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Ghostly Interference by Jan Sikes

12/16/2020

56 Comments

 
I'm delighted to spotlight fellow author and friend, Jan Sikes. Her latest book, Ghostly Interference, now adorns the shelves of Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I have my copy and I'm  excited to read it. The cover caught my attention right away, but more importantly, I'm drawn to the book because of Jan's track record as a multiple award-winning writer. 

Let's grab a cup of coffee, put our feet up, and find out about this mystery book. It's all yours, Jan!  
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​​I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Gwen, for loaning me your blog space to talk about my new book!
​

It is built into our human nature to seek out perfection in life. To many, that means a good-paying job or career. To others, perfection is found in the solitude of nature while some seek perfection in music or relationships.

In 
Ghostly Interference, I wrote a scene where Jag Peters was having lunch with his best friend Tai. The direction of the conversation turned toward what Jag truly sought in life, and how he hoped that included Rena Jett. After all, he’d just quit his corporate job and was adrift and seeking. 

​Here's what Tai said to him:

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Tai paused as steaming plates were set in front of them. “You know, Eastern religions teach that we are born many times. Perhaps you and this girl have unfinished karma from other lifetimes.”

“I only know about this life and I want this girl in it,” Jag said. “I’d like for you to meet her.”

“How will she feel about your best friend being gay?”

Jag shrugged. “How should she feel? You’re a great person and Rena will know that.” Seeing the doubt in Tai’s eyes, he continued. “She’s not hung up about gays like her biker friends.”

“That’s good because I make no apologies for who I am and never hide how much I love Stefan. If gay marriages were legal in Texas, you’d be my best man at a wedding tomorrow.”

Jag grinned. “Yeah, I know. You two have a true partnership. That’s what I want with Rena.”

Tai sighed. “Nothing in life is ever perfect. There are simply perfect moments that you have to grab onto.”

“I’m not looking for perfection. But, I am grabbing at the moments.”

“That’s the key to it all.”

The waiter interrupted to refill their glasses.
​
                                                                  * * *
Then later that same evening, Jag had the chance to say the words to Rena:

Rena leaned back and closed her eyes. “I guess there is no such thing as perfection in life.”

Jag replied, “Tai was talking about that very thing this morning. He said there are only perfect moments and that’s what we grab onto.”

“This is a perfect moment.”

“Almost.” Jag reached for her hands, pulled her up and waited for her to nestle beside him. “Getting closer to a perfect moment.”

She raised her face and he claimed her lips.

Between kisses, he whispered, “Now this is a perfect moment.” 

When my second daughter was born, a midwife delivered her at home. I’ll always remember how that the baby’s eyes were wide open and inquisitive, crystal clear, taking in all of her surroundings from within my arms. It was a moment of pure perfection. It was only a matter of minutes until the baby’s eyes clouded over and she went into the transition period. But because of that experience, I named her Crystal.
 
Have you ever experienced a brief moment of perfection? If so, where was it? I’d love to know!
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PictureBOOK TRAILER
​BOOK BLURB
​

Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn't a "he", it's a "she", a dark-haired beauty.

Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag's apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother's final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for "happily ever after" have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?


​
BOOK PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/39PA7hP  
BARNES & NOBLE: https://bit.ly/37GqqzD 
 
​
 
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
http://www.jansikes.com
https://jansikesblog.com/
https://www.twitter.com/jansikes3
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK  (Author Page)

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56 Comments
Harmony Kent link
12/16/2020 02:44:39

I'm looking forward to reading this book, Jan. What a lovely moment with your newborn. Crystal sounds like the perfect name.
Wishing you all the best with this book launch and all that you do. :)

Gwen, it's lovely to see Jan here today. Thanks for hosting! :)

Reply
Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 04:10:40

Thank you for visiting, Harmony. Like you, I'm looking forward to reading Ghostly Interference. It's on my Kindle patiently waiting. 😊

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:52:04

Hi, Harmony. I am sure you have also experienced those fleeting moments of perfection in life. And they are what we grab onto! Thank you for joining me on this tour! I truly appreciate you!

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Pat Gar link
12/16/2020 03:42:23

Hi
I love the excerpt. It gives me every reason to take the time to read this book soon.
Yes, I've had some perfect moments. I don't care to reveal any of them but I believe that life is at its best when we take each moment and cherish it.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 04:12:12

Wise words, Pat. Too often I forget to cherish the moments. Blessings to you. 💗

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:53:06

Perfect moments make for perfect memories, Pat. Your words are wise! Thank you for following along on this tour with me! I appreciate your support!

