets about the book itself:



A Dance in Donegal is a Christian historical romance novel set in Ireland in 1921. It releases from Revell Publishers on February 2, 2021.

What the book is about:

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her Irish mother’s descriptions of her homeland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira accepts the challenge to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the homeland village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence, but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends—and the strength of an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced. While Moira learns to trust Sean and his intentions, she struggles to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

I am so very humbled and excited about the release of this book! And I need your help! If you’re interested in applying for the launch team, keep reading for what would be expected of you, what you can expect, and the link to apply!

What would be expected of you if you’re accepted?



Follow Jennifer Deibel on at least 2 social media accountsRead the book and leave an honest review on at least 2 major retail websites (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, etc.)In addition to the two items above, you agree to doing at least SIX of the following action items between January and February 15:Add A Dance in Donegal to your GoodReads.com to-read listReview on GoodReads.comFeature A Dance in Donegal on your blog/website/podcast (this could be a review, an author interview, character interview, etc.)Post a photo of A Dance in Donegal on social media (in a bookstore, of you reading it, at a coffee shop, with your dog/kids, etc.)Ask your local public library to order A Dance in DonegalBuy a copy of the book for a friendShare various memes on social media (memes you make, or share the memes/share squares I will provide)Suggest it as a pick for your book club



What can you expect if accepted?

Launch team members will receive a free copy of the book, and the opportunity to join a private Facebook group with exclusive giveaways.

Spots on the team are limited, and this application will only be open for 1 week! So, if you are interested, click the link below to fill out the application!

When we left Ireland, part of what was so painful about it all was feeling like we’d lost our tribe. The Irish are an amazingly warm, welcoming lot, and our friendships there were some of the best, deepest, most gratifying of our entire lives. So, to have to leave that behind was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever had.

When we moved back to Arizona, I sort of tried to forget Ireland for awhile. It was just too painful to let the memories come. But slowly, bit by bit, my walls cracked. I just couldn’t keep Ireland out anymore. I finished my book–which is set in Ireland near where we first lived. And I reconnected with the Irish Cultural Center here in Phoenix.

I attended their first ever Women’s Conference with a friend, and immendiatley felt like I’d found a second (or fifth LOL) home. I was surrounded by Irish ladies (and lads) who had moved to Arizona–as well as those who are more Irish-at-heart. The lilting voices and the proper tea sucked me in hook, line, and sinker.

The Irish Cultural Center is a place of community, education, and connection for the massive Irish (and wannabe Irish) here in Arizona. So many share stories of how the ICC gave them a foundation–a support system–when they came to this new, very, very dry place.

And since the Irish did that very thing for me when we moved to that new, very, very damp place across the pond, I was excited to be offered the chance to participate in the first ever Rose of the I.C.C. contest as a fundraiser to support the center.

Inspired by the famous Rose of Tralee Festival (which would be going on as I type this, if it weren’t for the ‘Ronas), the I.C.C. tweaked the rules and several Arizona ladies with celtic roots are in the running to be crowned the first ever Rose of the I.C.C.!

Below is the link to watch my video (this is where it gets really fun). For my “party piece,” I’m reading an excerpt from my debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, which doesn’t release until February! You can watch my video for free, and then if you feel so moved, I’d love for you to consider casting a vote. Votes are $2 each, or $10 for 6, and all the money goes to keep the I.C.C. running so they can continue to serve our community.

Hello my dear reader friends! I am so sorry it has been so long since you’ve heard from me in this space. I have been most active over on my Instagram account. So, if you want to hear more from me, make sure you’re following me there!

But, I had to dust off ye olde blog to share some crazy exciting news with you–the cover to my debut novel, A Dance in Donegal!

But first, here’s a little bit about the book:

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her Irish mother’s descriptions of her homeland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira accepts the challenge to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the homeland village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence, but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do.Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends—and the strength of an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced. While Moira learns to trust Sean and his intentions, she struggles to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

I cannot believe what a phenomenal job the design team at Revell did with this cover. They took my ideas and ran with them, and came up with something better than I could have envisioned. I hope you enjoy it, too!

Without further ado, I present to you the cover of A Dance in Donegal:

A Dance in Donegal releases February 2, but is available for pre-order now! Don’t miss out! When you pre-order, your book ships as soon as it’s available, and in some cases you get it even before release date!

Preorder at any of these places:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0800738411

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/235823

Books-a-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Dance-Donegal/Jennifer-Deibel/9780800738419?id=7932129264040&_ga=2.52288044.465696534.1593212930-125113959.1593212930#

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780800738419

More ordering sites to come!

And if a new book isn’t in your budget right now, ask your library to order it!