Welcome to the Pen Dames May 2025 blog! This month we're interviewing talented author Jillian Chantal, known for writing books that showcase 'romantic adventure with an international flair.' Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a print copy of her book, Hearts Don't Lie.
Please introduce yourself.
I’m Jillian Chantal and I write romantic stories under this pen name. Today, I’m featuring my book Hearts Don’t Lie which is inspired by the song “Brandy” by the band Looking Glass.
BOOK BLURB Two lost souls…each living a lie. Jane Millbrook, sister to two brothers presumed dead in the Peninsula Wars, has fled the only home she’s ever known as it was too dangerous to remain there on her own after her mother’s death. She has made a life for herself as a barmaid in a dockside pub. Her new name is Brandy as a bottle of the liquor was the first thing that caught her eye when the proprietor asked her for her name. Charles Daniel Jameson, injured while in the United States during the War of 1812, arrives home to find his fiancée married to another. He’s scarred both physically and mentally and resigns his Army commission. He takes to sea under the assumed name of Captain David Jones. After meeting at the pub, the two of them begin to step out with each other with neither having any intention of marrying anyone. Both are broken and determined to keep up the charades they each live. Until Jane/Brandy attracts a stalker….
Jillian, what else can you tell us that will allow us to get to know you better?
I live on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida. I am a lawyer by day, writer by night and weekends (and the odd lunch hour). I am also a keen lover of history, photography, Liverpool Football Club, and international racing cycling. One of my favorite times of the year is fall, but I also love July for the everyday racing that is the Tour de France. There are a number of cycling races that are great to watch, but the France tour is a special one that I enjoy immensely. I love looking at the scenery and castles as well as the racing itself being exciting. I find myself, as a historical nut and writer, imagining the people who had to escape the Nazis and where they would have hidden from them as well as how hard it would be to cross the Pyrenees to safety on foot.
What books were your favorites as a child?
I adored Noel Streitfield stories and then moved on to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. I still love, love mysteries. I was an early reader and even though there were a lot of subtleties I didn’t catch with Sherlock and Agatha as a youngster, I adored those stories.
How and when did your writing journey begin?
I wrote a story in the 5th grade about Mr. Pepper and Miss Salt who fell in love and married. Mr. Pepper went to med school and became Dr. Pepper. That was my first “published” story as my teacher bound it together and I read it to the first and second graders. I also used to write little stories about gifts I would give and put them in the package.
As an adult, I started writing a novel to keep my mind off legal stuff in the middle of the night. Plotting is much more fun than arguing cases in my bed. LOL
What genre is your book? What do you like about writing in that genre?
This one is historical. I love history and like to do research into different eras and places. Since I love mysteries and thrillers so much, I like to add those elements in.
What is the setting of your book?
England in the Regency era. And some scenes are set at sea. I chose it because the story needed the adventure of horseback riding, carriages, and the potential of a scandal to make it exciting.
Which of your main characters is your favorite and why?
The hero is my favorite in this one. He is wounded physically and emotionally, but he has huge growth in the story. He learns a lot about himself on this journey.
What writing projects do you have on the horizon?
I am working on a series of stories where the heroine sees ghosts. She teams up with a dead president and a handsome detective to solve crimes with the help of the spirit world.
What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
Write the book that you are passionate about. It will shine if you do. If the book writing is a chore, that will also show.
Which authors/books are on your keeper shelves?
Martha Grimes- she writes mysteries set in pubs in England. Been reading her since the 1980s, I think.
Harlan Coben- a master of thrillers with twists in the tale.
Thank you so much, Jillian, for spending time with the Pen Dames!
Readers, remember to comment below for a chance to win a print copy of Hearts Don't Lie. You can find Jillian Chantal at the following hangouts:
Jillian, thank you for sharing your passion for writing. I love that you wrote about Miss Salt and Mr. Pepper. The students you read it to must have been so tickled. Readers, you'll love Hearts Don't Lie. It's a remarkable historical love story. I always look forward to this author's books!
ReplyDeleteThanks Flossie. I enjoy your work so much and that you enjoy mine makes me very happy. Thank to the Pen Dames for having me.
DeleteTerrific interview! The excerpt from your book really hooked me, too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I am glad you liked the interview and the excerpt. Have a wonderful day! Jillian
DeleteGreat interview Jillian and Flossie. I recall early scenes of this in Tuesday Tales. Looking forward to reading the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susanne. You're so supportive and I love you! Jillian
DeleteJillian thanks for sharing your writing life us. I, too, am a fan of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. The excerpt of your new novel is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anon. I appreciate your kind words. Jillian
DeleteLoved hearing your story, Jillian, and learning about your passions. Thank you for sharing your writing with Pen Dames.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I appreciate it. Jillian
DeleteThanks so much. I am a big fan of the Pen Dames and am honored to have bee asked to share some of my life.
ReplyDeleteJillian, this is so exciting! Can’t wait to read this novel. Mysteries are one of my favorites as well. Also exciting that I grew up with a now accomplished attorney and writer!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. Hope you love it. Jillian.
DeleteHi Jillian, How many books have you written? I have read several of your books and enjoyed them. I especially liked one that was set in Pensacola since that is where I live.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I’ve written quite a few. Probably close to 40. I love setting stories in Pensacola. My new series I’m working on is set in our town. Jillian
DeleteFollowed you here from Facebook, thanks for posting the link!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that you wrote as a child and made books; I did the same, and my grandson, who generally lived with me as a child (and now does as a colleg student), used to write and we'd make books. He wrote as a uong teen, and I hope he gets back to it one day.
This was nice!
Thanks, Tonette. My son and I wrote stories like that when he was little. He didn’t keep at it so far, but maybe we’ll both live to see the day. Thanks for he support. Jillian
DeleteI have read several of your. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. That means a lot to me.
DeleteWhat is the name(s) of your books set in Pensacola?
ReplyDeleteBy Sherry Flower Chancellor: Til Murder do us part and a couple of short stories. One is called Reunion.
DeleteWe've known each other for years, and yet, I still learned something new about you. LOL I'm so glad our paths crossed.
ReplyDeleteThis came up as Anonymous...it's me....Dawné Dominique. :)
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