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Joan Hall link
12/16/2020 04:49:54

I've been following Jan's tour. Great to see her featured here today and I look forward to reading the book.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:53:34

Hi, Joan. Thank you so much for riding along with me on this tour! I appreciate you so much!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:05:39

Thank you, Joan. I'm so pleased to showcase Jan's latest achievement. It's waiting for me on my Kindle!

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Staci Troilo link
12/16/2020 05:41:42

That moment with your baby sounds perfect. I can see why you chose that name.

Best wishes with your new release, Jan.

Gwen, thanks for hosting.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:54:36

Good morning, Staci! Thank you for stopping by and commenting today. I really appreciate your support and hope you have a fabulous day!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:07:13

Thank you for visiting, Staci. Like you, I think Crystal is a beautiful name.

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John Howell link
12/16/2020 06:41:46

A terrific excerpt, Jan. I loved the line, "he claimed her lips." Moments of perfection are everywhere should we keep paying attention. Today's was a little drop of dew on a pansy. Your story of Crystal was profound and you are fortunate to have that memory. Thanks to Gwen for hosting you today. Best wishes on the book.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:56:48

Good morning, John. You are so right in there are those moments everywhere if we stay in a state of mindfulness and see them. A tiny drop of dew on a pansy paints a vivid picture. Thank you for stopping by today and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:08:52

Thank you, John. It's a delight to feature Jan and her book today.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 06:55:21

Good morning, Gwen. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to use your blog space today to talk about my new book. You are an earth angel and I appreciate you! I hope your day is amazing!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:09:55

My goodness, Jan, thank you. I'm overjoyed to feature you today -- and any day. 😊

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Marcia Meara link
12/16/2020 07:16:36

Great to see Jan here today, Gwen! This book is so intriguing, Jan, and I just know your blog tour is going to send loads of folks straight to Amazon to grab their copy. (I just took a moment to get mine, too!) Congratulations, and best wishes for a TON of sales! :) Sharing!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:11:34

Thank you for visiting, Marcia. I hope folks run to Amazon as well. I've got my copy waiting for me to settle down for a wonderful read.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 11:43:23

Thank you for riding the tour bus over to Gwen's and leaving such a wonderful comment! I am thrilled that you purchased the book. I look forward to your feedback!!

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Tonya Lucas
12/16/2020 07:39:57

Jan- What a beautiful story about Crystal. I remember when my cousin had her 1st born I got to see and hold him a few hours after he was born. My heart just melted seeing his pure perfection. Congrats again on this amazing book.

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 08:12:51

Thank you for visiting, Tonya. Those first moments are so precious and you've captured it so well. A melting heart. So sweet. 💗

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 11:44:12

Hi, Tonya. Those kinds of moments are what define perfection! Thank you so much for stopping by here today! I'm thrilled that you're riding the tour bus with me! :)

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Lizzie Chantree link
12/16/2020 10:56:32

What a great post. I can't wait to add Jan's new book to my TBR list.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 11:44:53

Hi, Lizzie! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you enjoy the book half as much as I enjoyed writing it! Have a great day!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 12:35:37

Thank you, Lizzie. I'm looking forward to the read as well. 😊

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Natalie Ducey link
12/16/2020 11:19:40

Wonderful post to share, Gwen and Jan! Thank you. :)
Congratulations, Jan, and best wishes for continued success. Cheers to you both! xo

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 11:45:11

Thank you, Natalie! I'm thrilled that you stopped by!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 12:36:12

Thank you, Natalie, for visiting today. All the best!

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Jacquie Biggar link
12/16/2020 11:47:27

I enjoyed this excerpt, Jan. Perfection is fleeting in the moment, but stays with us for a lifetime.
Congrats on the new book, I'm sure you have a winner here :)

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 12:29:25

Thank you for your comment, Jacquie! I love what you said - "Perfection is fleeting in the moment, but stays with us for a lifetime." Wow! Such a beautiful expression! Have a great day!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 12:38:23

Thank you for visiting today, Jacquie. I love your image of perfection staying with us for a lifetime. 💗

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D.L. Finn
12/16/2020 12:30:44

I believe I'm heading into this scene next. This is definitely a just one more chapter kind of read. And yes, I've had my perfection moments and have been aware of them as they happen. It's always the smaller moments as we move to our plans.

