Jane Grey’s life is fine—fabulous career, fun friend, faithful volunteer. So why is she feeling lumpy, lonely, and lost? Could two handsome suitors be the “tonic” she needs? Successful attorney Paul Wade seems to be the perfect match. But pro hockey player Lindy Barrett might be out of her league. Only God knows the right choice!
C.E. Hilbert is a Christian novelist making her debut with The Wooing of Jane Grey.
Her writing career began when she had to wait a WHOLE week in between Bookmobile visits. To fill the gap, she pulled out a pen and some paper and began to jott down stories while she awaited the next round of books delivered on wheels. And a passion began.
She enjoys the opportunity to share God’s love through her writing in a tangible, real and somewhat quirky way. She is convinced God has a sense of humor which is equal to the size of His patience level!
Outside of writing, she heads up the youth program at her church and one of her greatest passions is reaching young people on behalf of Christ. She is a sports fan (boardering on nut) and is happiest at a hockey game when her team is winning, a Spring Training baseball game soaking up the sun or at a college football game cheering on a victory.
She currently lives in a 110+ year-old fixer upper with her dog Daisy and she believes that life goes best with Jesus, a cute outfit and SportCenter!
Impressions:
I had the best time sitting down with C. E. (Courtney) Hilbert at the ICRS in Orlando in July. She and her sister Jennifer were in town to promote her debut chick-lit novel, The Wooing of Jane Grey. And I must say, her book is as delightful as
Courtney and I at the ICRS
Courtney. Here are the results of our talk and my impressions of the novel.
Courtney began writing stories as soon as she could write. Not a big risk taker (she likes life lived in a box), she kept them to herself. Her mother was the first to read the 100 page manuscript that would become The Wooing of Jane Grey. She loved it and encouraged Courtney to finish. The first complete manuscript was finished in 2009 after working on it for several years. And following a lot of polite nos, she decided to enter a writing contest she found in a Google search. She was awarded Deep River Books 2011 Writer’s Contest Certificate of Merit and became a published author. Courtney calls her publication a God Thing since He has given her the desire to write a light hearted story with a character with a love for Christ.
The Wooing of Jane Grey finds plain Jane Grey looking for a change. What she first thought was a move to a new career becomes an unexpected attraction to two men — her long time crush and hockey star, Lindy Barrett and the very handsome and Christian attorney, Paul Wade. But Jane has a hard time knowing what she and God want for her love life. What follows is a smart and sassy novel full of engaging characters and laugh out loud moments that I just did not want to end. Courtney wants the reader to take from her story that you have to trust God, because He has our best interest at heart.
I asked what part of The Wooing of Jane Grey is all Courtney. She stated that she is definitely a rule follower and the quirkiness of the characters definitely comes from her. The relationship between Jane and her sister Mollie is drawn from Courtney’s own life. And of course the hockey part is all her. Set in Columbus, Ohio, Courtney enjoyed sharing the city with her readers.
What else should you know about Courtney Hilbert? Courtney works in fashion retailing and serves as her church’s youth director. She unequivocally states that Jesus is her boyfriend. She loves her family and sports and has a dog named Daisy. Her friends say she does too much church stuff. And she enjoys books that entertain, citing her favorite authors as Kristen Billerbeck and Karen Kingsbury. She loves chick-lit and feels it is important to increase this genre within the Christian market. When I asked her sister Jennifer what one word best describes Courtney, she had trouble coming up with just one. She describes her sister as faithful, determined, convicted and fun to be around.
So, what do I think overall? I loved meeting Courtney Hilbert and I loved her book! I look forward to many more from this talented writer. (She is currently in the writing phase of another book that features one of the secondary characters from her first novel.)
Highly Recommended.
(I received The Wooing of Jane Grey from Bring it On! Communications in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Great review. So glad that you liked my daughter’s book. I am very proud of her fun approach to life and all God has for us! Hope others will have the opportunity to get to know Courtney through her writings.
Thanks for your encouragement of her writing. Looking forward to more books.
I knew Courtney as a young child and am amazed and very proud of how she has become such a thoughtful young woman. Purchase my copy and one for my daughter-in-law. Good luck to Courtney!
Loved the interview and review; am in the process of reading this book. What a delightful young lady — looking forward to reading more of her books.
I liked this title also and am glad I got a chance to read your interview with Courtney.
Enjoyed learning about a “new” author. Sounds like a fun book to read. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for stopping by.
I enjoyed your interview I have never read her books before but will watch for them. thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by. Courtney is currently working on her second novel. Can’t wait to read it.
sounds like a great storyline.
personally, i prefer trusting God b/c He’s proved Himself trustworthy w/ ea little step i’ve taken in response to His Love! it’s all about relationship intimacy with Christ and following His lead on a journey we’re walking together …
thanks for introducing us to a new book !
If we can only remember to trust the one who love us the most! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Stopping by as part of the Come To The Table hop. Great Review, thanks for sharing. I’m always on the look out for new books and authors!
Susan M (blog: Loves 2 Read)
thanks so much for stopping in!
I’m visiting from the Come to the Table Hop as well. This sounds like a great novel!
Sounds like such a fun book. Thanks for sharing this interview and introducing me to a new author!