N. Jade Gray gives us a look at her life and upcoming release.

Wow, I can't believe it's only five days until Thanksgiving here in the U.S. The year has blown by so quickly with so many changes and happenings. This year we'll be having dinner at my sister's house. It'll be the first time without my mom. I just sighed as I typed that. The past year many of us have had losses. But the bible says in all thing to give thanks. That doesn't mean for the losses but to count the blessings that you still have. Where would our life be if we only focused on the bad things? I imagine there's going to be tears around the table this year but also remembrances of a life lived.  Of love given. Probably laughter at some of her antics. Each year the pain will be less but the memories are buried inside forever. Friday we'll have dinner with my son and his family. The house will have the laughter of children which wouldn't have been possible with out Mom and Dad. 
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
'Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
Songwriters: Elton John / Tim Rice
Circle of Life lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

Speaking of life, today's guest has had some twists and turns herself. New home. New job. New book. And she still found time to share the fire with us. Please welcome today's guest, N. Jade Gray. Thanks for joining us. We know you are an author but what interests besides writing do you enjoy? 
I love music and enjoy attending concerts. I enjoy hiking and nature and trying to capture the nature beauty in pictures. I read mostly romance. Give me a happy ever after every time…. 

We have very similar interests and I'm a total fan of the HEA. Music = Bands= Team work, who is your team? What folks do you count on?
My main support system is mostly my family and friends. I’ve been a member of a couple of writing groups. I’ve stayed in touch with several of these members and we try to encourage each other in our writing endeavors. 

What inspires you to pick up a book and invest time in it. Author? Similar books?
I have a few favorites, but really a blurb, cover, or inside cover can get me interested in a story more often than not. 

How do you lighten the load life often gives us?
I enjoy being a kid at heart. There are just instances that you have to let your inner child come out and play.

What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
After twenty-five years my husband and I moved from Kansas to Missouri earlier this year. We are adjusting to the new neighborhood, but truthfully I’ve really enjoyed the animals the neighbor has on the acreage next to ours. Horses, cows, a goat, and a pot belly pig. All have visited us on our property and I don’t have to clean up after them. Win win!

That's a touchdown. I'm a country girl too. We drove past someone walking their goat on a leash the other day. Have you had any adventures lately? 
The move took me out of my element this year. I’m chomping at the bit to get back out to signing gigs for my books and plan my next vacation.

Worst household chore?
Does anyone ever really enjoy scrubbing the toilet? Show of hands…Probably my least favorite!

Ugh, you are correct. What ridiculous thing has someone tricked you into doing or believing?
I’m gullible sometimes. I’m just going to leave this subject right there!!!!

Hmm, maybe one of our visitors can pull that information from you. I'm intrigued. Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
I’m all about experiencing new things. I’ll take the tickets please. Book it! ☺

Do you play board games?
Growing up we liked to play board games and several card games. Canasta was a big family favorite growing up. I liked playing the game of Life. I just found at an antique shop the game of anagrams. We used to play Anagrams with my Grandma Miller. It was fun to reacquaint myself with the game.

What was your first job?
At fifteen I drove to a neighboring town to do laundry at a Nursing Home. But truthfully, growing up as a farm kid, my first real job was well before that one. I drove a tractor, I greased the combines, and I could scoop chicken poop like the best of them.

Yep, I lived on a dairy farm. That has to count. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
The historical books I’ve written definitely were more challenging and took more preparation. But truthfully I don’t outline my stories, so the research I need to do I do when I’m ready to add that element to my story.

How do you select the names of your characters?
Sometimes the names just pop into my head. And sometimes the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Ha ha  I’ve always wanted to say that.

LOL! What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
​Ordering my cover art of my books to be printed onto metal. An inexpensive way to prove to yourself you can make your dreams come true. It just takes hard work and persistence.

What a wonderful idea! My new friend, would you leave us a bit of a tease about your newest release and where we can find out more about it and you?

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And here's a picture of her neighbor. I wonder why the long face?

Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies
by
N. Jade Gray
(will release December 6, 2021)
Return to Cedar Bend, CO
Fireman Dustin Keith didn't realize women would be coming out of the woodwork after he posed for the local fundraiser calendar. But the one who catches his eye is a baker with trust issues. Can he scale the wall she's built around her heart, or is fate destined to extinguish the flames of desire before they engulf his heart?
Lauren Badini came to Cedar Bend to lend a helping hand at her aunt's bakery, not fall for Mr. July. The image on the calendar she received last Christmas fueled her fantasies, but the in-person version is too hot to handle. But if life after her ex has taught her anything, it's okay to look...but don't touch.
Pre-Order
​https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Lemon-Snowflake-Cookies-Christmas-ebook/dp/B09HR9N69V
More about the author
I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma with one sister and three brothers. I met my husband while attending college. After college I held various accounting positions and have worked as a legal assistant.  ​
I enjoy reading and have been writing stories since high school. Now that my family is grown, I'm working on writing and getting published. 
I am a former member of the Wichita Area Romance Authors and Romance Writers of America.
https://www.njadegray.com/
https://www.facebook.com/njadegray/
https://twitter.com/njadegray1
https://www.amazon.com/N.-Jade-Gray/e/B0721C5C72

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