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 12:32:46

Oh how wonderful, Denise! I do hope you are enjoying the story so far. I think the poetic expressions you create are inspired by moments of perfection! Thank you for stopping by!

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 12:39:24

Thank you, Denise, for stopping by. Soon I'll be joining you in reading Jan's latest. 😊

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Vashti Quiroz-Vega link
12/16/2020 13:27:04

What a lovely post! Congrats to Jan again! I especially loved the magical moment she described about her daughter Crystal's birth. I'm definitely adding this book to my TBR. It reads fascinating and deep. Thanks for hosting, Gwen! :D xo

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 15:34:36

I'm so happy you stopped by Vashti. Thank you for all your support. You are amazing! Like you, I'm looking forward to the read. 💗

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 13:35:49

Thank you SO much, Vashti! I appreciate you stopping by today and am so glad you enjoyed the post. I'd be honored for you to read "Ghostly Interference!"

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Yvette M Calleiro link
12/16/2020 14:47:26

This was another great excerpt, Jan! I love the memory you shared with us. I've had many perfect moments throughout my life, though I most likely don't remember most of them. What I do recall is that for each of those moments, I was completely present in the moment. The more present we are, the more moments we enjoy. :-)

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Gwen M Plano
12/16/2020 15:35:48

Oh so lovely, Yvette..."the more present we are, the more moments we enjoy." Thank you for visiting and brightening the day. 💗

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Jan Sikes
12/16/2020 18:06:47

You nailed it, Yvette. Mindfulness is the sure way to catch more of those moments of perfection! Thank you SO much for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Hugs!

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Jill Weatherholt link
12/17/2020 05:53:00

What a great excerpt! Congratulations to Jan on her latest release. Thanks for hosting, Gwen. xo

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Jan Sikes
12/17/2020 10:42:09

Thank you SO much, Jill, for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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Gwen M Plano
12/17/2020 10:54:35

Thank you so much, Jill. 💗

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Ilona Fridl link
12/17/2020 08:43:42

I agree that the first time with your baby has got to be one o life's perfect moments. Best on your book!

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Jan Sikes
12/17/2020 10:42:44

Thank you for stopping by, IIona! Yes, most definitely one I won't ever forget.

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Gwen M Plano
12/17/2020 10:55:50

I'm so pleased to meet you, IIona. Thank you for adding to the excitement of Jan's new book.

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Linda Broday link
12/17/2020 10:40:39

Jan, this story is one of the best romances I've read and I don't say that because you're my sister. You are very talented and have this wonderful gift of knowing what a love story needs to make it grow and thrive. Truly perfect moments are rare and I love your memory about Crystal. Wishing you every success. I love you dearly.

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Jan Sikes
12/17/2020 10:44:19

You're going to make me cry, sister, and then my mascara is going to run and my eyes are going to be red and well, you know how it goes. Thank you for your sweet words. I love you so much and without your guidance and encouragement, this story would not be making its debut! Thank you for always having my back!! I love you!

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Gwen M Plano
12/17/2020 10:56:51

Sisters are the best, and you've proven that with your lovely comment, Linda. Thank you for stopping by.

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Miriam Hurdle link
12/17/2020 17:38:09

My husband and I had a perfect moment that we still remember and talk about very often. It was a moment made us believe we're meant for each other. I also had a perfect moment with my daughter that still brought tears into my eyes.
I enjoyed this excerpt, Jan. Thank you for hosting, Gwen.

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Jan Sikes
12/17/2020 18:24:57

How completely awesome, Miriam! I love that, and the fact that you are still together speaks volumes about the perfection! Thank you for stopping by!

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Patty Perrin link
12/18/2020 10:10:20

Children have a remarkable ability to live in the moment. It's something I strive to do, and when I succeed, I find many perfect ones. Thanks for sharing this, Jan! I have your book and it's next on my TBR list! Can't wait!

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Jan Sikes
12/18/2020 10:32:05

Thank you for your awesome comment, Patty. I do hope you enjoy the story!! Hugs and Merry Christmas!

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Joy Lo-Bamijoko link
1/12/2021 10:43:45

Jan, I can’t tell you how much I admire how prolific you have become. Congratulations! Thank you, Gwen for promoting her.

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Jan Sikes
1/12/2021 13:23:35

Awww, thank you, Joy! I have come a long way since my first published book for sure. I appreciate you!

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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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