Interview with Jennifer Willcock: Writing Hope After Church Hurt in Hymn of Life

Interview with Jennifer Willcock: Writing Hope After Church Hurt in Hymn of Life

Author: Kelly Jo Wilson January 29, 2026 Duration: 30:13

Jennifer Willcock shares a behind the scenes look of her Christian romance book about a widow finding faith again called Hymn of Life. A pastor’s wife turned fiction author, Jennifer opens up about navigating church hurt, grief, and healing — both in her own life and in her characters’. In this inspiring episode, she shares how her love of storytelling and a burden for clean, hope-filled YA fiction led her into adult contemporary romance with a faith-driven twist. Hymn of Life isn’t just a love story — it’s a spiritual journey of redemption and second chances.

Listen to the episode here.

Meet Jennifer Willcock

Jennifer Willcock is an award-winning writer of YA  and Adult fiction. The Wolf Kingdom series is a fantasy/retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. She has also written YA contemporary romance novels including the award-winning Exit Stage Right. She is thrilled that her English degree is finally being put to good use. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two sons, and their pet rabbit, Ollie. Visit Jennifer at JenniferWillcock.com

Follow Jennifer

Bible Verse for Encouragement

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
— Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

Jennifer Willcock’s New Book: Hymn of Life

Hymn of Life book cover, sweet and wholesome romance about a widow finding faith

Caught between her past life and a new beginning, Lauren must choose where her heart truly lies.

Lauren Grace is determined to find her happily ever after, but on her terms which doesn’t include a rockstar or any man for that matter.

Aaron Miles Scott’s life has stalled. He’s lost his muse, he’s hiding a secret he’d like to forget and his music career is taking a nosedive. The last thing he needs is a relationship to complicate his life.

Lauren and Aaron are brought together in a head on collision as they judge a talent competition. Aaron represents everything Lauren has sworn off—success, fame, notoriety. He definitely doesn’t fit into her new life.

Neither can deny the chemistry between them but is it enough? Will they be able to find their way past the secrets, lies, and wounds to their happily ever after?

💞 Tropes in Hymn of Life

  • Second Chance Romance
  • Enemies to More
  • Forced Proximity (Judging a Teen Talent Contest!)
  • Grumpy Meets Grace
  • Celebrity Love Interest (Ex-boyband frontman!)
  • Healing from Church Hurt
  • Redemption Arc
  • Found Family / Community Healing
  • Sweet romance about a widow finding faith

Get your copy today!

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Kelly’s Personal Update

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!

Finding Forevermore Novel

Finding Forevermore is available today!

Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.

Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth.

Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself.

As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper.

Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace.

For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out.

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Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, The Christian Romance Podcast offers a quiet space for readers who find solace and joy in stories where love and faith intertwine. Each conversation moves beyond a simple book discussion, delving into the personal journeys and creative processes of the authors who craft these narratives. You'll hear about the moments of inspiration, the challenges of weaving spiritual themes authentically into a love story, and the real-life faith that shapes fictional worlds. This podcast is for anyone who appreciates the deeper layers within Christian romance fiction, seeking connection with both the art and the artists behind it. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that explore how compelling relationships are built, both on the page and in the heart, making each episode a reflective look at the genre. Listeners become part of a community that values meaningful storytelling, discovering new voices and cherished favorites through these intimate author interviews. The discussions naturally celebrate the craft of writing while examining how themes of hope, redemption, and grace are expressed through character and plot. Kelly Jo guides each episode with a genuine curiosity, ensuring the conversation remains engaging and substantive for anyone passionate about fiction that nourishes the spirit. Find your next favorite read and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every story on this podcast.
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