What's new for The Senator's Wife
Updates, audible release, behind-the-scenes content, and more!
Greetings! What a whirlwind this year has been! Since publishing my debut novel, The Senator’s Wife, in January, and its follow-up, Caught Sleeping, in March, I have been hard at work on Whistleblower—the third book in the series. I promise I’ll get to an update on Whistleblower’s release and some fun behind-the-scenes content shortly—but first, I need to express my heartfelt gratitude. I came into this endeavor with absolutely no expectations. To be honest, I was going to be thrilled if I managed to convince 50 people to read Catharine and Alex’s story (and figured they’d mostly be family and friends). Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the warm reception this series would have. The outpouring of love and support from the book-loving community has been almost overwhelming. The kind words and encouragement from readers all over the world has been the most rewarding part of this experience. These novels are the culmination of more than four years of blood, sweat, and tears, and knowing so many people have fallen in love with Catharine and Alex the same way I have, is more than I ever could have hoped for. So to every reader who has taken the time to browse the pages, thank you! From the bottom of my heart. As far as Whistleblower goes, my goal has always been a release for summer. My hope was prior to the women’s World Cup (kicking off in Australia/New Zealand July 20th—please tune in to cheer for these amazing women!). While the book is nearly finalized, I am patiently waiting on cover design, as well as final edits from my editor, and as much as I’d like to rush those two elements along, I know all good things in time. So while I do still anticipate a summer drop, I do not yet have a definite date. But I will continue to update as things fall into place. In an upcoming newsletter, however, I will be including the first teaser chapter for Whistleblower, along with additional behind-the-scenes content for books 1 & 2. So keep an eye out in your inbox in the next few weeks! On a fun note—one of the things I get asked the most is who my inspirations were for Catharine and Alex. Below, I’ve included a few of the storyboard images I put together when I first began this project. As a huge soccer/football fan, my favorite player has always been Ali Krieger (currently playing for Gotham FC in the NWSL). Beyond her phenomenal athleticism and skill, I have always admired her composure and vision on the field. She is a leader, a team-player, and by far one of the greatest defenders of this era. The tenacity she has shown throughout her decorated career has been nothing short of admirable. From injuries to being cut from the National Team—and everything in between—she has displayed nothing but grace, eloquence, and class in the face of adversity. A two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and beautiful human being inside and out, she was my inspiration for Alex. Catharine is probably more obvious. As a lifelong Cate Blanchett fan (anecdotally: I was about thirteen when the first Elizabeth came out… and while all my friends were obsessing over Joseph Fiennes, it probably should have been my first sign that I was perhaps barking up the wrong tree when my only attention was focused on Ms. Blanchett), it was easy for me to envision her immense elegance, self-possession, gracefulness and captivating command into what I deemed to be the perfect Catharine. There is something unique about Ms. Blanchett’s poise and charm that has beguiled audiences for more than two decades. Forceful, stunning, and witty—yet maintaining an engaging sort of vulnerability—it was easy to draw from her persona to begin to shape my Catharine. I’d love to hear from you who you envision in the roles of Catharine, Alex, Nathalie, Sawyer, Amelia, Carlton, Caleb, etc. I’ve had wonderful PMs and emails sharing readers' thoughts and visions, and would love to hear more. On a last, but certainly not least, note: I am thrilled to announce the coming audible release of The Senator’s Wife, narrated by none other than the exceedingly talented Abby Craden. The production will begin this month and will be completed by August. So keep an eye out on my website or social media for the official release date. That’s about it for now. Thank you once again for taking a chance on this series. I know there are so many incredible books available, and time is precious, so for everyone who has given a shot to a new, never-heard-of-before author, you have my eternal gratitude. Cheers, and Happy World Cup Month! LFG! Love, Jen P.S. If you do have a spare moment, and would be willing to give The Senator’s Wife and Caught Sleeping a rating and/or review on Amazon or Goodreads, I would be most thankful. In a world where reviews are king—each and every one helps tremendously.
Inspiration for Catharine and Alex An early 2019 mockup created for The Senator's Wife
The incomparable Cate Blanchett, and USWNT superstar, Ali Krieger, were the initial inspirations for the characters of Catharine and Alex.
For those with Amazon and Goodreads accounts, every review is greatly appreciated. If you haven't joined Goodreads, it's a fantastic place to connect with likeminded readers and authors. ❤️✍🏼📚
