Back Home AND Good News!!

Published on by Jan Sikes

Hello, blogger friends!

I had a fabulous time in New Orleans. It was fast and furious. We crammed a lot into two days.

Despite the crazy atmosphere, I love the food, the music, the architecture, and the history. Every time I go, I learn something new about this city. Did you know it was settled by prisoners sent over from France so they could empty out their prisons? I didn’t know that tidbit of history until on a carriage tour during this visit. New Orleans was instrumental in the fight for freedom. And, was where the notorious pirate, Jean Lafitte, spent a good deal of time. One of my favorite places to visit is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, built in 1732. It has survived floods, hurricanes, and progress. And they only installed electric lighting within the past few years. Before that, it had gas lights.

LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop, New Orleans, La. 2022

I’ll share just a few more photos.

Classic New Orleans Architecture
Had to laugh at this one. The reader didn’t know how to spell Tarot.
The Vampire thing was new this time. It had never been a focus before.
Shooting an episode of “Your Honor” This is Isiah Whitlock, Jr.
Film shoot setup
Me and my best friend of 40 years
A Mint Julep
The classic Riverboat
You can see some strange sights on Bourbon Street things on Bourbon Street!

And now for the NEWS!!

Saddled Hearts is available for preorder! The release date is October 19th! I am SUPER excited about this story and can’t wait to share it!

Pre-Order Link

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.

For your viewing pleasure!

56 thoughts on “Back Home AND Good News!!”

  4. Hi Jan, congratulations on your new book, that is very exciting. Your time away looks wonderful. I never knew that information about the original inhabitants of New Orleans. It seem the European countries were fond of deporting their criminals to far off lands. It looks so exciting.

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    1. Very true, Robbie. It’s just odd that as many times as I have visited New Orleans, I never knew that France emptied out its prisons to settle it. History is so fascinating. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the congrats!

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  9. I’ve only been to New Orleans once many years ago, and I want to get back, preferably at a time of the year when there are fewer people. How great for you to enjoy it with your good friend.

    I’ve read the first two books from your White Rune series and enjoyed them both, Jan. I know I’ll eventually get around to your new one. Hopefully, I’ll make a dent in my Kindle by Oct. 19.

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    1. Lol, Pete. Your comment about making a dent in your Kindle made me smile. It’s the plight of the avid reader. I’m right there with you. I agree about New Orleans. The best time to go is NOT on a weekend and NOT in the middle of a Louisiana summer. Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Jacquie. New Orleans is quite a city. I have never gone to Mardis Gras there and have no desire to go. I would suggest avoiding it. There would be wall-to-wall people (most of them drunk or high). I have attended smaller Mardis Gras celebrations and they were fun, but not in New Orleans. Thanks for the congrats!!!

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  13. I don’t think my first comment went thru… thanks internet! lol
    Jan, I’m so excited for the great year you’ve had already. Congrats on your release. Yay you!!
    I’ve visited New Orleans a few times, but it’s been several years since then. It’s such a beautiful city with incredible history. I’m glad you were able to enjoy a couple days there! ❤

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment again, Mar. Your first comment did not come through. I agree with you that New Orleans is an incredible city with such a deep vein of history. Plus, the food is amazing! Thanks for stopping by! Much appreciated!

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  14. I have just been there one time and loved it; Aas I love America,having visited several times.Hubby no longer fly’s.so have only been once since 1996 and that was to beautiful Boston. Jan,I have a new blog joymlilleyauthor.wordpress.com

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  18. Jan, if the pictures are any indication, you had an awesome time. Can you believe I’ve never been to New Orleans? True. But I sure would like to go. Wish it was a bit closer. HUGE congrats on the book release date!!!! I love your video and blurb! Excellent. You’re sure getting good at making trailers, Sister! 🙂

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    1. Maybe someday we can get you to New Orleans. It’s a LOT of walking and was very hot, but still fun. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. Thank you for the congrats on the book release, and I’m thrilled that you like the trailer! Love you, sister!

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  20. Hi,
    I love New Orleans and have been there more than several times. I bet Jackson Square has greatly changed since I was there in 2008. I left there right before Hurricane Katrina. I’m happy you had a great time.
    Congrats on your new release. I will pre-order it.
    Wishing you the best of success.
    Shalom aleichem

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Pat. I hadn’t been to New Orleans in about five years. Jackson Square was pretty much the same. The church is such a landmark and a gorgeous piece of architecture. I love it. Thank you for the congrats and for pre-ordering Saddled Hearts! Much appreciated!

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  22. I loved seeing the photos from your trip, Jan. It looks like you had a fantastic time. My best friend and I have 42 years of friendship. Isn’t it great?
    Congratulations on Saddled Hearts! The cover is amazing! I look forward to reading it!

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  23. Welcome home, Jan! Great pics. (I think I’m in love with the guy in mesh tights, “hiding” behind the black pole! 😂) Glad you had a great time, and BIG congratulations on Saddled Hearts! 🤗❤️

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  24. I have been to Louisiana once but not to New Orleans yet. I would love to see the city. Thank you for the inspiration. And how lovely, my best friend and I are best friends for 40 years too. That’s awesome!
    Last but not least, congratulations on the latest book. Unbelievable that you are publishing the next one already! Awesome!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. The city has its charm for sure, Erika. I look past the craziness. 🙂 How wonderful that you’ve had a best friend for 40 years, too! Thanks for the congratulations on the book! I appreciate your comment!

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  25. I loved seeing your pictures of New Orleans, Jan! Thanks for sharing your adventure. The city is on my bucket list of places to visit! And congratulations on your upcoming new release! Yay! Off to preorder!

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