I’m so excited to have Jacquie Biggar here today to celebrate her latest, “Finding Me.” I have been eager to continue The Defiant Sister Duet Series! I am reading it right now, and it is every bit as enthralling as the first book. Review to follow 🙂
Thank you for sharing my new release on your blog today, Denise. It’s deeply appreciated!
A few years ago, a regular customer of my restaurant lost her husband to suicide. It shocked our small community and devastated her family. They seemed like a happy, loving couple, so what happened?
The same occurred to a famous, well-loved dancer called tWitch. He and his wife had three children, the youngest only two years old. And yet, he, too, is gone.
This led me to wonder (and worry) about the children left behind. How do they handle the loss of their father? Do they blame themselves? Each other?
The Defiant Sisters Duet is an exploration of two sisters, Renée and Izzy, affected differently by the loss and how it eats at the family’s dynamics.
Finding Me
Izzy
My life is not like I dreamed it would be. I had the foolish fantasy of finishing high school, going to college, making something of myself- maybe even becoming famous.
Instead, I’m the infamous kid of the father who killed himself in the family’s backyard.
How’s that for a legacy?
Renée
I came home for my mother’s funeral, but I’m staying to mend bridges with my sister. We have another chance, and whatever it takes, we need to come together as a family or live the rest of our lives knowing we let our brother down.
They say pride goes before a fall, but it doesn’t tell us how to avoid the scrapes along the way.
Excerpt:
I bow my head, unable to watch Mom’s final journey as the Pastor prays about forgiveness, mercy, and the joy of Heaven. In my experience, the path to the great beyond is one filled with gaping fissures waiting to steal a soul. It stole my father’s and tried to take Benjamin’s when he nearly drowned a couple of weeks ago. Some days, I feel myself teetering on the edge and wonder whether taking that step back is worth the effort.
“Come on.” Renée nudges my elbow. “Everyone is waiting for us to leave so they can, too. You’re doing great, Izz. Hang on, okay?” She gives me what’s meant to be a reassuring smile, then leans in front of me to address Ben. “Benjamin, I’m going to need you to be strong for a while longer. Can you do that?” He frowned but gave his big sister a grudging nod. “Straighten your clothes, then lead us to the back of the hall. We need to line up at the door and thank people for coming.”
Ben and I both shake our heads simultaneously. “I’m outta here,” Ben states, moving toward the aisle.
“Me too.” I leave Renée sputtering.
“Mom would be so proud.” She hurries after us, so we present a pseudo-front that fools no one. “Please, you guys. Don’t leave me to handle this on my own.”
Are you kidding me right now? I twirl on my heel and stab my finger into her shoulder. “You don’t get to order us around. If we leave, it will be our decision, not yours and not theirs.” I wave my arm to include the crowd avidly watching our confrontation. “We aren’t here for them, Renée. They don’t matter. Mom does. And she’s about to be placed in a hole in the ground. Don’t you get it? She’s gone!”
Tears make it hard to see, but I stumble after Ben anyway, knowing he’s suffering as much as I am. He was Mom’s baby boy. The youngest, spoiled by all of us, but especially Mom. He kept her going after Dad died. Gave her a reason to get up in the morning and raise her head high when she would have preferred to hide in shame. The two of them were a team, and now Ben is alone, and that frightens me.
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Jacquie Biggar is an award-winning author of romance who has been listed on USA Today’s bestseller list. Her writing is centered around tough, alpha male characters who fall for strong and independent contemporary women. She resides on Vancouver Island with her husband and would love to hear from readers worldwide!
In her own words: “My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I’m not being a klutz, I’m a wife, a mother of one, a grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat. Watching reality TV shows such as The Voice and Amazing Race is one of my guilty pleasures. Every Monday night, you can find me laughing at the judge’s shenanigans as I’m plastered to my armchair. I love hanging out with my husband at the beach, taking pictures, and reading romance novels (what else?). I have a slight obsession with Tim Hortons, enjoy gardening, everything pink, and talking to my friends.”
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This book is on my Kindle and I’ll be reading it soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, Darlene 🙂
Thank you, Darlene. I appreciate your support!
A powerful extract, Jacquie. I have my copy. Thanks for hosting, Denise 💗
It’s a great read, Robbie. Finished it in one sitting.
Thanks, Robbie. I remember (barely) my dad’s funeral and how badly I wanted to get out of there, away from all the prying eyes. I hope you enjoy the story <3
I can imagine that situation would be hard, Jacquie.
Great concept for a story.
It is, Craig!
Thanks, Craig. Kind of somber, but deeply honest, as well.
Congratulations, Jacquie. I’m looking forward to reading Finding Me. It’s waiting on my Kindle. Thank you, Denise, for spotlighting Jacquie today. ❤️
Happy to spotlight, Jacquie’s latest, Gwen. It’s a great read!
Thanks so much, Gwen!
I look forward to reading more about Izzy!
