| She wants her history to stay hidden… …He’s trying to break free of his past But as they reveal themselves to each other, can they carry out their covert mission? Judy Larkin has been shy to show her true self ever since the worst day of her life. Which makes her the perfect target for her Simon Legree wannabe boss. He knows the right buttons to push making noncompliance next to impossible. But is she really the type of person to do this kind of thing? Especially with the boss’s preppy nephew? Geoff Spooner has let himself be manipulated for too long but coming out from under his uncle’s thumb will cost him. Is he willing to pay the price? Could be this last demand will be the straw that breaks him free, but what will he lose in the bargain? His self-respect? |  |
It’s 1972. Join Judy and Geoff in this quirky misadventure as they go undercover to discover who they really are, what the cardinal in the sycamore has to say, and what they are truly equipped to do.
You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.
Get Judy in Disguise today.
You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.
Get Judy in Disguise today.
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Release date: November 4, 2022
Release date: November 4, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Jennifer
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I was chatting with my good friend, author Jennifer Crosswhite, and I told her that I loved writing the Weather Girls stories and hated to leave that story world. We’d been discussing how some authors write series that seem to be never-ending. Then I realized I make a series of stand alones but could keep telling stories with Ferguson House and the cardinal and the sycamore tree legend be the one connecting piece that pulled them altogether.
Once I had that, the idea of using songs from the 1960s that had girls’ names in the titles seemed fun. I even asked some readers on Facebook if they could come up with more than I’d thought of—I think we ended up with close to fifty songs. But Judy in Disguise rose to the top of the list. Probably because I have a distinct memory of dancing the Elephant to it with good friends from my junior high days. I can’t help but think fun when I hear that song. And the title gave me the premise for the story. I really enjoyed writing it.
#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
The music. Seriously. I’m an oldies fan and have always wondered about the stories behind the songs. The 1970s are key in my memories of Kokomo, where I grew up. I don’t think there are other historicals, sweet romance or romcom type, that have that era in the setting. Though officially historical, I like to call the niche “retro.” Maybe if enough people search for that when choosing books, it will become an actual subgenre. But when you can remember the timeframe, it really puts you into the story as you read it. Very much like contemporary, only it is less technical and maybe even a bit simpler.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That’s simple. I want readers to close the book and know God is real, He is for them, He loves them, and they are valuable to Him.
#4. How did you name your characters?
In this book, I didn’t have much say about naming the main character—the song title decided that for me. The love interest, though, was inspired by a guy I remember from college. Couldn’t tell you his last name or anything else about him since I haven’t seen him in over forty years, but I remember liking how he spelled his name and his easy-going manner seemed to fit this character.
Aunt Kay is named for my own Aunt Kay, but that is where the similarities end. Though loving and kind, my Aunt Kay has always seemed to be more sophisticated. But I thought she would get a kick out of the character. Oh, I should mention that I’ve been leaving a few “Easter eggs” in the stories—future character names. If you read a name somewhere and a song comes to mind, that minor character might end up a main character in another book.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
There’s many reasons a person will stop going to church. Often the hurt is from well-meaning people. But if we drive someone away from a relationship with God by our actions (or inactions) we defeat the Great Commission. In this story, Judy felt invisible. No matter the reasons, the fact that she feels this way puts a separation between her and God. And over time, the divide widens. I believe we need to remind ourselves and those around us that God does see us, He loves us. As Geoff tells Judy, God even knows the number of hairs on our heads. The way my hairbrush fills up, that is a feat. But if He does know us that well—knows me that well—we must mean a lot to Him. He made a way for us to stand in the righteousness of Christ, to be adopted into His family and live with Him for all eternity. To paraphrase Pastor Robert Morris, the price that someone is willing to pay for something determines its worth. God paid the blood of His son for you. That is true worth. You are a child of God.
I was chatting with my good friend, author Jennifer Crosswhite, and I told her that I loved writing the Weather Girls stories and hated to leave that story world. We’d been discussing how some authors write series that seem to be never-ending. Then I realized I make a series of stand alones but could keep telling stories with Ferguson House and the cardinal and the sycamore tree legend be the one connecting piece that pulled them altogether.
Once I had that, the idea of using songs from the 1960s that had girls’ names in the titles seemed fun. I even asked some readers on Facebook if they could come up with more than I’d thought of—I think we ended up with close to fifty songs. But Judy in Disguise rose to the top of the list. Probably because I have a distinct memory of dancing the Elephant to it with good friends from my junior high days. I can’t help but think fun when I hear that song. And the title gave me the premise for the story. I really enjoyed writing it.
#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
The music. Seriously. I’m an oldies fan and have always wondered about the stories behind the songs. The 1970s are key in my memories of Kokomo, where I grew up. I don’t think there are other historicals, sweet romance or romcom type, that have that era in the setting. Though officially historical, I like to call the niche “retro.” Maybe if enough people search for that when choosing books, it will become an actual subgenre. But when you can remember the timeframe, it really puts you into the story as you read it. Very much like contemporary, only it is less technical and maybe even a bit simpler.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That’s simple. I want readers to close the book and know God is real, He is for them, He loves them, and they are valuable to Him.
#4. How did you name your characters?
In this book, I didn’t have much say about naming the main character—the song title decided that for me. The love interest, though, was inspired by a guy I remember from college. Couldn’t tell you his last name or anything else about him since I haven’t seen him in over forty years, but I remember liking how he spelled his name and his easy-going manner seemed to fit this character.
Aunt Kay is named for my own Aunt Kay, but that is where the similarities end. Though loving and kind, my Aunt Kay has always seemed to be more sophisticated. But I thought she would get a kick out of the character. Oh, I should mention that I’ve been leaving a few “Easter eggs” in the stories—future character names. If you read a name somewhere and a song comes to mind, that minor character might end up a main character in another book.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
There’s many reasons a person will stop going to church. Often the hurt is from well-meaning people. But if we drive someone away from a relationship with God by our actions (or inactions) we defeat the Great Commission. In this story, Judy felt invisible. No matter the reasons, the fact that she feels this way puts a separation between her and God. And over time, the divide widens. I believe we need to remind ourselves and those around us that God does see us, He loves us. As Geoff tells Judy, God even knows the number of hairs on our heads. The way my hairbrush fills up, that is a feat. But if He does know us that well—knows me that well—we must mean a lot to Him. He made a way for us to stand in the righteousness of Christ, to be adopted into His family and live with Him for all eternity. To paraphrase Pastor Robert Morris, the price that someone is willing to pay for something determines its worth. God paid the blood of His son for you. That is true worth. You are a child of God.
More from Jennifer
Have you ever been to a party and had so much fun you hated to leave? That’s how I felt when I finished up The Weather Girls. I fell in love with the characters and the memory lane saunter through my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.
Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.
The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.
Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?
The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.
That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.
I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.
Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.
The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.
Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?
The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.
That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.
I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.
 Jennifer Lynn Cary | Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon card and an eBook copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon card and an eBook 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
Pause for Tales, December 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19
Connie’s History Classroom, December 20
Texas Book-aholic, December 21
deb’s Book Review, December 22
Spoken from the Heart, December 23
Cover Lover Book Review, December 24
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26
Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29
For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, December 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19
Connie’s History Classroom, December 20
Texas Book-aholic, December 21
deb’s Book Review, December 22
Spoken from the Heart, December 23
Cover Lover Book Review, December 24
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26
Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29
For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, December 30
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