Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

A Conversation with the Baxter Brothers (with #giveaway)

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Tuesday, March 13th, is release day for the final book in my Baxter Family Bakery series set in Arcadia Valley, Idaho. I’ve had such a great time working with the five other lovely authors who make up the Arcadia Valley Romance series, and I’m awfully sad to see my part in it all come to an end.

That said, I love Jonah’s story and I really think (Hope?! Pray!?) that you will as well.

To celebrate, I cajoled the Baxter Brothers to come over for a bit and hang out with y’all.

Elizabeth: Thanks for coming, guys. I know you’re all really busy with the bakery these days.

Micah: No problem. We’ve actually closed for a few days while we’re getting everything ready for my wedding.

Elizabeth: Yeah? How are those plans going?

Micah: I think we’re pretty well set, actually. Serena’s been going a little nuts making sure everything’s ready while she finished up on the set of her new movie.

Malachi: Yeah, she’s good at delegating, too. She’s had Ursula and me both running errands for her.

Jonah: Hey, I’ve been helping too. Or does the enormous cake I agreed to make not count?

Micah: It counts. Of course it does. And we appreciate you doing it.

Jonah: Like I had a choice.

Micah: You could’ve said no.

Jonah: Oh sure. I can see how that would’ve gone. ‘But you made one for Ruth! And for Mal!’

Micah: Well, that’s true. You did. But, I mean really, if I’m not important enough…

Jonah: Shut up. I’m making the cake, aren’t I?

Malachi (laughing): It’s been like this a lot lately. I think Micah’s more stressed than he lets on.

Micah: Yeah, well, someone won’t commit to whether or not he’s bringing a plus one.

Jonah: Oh geez, this again? I’m coming alone, okay?

Micah: Seriously? You’re going to be in the wedding party. Gloria is going to be in the wedding party. Am I the only one who sees the simple solution here?

Malachi: No. I see it, too.

Jonah: Guys, let it go, okay? Do you not remember how clear she made it in August? We’re friends. That’s enough. And I’d really just as soon not mess up our friendship by asking her out. Again.

Elizabeth (clearing her throat): So, if Gloria’s out of the picture, any love interest on the horizon for you at all, Jonah? Or are you going to leave that to your brothers?

Jonah: I guess we’ll see what God has planned. Cause I’ve got nothing.

Micah: Surely–ow, Mal, why’d you kick me?

Malachi: Sorry. Leg spasm.

Elizabeth: Other than wedding cakes, what’s been on the menu at A Slice of Heaven these days?

Jonah: I’ve been playing around with donuts. We’ve had some interesting varieties that have gone over pretty well, I think. Of course, I’m baking them, so they’re not quite as bad for you as the fried ones.

Malachi: Not quite as awesome, either.

Jonah: Have there been complaints?

Malachi: No. Well, other than from me. I’m complaining.

Micah: You’re always complaining.

Malachi: Am not. Gosh, make one comment about the budget and get labeled a complainer. I see how it is. Maybe I should just let us go bankrupt?

Elizabeth: Wait. Is that a possibility?

Micah: No. He’s being dramatic. We’re doing really well. Right, Mal?

Malachi: There’s always room for improvement.

Jonah: Try to tone down that optimism, bro. But speaking of cakes, I really should get busy with that. The last thing I want is for Serena’s bridezilla eyes to look in my direction.

Micah: Hey. She’s not that bad.

Malachi: Yeah, whatever. You keep believing that.

Elizabeth: Okay, well, thanks for stopping in. And if you have extra donuts some day, you know where to send them, right?

Jonah: Sure, Corinna’s Cupboard where we send all our day-olds.

Elizabeth: I meant me. But I guess I can’t take food away from people who need it more than I do.

Want to find out more about Jonah’s road to Happily Ever After? You can pre-order Donuts & Daydreams on all e-book platforms:

Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo

Here’s the blurb:

She has a secret. Telling him will tear their world apart.

Everything in Gloria’s life was perfect, if boring, before Jonah Baxter moved to Arcadia Valley. Now their friendship—and the feelings that stretch the word’s boundaries—threatens everything she’s worked so carefully to build.

Jonah has been drawn to police officer Gloria Sinclair since she began frequenting his family’s bakery three years ago, but every time he asks her out, she shoots him down. When she refuses to accompany him to his brother’s wedding, even as friends, Jonah vows to give up and move on.

Watching Jonah date stabs Gloria to the core, but she isn’t free to fight for the man she loves. Can she clear the way for him to see beyond her devastating revelation, or will they be stuck with a relationship made of donuts and daydreams?

I’ll choose one lucky commenter on Sunday (2/25) to get a paperback when the book releases in March. To comment, tell me your favorite donut! (Or doughnut, if you prefer that spelling.)

Oh! P.S. My book, A Splash of Substance, is on sale for 99 cents right now! If you haven’t read the Taste of Romance series, book 1 is a great place to start! You can find your version here.

Elizabeth Maddrey (292 Posts)

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.


Comments

  2. Hi Elizabeth, it must feel like saying goodbye to friends to finish a series. What great characters:)
    Blessings:)

  4. I love the Arcadia Valley stories and also sad to see them ending ? ! I look forward to Jonah and Gloria’s story!!

  5. Hi Elizabeth! Great interview with the Baxters. Especially enjoy that they own and work in a bakery. Have enjoyed the Arcadia Valley series. Best wishes.

