| One cookbook connects them all… Joann ~ Book Five in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020. Twenty-four-year-old Joann Kincaid’s life ambition is to one day run the family’s general store in Pecan Grove, Louisiana. It’s 1965 and the times may be a-changing, but Joann’s father is stubbornly hanging on to old-fashioned views about what he wants for his daughter. She’s just as determined to prove she’s a capable businesswoman. In the past, she entertained romantic dreams alongside her vision for the store but discarded those notions when her high school sweetheart, Nathan, left for college. Now he’s back to reestablish his family’s farm—and a relationship with Joann. She still loves him but isn’t sure she can trust him. |  |
As the conflict in Vietnam escalates, there’s a real possibility Nathan could be drafted. Should Joann pursue her lifelong dream to continue her family’s legacy? Or give Nathan a chance to prove he’ll be her true and committed love before it’s too late for them?
Genre: Inspirational Historical (1960s) Romance
Release date: May 15, 2024
Release date: May 15, 2024
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Interview with Donna
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The Apron Strings Series is a multi-author inspirational women’s fiction (with romance) series organized by Jenny Knipfer. She came up with the idea of a single cookbook passed down every decade to a different woman from 1920 to 2020. The cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, plays a part in every story. When she told me about the concept, I thought it was a great idea. My book, Joann, is book five in the series and takes place in 1965. There were several elements and places that were the inspiration for this novel.
The music of the 1960s provided a little bit of a backdrop for the story. Joann wants to bring her family’s general store, Kincaid’s Mercantile, into the new decade by selling music. I’d already decided this before I found out that in 1965, Shreveport had a woman-owned recording studio, RAM. I didn’t use the real person or studio, but my fictional person and studio were inspired by RAM. Joann lives in Pecan Grove, a fictional small town outside of Shreveport, so it all came together nicely.
Near the East Texas border, there’s an old-time store, the oldest continually operating general store in Texas, T.C. Linsey and Co. This store served as the inspiration for Kincaid’s Mercantile. I loved visiting the store and imagining what life in the past could have been like for the people who worked and shopped there. T.C. Lindsey is more of a museum these days, although visitors can buy gift items, snacks, and souvenirs.
As I began to create the character of Joann, I found myself thinking more and more of my big sister. Joann is practical, responsible, kind, a hard worker, and a nurturer. My older sister is all of those things. The sister relationship in the story developed as I was writing. The sisters have a close bond, as sisters often do.
My mother also played a part. When I first set up housekeeping, my mother gave me a beautiful picture that had a Bible verse on it, Proverbs 3: 5-7. This verse was the inspiration for the scripture application in my book. I thought often of the verse, the picture, and my mother as I wrote Joann’s story.
The Apron Strings Series is a multi-author inspirational women’s fiction (with romance) series organized by Jenny Knipfer. She came up with the idea of a single cookbook passed down every decade to a different woman from 1920 to 2020. The cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, plays a part in every story. When she told me about the concept, I thought it was a great idea. My book, Joann, is book five in the series and takes place in 1965. There were several elements and places that were the inspiration for this novel.
The music of the 1960s provided a little bit of a backdrop for the story. Joann wants to bring her family’s general store, Kincaid’s Mercantile, into the new decade by selling music. I’d already decided this before I found out that in 1965, Shreveport had a woman-owned recording studio, RAM. I didn’t use the real person or studio, but my fictional person and studio were inspired by RAM. Joann lives in Pecan Grove, a fictional small town outside of Shreveport, so it all came together nicely.
Near the East Texas border, there’s an old-time store, the oldest continually operating general store in Texas, T.C. Linsey and Co. This store served as the inspiration for Kincaid’s Mercantile. I loved visiting the store and imagining what life in the past could have been like for the people who worked and shopped there. T.C. Lindsey is more of a museum these days, although visitors can buy gift items, snacks, and souvenirs.
As I began to create the character of Joann, I found myself thinking more and more of my big sister. Joann is practical, responsible, kind, a hard worker, and a nurturer. My older sister is all of those things. The sister relationship in the story developed as I was writing. The sisters have a close bond, as sisters often do.
My mother also played a part. When I first set up housekeeping, my mother gave me a beautiful picture that had a Bible verse on it, Proverbs 3: 5-7. This verse was the inspiration for the scripture application in my book. I thought often of the verse, the picture, and my mother as I wrote Joann’s story.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
From conception to edit, I believe Joann took a little over six months. Up to this point, it was the fastest I’ve ever produced a book. I credit the tremendous amount of support within the Apron Strings Author Group for this. Having a deadline didn’t hurt! It kept me on track.
Because Jenny had provided the idea for the series to be connected by one cookbook and had set perimeters, many of the initial decisions were already made. This was extremely helpful to me. As a former nonfiction freelance writer, I work well within guidelines, so this project felt like a perfect fit.
From conception to edit, I believe Joann took a little over six months. Up to this point, it was the fastest I’ve ever produced a book. I credit the tremendous amount of support within the Apron Strings Author Group for this. Having a deadline didn’t hurt! It kept me on track.
