Jan Moran's Blog

It's been a busy fall travel season, from Florida for a novelists conference to Boston for a reunion and Texas for family visits. I'm back for a couple of weeks now, just long enough to kick off my annual pre-holiday autographed books sale. And this year, I'll do the signing LIVE on my Facebook page. 

If you're new to the VIP club, I'll explain. Every year, I take a week or two to sign any books I have on hand for readers and add signed bookmarks. When the inventory is gone, the signing is over until next year! What I have on hand usually sells out, so act fast to lock in the deal. You can pre-purchase before Saturday because quantities on hand are limited.

I'm happy to sign your books as gifts to your friends and family. Just send an email when you place your order or chat with me live. It's an easy way to satisfy the readers on your list or to add to your autographed shelf collection.

I'll be mailing books over the next two weeks before I leave for Boston again. You should receive them by the first week of December.

Stop by and see what books are still on hand!

If the books you want are out of stock, you can still order from the regular book pages, but those will be printed and shipped directly to you, so I can't sign them–although we'll have a special bookplate I can sign on request for this period only…because I still have to write the books 😉

Hope to see you on Saturday!

I'm happy to announce a new book, Orange Blossom Way! This is the third book in my sweet Crown Island series about April Raines and her adult daughters who start over on a sunny island. It's a fun friends-to-lovers story!

After losing her job in Seattle, Maileah moves in with her sister Junie on Crown Island for a fresh start. Now in her thirties, she wonders if she will ever find the stable partner and future she has dreamed of. When she decides to use a dating app, her friend Sailor, a champion surfer, insists on vetting the suitors to protect her. He's not what she's looking for at all. But what happens next is the real surprise. 

Available in ebook and paperback on my store and on your favorite retailers. Coming soon in audiobook; preorder here on my shop.

 

About Orange Blossom Way

he fun continues on Crown Island! A romantic, friends-to-lovers island story.

After losing her job in Seattle, Maileah moves in with her sister Junie on Crown Island for a fresh start. Now in her thirties, she wonders if she will ever find the partner and future she has dreamed of. When she decides to use a dating app, her friend Sailor, a champion surfer, insists on vetting the suitors. But what happens next is the real surprise.

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series, Orange Blossom Way is the third in the Crown Island series about a quirky small town with fascinating characters. If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you. Here’s what readers are saying about Jan’s books:

“A small-town beach series with all the good feels.”

“This is a fun summer read with a positive vibe!”

“Plan on drinking a pot of coffee, ignoring your family, and putting off household chores!”

“Is this a blind date?” Maileah knew her sister meant well, but this sounded suspicious. She twirled her dish towel while Junie blushed a little.

“I wouldn’t call it that,” Junie replied, scrubbing a pot that was undoubtedly clean enough. “Todd just moved here. When he came into the gift shop and asked if I knew anyone who could show him around town, I thought of you.”

“Still sounds like a setup. I’m not going to cart a strange guy around town.”

“Then meet him for coffee and tell him about some places.”

“As if I’m the one with a social life. And it better be good coffee.”

“You said you want to meet someone of quality.” Junie doubled down on her pasta pot, scouring it with a vengeance. “I’m only trying to help.”

Maileah glanced at the clock. She hated to admit how much she longed for someone in her life. But not just anyone. Clearing her throat, she said, “Knox should be here soon.”

They had just finished supper at Junie’s house on Sunshine Avenue. Her sister’s boyfriend had bought the house adjacent to hers, and Knox usually visited after tucking his daughter into bed for the night. Junie often made dessert for him.

The whole scene was so sweet it made Maileah’s heart ache for that kind of love in her life.

Knox’s parents also lived in the house, so they looked after little Penny, too. The two beach houses were separated by a thriving vegetable garden.

Junie flicked a glance through the open kitchen window. The sun had set, and the onshore ocean breeze carried the low, rhythmic sound of waves. “I hope you don’t mind him being here so much.”

“It’s your house, and I’m happy for you.” How could Maileah begrudge her sister, who’d been widowed far too young? Junie was still young enough to start the family she’d always wanted.

Maileah only wished she could do the same. Since her last disastrous boyfriend in Seattle, she had decided to make significant changes—a whole life makeover, or whatever it would take to start over. She wished she could attract genuine men as Junie did. Her sister called her the family wild child.

Maileah bit her lip. Her sister wasn’t mistaken. She sighed and tried to recall how she’d gotten so far off track.

In a few short years, she’d be forty. Most of her friends had passed her by in the game of life; they had spouses, kids, homes, and careers. Somehow, she’d missed the memo on how to achieve all that. Now was her last chance.

Junie glanced at her. “So, what do you think about meeting Todd?”

“It sounds a little suspicious,” Maileah replied slowly. “I’ve moved before, and I have never asked a woman in a gift shop if she knew anyone who could introduce me or show me around. That seems weird. Are you sure he’s not interested in you?”

