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Author Jan Sikes has a #NewRelease

10/27/2022

57 Comments

 
Hello blog friends,

Today I'm hosting writer Jan Sikes as she celebrates her latest publication - Saddled Hearts. Jan shares a tidbit of the story below and offers a special incentive -- a scavenger hunt with a $25 Amazon Gift Card as First Prize and a free eBook for the second prize. 

​Please join me in welcoming Jan and wishing her all the best by offering a big shout-out:
​CONGRATULATIONS!
​
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​Thank you so much, Gwen, for opening your blog to me. I am thrilled to be here to talk about my newest book, Saddled Hearts!!

I love creating characters. It is one of the most exhilarating pieces to writing a story. My female character was barely introduced in Book 1, Ghostly Interference. There were no details shared about her in that book except that she had the gift of communicating with the deceased.
​
So, in Saddled Hearts, she is the female protagonist, and I had so much fun crafting her personality and sharing her gift.
​
Sage is thirty and a widow. Her husband, Jasper, passed away five years earlier, leaving her alone. She’d always known she had the gift of mediumship. But after Jasper died, she dedicated herself to learning how to fully utilize her gift. Here is how I pictured Sage to look. 


EXCERPT:

I loved writing the scene where Sage shares a little bit about the process she underwent to fully activate her gift:
​
After they placed their order, he leaned forward. “I have to tell you I’m still reeling from the session with you yesterday. You talked about things you couldn’t have known about. Things no one else knows but me. How does that even happen?”

She toyed with her napkin. “I always knew I was different. As a child, I would see and talk to people in my bedroom when no one was there but me. My folks didn’t know what to think. They shrugged it off as an overactive imagination.”

“I get the feeling something big happened to cause you to explore or perhaps expand your abilities.”

“My husband, Jasper, died five years ago in a horrific car accident.” She sighed and looked away. “It was after that I began to really explore my gift. I needed desperately to communicate with him.”

“I’m so sorry. That had to be hard.” Colt rested his elbows on the table. “Did you guys have any kids?”

“No. We thought we had plenty of time ahead to start a family.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I won’t lie. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. Still is. But it started me down this path of helping others.”

“I can’t even visualize how someone does that. Is there some sort of school you go to?” He reached for his tea glass.

“They’re called mystery schools. I studied in South America, Ireland, Egypt, and Colorado. They teach you how to fine-tune your talents and use tools to enhance your abilities.”

“Tools?”

“Yes, like crystals and gemstones. Tarot cards play a big part in it, as well. Which reminds me—I intended to draw cards for you yesterday, but we never got to it.”

Colt leaned back against the multi-colored cushion. “You know, ever since I walked into the New Age Life Center yesterday, I’ve felt like I landed in a foreign country. All the stones and cards and books, then the session with you…I’m more than a little overwhelmed.”

She grinned. “I get that. Really, I do. It’s all so different from everyday life and yet all interconnected.”

BOOK BLURB:
 
Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is, until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He’s been framed, but by whom and why? 

He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that’s impossible. Or is it?

Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss.
​
The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.

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​BOOK TRAILER
 
UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
WEBSITE     BLOG     TWITTER     FACEBOOK     PINTEREST     GOODREADS
BOOKBUB     INSTAGRAM     AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
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57 Comments
Jill Weatherholt link
10/27/2022 03:01:13

Fantastic excerpt! Thanks for hosting Jan today, Gwen. Wishing her all the best on her latest release. xo

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 04:05:20

Thank you, Jill, for stopping by and adding to Jan's celebration. ❤️

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:15:46

I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the excerpt today, Jill. Thank you for leaving a comment and for all your support!

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Harmony Kent link
10/27/2022 03:51:48

Love this excerpt, Jan. wishing you every success with your new release! Thanks for sharing, Gwen. Hugs 💕🙂

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 04:08:05

Thank you, Harmony, for adding your good wishes to Jan's celebration. ❤️

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:15:09

Thank you, Harmony. I love seeing you at the tour stops and appreciate your comments and support! Hugs!

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Darlene Foster link
10/27/2022 04:59:58

Another great excerpt from Jan's book. Thanks for being part of the blog launch!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 05:06:41

It's a pleasure to support Jan. Thank you for adding to the celebration. 😊

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:14:42

Thank you, Darlene, for taking the time to stop by Gwen's place and leave a comment. I appreciate you!

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CS Boyack
10/27/2022 05:00:46

Great to see Jan out and about. Hope you’re moving a ton of copies, Jan.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 05:08:16

Thank you for stopping by, Craig. Happy times for sure! 😊

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:14:15

Thank you, Craig. I hope so too. I appreciate you following along on the tour and sharing!

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
10/27/2022 05:51:43

All the best to Jan for the success of her latest release! Saddled Hearts has been getting some good buzz.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 06:56:04

Thank you, Liz. Yes, it seems to be getting a lot of attention through social media. Fun times! 😊

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:13:49

Thank you, Liz, for stopping by and leaving a comment! I'm working hard to get Saddled Hearts some good buzz. Glad to hear it's working. I appreciate your support!

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Joan Hall link
10/27/2022 07:03:05

Reading Saddled Hearts now and loving it. I think this is my favorite of the series. Congrats to Jan. Thanks for hosting today, Gwen.

