Friends are to be Cherished

When I began my Kindred series, there were only supposed to be five books. I had them all planned out… titles, which warriors went in each one. Then I met one of my readers at a book signing. We became friends and she quickly became one of my staunchest supporters.

Over one of our many lunches together, she asked me why I didn’t include a female warrior in The Kindred. I told her that basically all the clan were warriors, females included. But that wasn’t enough for her, she wanted a female in the Elite Guardians. That got me to thinking. To do that, I would have to add more warriors… that would change the whole premise of the prophecy of Quinn and his clan… or would it?

I thought long and hard about it and finally came up with a story line. Fated Journey features Meghan Burns. This story is different from my other series installment in more than just being about a female warrior. All my other books featured two couples, the main one and a secondary. Fated Journey belongs to Meghan and her fated mate alone. I’m pleased with her story and I’m eager to share it with you soon.

There was never any doubt in my mind that this book was going to be dedicated to my friend. If it wasn’t for her, I would have ended the series with Deuces Wild. I just knew she was going to love the book and I couldn’t wait for her to read it.

Then I got a phone call a few weeks ago from my friend’s husband. Chris died of breast cancer this past November. He’d found my number in her cell phone contacts and wanted to make sure I was aware. Of course, I hadn’t known. I was devastated. I’d known she’d been sick. We’d talked… apparently, right before she’d died… and she’d never let on how very sick she was.

Fated Journey is dedicated to my friend, Chris Bryan. She was an incredible woman, full of life and laughter. She was a true warrior. R.I.P. lovely lady, you will be missed.

Appreciate your loved ones. Don’t put off spending time with them, make that phone call, tell them ‘I love you.’ Do it now. You might not have tomorrow.

~Madison