How I Love September!

by @jillkemerer

Usually by  September I'm ready for jeans, sweatshirts and cozy time on the couch. We had a rainy, mild summer, but the last few weeks have been hot and muggy. What can I say? Our weather gets confused. Anyway, I'm giddy for all things September, and yep, I've compiled a list in no particular order.

I took this photo last year in September--isn't the cardinal pretty?

1.  My writing schedule evens out.

I write during the summer, but it's not as easy when the kids are out of school. Summer brings daily distractions in many forms. Fall and winter are great for my writing!

2. The leaves grow colorful.

I live in northern Ohio. The full color display really pops in October, but September hints at the yellows, oranges and reds on their way. So pretty!

3. Football!

I. Love. Football. Yes, I do. There's nothing better than a steaming mug of coffee while watching ESPN's College Game Day on Saturday morning. I root for University of Michigan's Wolverines, and I enjoy NFL, too. It's not easy being a Detroit Lions fan, but someone has to do it.

4. Fall sports.

We have two teens busy with fall sports. Saturdays usually mean cross country meets, and Sundays bring an afternoon baseball game. Fun times!

5. Sunday school.

I take turns with another woman teaching preschool Sunday school. The kids are so cute at that age, and I love spending an hour with them. 

6. Birthdays.

My birthday and my son's birthday are in September. Double the cake. Ditto the ice cream. :)

7. Crisp nights.

When the weather starts to cool at night? Yes! I love that! But in another two months I'll be whining about winter...

8. Hearty food.

I enjoy cooking and baking. This is the time of year I cook chili all day in the slow cooker and bake an apple pie. Good stuff!

9. No holidays.

Yes, Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but it's really, really nice to get a break from holiday planning. No pressure to buy gifts, decorate, figure out costumes, fill a basket, etc... I'll take the mini-break. 

10. My second book released this September. 

This book is so dear to my heart. It's a reunion romance with a divorced couple, and the hero, Tom, finds out he has a child. The cover and blurb are below. It should be in stores all month, and it's available to order online.

*

His Surprise Daughter 

After five years apart, Tom Sheffield is shocked to find his ex-wife, Stephanie, on his doorstep. The news that they share a child he's never met sends him reeling. Four-year-old Macy has his eyes, his mouth and, from their first encounter, his heart. Things with her mother are much more complicated. He doesn't understand what went wrong between them or why she kept their daughter a secret. And he's afraid of falling in love all over again. Yet he feels a glimmer of hope that somehow he can convince Macy and Stephanie to stay in Lake Endwell—and with him—for keeps.

Interested in purchasing Unexpected Family? Click HERE for purchase links!

*

About Jill ~

Jill Kemerer writes contemporary romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules. Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&Ms, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

*

What do YOU love about September?

Have a fabulous day!

New Craftie Lady Jill Kemerer!

Hi everyone! Jill Kemerer here. This is my first post as a Craftie Lady, and I couldn't be more excited! You see, I was one of the very first followers of this blog way back when all of my publishing dreams seemed impossible and far off. I've been reading Love Inspired books for years. When I got the "call" in May 2014 that I'd finally sold to LI, I cried big, ugly thank you tears. My second novel, Unexpected Family, hit store shelves yesterday. I'm pinching myself!

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I married my high school sweetheart. Here we are at a Toledo Mudhens game. The first picture is typical. I don't remember what he said, but it obviously annoyed me! The second picture is us playing nice. :) The sun was really bright, so I kind of look like I don't have eyes. Sorry about that. I do have eyes. I promise. 

I live outside of Toledo, Ohio with Mr. Funny Guy up there, two teens and one needy mini-dachshund. Years ago I was an electrical engineer, then I became a stay-at-home mom, and now I'm a full time writer. My commute is about twenty steps upstairs. No complaints here. :)

I'm not a morning person. Coffee is about the only thing I truly look forward to when waking up. I load it with a lot of flavored creamer, and I do not stop at one cup of joe. I'm more of a 2-3 cups gal. The Cinnabon flavor is amazing. Yum! Once a mug of coffee is in my hand, I spend time reading the Bible and praying. Without prayer, I get frazzled. Coffee and prayer--essentials of my life.

An hour or two later, I find my groove. My dear friend and neighbor keeps me in shape. We do yoga together twice a week, and our dogs join in. They chase each other through our poses, and they love every minute of it. The rest of my day is spent plotting, writing, revising or promoting.

Our kids are busy in sports, so I spend a lot of time at their events or carpooling with other parents. During my free time, I love taking long walks in the gorgeous parks around our area. My favorite hobby is reading. I read Christian romance novels, historical romance novels, classics, nonfiction, magazines and the occasional bestseller.  Besides that, I'll be teaching preschoolers at Sunday school again this year. They are so cute!

Besides that I occasionally try my hand at crafts. This usually means a $75 run to Hobby Lobby, burning myself on the hot glue gun, and ending up with a mediocre wreath or similar item. Still, I tried.

So there you have it--Jill Kemerer in a nutshell. Is there anything else you'd like to know? Feel free to ask!

Unexpected Family, is in stores now, and the digital book will be available September 1, 2015. Click HERE for links to all major online retailers.

His Surprise Daughter 

After five years apart, Tom Sheffield is shocked to find his ex-wife, Stephanie, on his doorstep. The news that they share a child he's never met sends him reeling. Four-year-old Macy has his eyes, his mouth and, from their first encounter, his heart. Things with her mother are much more complicated. He doesn't understand what went wrong between them or why she kept their daughter a secret. And he's afraid of falling in love all over again. Yet he feels a glimmer of hope that somehow he can convince Macy and Stephanie to stay in Lake Endwell—and with him—for keeps.

***

Fess up--do you love coffee in the morning? If yes, how do you take yours? If not, what motivates you to get out of your warm, cozy bed? 

Have a terrific day!