READ: Local author breathes new life into ancient tale in ‘Daughter of a Promise’

"Daughter of a Promise" author Jeanne Blasberg. Photo: Jeanne Blasberg

A Park City local's new work puts a modern spin on a biblical story

PARK CITY, Utah — In a modern retelling of the timeless tale of Bathsheba and David, local author Jeanne Blasberg presents her upcoming novel, “Daughter of a Promise.”

“Daughter of a Promise” follows Betsabé Ruiz as she embarks on her career on Wall Street, with dreams of becoming a theatre actress. However, the demanding job leaves little time for her personal life and introduces her to the world of wealth and intimacy. This coming-of-age tale, told as a retrospective letter to her unborn son, explores Betsabé’s journey of self-discovery and the wisdom she imparts about success and leaving the past behind.

The book, set to launch on April 2 of this year, promises readers a gripping tale that explores themes of embracing one’s past, listening to inner wisdom, and the dynamics of power in relationships. It offers a contemporary perspective on an ancient narrative, all seen through the lens of a Blasberg, who draws inspiration from the very mountains that surround her.

Blasberg became a resident of Park City in 2021, and developed a deep connection with Park City and draws inspiration from its landscapes. “I have been coming to Park City with my family for many years,” she said. “I am an avid downhill and nordic skier and love the peace and space for my writing I have found here.”

Despite the novel being primarily set in the bustling cities of Manhattan and Miami, “Daughter of a Promise” was conceived and written right here in Park City. Blasberg credits her successful completion of the book to her daily writing routine and the quiet moments she spends skiing the trails in Round Valley and riding the Empire chairlift at Deer Valley Resort.

The solace in the tranquility of the mountains has allowed Blasberg to pursue her passion for writing. “There is a great group of writers that meet every other week at the library to workshop and support one another,” Blasberg said. “I feel very fortunate to have joined them.”

“Daughter of a Promise” has already generated excitement among readers who enjoyed books like “Asymmetry” by Lisa Halliday, “The Book of V” by Anna Solomon, and “My Last Innocent Year” by Daisy Alpert Florin.

Kirkus Reviews called the book “wonderfully wise” and “a sagacious and graceful modern-day retelling of a biblical love story.”

Blasberg’s previous works have received multiple awards including her novel “The Nine”, which received the 2019 Foreword Indies Gold Award in Thriller & Suspense, as well as the Gold Medal and Juror’s Choice in the 2019 National Indie Excellence Awards. Her debut novel, “Eden,” was equally celebrated, earning the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Best New Voice in Fiction and being named a finalist for the Sarton Women’s Book Award for Historical Fiction.

As a graduate of Smith College, Blasberg is an active participant in the literary community, serving on the boards of the Boston Book Festival and GrubStreet. In addition, she contributes her insights to the world of contemporary fiction through reviews for the New York Journal of Books. Her dedication to the craft of writing was recognized when she was named a Southampton Writer’s Conference BookEnds Fellow in April.

Pre-order a copy of “Daughter of a Promise” here. Dolly’s Bookstore is hosting a book launch and signing event on Apr. 6.