“Of course not,” Junie replied, her voice a little too bright. “Knox came in while we were talking. He agreed that Todd seemed nice.”

“And if you scrub that pot anymore, you’ll make a hole in it.” Maileah twirled her dishtowel. She could always tell when Junie was withholding details from her. “You’re the worst liar I’ve ever known.”

A guilty look flashed across her sister’s face. With a puff of exasperation, Junie rinsed the pot and gave it to her. “I’m concerned about you, that’s all. Todd might be good for you. Maybe I was the one to suggest it.”

“Uh-huh. Now we’re getting somewhere. You asked if he was married.”

“It just came up.” Junie shrugged, clearly embarrassed by her little fib. “All right, I asked him. Since you’re on that weird dating app, I thought I’d look out for you, too.”

“I appreciate that, but we’ve never had the same taste in men.” As soon as she said that, Maileah caught herself.

If she was honest with herself, Junie had better taste in men than she did. The bad boys might have been fun for years, but unlike wine, they didn’t necessarily age well. They were more like fizzy pop. You had to drink up right away because the relationship would soon go flat.

Junie turned off the faucet and dried her hands. “Would you trust me for once?”

Maileah expelled a breath of resignation. “Okay, I’ll take his number. But what makes you think I’ll like him? We’ve never even liked the same shoes. You wore Barbie-pink glitter sneakers in high school, and I was into black combat boots.”

“I just have a feeling. And you can borrow my shoes anytime now.” A smile blossomed on Junie’s face, and she reached into her pocket. “Here’s his number. What if he’s the one?”

Maileah crumpled the paper and stuffed it into the pocket of her jeans. “I’d ask him what took him so long.”

Her sister’s smile slipped. “Please don’t do that. He seems like a genuine guy. He might not grasp your sense of humor.”

Maileah made a face. “I’ll be on my best behavior until after the wedding.”

The rear door swung open, and Knox stepped in.

Junie turned and kissed him. “Hi, honey. I made homemade ice cream for dessert—with extra to take home.”

“You spoil me, sweetheart,” Knox said, sweeping her into his arms.

“I’ll leave you two,” Maileah said, stifling a yawn after she greeted him. “I’m exhausted.” She wasn’t, and she liked Knox, but they needed their privacy. Around them, she felt like an extra in a sweet romance novel.

It wasn’t their fault. They were just madly in love.

She needed to find a life—and another place to live.

Junie would insist she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted, but that’s how her younger sister was.

Maileah needed her space, especially before she said something about their perfect lives she might regret.

On the way to her room, the dating app she’d been using dinged. She flung herself onto the bed and flipped her phone screen to the app, How About a Coffee? An alert pulsed at her.

You have a message from John: Hey, cutie. Want to meet?

She inspected his photo. Not bad, she thought. Clean cut. He looked like he could have been class president in school. She tapped a reply: How about the Majestic? Everyone knew the old hotel.

Sure. I’ll be the guy in a green shirt with a Ferrari phone case.

Make that class president with rich aspirations, she thought.

After confirming the time with Ferrari John, Maileah turned off her phone and opened her laptop to work on Junie’s gift shop website. The lilting sound of her sister’s laughter through the door should make her happy—and it did—but it was also a stark contrast to her mess of a life.

Junie and Knox seemed serious about each other. He was truly a great guy, and they were well suited. Knox had tried to buy Junie’s house for his parents before she moved in. If they married, Maileah imagined his parents would take this house to be close to their granddaughter—and the children Junie and Knox would probably have soon.

Maileah didn’t belong here, but it had been a good place to land for a few months.

She had to get her life sorted out—and fast. Creating Junie’s new website and marketing material had kept her busy, but she was nearly finished.

That was easy work compared to her former position at a technology company in Seattle. She’d worked with a team of intelligent, driven people, all intent on improving the world—or, at least, achieving their quarterly financial goals. The pressure had been intense; perform and move up, or don’t, and they’d show you the door.

Luckily, she was a fast learner and produced results.

Maileah managed the marketing efforts on new technology products and services. Her salary was enviable, but she hadn’t managed to save much. She’d bought a new Range Rover and a fabulous wardrobe. She dined at trendy restaurants and jetted off for ski trips, marathons, and mountain climbing around the world with other adrenaline-seeking aficionados.

Essentially, she’d had a blast, partying as hard as she worked and thinking it would last forever.

And then, when the company’s quarterly profits slipped and the stock price declined, the layoffs were swift and merciless.

The party screeched to a halt, and reality hit her like a cold splash of water. Now, she realized how much time and money she’d wasted on frivolous relationships and worthless items.

Frankly, she was embarrassed by it. She’d blown her chance to set herself up financially.

But there was more to the mess than that. Junie, her mother, her grandmother—none of them understood what was in her heart.

