Molly Jebber's Change of Heart

Meet my friend and debut author, Molly Jebber.

Molly Jebber is the author of Change of Heart, an Amish historical romance. Fascinated by the Amish history and culture, Molly perused her passion to write.  Her love of writing led to a book deal with Kensington Publishing as well as three more titles debuting in 2015/2016. Publisher’s Weekly magazine announced and listed this book number three in their best ten review list for 2015.

 Molly and I have met for lunch. We found we have much in common. Like me, Molly enjoys time with her family, friends, traveling, swimming and golf. She loves God and serving Him. 


Molly has encouraged me in my writing and I can only hope this interview will help to repay her kindness. I am excited for my readers to get to know Molly. And no, I did not name the main character in my book after her! Pure coincidence.

Me: What kind of books do you enjoy reading? (Book recommendations welcomed!)

Molly: Devotionals, Romance and Mysteries – I loved Breathing on Her Own by Rebecca Waters

Me: [Laughing] I wasn’t fishing….but, ah…that’s sweet. Thank you! Moving on, let’s talk about your book. What’s the story behind Change of Heart? 

Molly: I wanted to write a story about a woman leaving the Amish community, but not abandoning her faith in God. Becca faces an unknown world and encounters problems many of us face, but I take it further putting her in danger. Becca deals with many twists and turns in this story. I loved writing it.

Me: Okay, I named my character Molly and yours is Becca. That is too funny. Tell us more about Becca.

Molly: Becca – She’s kind, but speaks her mind. She has a large birthmark on her hand, but she doesn’t let it define her. She loves God and appreciates her Amish upbringing, but she struggles with how to react when she’s faced with difficult people and harrowing situations.

Me: Don’t we all? I’m anxious to read it. Many of my readers are new writers and curious about the process. What started you on your writing journey? 

Molly: My childhood imaginary friends, Bugs and Debbie. As an only child before my brother was born, Bugs was my little companion who got the blame for all the things I did wrong, and Debbie got all the credit for the things I did good. Mom laughed at my imaginary friends. Dad was a little worried about me. They were relieved when Bugs and Debbie went by the wayside when my brother, Mitch was born.  With my imagination, my friends and family encouraged me to write and I’ve always wanted to pursue that.

Me: You grew up in Ohio, right?

Molly: I grew up in Springboro, Ohio. It was a small town then. Everybody knew each other. My brother and I had lots of children our age living on our street. We loved the festivals, history, school spirit, local church, and candy store! The family who bought our house years ago still have my playhouse in their backyard.  It’s been painted and is leaning a little, but I tear up every time I drive by it and remember my dad building it out of scrap lumber. He passed a few years ago.

Me: I’m sorry. That’s tough, I know. So I’m guessing you’ve probably visited some of the Amish communities in Ohio.

Molly: I love visiting Amish towns and learning from them. The people inspire me with their strong belief in God and focus on Him. I find their way of life fascinating. I enjoy shopping in their stores and seeing their handiwork. The quilts and other dry goods are beautiful.

Me: Ok, just for fun, what is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Molly: I swam with dolphins in an unsafe environment. The instructor for this out-of-the-country outfit sat on the dock and talked on her cell phone while I played with the dolphins! They swam with me side-by-side. I held onto them and they pulled me around the water. They did tricks and I had a ball, but I wouldn’t recommend this company or do it this way again.

Me: Actually, that sounds like fun to me! There may be a story there for one of your books. Do you have a verse or scripture passage that is special to you?

Molly: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV

This verse has and continues to remind me when problems and worries come barreling into my life and they make my hair stand on end, I can count on Jesus Christ to do what’s best for me.

Me: I love that verse. I live by it. So, when is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?

Molly: My next book is part of an anthology titled, “The Christmas Sleigh” with Amy Lillard and Kelly Long. My story is “An Unexpected Christmas Blessing”. It’s about a young woman named Charity Lantz. Here is the blurb:

As much as Charity Lantz’s children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. She’s drawn to him, but they’re having more disagreements and misunderstandings than snowflakes in December. Will God show them a way past their conflicts to a forever love?

It is available for preorder now, and due out October 30, 2015.

Change of Heart is part of a three book Keepsake Pocket Quilt theme series. The second book in the series is called Grace’s Forgiveness. It will be released in February 2016.

Me: Molly, thank you so much. I can’t wait to read the whole series. I’m not usually drawn to Amish books, but I know there is a twist here. And I know you. This is going to be good.

About the book…

Ohio, 1899.  Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith's strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She's never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt's wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

 With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . . .

You can pre-order Change of Heart on Amazon, through Barnes & Noble, or at Books a Million.

Do you live in the US? Would you like to win an autographed copy of Change of Heart? 
*Leave a message in the comment section for Molly. 
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