Ponder This – Scavenger Hunt – Library Lady's Kid Lit

Today’s Author: Dixie Jarchow

Bio: Dixie Jarchow lives in Wisconsin with two Boston Terriers and her wonderful husband.

Book Title: This Worthy Heart

Series title: Ponder this…

Book Blurb: Celestina Morgan’s dreams of happily-ever-after hit a major glitch when she suffers a small stroke. There’s no permanent damage from the stroke, but her heart is broken when her boyfriend deserts her with a text message that says he hopes she gets well. He’s terrified of illness and hospitals.

Cele’s got a plan to win Jason back, and it’s working until an adorable puppy shows up on her doorstep. Jason hates pets of any kind. It doesn’t help that the handsome chaplain from the hospital keeps coming by to help out. He doesn’t approve of Jason, and Cele struggles to ignore the truth.

Either way, to give Jason a chance to prove the chaplain wrong, the dog has to go! But the sweet little puppy has other ideas.

Author Interview

Can you share some stories about people you met or interesting things you discovered while researching this book? When my editor, Susan Baganz, asked me to write a novella based on Philippians 4.8, I prayed and asked for guidance. The next day I read an article about a very young athlete who had a TIA or mini stroke. I had no idea young people were subject to strokes, much less truly fit athletes. I had been a coach at the high school level and never even heard of this happening.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

I think my book is an important read because of not only the essentialness of the Bible verse, Philippians 4.8, but readers are introduced or reminded about the importance of early warning signs for heart attacks. FAST Face – does the face droop or sag? Arm – does one arm not raise? Smile – is the smile uneven and Time – call 911 and get help.

Do you write Alone or in public?

I do both. I am part of several writing groups where we either critique or write together. I think it is so important to get feedback on your writing from your fellow writers and readers.

Does your book have a lesson?

The Bible verse I wrote on was “Finally, brothers and sister, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV) The lesson is that we need to keep our hearts and eyes on Christ and all good things will come through him.

For your first draft, do you prefer handwriting or computer?

I’ve done both but I’m much more comfortable writing on a small tablet with a keyboard. I take it anywhere and squeeze in writing as I still work full time.