She’d spent her life dancing as fast as she could, desperately vying for her father’s love and attention. When that failed, she’d transferred her desire to cool, edgy guys like her father and went through them like lipstick.

Yet, no one was there for her when everything fell apart. Not even her father.

After taking the crumpled notepaper with Todd’s number from the pocket of her jeans, she smoothed it out on her desk. She’d woken up with no prospects, and now she had two. Ferrari John and Perfect Todd.

Maileah washed her face and changed for bed. Tomorrow might be different, she told herself, sliding between soft, worn sheets her grandmother had given her to use.

She still clung to the hope that everything in her life could change with one chance meeting. John, or even Todd, might be her ticket to the life she dreamed of.

The next afternoon, after finalizing automated marketing campaigns for Junie’s online store, Maileah changed into one of Junie’s sweet floral sundresses and sandals to meet Ferrari John.

After leaving Junie’s sunny yellow house, she slid into the small red convertible she’d traded her new Range Rover for after leaving Seattle. That SUV had been a dream on slick streets in rainy weather, but she no longer needed that.

Maileah sold her rolling status symbol and used what was left to pay cash for an older car. She couldn’t raise the top on the banged-up convertible, but it hardly ever rained here. And not having car payments made life easier.

At least she’d made one good decision.

After a short drive down tree-lined Orange Avenue, she parked at the Majestic Hotel, a stately vintage specimen splashed with cherry red and white paint. The well-known real estate investor Ryan Kingston acquired it last year. Her mother was dating him, and her friend Deb was working on new interiors. Knox was overseeing the construction part of the renovation.

The Majestic Hotel was ingrained in her family, so she felt safe.

A distinguished older man in a bright, banana-yellow blazer greeted her with a smile. “So nice to see you, Miss Raines.”

“It’s just Maileah to you, Whitley.” The general manager had worked there as long as she could remember, and he was very good friends with her grandmother. They were both widowed, and she sometimes wondered why they hadn’t ever dated.

Or maybe they had. What did she know about what went on here?

Still, Crown Island is where she wanted to stay now—if she could.

Maileah continued to the gift shop on the lower level, which her sister had taken over and revamped. It was airy and bright now, and Junie had sourced stylish resort wear and colorful local arts and crafts.

Maileah had added many of these items to the website.

“Hi there,” Junie said, taking a break from a customer. Sizing her up with a quick look, she grinned. “I think that outfit looks better on you than me.”

“I hope you didn’t mind.”

“Not at all. What’s up?”

“I’m meeting a new guy at the cafe in a few minutes.”

Junie waggled her eyebrows. “Is it Todd?”

“I need to call him. This guy’s name is John.”

“Text if you need me,” Junie replied. “Don’t forget about Todd.”

Wrinkling her nose at her, Maileah hurried out. When she walked into the hotel cafe, she saw the guy from the dating app. His photo was better, but she still recognized him. Green shirt. Ferrari phone case.

Frowning, she wondered if an actual Ferrari went with that, and her heart fell. Had she stepped into an egotistical bad-boy trap again?

She searched the beach beyond for her friend Sailor. He was usually at the bike concession stand. He and his father ran that for the hotel. A large man stepped aside, and she saw Sailor with his back turned to her. At least he was there.

Still, Maileah’s chest tightened. She could turn around and sprint out of here, but John had already made eye contact with her. She closed the space between them.

“Hi, I’m Maileah Raines-Smith.” She caught herself, but it was too late. She usually didn’t give her last name until she’d vetted them better.

“John,” he said quickly, not offering his. He was good-looking in a studied sort of way. His not-a-strand-out-of-place hair looked like a Ken-doll cut, and his polite smile revealed a perfect row of white teeth.

Her sister would probably like Ferrari John.

They ordered coffee—a large cup for him and an espresso for her—and spoke a little about the weather and the size of the waves. The usual small talk ensued until, suddenly, John shifted the conversation.

“Time is precious, and I have questions,” he said. “First, do you smoke?”

“No, I’m athletic, so—”

“Hold that until later; I don’t have much time.” He moved on to the next question on his mental list without waiting to hear more about her. “What do your parents do for a living?”

“They’re university educators.” She didn’t elaborate; this wasn’t about her parents. “Aren’t you going to ask what I do?”

John shrugged off her question. “I’m a good breadwinner, so you wouldn’t have to work.”

“But I enjoy working. I’m a—”

“I know what your profile says,” he interrupted. “It also states you’re interested in marriage.” He leaned in, focusing on her with a laser-like gaze. “Is that still true?”

That was abrupt. She straightened in her seat. “Well, sure. When I find the right person.” Trying to dial down the intensity, she asked, “What do you like to do for fun?”

Ignoring her question, John doubled down. “Assuming we hit it off, how many children will you agree to have?”

“Wow, this escalated quickly,” Maileah replied with a nervous laugh. “Is this a coffee date or an interview for a baby-maker?” As soon as the words spilled from her lips, his expression turned stony.