It’s a good read, Priscilla:)
She’s fiery, that one, lol
That is a emotionally enthralling excerpt! Thanks for sharing this, Denise.
Happy to share Jacquie’s latest and great read, Timothy:)
Thanks, Timothy. Some scenes, like this one, were brutal to write. I just hope the duet connects with readers.
All the best to Jacquie for her latest release! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you for sharing, Liz 🙂
Thank you, Liz- appreciated.
You’re welcome, Jacquie.
Congratulations, Jacquie! Up next on my TBR is the first book in this series (I am always late to the party! lol). I can’t wait to read this one, too!
It’s a great series, Kymber 🙂
I look forward to hearing what you think, Kymber. Thank you!
Great share, Denise. I’ve been waiting eagerly for this book and can’t wait to crack it open. Congrats to Jan!
It’s a good one, Diana 🙂
Thank you, Diana 🙂
Finally! I have waited a long time, exhibited unusual patience in my wait for this second book. Congratulations, Jacquie! And thanks for hosting, Denise.
It was worth the wait, Jacqui 🙂 I stayed up late to finish it.
Lol, I deserve that 🙂
A great review and introduction, Denise. Congrats to Jacqui on the new book and it’s on my TBR list!
You have a good read ahead, Noelle 🙂
Yay! Thank you, Noelle.
I like the setup. Very realistic to think that two sisters would grieve much differently.
It is very realistic how different they are, Pete. Its a good read.
Thanks, Pete. They each have sound reasons for their feelings. Now, if they would just talk to each other…
Woot. Woot. This is going to be another runaway winner:)
I love that you both hosted each other.
scoxoxo
I think so, too, Sandra 🙂 A great read! Xo
Thank you, Sandra. That means a lot coming from you!
Oh, what a gripping excerpt! I will be starting this book tonight and can’t wait to dive in! Thank you for sharing, Denise, and congratulations to Jacquie!! I wish much success!
I finished the story in one night. It’s a good one, Jan 🙂
Fun! I’m starting yours today, as well 🙂
Congratulations to Jacquie. Thanks, Denise.
Happy you dropped by, John 🙂
😁
Thank you, John. It took forever to write, but it’s out there now 🙂
Yes indeed.
What a powerful and emotional excerpt! Congratulations to Jacquie on her new release. I’m looking forward to reading it as soon as I finish my current novel.
Thanks for hosting Denise!
It’s a good one, Mae 🙂 Read it in one night. Xo
Good to know!
Thank you, Mae. I can’t wait to hear what you think (yikes!)
Hi, Denise. Sorry, I’m late. I had caregiver duties with Mom today and lost my Harley cat yesterday, so it’s been a rough few hours.
Thank you so much for opening your blog up to help celebrate Finding Me. This series pushed me out of my comfort zone more than anything I’ve previously written. I hope it resonates in reader’s hearts <3
I’m so sorry about Harley, Jacquie, and on your birthday 🙁 I understand caretaker duties, too. It does resonate, I’m glad you pushed out of your comfort zone. Sending hugs xo
<3
A very touching excerpt, Jacquie! Finding Me is on my Kindle and I look forward to reading it. I loved Book 1. Thank you for hosting, Denise!
Thrilled to share in Jacquie’s latest, Miriam. Happy reading!
Thank you, Denise!
Thank you, Miriam! I hope you enjoy Izzy and Renée’s story.
I’m enjoying their story, Jacquie! Congratulations.
Wow! What an excerpt! I grabbed a copy. Congratulations, Jacquie. Best wishes to you. Thanks for hosting, Denise.
You have some good reading ahead, Beem. Happy to host!
Yay! Thank you, Beem 🙂
That seems like a very powerful book.The excerpt is certainly powerful. Thank you for the introduction to this book and author.
I’m happy to make the introduction, Thomas:) I loved both books.
It’s an emotional quagmire, lol, but there’s hope in the end.
A big congrats on the new release, Jacquie – and a wonderful excerpt!
A great read, Teri 🙂
Thank you, Teri.
Well, I’m halfway through and Jacquie has maintained her high level of writing excellence we’ve come to expect from her.
Have a grand weekend.
scoxox
I agree. Its a good one, Sandra xo
I’m pasting this comment to my computer as an incentive- thank you!
This sounds like an emotional book, but I’ve added it to my TBR, Denise. Thanks for sharing, and Congrats to Jacquie! 💞
It is Lauren. But a nice finish to the first one 🙂 it has some hope mixed in there too.
The family deserves some peace, but it doesn’t come easy. Thank you, Lauren!
Congrats!!
Thank you! The early reviews have been wonderful 🙂
Nice to see Jacquie and her new book featured here. A great concept for a storyline! Congrats to Jacquie! <3
Thanks, Debby 🙂 It was a great concept that shined through.
xx
Thank you, Debby. Welcome home, by the way!
Thank you Jacquie. <3