  11. Boston cream is still my favorite. Tried and true. Thanks for the giveaway! The book sound yummy :)

  14. I don’t have a favorite donut, hardly ever eat them and cannot remember when I ate the last one.
    But I really like the ‘character’ interviews here :-)

  17. Any donut is my favorite, but I would love to try one of their concoctions at their bakery! It was fun reading this, because I feel like I know your characters well! I’m really looking forward to reading Jonah’s story! Fun, fun post today! Happy Friday & have a happy weekend!

  21. Oh, my. I’ve been on vacation and catching up, but I’m glad I’ve stopped by today. These 3 are just so much fun. I’ve loved Micah and Malachi and I’ve been waiting to see more of Jonah. Thanks for this fun interview.
    I’ll be sad to see the family saga end. But then I’ve also been waiting for the next Peacock Hill story too… I hope Claire gets her story out soon. ;)
    As for doughnuts, I’m not really a big fan. Sorry to disappoint. I’d go for a muffin anytime.

  22. Thanks! They we’re fun to write.

    Oh Claire. Um. She’s definitely going to be around Peacock Hill, but she has to wait a little for her HEA. Next up is Matt – hopefully around July.

  25. I’m fine with Matt’s story first, though he’s probably one that I don’t remember much. Then I guess you still have Danny and Sean’s stories to tell (one of them with Claire?! I’m currently team Sean, but just because Danny is so nonchalant about their relationship).

  26. It will ultimately be Claire and Danny but his nonchalance is part of their battle to overcome. I have plans for Sean as well though. Cause I love him. He was meant to be a throw away but…I couldn’t do it.

  27. This is a new-to-me author and I would be thrilled to win a copy of her book. It sounds like a wonderful read. The blurb made me want to know how things work out for Gloria and Jonah! ? Thanks for the giveaway.

  31. I’ll take a glazed maple bacon doughnut, thanks! At least, I would if I were still eating sugar, but I’ve been ten weeks off it with no plans to return. Also, they have to be raised and deep-fried. I can’t handle a cake doughnut.

    Is it okay to hint as to whom Jonah dates while Gloria dithers? No? All right then. I won’t say anything except that it sets up my final Arcadia Valley Romance, Harvest of Love, nicely.

    Also, you all should nab A Splash of Substance while it’s on sale!

  32. I love many flavors; however, chocolate cream filled is my favorite! Yummy! Thanks for the chance to win!

  39. Your Amazon pre-order link is broken. I love Malachi so much, lol. His story might be my favorite of the series so far. Looking forward to seeing how everything works out for Jonah.

  41. Since I’m one of your advance readers, I’ve already gotten to read Jonah & Gloria’s story! Great job! I won’t give anything away :-) (and I don’t need to be in the giveaway). We live in northern California, and there’s an area in the foothills of our Sierra Nevada called Apple Hill. We’re always happy when we can make a trip up there and get their apple donuts! They are SO good!

  46. I’m looking forward to your new book. I’ve really enjoyed the series. My favorite donut is chocolate glazed or iced or filled with chocolate or chocolate cake with chocolate topping! I like chocolate!!

  47. Hi Elizabeth! As an advanced reader, I really enjoyed Jonah’s story. My favorite donut – is a sour cream donut. Also like Bavarian Cream chocolate long johns. Got up way to early this morning to finish preparing my taxes for a morning tax appointment. Do not need to enter me into the contest. I will definitely miss the series.

  51. I love doughnuts but my favorite is glazed.
    I am sad this will be your last novel in Arcadia Valley.
    Can’t all of you get together and continue the series. Please☺

  53. Hi Elizabeth, I’m sad your series is ending, too. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Baxter brothers and daydreaming about eating their bakery treats. I rarely eat doughnuts (they’re too sugary for my liking) but I do like Krispy Kreme’s iced caramel doughnuts. :)

  55. I’m glad they are overcoming they “battle”. I had hopes for them in book 1, but was unsure in book 2 (now maybe I’m going to be team Danny at some point in book 3…).
    Also thanks for not throwing Sean away. He deserves his chance too. ;)

  56. I’m a plain Jane kind of gal! I love fresh baked glazed raise or French Crullers (sp?), and the only filled ones have to be plain glazed with Bavarian cream….yummy!!

    In the town we used to live in years ago, we had a certain bakery we frequented and the owner knew us. So anytime we came in, if he had any of the plain glazed left, he’d fill it with Bavarian cream just for me :-) And gave me discount to boot!

    Also, the only place I like getting fresh donuts is a bakery NOT a grocery store, I’m kind of picky about that…lol!

  58. I like glazed chocolate cake doughnuts and yeast doughnuts with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. I can’t pick just one!

  60. I’ve already pre-ordered, and am excited I get to start reading the whole Arcadia series soon. My favorite doughnut, the cream filled ones with chocolate frosting/glaze.

  61. I love all kinds of doughnuts and my favorite is round donuts with cream in the middle.

  64. I know that your giveaway is over, but I wanted to say that I loved the exerpt and that this series sounds really good.

  65. The book sounds intriguing. I have three favorite doughnuts, Boston cream, maple bar, and raspberry filled with granulated sugar on the outside. Yum, now I want doughnuts!

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