“Just kidding,” she added, her cheeks burning with embarrassment—for which she immediately chastised herself. Why did men make her feel like this? He should apologize for his attitude.

John didn’t crack a smile. “It’s important to have discussions early in a relationship.”

That sounded exactly like her father, who could twist any situation with his maddening psychological mumbo-jumbo. Why did she keep attracting guys like this?

John tapped his fingers on the table to get her attention. “I said, how many children?”

She squirmed in her chair since he wasn’t backing off the question. “Two seems about right to me.”

An expression of disgust pulled down the corners of his mouth. “I would like at least five or six.”

“And I’d like a fleet of surrogates and nannies.” When he didn’t laugh, she sat back and folded her arms. This meetup was quickly turning into what felt like a business negotiation. And where was that caffeine she so desperately needed?

“That would not be acceptable to me.”

Maileah shot a nervous glance toward the beach, searching for Sailor. “You do know how old I am, right? That would be one a year, mate. Not sure we could squeeze them all in before menopause.”

She heaved a sigh. The server hadn’t brought coffee yet; it was far too early for child-count negotiations. She turned toward the beach, looking for her emotional support friend. Some people had dogs or cats, hamsters or pigs—she had a surfer in the friend zone.

Finally, a slight smile crossed John’s classic features. “You would have my full support. My older sister had children in her late forties. Nine in total before her hysterectomy.”

“How many of those were after the lobotomy?” Inwardly, Maileah winced. Why did she blurt out everything she was thinking? “Look, I’m sure the kids are great, and I have nothing against large families. But that would be a real stretch for me.” She paused, realizing what she’d said. “No pun intended.”

He didn’t seem to notice.

She slid a hand across her forehead, unsure which of them was worse. John with his unrealistic expectations and lack of humor, or her with her snarky comments. She couldn’t help it; the words just tumbled out. How would Junie handle this? She was always diplomatic. But then, Junie attracted the good ones.

Maileah, not so much.

Men like this is why she met her dates from the How About a Coffee app at the Majestic Hotel. With Junie, Whitley, and Sailor around, she felt protected.

When Sailor looked her way, she gave him a little signal, and he responded with a nod.

John frowned at the split-second Sailor drew her attention away. “Is that someone you know?”

From the corner of her eye, she spied Sailor walking toward them. She wouldn’t have to endure this much longer. Of course, she could walk out, but once a guy had grabbed her arm so tightly, she couldn’t extricate herself from his grip. That had caused a real scene. Her head throbbed at the memory.

“I know a lot of people here at the hotel,” she finally replied.

“Why is that?” John’s frown deepened. “You’re not a…” His voice was rich with insinuation, and his eyebrows shot up with expectation.

Suddenly, she grasped his meaning. “Get your mind out of the gutter. My sister works here.”

John reached for her hand. “Relationships between two people are entirely natural.” He paused for effect. “I have the night free.”

“Whoa, slow down, Papa.” She cast a plaintive plea toward Sailor, urging him to pick up his pace.

Sailor waved. “Hey there, Maileah.”

“Oh, hey Sailor,” she said, maybe a little too brightly.

“May I join you?” Sailor grabbed a chair from a neighboring table before John could answer. He flipped it around and sat down, straddling the back of the chair. “Great day at the beach, huh?”

“Would you mind?” John said, drawing his brow in apparent consternation. “We’re having a private conversation.”

“It’s okay,” Junie said. “Sailor is a good friend.”

Narrowing his eyes, John took in Sailor’s blond ponytail, sun-sprinkled face, and lean muscular frame. “Strange looking chaperone.”

Sailor chuckled and turned to Maileah. “Are we done here?”

“We haven’t been served yet,” John replied with aggravation.

Maileah was relieved that Sailor was here. “John—if that’s your real name—it’s clear our goals are not in alignment. There’s no point in continuing this conversation.”

Before the other man could reply, Sailor added, “I’ll pick up the bill, dude. See you around.”

“I doubt that.” John stood, knocking his chair back so hard that Sailor had to catch it to avoid hitting another patron. He spun on his heel and headed toward the door.

Maileah let out her breath. “Thanks for rescuing me.”

“That one set a new record time.” Sailor held up his hand and gave her a high five.

She laughed, but only so she wouldn’t cry. “I’m not trying to set any records on how fast I get rid of them. I’d like to find someone—preferably sane.”

“So what was wrong with this guy? Aside from his frosty welcome to me, he looked good on the outside.”

“He didn’t want me; he wanted a whole team of kids. His opening bid was five or six. His sister had nine, and he seemed like the type to go for sibling rivalry.”

“Ouch.”

“Pretty much what I thought.” She grinned as Sailor got the joke and chuckled.

“When are you going to knock this off?” Sailor asked. “There are plenty of other good guys on Crown Island.”

“Know any that aren’t surfing their way around the world?”

