When I started writing the first Women of Whitfield book, I didn’t intend to write a series, but as I wrote, the secondary characters– the good friends–all seemed to deserve their own time in the spotlight.
Today is the publishing anniversary of book three, Barefoot Days. It’s Mary’s story. Mary is happily married to a great guy, with three grown children who are also part of the story.
I enjoyed writing this one. Mary started out as a side character, but readers kept saying how much they liked her. She’s a good person and friend–generous with her time, money and influence. In Barefoot Days, she hits some unexpected bumps that affect not just her but her family:
–Mary Logan believes in the goodness of people. She believes in grace under pressure. But when the ugliness of human nature touches her family, and a series of seismic events shake up her world, she’s put to the test again and again.
She and her husband are supposed to be enjoying the benefits of early retirement. Their nest is empty. It’s time to travel and re-focus. It’s their time. Then an alarming diagnosis and an unexpected announcement from their daughter change everything. Facing the possibility of heart-wrenching loss, Mary finds herself breaking commitments, forcing smiles, and keeping secrets.
Until now, her cup has always been half full. Will a positive outlook be enough to withstand the challenges ahead?–
Can’t believe it’s been eight years. I’ve written several books since then. But Mary remains one of my favorite characters. If you like character-driven women’s fiction, I think you’ll like her, too!
Here’s what a couple of reader had to say:
–‘Barefoot Days’ is a lovely book! Warm, real, and deeply satisfying.–
–You’ll cheer, cry, and enjoy this journey where you’ll be reunited with these great friends (you met them in the first two books of this trilogy) who remind you of the important role our gal pals play in our lives. Bravo!–
–This author once again struck a chord with me. Compelling story line with characters I could relate to. All set in a town that felt like I could live there. The third in her Women of Whitfield series, but it stood alone. You won’t have to read the others in the series to enjoy this book, but you’ll want to!–
Cheers and Happy Anniversary to Mary and Grant and the cast of Barefoot Days!
Happy Reading!
Darlene
Barefoot Days is available in ebook and digital formats at most popular online booksellers.
I can’t believe it’s been ten years since I introduced Dana to the women’s fiction community. My, how time flies! Second Wind is the second book in my Women of Whitfield trilogy about three friends living in a small Kansas town.
Sunset Ledge features Jack Armstrong, the self-assured, widowed loner who owns the ranch . . .
Woo-hoo! We’re only a week away from Release Day! Sunset Ledge is a sequel to my sweet romance The Story Between Us, but can be read as a stand-alone. It’s what we call a silver fox, or seasoned, romance because the primary characters are age 50-plus. They are characters who’ve seen a little of life. They’ve been around the block a time or two, and they might be a little set in their ways. They’ve accepted where they are in life, so when an unexpected attraction and opportunity for a romantic relationship arises, they’re hesitant, cautious and maybe a little nervous . . .
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(Okay, yes, there’s also the hand-wringing, tweaking, staring into space, critiquing, and head-banging.) For at least a year, I spend a lot of time with these characters, getting into their heads and personalities, trying to figure out how they would respond in any given situation. What would they do or say? So much so, that they really do seem to become real!
According to Kirkus Reviews, it’s “an absorbing story of redemption that’s hard to put down.” And InD’Tale Magazine says, “With surprising plot twists and unique character conflict, Something Good more than lives up to its name!” 
darlene deluca 