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A real Texas love story...

2/11/2018

12 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
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Three more days and it will be Valentine’s Day. For Hallmark Cards, online and local flower stores, and all vendors of chocolate, this is the day for trumpeting Love – new love, old love, healed love, remembered love. It is a time when hopes and memories meet at the hearth of life, and emerge either invigorated or scorched.

For Jan Sikes, an award-winning author, screenwriter and songwriter, love is the heart of life. She learned this the hard way, after her fiancé was incarcerated for 15 years for a crime he did not commit. When he was finally released, they married and began the difficult journey of creating a life together. Music was integral to their relationship and livelihood, and remained so until her husband passed away in 2009.

Jan has written a four-book series about her one love, Rick Sikes. In the books, she refers to Rick as "Luke" and herself as "Darlena." It was easier for Jan to write about their love through fictional names.

​The books follow the stages of their relationship. Flowers and Stone is set in raucous Texas honkytonks where Rick sang and played his guitar. The Convict and the Rose chronicles the time behind bars in Leavenworth Penitentiary. Home at Last captures the years after Rick was released from prison, and Till Death Do Us Part brings the reader to his final goodbye. I just finished the last book; it was a powerful, beautiful story. 

Jan is a friend and fellow member of the Rave Reviews Book Club. If you are looking for a real love story, this series is one to read. It will warm your heart and fill your senses.   

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12 Comments
Karen Ingalls link
2/12/2018 04:50:57

A wonderful promotion about a very talented author. I have loved every one of her books.

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Gwen Plano
2/12/2018 07:37:01

Thank you, Karen. Like you, I loved each of her books. ♥

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Mae Clair link
2/12/2018 08:37:36

These are excellent books to read at Valentine's Day or any time of year. I loved the entire series!

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Gwen Plano
2/12/2018 13:51:14

I'm with you, Mae. They are great anytime of the year! ♥

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D.L. Finn
2/12/2018 09:47:51

What a perfect time to talk about this insightfully beautiful love story series. It is a story that will always remain with me and in my heart. I loved each book and recommend the poetry book Discovery that goes with it:) Great post Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/12/2018 13:52:38

Thanks so much, Denise. I've yet to read Discovery, but I'm looking forward to doing so. ♥

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John Howell link
2/12/2018 16:55:07

I have enjoyed Jan's books and this post reminds us to remember our loved ones. Good job, Gwen.

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Gwen Plano
2/13/2018 15:54:00

Thank you, John. This last one really touched. me. Blessings.

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Jan Sikes link
2/13/2018 12:49:33

What a surprise!! When I clicked over to your blog, Gwen, I had no idea what I'd find. I am speechless to find such amazing promotion of my stories. I don't know what to say except, THANK YOU!!! Big hugs, my friend!

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Gwen Plano
2/13/2018 15:55:33

You are most welcome, Jan. Your last book really touched me and sparked the desire to create this post. Big hugs and bless you.

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Vashti Q link
2/14/2018 08:35:02

Wow! Jan's books read compelling and romantic. You describe the series and what each book is about very well, Gwen. I'm very intrigued and look forward to reading them. Lovely feature. Happy Valentine's Day!

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/14/2018 14:50:02

Thank you, Vashti. They are a perfect mention for Valentine's Day and after reading Til Death Do Us Part, I wanted to share. ♥

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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