Sailor grinned. “I can’t recommend anyone. That’s a personal decision you’ll have to make.”

“I’m trying. My gosh, I’ve been trying for years.”

Maileah twisted her lips to one side. Sailor was easy going and certainly had the physical attributes. Why couldn’t she find someone like him who was responsible and wanted to have a reasonable number of children? And wanted her?

When she’d first arrived on Crown Island, she had tried flirting with Sailor, although he’d already asked Junie out before they’d met. When he gave her and Junie surfing lessons, her sister was livid over her behavior.

Sailor was only amused.

Maileah had deserved every bit of Junie’s anger. Still, Sailor had been kind enough to pitch in at Junie’s painting party before moving into her house.

Even though her sister was dating Knox now, the chance had passed. She and Sailor were in solid friend territory, and there was no going back. Besides, she was looking for someone more grounded now.

Sailor leaned in with interest. “Why the rush with trying to meet someone?”

Maileah hesitated. More than anything, she hated being a tired cliché. The woman with the ticking biological clock. Instead, she said, “It’s Junie and Knox. I’m happy for them, but I’m in the way there. I need to get on with my life.”

“That still doesn’t explain your hurry in dating.”

Maileah shrugged as if dating didn’t matter that much. She figured everything might fall into place if she found the right man. She tried hard to think like other women she’d known at work. “What I really need is a job and a place to live.”

Nodding, Sailor said, “That’s a better place to start. A lot of guys aren’t very dependable.”

“Don’t I know it.”

Why did she always end up with men like Hawk, who’d cheated on her with her father’s mistress? Scratch that, she thought, shuddering. New wife. And a new half-sibling on the way. Her father even had the gall to hint that she might like to babysit. She assured him she wasn’t likely to be available.

Yet more reasons she’d left Seattle. “When is your next surfing competition?”

Sailor’s eyes lit. “I’m heading to Hawaii next week.”

That sounded like fun. “I once ran a marathon on Maui. Sure wish I could go again.”

“A marathon, cool.” He looked at her with increased interest. “Why don’t you come with me?”

Maileah sucked in a breath. Did she dare?

 

Read More….

To celebrate my new Orange Blossom Way book, I'm giving away a crown pendant necklace and a signed copy of the first book in the series, Beach View Lane, for ONE LUCKY WINNER!

To enter, like and share the Orange Blossom Way Facebook post, and follow me on social media. Then, join my reader club and receive a free Summer Beach Welcome Kit ebook. One lucky winner will win this giveaway. Then more you participate, the greater your chance to win.

 

In Orange Blossom Way, Maileah makes Junie’s favorite oatmeal cookie recipe for Sailor. My family has enjoyed these cookies for many years. We like them with plenty of spices. Serve with tea or milk.

For variety, instead of raisins, try substituting dried cranberries with bits of white chocolate and macadamia nut pieces. If you or someone you know is watching their refined sugar intake, trade the sugars for white and brown sugar substitutes.

As for texture, if you like firm, crisp cookies, bake a little longer. For soft cookies, bake a little less time. For best results and a hearty texture, use thick-cut oatmeal, such as Silver Palate Thick and Rough oatmeal or a similar type.

 

Makes about 48 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup or 8 ounces (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cups (225 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt

1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda

1/2 teaspoon (3 g) ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon (3 g) allspice or pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cinnamon

1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed brown sugar (or sugar substitute)

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)

2  large eggs 

2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract

2 cups (180 g) uncooked thick-cut oatmeal

1 1/2 cup (225 g) raisins

Variations:

In place of raisins, substitute dried cranberries, white chocolate, or macadamia nuts

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds until creamy.

4. Add both sugars, eggs, and vanilla to the butter. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until thoroughly combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

6. Stir in the oatmeal and remaining 3/4 cup of flour until well incorporated.

7. Fold in the raisins.

8. Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Place on a rack in the middle of the oven.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. For softer cookies, check at 9 minutes.

10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

I'm happy to announce a new book, Coral Memories! It's the last book in my Coral Cottage beach series. Marina's grandmother, Ginger, has been an intriguing character in earlier books. Now we learn her story as Marina's new husband, Jack, pens Ginger Delavie's fascinating biography.

In Coral Memories, you'll discover a brilliant young woman who refuses to be bound by the conventions of her era. Available in ebook and paperback on my store and at your favorite retailers (also in hardcover and large print). Coming soon in audiobook; please stay tuned.

About Coral Memories

In the final chapter of the beloved Coral Cottage series, Ginger Delavie takes center stage as the family unravels her grandmother’s extraordinary life. Ginger is a woman whose brilliance in mathematics and codebreaking has taken her around the globe, through corridors of power, and into the heart of high society.

