By Jill Boyce

When I reflect upon my childhood relationship with books, I’m reminded of taking long drives with my parents. I’d sit tucked away in the back seat with my nose buried in the latest Sweet Valley High or The Saddle Clubbook series lost in my secret world. I loved the connections between the characters, a touch of suspense, and a dash of drama. I carried a book with me everywhere I went—to the grocery store, dance class, school, even to restaurants.

I spent my years in college and medical school mostly studying biology, chemistry, and anatomy textbooks, but occasionally found snippets of time to devour the latest James Patterson mystery or Sophie Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic. I adored Becky Bloomwood and how funny and flawed she was as a character. Her foibles made me like her even more and she inspired my future stories. I love writing the fun and games part of a book and including lots of mishaps and hijinks. As a mom with a husband, two children, and a rascal golden retriever, I have plenty of inspiration. It’s more challenging to find time to read now, but I still consider books to be a comfort. They are always waiting on me like an old friend, ready for me to pick them up where we once left off whenever I have the time.

Today Jill Boyce shares about her reading life #reading #readingcommunity. Share on X

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it at least ten times. My heart still gets giddy when I open it, even though I know how it will end. I can’t wait to see the enemies to lovers trope unfold across the pages while cheering on Elizabeth Bennet in her quest to find herself and love along the way.

I didn’t discover Christian fiction until I stumbled across the American Christian Fiction Writers website long after medical school and a whole new world opened up to me. I’ve always rooted for a strong heroine. I like a gal who can handle the world on her own, but still has a tender heart and wants to share her intellect and abilities with someone else. That’s probably why Kirstin Billerbeck has remained my favorite author. I adore romantic comedies and Chick Lit. Billerbeck has a quick wit and writes characters that demonstrate inner strength while still offering relatable qualities that tug at the reader’s heart. Her Ashley Stockingdale series is one I turn to when I need a good laugh or cry. I applaud Ashley as she searches for the great love of her life (or at least a decent boyfriend) while discovering her worth and value in God’s eyes. Carrie Turansky also offers a wonderful glimpse into a Downton Abbey-esque world in The Governess of Highland Hall. If you’re a fan of an upstairs/downstairs drama, then her books are a must. Basically, I try to find reads that make me happy.

These books, characters, authors—they’ve shaped who I am as a writer and reader today. I aspire to share stories that will allow my readers to escape the harsh reality of this world for a time—like riding in the back of their parent’s sedan on a warm, summer night with the window down and not a care in the world.

To receive a free prequel to Jill’s Royal Medicine series, please join her newsletter at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qer5m3ncv0 and stay up-to-date on her latest bookish news at www.jillboyceauthor.com or www.facebook.com/jillboyceauthor

 

 

Jill writes inspirational romantic fiction with a medical theme. Her Royal Medicine Series Book One and Two, Royally Confused, and Royally Engaged, were named as Selah Award Finalists in 2022. She has also received Firebird Book Awards for several of her titles.

Her debut novels are part of the A Dose of Love series. Each story can stand alone, but all feature strong female leads facing challenging life circumstances while finding love along the way. Jill’s love of romance and her experience of losing her mother on the same day of her daughter’s birth inspired the first novel, Harte Broken. It raises the question, “What happens when the best day is also the worst one?”

Royally Confused, Book One in the Royal Medicine Series introduces Claire Thomson, the heroine physician who must discover her worth by finding out who she is and where she comes from. Jill wanted to create a contemporary world filled with classic fairy-tale characters—a knight in shining armor, an evil Queen, and yes, a princess. Of course, Claire slays her own dragons and learns she comes from the one true King, her heavenly Father, who declares her worthy and loved. This series will follow the characters forward in the fictional royal world of Amorley.

Jill is a physician and mom, who loves coffee, travel, and anything glittered. She treasures spending time with her husband and children, who are her heart and greatest joy.