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Headshot of author, Janette Johnson Melson

Janette Johnson Melson

Author / Educator

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My current work in progress is 98% complete. I am editing chapter 25 out of 25.

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99%

I did it! I published my first book, Underneath the Ficus Tree. It is a prequel to my novel and shows how my heroine, Edie Randolph, and her boyfriend, Matt McConnell, first met. The novel references this first meeting, and I thought it would make a cute story on its own. I hope you agree.

 

To thank my loyal readers, I want to give you a free copy of the novella. Just click below to become a subscriber and receive your gift. 

 

Writing is my passion. I have been writing since I was six years old, both professionally and just for fun. My dream has always been to be a published novel-writer. However, like so many of us, I put that dream on hold for a few years while I raised my two precious children. Now that they are grown, though, I feel an ever-increasingly strong tug to get published.  As a Christian, I believe that tug is God telling me to get off my duff and start using the talent He gave me. So I am doing just that.  Eventually, this website will be about the books I've published (hopefully).  But until then, I will be sharing with you my journey to get there.

I would love to send you my e-newsletter every 4-8 weeks with updates on my journey, tips for other unpublished writers, giveaways and contests, and articles I find interesting (and hope you will, too).  Just sign up for my e-newsletter at the bottom of this page, and I'll send you my most recent one.

Become a Subscriber

and receive the following:


 

  • Free Novella, Underneath the Ficus Tree, a prequel to my upcoming novel

  • Up-to-date information on my current book's progress

  • Book Reviews with links to purchase

  • Freebies (including short stories and/or novellas)

  • Entries into contests and giveaways  

  • Interesting articles

  • Jokes/humorous stories

  • Games/Puzzles

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What readers are saying
(They downloaded a free e-book copy but volunteered to give their honest opinions.)

 

I just finished reading Underneath the Ficus Tree by Janette Johnson Melson and thoroughly enjoyed it. This sweet story touches on an important topic that too often is ignored in today’s society. Choosing sexual purity until marriage isn’t a popular concept these days. Janette does a beautiful job tackling this difficult topic. I can’t wait for the book! Debby Taylor

I just finished the novella, and I loved it!  Here’s my review. In the new novella Underneath the Ficus Tree by Janette Johnson Melson, the author takes on the sensitive task of addressing dating and waiting til marriage in the young Christian dating scene. The main characters Edie and Matt meet in an awkward and sudden way, but both recognize the immediate chemistry. What ensues is a fun and charming story of a modern relationship. The couple also tackles the delicate topic of differing levels of intimate experience between the two main characters and how this will affect their romance. In this age of “disposable” relationships, it is refreshing to see examples of Christians navigating the modern dating world. Contemporary Christian fiction needs more voices like this author. Looking forward to the novel to follow! Lisa Stricklin

I really enjoyed Janette Johnson Melson's novella. Complete as is but preparing you to enjoy 'the rest of the story'! Amy Anderson

Underneath the Ficus Tree by Janette Johnson Melson is a poignant novella that is definitely worth reading! I loved that it deals with a topic that is often considered sensitive or hard to talk about. The author describes all the characters and settings with such detail that I could easily picture every scene as if I were watching it happen in front of me. I think this story would be an inspiration to any young woman. MaryNelle Davis 

I started reading your novella yesterday, and couldn’t stop until I finished it. I LOVE IT! I cannot wait to read the book. Thank you for sharing it with me. It is such a blessing to read a wonderful romance that includes our Lord and Christian beliefs in it. Cindy Sparks

Underneath the Ficus Tree is a sweet romance written around the idea of maintaining sexual purity before marriage. The author does a wonderful job of addressing the concept of forgiveness and second chances. The story is well-written, a quick read, and the meet-cute made me laugh out loud. I have my fingers crossed in hopes there will be a sequel. Carol James

Special Offers

Giveaway

Contemporary Christian Romance Picnic Basket

Sandra Dufoe is the winner! 

Congratulations, Sandra!

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