Now, in the autumn of her years, Ginger decides it’s time to pen her story. She enlists the help of Marina and her talented grandson-in-law, Jack. Together, they embark on a journey that is as much about recording history as it is about discovering it. From the dazzling soirées of Paris, where Ginger rubbed shoulders with luminaries, to the charming streets of Summer Beach, Ginger’s life is a tapestry of adventure, intellect, and unexpected friendships.

As Ginger’s extraordinary story unfolds, so do the secrets she’s held close for decades. Old friendships are renewed, and Ginger discovers a surprising new phase in life.

 

To celebrate my new Coral Memories book, I'm giving away a writing journal, a beach tote, and a signed copy of the first book in the series, Coral Cottage, for ONE LUCKY WINNER!

To enter, like and share the Coral Memories Facebook post, and follow me on social media. Then, join my reader club and receive a free Summer Beach Welcome Kit ebook. One lucky winner will win this giveaway. Then more you participate, the greater your chance to win.

 

 

Ginger opened the old photo album on the coffee table. Embossed with worn gold lettering, the cover read, Our Memories.

Settling against the brocade settee in her airy bedroom overlooking the ocean, she swept back the sleeve of the silk caftan she’d had made in Paris. Like her, it was considered vintage, though the fabric with its violet hues was still as lustrous as the day she’d discovered it. She aimed for her mind to remain just as vibrant, even as her limbs showed signs of age.

Signs of a life well lived, in her opinion.

Her husband’s words sprang to mind. As long as we’re living, we should live well.

To which she’d added—and find happiness wherever we are.

She still missed Bertrand, yet his presence remained evident in their private quarters. He had taught her how to live well, regardless of a person’s station in life. The right partner, good friends, a sense of style, and doing what you love.

She drew a deep breath at the memory. To this day, she kept bottles of his favorite colognes on her dresser. He wore Spanish lavender in the morning and a smoky, spiced sandalwood parfum in the evening. The scent on a linen handkerchief he might offer her if needed was lodged in her olfactory cortex.

She smiled at the memory of his sweet gestures. No one could ever replace him. While she’d loved her grand, life-long romance, she was satisfied with her life now.

His last words—passionate yet tinged with humor—floated to her as if through the ether. Never say never, darling.

“You rascal,” she replied, pursing her lips with a smile. As long as she was still in a relationship with the love of her life, how could she?

Ginger touched the curled edge of a sepia-toned photograph of her parents and siblings. They were frolicking on a beach not far from that which stretched beyond her cottage window. A frothy high tide crashed along the shoreline, conjuring a vivid image of that distant day at the beach.

Footsteps sounded behind her, and her eldest granddaughter joined her. “What did you want to show me?”

Ginger gestured to the photographs. “I don’t know if you’ve ever seen these.”

Marina looked at her with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. She peered at the images. “That’s a wonderful photo. Do you remember that day?”

“As if it were yesterday, darling.” Surely Marina didn’t think she was waning just yet. Ginger lifted an eyebrow in mild reproach, yet her granddaughter’s gaze held such keen interest she realized that was only Marina’s way of asking for the story behind the photograph.

Perhaps it was time her granddaughters learned about her past. They needed to know why she’d told the stories she had—before her history was lost forever.

Anything could happen at any time.

Like that day Bertrand had left their suite at the Ritz for an afternoon swim before dressing for dinner.

Ginger blinked back the memory. There were so many things I wish I’d asked him.

Marina shifted the heavy photo album toward her lap, sharing its weight. “I recognize your parents. Who are the others in that photo?”

“My brother Jesse and our friends.” Ginger named everyone and added a little backstory on each of them.

Yet, she hardly knew where to begin in telling her own story. Over the years, she had woven many tales for her granddaughters. While she grieved the tragedy of her only child, Sandi, and her husband, Dennis, she also bore the responsibility of their three daughters left behind. Without Bertrand, she’d had no choice but to carry on.

Life had a way of laughing at the plans one made.

Afterward, she guided and protected the girls with every sliver of determination and creativity she could muster. Her girls had grown into lovely, accomplished women with their own families. She was proud of every Delavie descendant.

Ginger had been the matriarch of her family for decades, having outlived her two older brothers by many years. One was lost in a distant war, another from an ailment that could have been treated today. Someday, one of her granddaughters—all young women now—would inherit her title of matriarch. That would be Marina if the natural order of life prevailed.

Not that it did, she knew, coughing and surreptitiously touching the polished coffee table for luck.

Marina looked concerned. “Would you like a glass of water?”

“That would be lovely. Thank you, dear.”

The nagging thought arose again. My granddaughters should know their family history.

Marina brought a glass of water to her and settled beside her as Ginger sipped it. She glanced at another image. “Are those your brothers?”

Returning her focus to the old photographs, Ginger let out a small sigh of remembrance. “Yes, the four of us. We were nearly inseparable then.” She glanced at Marina. “Tell me, how is Jack? Is he busy?”

Marina looked mildly surprised at the change of subject. “He just finished an assignment. Until edits from your publisher are returned, he plans to sift through ideas for another project and spend time with Leo.”