Because Jenny had provided the idea for the series to be connected by one cookbook and had set perimeters, many of the initial decisions were already made. This was extremely helpful to me. As a former nonfiction freelance writer, I work well within guidelines, so this project felt like a perfect fit.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I am a fan of both historical and contemporary fiction, but have a special affinity for southern fiction. I grew up in the south among storytellers, and it seems the very environment is full of wonderful tales. As a Christian, all of my writing reflects a Christian worldview. I write both inspirational and general, market fiction, but all have that underpinning. I don’t see how I could write a story without it.
I am a fan of both historical and contemporary fiction, but have a special affinity for southern fiction. I grew up in the south among storytellers, and it seems the very environment is full of wonderful tales. As a Christian, all of my writing reflects a Christian worldview. I write both inspirational and general, market fiction, but all have that underpinning. I don’t see how I could write a story without it.
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I always want my readers to come away after reading my work with a sense of hope, something that encourages them. My stories are about flawed people facing common challenges. While I try to write entertaining fiction that brings laughter and tears, I want to them be encouraged and uplifted.
I always want my readers to come away after reading my work with a sense of hope, something that encourages them. My stories are about flawed people facing common challenges. While I try to write entertaining fiction that brings laughter and tears, I want to them be encouraged and uplifted.
#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Read the books you want to read, not only the books that you think are good for you, although try to read some of those as well. Enjoy yourself. Find friends you can talk to about what you’re reading. Let reading feed your mind and soul!
Read the books you want to read, not only the books that you think are good for you, although try to read some of those as well. Enjoy yourself. Find friends you can talk to about what you’re reading. Let reading feed your mind and soul!
More from Donna
Joann: Apron Strings Book 5 is part of the Apron Strings series, a multi-author project. When Jenny Knipfer, the organizer behind the project, approached me about joining the lineup of authors, I was immediately intrigued. An old cookbook passed down each decade to a new character? Small towns? Romance? Sign me up!
The books in this inspirational series are connected by one single cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, as it passes from character to character. The cookbook contains more than recipes. Through time, women have penned encouraging words, quotes, and scriptures in the margins. There are eleven books in the Apron Strings series—one for every decade from 1920 to 2020. My novel, Joann, takes place in the 1960s.
One of Joann’s specialties is a popular 60s favorite, Jello with Dream Whip. No recipe needed there. Joann uses recipes from Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, but she would’ve relied on a cake mix every now and then, such as in the recipe at this link, Joann’s Easy Blueberry Pound Cake. https://donnajostone.wordpress.com/2024/04/24/from-the-apron-strings-kitchen-joanns-easy-blueberry-pound-cake/
Another name for this should be Disappearing Blueberry Pound Cake, because that’s what happens when I make it! This cake has become a family favorite. As far as how Joann’s cooking attempts using Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book come out, you’ll have to read the novel to see. In the back of my novel there’s another recipe, one that would’ve appeared in Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. All of the Apron Strings books have a recipe or two (or more) in the back.
Parts of Joann’s story are fun and lighthearted, but she also faces serious issues during uncertain times. I hope readers enjoy reading Joann, but also hope they come away from her story with a deeper understanding of the comfort that comes from trusting God with the future.
The books in this inspirational series are connected by one single cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, as it passes from character to character. The cookbook contains more than recipes. Through time, women have penned encouraging words, quotes, and scriptures in the margins. There are eleven books in the Apron Strings series—one for every decade from 1920 to 2020. My novel, Joann, takes place in the 1960s.
One of Joann’s specialties is a popular 60s favorite, Jello with Dream Whip. No recipe needed there. Joann uses recipes from Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, but she would’ve relied on a cake mix every now and then, such as in the recipe at this link, Joann’s Easy Blueberry Pound Cake. https://donnajostone.wordpress.com/2024/04/24/from-the-apron-strings-kitchen-joanns-easy-blueberry-pound-cake/
Another name for this should be Disappearing Blueberry Pound Cake, because that’s what happens when I make it! This cake has become a family favorite. As far as how Joann’s cooking attempts using Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book come out, you’ll have to read the novel to see. In the back of my novel there’s another recipe, one that would’ve appeared in Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. All of the Apron Strings books have a recipe or two (or more) in the back.
Parts of Joann’s story are fun and lighthearted, but she also faces serious issues during uncertain times. I hope readers enjoy reading Joann, but also hope they come away from her story with a deeper understanding of the comfort that comes from trusting God with the future.
 Donna Jo Stone | Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored novels for the inspirational and general market. Her stories are often about people facing tough times. Not all of her books have romance but when they do, the romances are sweet. No graphic language, sex, or violence, just plenty of heart-tugging emotion with endings that leave readers with a sense of hope. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Mornings at Character Cafe, August 15
Texas Book-aholic, August 16
Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18
For the Love of Literature, August 19 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 21 (Author Interview)
Connie’s History Classroom, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)
She Lives To Read, August 24
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 25 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, August 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26
Guild Master, August 27 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, August 15 (Author Interview)
Mornings at Character Cafe, August 15
Texas Book-aholic, August 16
Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18
For the Love of Literature, August 19 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 21 (Author Interview)
Connie’s History Classroom, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)
She Lives To Read, August 24
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 25 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, August 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26
Guild Master, August 27 (Author Interview)
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