Lots to love about Jessica Topper....plus a book giveaway

Photo by Kristy Tasca

We're pleased to have Jessica Topper at CLC today to celebrate the print publication of Louder Than Love, which was only available as an e-book until now. Melissa was first introduced to Jessica after winning a copy of Dictatorship of the Dress (reviewed here) and devouring the delicious romantic novel. She's excited to read Louder soon. Jessica has an e-book and a print copy for some lucky readers!

Jessica Topper broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.

After working almost two decades in the music industry, Jessica hung up her touring boots in order to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Western New York with two cats who love to walk across her keyboard, a teenage writer girl and a husband who wishes to remain anonymous. (Bio courtesy of Jessica's website.)

Visit Jessica online:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

In this powerful novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.

It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rockstar Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library-not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
Compliments from readers are such “pinch me” moments – truly surreal and inspiring. One of my favorites was on my novel Dictatorship of the Dress – the reviewer said it “masquerades as a campy beach read, but it is so much more than that!” I loved that the book was accessible and entertaining like a favorite beach read would be, but that it also delivered much more. When readers say they are still thinking about my stories and my characters long after reading them, I know I hit the right notes!

How are you similar to or different from Katrina?
Like Katrina, I was a librarian in NYC for many years– so she and I share some of the quirky habits (list-making, researching the heck out of things) that often go along with that profession. As well as a love for the city, even after moving away. I also have a core group of girlfriends to draw strength from, like Katrina does, except mine are from my college era rather than from high school. Although not a widow or a single parent, I was alone a lot when my daughter was small, due my husband’s unorthodox work schedule on the road with a rock band. So I could relate to the endless stretch of hours, wishing someone else would come entertain my toddler! But Katrina is much braver than I am, opening herself to the unknown and the possibilities, when Adrian enters her and Abbey’s life. 

If Louder Than Love were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles? 

I just saw Mackenzie Davis in The Happiest Season, and thought she would make a great Katrina. Such expressive eyes!

My prerequisites for the actor who plays Adrian: he has to be British, and it would help if he were an actual musician. Johnny Flynn is a little young, but fits those boxes…especially when his hair is shaggy! He just portrayed David Bowie in Stardust, but if he is up for trying his hand at playing a fictional heavy metal hero with a heart of gold, the role is his!

What is your favorite winter holiday snack?
My family’s recipe for cut-out cookies – they are a rich roll cookie with a simple buttercream frosting, but they just “taste” like the winter holidays. The more shapes, colors and sprinkles, the better! 

What is a favorite winter holiday tradition you have with your family?
Again, making the cut-out cookies are high on the list! I don’t think we have ever skipped a year making them. My mom taught me, and now I’ve taught my daughter so I hope she carries on the tradition. Lighting the Hanukkah candles is also a favorite – we started collecting menorahs when my daughter was small, so each year she picks out which one we will use to light the candles in for all eight nights. 

What is your favorite winter holiday themed movie?
That’s a tough one! I think I have to go with Love Actually. It has nine or ten vaguely interwoven stories dealing with different relationship scenarios. While I don’t love all the plot lines, there really is something for everyone: heartache, humor, heat, happiness. Plus Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and Bill Nighy all in one film? Yes, please! And there’s just something magical about the setting in London during the holiday season. I’ve been to England twice and both times were in December, so the movie brings back warm and fuzzy UK memories! 

Thanks to Jessica for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 13th at midnight EST.