Ginger nodded thoughtfully. She may have a window of opportunity. Marina’s husband, Jack, had won awards for his work in investigative journalism. Since they had been collaborating on a successful series of children’s books, she had grown to trust him.

Jack had been angling to write her biography for some time.

With her memory still excellent, Ginger recalled everything. She turned the page and pointed to a photo of her younger brother, who remained forever young in her mind. “This was Jesse.”

She was acutely aware of the passage of time. Even now, she felt her brother’s presence, as she always had. His memory still motivated her.

In essence, she was determined to live for both of them. Ginger had learned to listen to her intuition, and now she wondered at the sudden urge to memorialize her life. “I should make notes about the family.”

Gently, Marina touched her shoulder. “I’d like that. Brooke and Heather would, too. And Jack thinks you’ve led such a fascinating life.”

“I’ve been fortunate,” Ginger replied, shrugging off her granddaughter’s admiration.

“You’ve always told us that we create our luck,” Marina said. “Do you think you’ve done that in your life?”

“Luck cuts both ways, my dear.” Yet, besides her resolve, Ginger considered herself born lucky—even destined. “Some fortune is earned; some is a pure gift.”

Her great fortune was in her brain’s natural processing power, pattern recognition, neuroplasticity, and nearly total memory recall. Even as a child, she’d experienced the world in mathematical terms. Patterns, such as the Fibonacci sequence—and many others—shimmered to her consciousness in countless areas, from nature and stock market charts to the codes she enjoyed disassembling.

As much as she had worked to illuminate the truth, she had also been required to conceal it.

Ginger turned the page to her wedding photos and pressed a hand to her heart. This photo…we had such a wonderful life ahead of us then. A few short years later, she would discover more riveting pursuits for her skills.

Marina leaned in. “Grandpa looked like a movie star.”

“Even better, in my mind.” Warmth filled her chest. Her Bertrand was incredibly handsome.

Marina studied the old photo. “You were very young when you married.”

“You weren’t but a few years older.”

Marina nodded in acknowledgment. “Still, I can’t imagine Heather being married. She and Blake seem serious, but I want her to get to know him better.”

Ginger had married for love, though she likely would have followed a different path today. At that time, few positions for women with keen mathematical abilities existed. Rather than wither under endless, meaningless conversations with boys her age, she’d chosen life with a more exciting man of thirty.

“Was it love at first sight between you and Grandpa?” Marina asked.

“I don’t believe in insta-love.” Ginger sniffed. “Still, I quickly deduced that Bertrand and I were an excellent fit, and I wasn’t wrong. He became the love of my life.”

She had grown to love him much more than the day they married. Bertrand saw her as she truly was. He admired her intelligence and encouraged her; her success didn’t dim his in any way.

Her sweet darling Sandi was born the following year.

The old wound in her heart opened once again, but Ginger caught herself. Years ago, she’d sworn to remember Sandi with joy rather than grief. With a slight lift of her chin, Ginger regained her smile. How fortunate that she had a trio of lovely granddaughters.

Marina scanned the photos. “And this ship?”

“That was our maiden voyage to France. Oh, what a world we stepped into.” Even today, her skin tingled with the anticipation she’d felt. She would never forget the grand ball in Paris that changed her life—or anything that happened afterward.

Especially what happened afterward.

Her youngest granddaughter Kai swept into the room, her sunflower print sundress swirling around her. “A letter just arrived for you, Ginger. It’s handwritten, so I thought it might be important.”

“All letters were once handwritten,” Ginger said with a smile of amusement. She took the letter and instantly recognized the sender’s name.

“Who is Oliver Powell?” Kai asked, leaning over her shoulder.

Marina shot her an annoyed look. “Give her some privacy.”

“What, like it’s her boyfriend?”

Ginger chuckled at the thought. “No, darlings. Kurt Powell was my first boss. Oliver was his younger brother whom I met years later when Bertrand and I visited New York. He was closer to my age. Quite a charmer in his day.”

“So, open it,” Kai said, handing her a brass letter opener from her desk.

Ginger stared at the letter, dreading the contents. Kurt and Bertrand were old schoolmates. He would be in his ninth decade now. She sliced the envelope and removed the letter.

Dearest Ginger, I write this with a heavy heart. My dear brother Kurt has moved on from this realm.

She nodded sadly. “As I expected,” she said, folding the letter to read later.

“He says they’re having a celebration of life ceremony in Laguna Beach,” Kai said. “Isn’t that like a party?”

“It’s a celebration of one’s life,” Ginger replied. “Would you put that on my nightstand?”

Kai unfolded the letter. “He’s invited you, so you should go.”

“Don’t be so nosy,” Marina said.

“I’m only reading the interesting parts.” Kai brightened. “If you don’t want to go alone, I’ll go with you.”

