When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.
In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?
Jana: I primarily write contemporary romance, and mostly small-town romance within that genre. I guess the genre appeals to me because I have small town roots and I feel comfortable there. But I also love other romance genres. My next project is a time travel series that combines my love of World War II stories with mystery and the paranormal.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Jana: Probably every author I’ve read over the years. Historical authors like Mary Balogh and Jo Beverley, romantic suspense authors like Nora Roberts and Suzanne Brockmann, and small-town authors like Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery. There are elements of each of these writers (and many more) that I am drawn to and try to emulate. Their writing encourages me to stretch myself, and to be the best writer I can be.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Jana: Being with other writers. Since this past January I’ve been getting together with some writer friends on Zoom to critique each other’s work. It’s been great to reconnect with them and talk writing. I’ve always loved writer retreats where we can physically get together. We write by day and get together for meals and during the evening to talk and laugh and commiserate about the writing life. I love retreats because for the time I’m there, I don’t have to think about anything but writing. I don’t think about the day job, or the laundry or any or the million tasks that wait for me at home. We’re planning our first retreat in two years in October 2021 and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Covid doesn’t upset our plans.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Jana: Probably Bugs Bunny. Watching The Bugs Bunny Show is one of my favorite childhood memories. I like Bugs because he’s cool and he’s smart. He doesn’t let anyone or anything faze him. Nobody’s going to get the better of Bugs!
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?
Jana: I’ve always wanted to meet Nora Roberts in person. I want to know how she manages to be so prolific. If she’s got a secret that makes her write faster and keep coming up with great ideas, I’d love to know about it!
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Jana: If I had a free day, and for some reason I wasn’t using it to write, I’d likely be reading. Back in June, my husband and I rented a cabin at the lake. I decided to take a break from writing for a few days, and since there was no Internet, I couldn’t spend any time online. So I read and I didn’t feel guilty about not doing something else. It was wonderful.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Jana: I’m currently working on a new book to give away to readers who sign up for my newsletter. Right now it has the working title “Home to Solace Lake”, and it’s a prequel to my Love at Solace Lake series . When I originally wrote this series in 2018, Jerry and Denise were minor, but important, characters in book 3. Their story always intrigued me and I wanted to know how they got together. So, I decided to give them their own book!
Blurb for Unexpected :
Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife’s parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor.
Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She’s intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They’re determined to show the world, and the girls’ grandparents, two loving parents.
Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie’s efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other.
Excerpt from Unexpected:
“Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind about running away?”
“Say you’ll marry me.”
The words were out of his mouth before he knew he was going to say them. Jamie stared at him, eyes wide.
“What?”
“Marry me. You’re the only woman I’d trust with my girls.”
It suddenly made sense. If Jamie married him he could keep his kids.
She jumped to her feet, waking one of the dogs who’d been sleeping on the couch next to her. “What kind of marriage do you want, Ben? Are you proposing something for show?”
“No! I don’t know!” He stood and grasped her arms. “If you’re asking me if we’ll sleep together as man and wife, I don’t know.”
Her mouth twisted as if she was holding back tears. “You know I love the girls, but please don’t ask me to pretend. The last few months of my marriage, all I did was pretend. I pretended I had a husband who loved me. I swore I’d never do that again.”
Ben wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. He hated doing this to her, hated making her relive unhappy memories. He was asking too much of her and he didn’t blame her for saying no.
“Please, forget I said anything.”
He’d stick to his original plan. He and the girls would disappear. He’d change their names, go someplace where no one knew them. A life on the run wasn’t what he wanted for his children, but he’d do whatever he needed to do to keep them.
“Ben—”
“I’m sorry, Jamie.”
Ben was out the door before he could hear anymore of her objections.
Buy Links for Unexpected :
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG2MVS7
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-l-rosamond-richards/1114738832?ean=2940162376996
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/unexpected/id1580981690
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57013622-unexpected
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/unexpected-masonville-series-book-3-by-jana-richards
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09CG2MVS7
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_Unexpected?id=oOBDEAAAQBAJ
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unexpected-139
Kobo CA: http s://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/unexpected-139
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