(June 5, 2015) Historical fiction writer Jessica James debuts her first contemporary novel, “Meant To Be” Saturday, where two main characters meet in Ocean City for the first time.
“One of the interesting things I noticed about Ocean City as I walked down the Boardwalk was all the memorial benches dedicated and I realized how important it is to people,” James said. “People are so connected to that city and it’s amazing.”
She is from Gettysburg, Pa. and has visited Ocean City a number of times.
“I went there [Ocean City] to get away to finish a historical fiction book with no phones and for some reason this story came to me, so I wrote it down,” James said.
She never thought anything would come of the idea since she wrote historical fiction, but as the title fittingly says, it was meant to be.
“The main characters meet in Ocean City, neither one tells the other what they do and later on, they meet by chance in Afghanistan [after thinking they would never see each other again],” James said.
The suspense and romance novel has received positive reviews from members of the military with one active duty member describing the book as, “American Sniper but intertwined with an unforgettable, epic love story,” James added.
It’s important for James to create stories that readers will remember and to honor our military for their dedication and service.
Members of both sexes from mid-teens to adults will be absorbed in her vivid scene descriptions and characters. “My books have been described as emotional. Readers laugh and cry, they can’t stop thinking about the story,” James said. “The characters all connect together through emotional writing.”
“Meant To Be” is James’ fifth novel with three others taking place during the Civil War and the other during the Revolutionary War.
Her novels can be purchased on all online book retailers including Amazon.com, on Kindle for $6.99 and in paperback for $16.99. She urges members of the community to request her book at local libraries.
Part of the proceeds from the novel sales will be donated to the LZ-Grace Warrior Retreat, which provides a place of respite for combat warriors and their families.
For more information, visit www.jessicajamesbooks.com.