“There will likely be many old friends there,” Ginger said. It wouldn’t be the same without Bertrand, though. Why, the fun they’d once had. Oliver Powell. She smiled, recalling how they used to go out with him and his wife.

Marina shot her sister another look. “Come sit with us. Ginger has some old family photos for us to see. Someday, you’ll be showing these to your little one.”

“If she ever arrives.” Kai plopped down on the other side of her grandmother.

Ginger turned the page. Jack had been angling to write her story since they’d met. While she intended to share everything with him, a question nagged at her.

Was it time to write her life story, or did she have adventures yet to live?

Read More…

In Coral Memories, Marina makes dinner quiche for her family, adding soup, a green salad, and sweet potato fries. Easy yet elegant in its rich simplicity, a quiche Lorraine is elevated comfort food. Prepare it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—make it ahead or serve it from the oven.

Quiche Lorraine is a light, flavorful dish I often enjoy in the summer. The custard consistency is satisfying but not heavy, so you can enjoy a walk or a swim afterward. If you’re looking for low-carb keto meals, this recipe can be prepared without crust.

For a shortcut, use a ready-made pie crust or puff pastry sheets. If using puff pastry, simply lay it with the parchment paper side down in the pan and pinch sides to adhere. Don’t trim the paper; this will help you lift it out of the mold after baking (let it cool a little to firm up).

The classic quiche Lorraine uses smoked bacon instead of fried bacon. Depending on what is available, use either smoked or fried bacon. If you prefer a lighter dish, use whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Quiche Lorraine originated in the Lorraine region of northeastern France centuries ago. This savory tart evolved from humble roots to culinary icon status. Initially, the quiche was a simple creation of leftover bread dough, eggs, and cream. Over time, smoked lardons (smoked bacon bits) were added, resulting in the rich, flavorful dish we know today.

Extras: The traditional French quiche Lorraine is made without cheese, but if you want to experiment with different quiche flavors, see below for variations to this recipe (just don’t call it quiche Lorraine). Popular cheese additions are Gruyère, Emmenthal, or Parmesan. Add 1/2 cup grated cheese to the egg mixture (or to taste). If you would like to add chopped onions, sauté before adding to the mixture (for example, with bacon, if uncooked).

 

Ingredients:

 

For the pastry:

– 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour

– Pinch of kosher salt

– 4 oz. (1 stick) 8 tablespoons (100g) cold unsalted butter, diced

– 2-3 tablespoons ice water (more as needed)

 

For the filling:

– 1/2 cup or 4 oz (100g) smoked bacon bits (about 3 strips diced bacon, or lardons)

– 4 large eggs

– 1 cup (200g) heavy cream (or whole milk or half-and-half)

– Pinch of kosher salt

– Pinch of white pepper

– Pinch of nutmeg

 

Instructions:

Pastry Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). For the pastry, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.Roll out dough and drape it into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan, mold with high sides, or pie pan. Prick bottom with a fork and chill for 30 minutes.Add pie weights and bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights. Bake for 5 more minutes until lightly golden.

 

Filling Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sprinkle smoked bacon over the pastry. (If using uncooked bacon or lardons, sauté first in a skillet. Drain on paper towels.)Whisk together eggs, cream, pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Salt is not necessary if using smoked bacon. If adding cheese (or other ingredient variations), add it to this mixture.Pour the egg mixture over the bacon in the tart pan.Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

 

Enjoy a slice of this creamy, savory quiche with a crisp green salad as they do in Lorraine. Bon appétit!

 

Quiche Variations

There are several delicious variations on quiche. These variations use the basic egg and cream custard base while offering different flavor profiles and ingredients to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Add ingredients to taste.

Cheese Quiche:  Add 1/2 cup or 3 oz. (100g) grated Gruyère, Emmental, or Parmesan cheese

Caramelized Onion Quiche: Add caramelized onions for a sweeter flavor.

Salmon Quiche: Add smoked salmon instead of bacon.

Vegetarian Quiche: Replace bacon with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Florentine Quiche: Add spinach to the traditional recipe.

Provençale Quiche: Include cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushroom, asparagus, or eggplant.

Ham and Cheese Quiche: Substitute ham for bacon and add Swiss or other cheese.

Broccoli and Cheddar: A popular American variation.

Crustless Quiche: For a low-carb solution, make the quiche without the pastry crust.

 

I wish all of you in the U.S. a happy Independence Day this Fourth of July!  I’ll be watching fireworks over the ocean tonight and enjoying a long weekend before Coral Memories debuts on July 11th.

SHOP SALE! If you’re looking for holiday reads, I’ve got them on sale now (in advance of Amazon’s Prime Day sale). Get 15% all digital ebooks and audiobooks, plus super savings on special digital bundle deals only in my direct shop!

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Summer Beach Series Book 1-5Summer Beach Series Book 6-9Coral Cottage SeriesCrown Island SeriesSunshine and Second Chances Series20th Century Historical Saga