The Story Behind the Story and a special thank you to my readers:
I never intended to write a sequel to A Family Affair, let alone a series. For me, the story was done and I moved on to my next book. Readers had a different idea. I began to receive emails, Facebook comments, and blog posts, asking to know more about these characters. Did Nate and Christine marry? What about Harry and Greta? And heavens, did Gloria Blacksworth ever get her comeuppance? The correspondence from readers requesting more was heartfelt and humbling, and yet, turning a book into a series that was never intended to be one is a huge and daunting task. I wasn’t going to do it unless I could feel the passion for the continuation of that story. It was a struggle, yet it remained in the back of my mind as I wrote one book after another.
I do some of my best thinking when I’m walking my dog and during a particularly cool morning walk, I started playing around with scenarios and characters. I let my imagination go and didn’t try to shut anything down. I did the same thing the next day, and soon Lily, Nate, Christine, Harry, Gloria, Greta—the whole crew— had taken residence in my head. They wouldn’t go away and that’s when I knew I had to write about them and gave the series what I think is an appropriate name: Truth in Lies.
I have absolutely loved every part of this process and the characters have entertained me as well as broken my heart a time or two. Long before I wrote “The End”, I’d already decided what the storyline would be for A Family Affair: Summer. If you guessed Cash Casherdon and Tess Carrick, you are exactly correct. I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey and before long, we’ll take another into A Family Affair: Summer.
Thank you to all the dear readers who wrote to tell me they wanted a continuation of A Family Affair. I have indeed heard you!
Enjoy!
Mary
I have read both Family Affair books and enjoyed them, and look forward to the summer book. The mothers are an interesting pairing. There are definitely caretakers in this world. Thanks for the good reads!
Hi Scottie:
Thank you for the kind words – so glad you enjoyed these stories. I plan to introduce another ‘mother’ in AFA: Summer and I think she’ll prove an interesting study as well.
Take care,
Mary
When is the summer book coming out? Hope it is soon. I really liked the characters and look forward to see what will happen.
Hi Scottie:
I just posted the description and release date for AFA: Summer! April 1st!!!
I have just finished reading the two family affair books and really enjoyed them can’t wait for the next one Thank you
Hi Suzanne:
Thank you! I’m delighted you enjoyed A Family Affair and A Family Affair: Spring. Stay tuned for the next one, which will be Tess and Cash’s story…and of course you’ll see some of Magdalena’s favorites as well.
Will keep you posted on release info!
Mary
Just finished reading the sequel to Family Affair and it was delightful. A great read….more to come I hope. Thank you for your talent.
Hello Kodie:
Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, indeed there will be more. Next up is A Family Affair: Summer…just finishing up a few projects and then I’m diving into Tess and Cash’s story. Of course, Lily, Pop Benito, and many of the other Madgalena crew will be back!
Thanks again!
Mary
I have just read the two Family Affair books, I loved them and. Can’t wait for the next Kindel book
Thank you
Hi Sharon:
Thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed A Family Affair and A Family Affair: Spring. As I mentioned in a previous post, I just finished listening to the audio of AFA. I LOVED it!! The characters speak in my head, but it’s always interesting to see what someone else will do with them. I’m very pleased.
Best wishes for a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous 2014, and thank you once again for the kind words. Next up is AFA”: Summer!
I just finished reading Family Affair and I am so happy to learn its a series. Going to recommend it to everyone I know. Thank you for pursuing your passion. Cant wait to read all your work. Happy New Year Mary and Happy Three Kings Day!
Hi Lina: Thank you! I am indeed humbled by your kind words. I like people to know I didn’t figure out my path right away. I struggled, fell, tried again….I still remember sitting in an office watching my friends balance accounts, work on spreadsheets, and analyze data. They looked so happy doing it. I knew I didn’t fit in, but I had no idea where I belonged. Years later, I finally figured it out, even though people thought I was a bit crazy:) That’s why I write books about second chances – I want people to know that second chances… Read more »
I had the first family affair book in my cue to read and finally got around to it. I was hooked in the first few pages. When I finished the book and went to your page and learned you turned into a series I was ecstatic. I immediately bought the second book and read it in record time. I cant wait for the third one, the characters feel like family. You have true talent and a new follower of your books. God bless.
Danielle
Hi Danielle: First, I’m so sorry for the delayed response. I was pretty deep into AFA:Summer and lost track of time. Still, that’s no excuse – please accept my apologies and know I am grateful you took the time to write and let me know how much you are enjoying this series. I do have some exciting news! A Family Affair: Summer will release on April 1st!! I’m off to post the cover and the description, so make sure to check it out. As the release day draws closer, I’ll be posting snippets from the book and chatting about AFA… Read more »