Sometimes characters really do come to life, for authors as well as for readers.  When Jamie Dunkirk was introduced in Lover’s Knot, book three of the Shenandoah Album series, I told myself she was only there to point out a little of Kendra Taylor’s past.  Jamie and Kendra were sisters, and Kendra needed a lesson about learning to trust and forgive.  Enter Jamie.

Of course it’s never that simple.  First, I fell in love with Jamie’s two daughters, Alison and Hannah.  What on earth were these children doing, taking over my story this way?  No, I couldn’t adopt them.  Yes, they were just too wonderful and worth getting to know, but I didn’t have the time or place for them in Lover’s Knot.  Then, of course, I fell in love with Jamie, too. 

I think I’m a sucker for characters who have overcome difficulties and are ready to start over.  How do we ask forgiveness for past sins?  How do we prove ourselves to the people we hurt?  Can people really change?  Clearly, these questions were as interesting as any in Lover’s Knot, and deserved a book to answer them.

In the Shenandoah Album novels, the traditional quilt block in each title suggests the story to me.  But in this story, Jamie and Kendra made it perfectly clear that “their” relationship was worth exploration, and the choices these sisters would be required to make in the future would be worth exploration, too.  This time my characters chose their own title.

All your favorites from Lover’s Knot make another appearance here, as well as one brand new one, Grace Cashel, Cash Rosslyn’s grandmother.  Grace was absolutely clear about one thing.  She might be the new kid on the block, but she wasn’t shy about jumping right in.  The choices Grace made for her own sister are interwoven through the story. 

And finally, yes, there are quilts.  There is also another pattern book with instructions for making them.  I hope you enjoy the entire package.