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:12:55

Thank you, Joan! I think Saddled Hearts is my best fiction work so far. I'm proud of how it turned out. Thank you for reading it! I'm honored!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 07:55:34

My pleasure, Joan. Thank you for visiting. 😊

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Priscilla Bettis link
10/27/2022 07:07:53

I'm looking forward to reading Saddled Hearts.:-)

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:12:09

Whoo hoo! Thank you, Priscilla! I sincerely hope you enjoy it whenever you read it. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 07:56:23

Thank you for visiting, Priscilla, and joining in the celebration.

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 07:16:30

Thank you, Gwen, for opening your blog up to me today so I could talk about Sage and her gifts. Your support means the world to me! Huge hugs across the miles!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 09:08:47

You are most welcome, Jan. I'm elated you and your book are garnering attention and praise. ❤️

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Kymber Hawke link
10/27/2022 07:37:05

The excerpt is fantastic and has my attention! Congratulations, Jan!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 07:57:11

Thank you for visiting, Kymber, and joining in the celebration. 🌞

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 08:50:40

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and thank you for following along on the tour! I'm honored!

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D.L. Finn
10/27/2022 07:40:13

Sage was a great character, Jan. It was really great to learn about her after meeting her in first book. Another great read!. Thanks for hosting, Gwen :)

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 07:57:49

My pleasure, Denise. Thank you for joining in the celebration. ❤️

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 08:51:37

Thank you, Denise. At the time I wrote the first book, I had absolutely NO idea Sage would get her own story. :) Isn't this writing journey the most fun ever? :) I appreciate your comment and your support!

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Staci Troilo link
10/27/2022 08:33:39

This is a heartwarming series, and Saddled Hearts is my favorite of the three. Wishing Jan all the best with it.

Thanks for hosting, Gwen.

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 08:52:03

Thank you so much, Staci! Your recommendation means a lot to me!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 09:07:31

It's my pleasure to host, Staci, and thank you for adding to the celebration. 😊

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Mary Morgan
10/27/2022 08:42:50

Enjoyed getting a glimpse of Sage! Wishing you continued success, Jan! xoxo

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 08:52:33

Thank you, Mary! I hope everyone here hops on over to your place for a glimpse at Colt! :) Hugs!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 10:28:34

Happy to meet you, Mary. Thank you for visiting and adding to the celebration. 😊

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Pete Springer link
10/27/2022 09:13:06

I find it fascinating when an author takes a minor character from one book and makes him/her a protagonist in the next. I'm curious if Jan planned that all along, or if she decided to go that direction after finishing the prior book.

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 09:19:28

That's such a great question, Pete. When I wrote Sage's tiny part in Ghostly Interference, I had absolutely NO idea she would be the female protagonist in Saddled Hearts. I love surprises like that! And she was the perfect match for Colt Layne. Thank you for visiting and asking the question!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 10:30:04

Wonderful question, Pete, and Jan's response answered my question as well. 😊

John howell link
10/27/2022 09:41:59

Congratulations on your launch, Jan. Thanks to Gwen for hosting.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 10:30:57

Thank you, John, for adding your good wishes to Jan's new book reveal. All the best. 😊

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 11:43:13

Thank you, John. I appreciate your support!

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Mar link
10/27/2022 11:32:04

I'm enjoying your blog tour, Jan. Learning about the characters and your writing behind the story. It's made for a great day to play catch up! Gwen, thank you for hosting on your lovely site!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/27/2022 11:43:49

Thank you, Mar, for joining in the fun. A new release is always a celebrative time. 🤗

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 11:44:00

Yay! So glad you could catch up with us, Mar, and thrilled you are enjoying the tour! I appreciate your support!

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Jacquie Biggar link
10/27/2022 18:11:57

A mystery school would be fun to attend! I admit to feeling like Colt, I get overwhelmed with tarot cards, gems, dragons, and such, but I'm trying :)
Thanks for opening my mind to the possibilities, Jan.

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Jan Sikes
10/27/2022 21:22:35

It's my pleasure, Jacquie. I totally understand how metaphysical things can be overwhelming. I've been involved with them since the seventies, but honestly, I was completely overwhelmed in the beginning. I'm glad you stopped by and left a comment!

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Gwen M. Plano
10/28/2022 06:55:56

Thank you for visiting and sharing, Jacquie. 😊

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Linda Broday link
10/28/2022 09:48:34

Jan, I love the picture of what Sage looks like to you. I love the softness to her face. She looks like a psychic. She was a great partner for Colt. Love you, Sister. You amaze me with your talent.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/30/2022 16:04:09

Two writers in one family, how wonderful! Thank you, Linda, for stopping by and sharing your joy with all of us.

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/30/2022 20:40:16

Thank you, sister, for all of your support! I agree. Sage is a great partner for Colt. I love them both!

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Mark Bierman link
10/30/2022 06:46:59

Well done with the entire excerpt and character building, Jan! The cover looks great, too! Thanks for spreading the word, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
10/30/2022 16:06:23

Thanks for joining in the fun, Mark. 😊

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/30/2022 20:40:34

Thank you, Mark!

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Roberta Writes
10/30/2022 11:34:56

Hi Gwen, this books sounds like a great read. Thank you for showcasing it here.

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Gwen M. Plano
10/30/2022 16:05:18

Thank you for visiting, Robbie. All the reviews testify that this is a great read. I'm looking forward to it. 😊

Reply
Jan Sikes
10/30/2022 20:40:51

Thank you for visiting, Robbie! I appreciate it!

Reply
D. Wallace Peach link
10/31/2022 09:25:33

Thanks for hosting, Gwen. A wonderful book from Jan and great way to end the series. I'll happily add my endorsement. :-)

Reply



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