Holly Jacobs Shares Her Journey and the Heartwarming Stories That Make Her a Beloved Romance Author

From Lake Erie to Millions of Bookshelves Worldwide

Holly Jacobs, a bestselling romance author, reveals her inspirations, career journey, and passion for heartfelt storytelling that blends humor, emotion, and authentic connections in this candid and inspiring interview.

There are few authors who can weave stories as effortlessly heartfelt and memorable as Holly Jacobs. A prolific and celebrated voice in contemporary romance, Holly has captured the hearts of millions with her unique blend of humor, emotion, and humanity. She has penned stories that not only take readers to vivid places but also speak to the universal truths of love, family, and connection—ensuring that her work resonates long after the final page is turned.

At Mosaic Digest, we are thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with Holly Jacobs, whose writing embodies everything we admire in modern storytelling. From her regional roots on the shores of Lake Erie to her incredible ability to tell stories that feel both personal and universal, Holly’s novels remind us of the beauty found in everyday life. Whether she’s crafting lighthearted comedies, poignant dramas, or gripping mysteries, each book radiates a distinct “Hollyness”—a warmth, humor, and sincerity that makes her work so beloved.

Across her vast bibliography, from the quirky and charming Harry’s Pottery Mystery series to heartfelt romances like Just One Thing and The Book of Memories, Holly consistently asks us to look closer at what defines our humanity—our families, our passions, and those moments of connection that shape us. Her characters are alive with authenticity, so much so that returning to their stories feels like catching up with old friends.

In this issue of Mosaic Digest, we dive into Holly’s world, exploring the inspirations and passions behind her novels, the lessons she’s learned from a long and thriving career, and her unique process for balancing heartfelt authenticity with lighthearted charm. Sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Holly Jacobs—a storyteller whose books will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your heart.

What inspired you to transition from writing as Holly Fuhrmann to using the name Holly Jacobs, and how has that shift influenced your storytelling approach?

~The shift came about in a simple way. I was writing for a line called Precious Gems as Holly Fuhrmann. I did a book signing and…they spelled my last name with no vowels and an H placed in an odd position. When I sold I Waxed My Legs for This? to Harlequin, they said, “We’d like you to use a pen name.” I said, “Heck yeah.” Most people spell Jacobs with a great deal of ease, so I stand by the decision.

As for how it influenced my storytelling…it didn’t. No matter what the last name is, I’m just Holly and I tell the stories that grip me.

Your bibliography spans multiple series and genres—what draws you to create recurring characters versus stand-alone novels?

~By the time I’ve finished writing a novel, the characters are old friends. And just like people love catching up with old friends at reunions, I love bringing old characters back into new books just to see what they’re doing. Quincy Mac, for instance, was the star of her own cozy mystery series, Maid in LA. When I started writing the Harry’s Pottery series, Quincy was mentioned more than once. I’ve got to confess, once I wrapped up her series, I just missed her. And it’s always one of my great delights when a reader spots a character they loved making a cameo.

All my books, even those in a series, are stand alone. I want readers to pick up book four and feel confident they can follow along without having read the first three. But I like to drop Easter Eggs for those who might notice.

You’ve written lighthearted comedies, dramas, mysteries and more—how do you determine the tone for a new project, and how do you keep your voice consistent across genres?

~I hope no matter what I’m writing, readers recognize the Hollyness of it. Even my most serious books have lighthearted moments. Even my most comedic books have emotional bits. I try to write real life, and real life isn’t a genre. It’s stories…a person’s story. Sometimes funny, sometimes emotional. That’s what I try for in my writing.

Your blog mentions writing while “jet-setting around Europe” and even while wearing silk peignoirs—how do your personal adventures and lifestyle shape the worlds you create on the page?

~That was tongue in cheek. Right now, I’m sitting at our cottage in the middle of the woods, getting ready to go mow the field. I have on an old NASA hat that looks quite disreputable and holey jeans. So talking about jet-setting and silk before I get down to describing my real life was just a bit of comedy. I’m more apt to be hauling kids or a tractor full of logs than jet-setting. And kids and family…those definitely shape and inspire my books. Family is truly the heart of every story I tell. Families that are made…families that are born. “…family is more than roots…it’s the branches we send out into the world. Branches that shelter and invite others into our lives.” The Book of Memories For me, those branches are firmly rooted in my books.

With the Harry’s Pottery Mystery series, you’ve incorporated your interest in pottery—do you often weave real passions or hobbies into your fiction, and how does that enrich your narratives?

~When I’m done mowing the field, I’m heading into the studio. I relish a day there. And that love, I hope shows through in Harry’s books. So many of the things in my life end up in my books. Kids are all over my work. This cottage in the woods took center stage in Just One Thing. Hey, I even added my experiments with Quinoa to Chances. My life is in the pages of my books.

As a side note, Harry’s Pottery was featured on Jeopardy. It was a goal I didn’t know I had until it happened.

You’ve been a prolific writer for Harlequin and Montlake Romance and have sold millions of books—what are the key lessons you’ve learned about sustaining creativity and productivity over such a long and varied career?

I love what I do. That really is the key.

I tell stories that touch on things that move me. My latest release, The Book of Memories deals a May/December friendship that becomes so much more. It becomes family. It also deals with aging. It deals with how we build a life around memories…and have the choice what memories to take with us. “In the end, the memories are all we have left. That’s why sharing them matters. When I tell you a memory, I’m showing you the truest part of myself.” The Book of Memories

Your series are often written so that readers can enjoy them independently—what’s your method for balancing a novel’s standalone strengths with the broader arc across a series?

That is always my goal. No matter what book a reader picks up, I want them to be able to fall into the story. I spend time asking myself would-a-new-reader-know-that. If the answer’s no, I try to explain it in such a way that I won’t bore established readers…who might like a reminder as well.

Thank you so much for “chatting” with me!