I’m so excited to share my newest release with you! It’s funny sometimes how books come to be – and really I never get tired of all the different ways that story ideas pop into my head. The story behind A Splash of Substance is no different. I have a handful of friends who don’t vote. They have varied reasons surrounding this decision that range from well thought out arguments to admitted laziness. (I do appreciate the honesty of my lazy friends!) We’ve often had long and engaging discussions about our differing opinions on the topic, and I knew it was something I wanted to incorporate into my books at some point. I’ve also been doing some thinking about sustainability (owing in large part to reading Valerie Comer’s fabulous books) and trying to figure out ways I can make changes in my own life to be a better steward of the earth. Throw in the fact that I’ve been desperate to write a book for Lindsey, the main secondary character from my book Courage to Change, and the major nuggets of the story were born.
So I started writing. And then, because I love the little world I created in those first Grant Us Grace novels, I thought, “Hey! Let’s make Jackson Trent the hero!” If you’ve read my first three books, Jackson crops up in each of them as a house sitter at one point or another while he’s busily finishing up his education. I wrote a scene or two with Lindsey and Jackson…and then I did the math.
Now, I love math. You don’t get a PhD in computer science without at least a strong fondness for math. But in this case, doing the math was horrible. Because, at the point in time for the story, Lindsey would be just barely eighteen and Jackson would be pushing twenty-eight. Um. No. Now, I know that age difference can work in real life and I’m not saying anything about those real-life romances that happen like that, but it’s not one that works for the story I was hoping to tell. So…back to the drawing board I went. And it killed me just a little, because I love Lindsey and I really want her to have her happily ever after…but it’s just not time yet. What’s cool, though, is I came up with Paige. And she was simply a delight to write about – and she’s the perfect compliment to Jackson. She makes him think. She challenges his viewpoints. And he does the same for her.
I hope that you’ll spend some time getting to know Paige and Jackson and that you’ll love them as much as I do. If you’d like to read most of the first chapter, you can find it on my blog.
If you want to know a bit more, here’s the back cover:
She doesn’t vote. He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe for romance or disaster?
Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy.
Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest.
When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn’t complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love?
A Splash of Substance is available on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, and Kobo as well as in paperback through Amazon.
I’d love to give away an ebook copy or two – so if you’re interested, tell me what would be the deal-breaker difference between you and a potential spouse (OTHER than faith in Jesus).
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.
The book sounds great, and I have to say – I love that you love math. :)
Deal breaker.. If he TOLD me that I could or could not work , or where .. If we discussed & decided together that would be fine. But .. TOLD.. Nope!
When I was younger and before I was married, I had quite a list of “deal-breakers”, but now, I’m not so sure that anything can’t be overcome if they’re the one for you!
Aw, thanks Heather! :)
Oooh – good one, Deanna! I have to say, I’m one who doesn’t like to be TOLD anything :) (In fact, my at the time future father-in-law asked my then-fiance (Now hubby) if he was *sure* he wanted to marry someone as independent as I am. :) I’ve mellowed some in 20 years, but I’m still pretty feisty.
Becky – I think that’s a GREAT attitude. Marriage (heck, any relationship) is work and there are so many things to have to overcome and work through — it’s fabulous that you’re already aware of that (seems like so many people aren’t!)
I am only about 1/4 of the way through A Splash of Substance, and I thought I would be done with it by now, but last week was absolutely crazy for me. I am a property manager a d I had 2 houses to get ready for tenants by Sunday. So this week, I plan to hopefully finish the book. So far I love Paige and Iackson getting to know each other, and think they will make a beautiful couple. :-) Yes, Lindsey is a bit too young for Jackson, but what a great thought that was. Ok, enough rambling from me, I have a book to finish! :-) Thank you for yet another amazing book!
:) Thanks Rachelle! Hope your week settles down this week!
Hmm, a deal-breaker?? I like what Becky said, “if they are the one for you anything can be overcome” and I agree, especially if you are relying on God to help you. But I think for me, maybe the only thing would be financial irresponsibility. Thankfully, my spouse & I are very responsible & good stewards of our money. But I have heard of some couples who aren’t….I think that would be a huge area in your marriage that would be very straining. I mean, don’t get me wrong, splurging every so often is ok….as long as bills & necessities are gotten & paid for. I don’t think I could or would want to be with someone who just throws money we don’t have around….yikes!
Thanks for the post today Elizabeth! I’ve not read any of your books, but I think I have a couple on my Kindle yet to read. I’d love to have a copy of “A Splash of Substance”, thank you for the offer you give your readers! Blessings to you & yours!
I think the hard part would be if one person was financially irresponsible and the other wasn’t. Then definitely there would be challenges — overcomable, for sure, but still hard. (Like anything when you’re not on the same page.)
Thanks for stopping by, Trixi!
That’s what I meant, Elizabeth, sorry for the confusion! Since I am financially responsible, I would not want to be married to someone who isn’t. That would be a huge strain on our marriage. I also am a natural worrier (God’s working on me, lol), I think it’d just be too much! Thankfully my husband isn’t like that :-)
Oh I hear you on the natural worrier – that’s me! (God’s working on me, too.) My husband’s favorite phrase is “I wouldn’t worry about it” – sometimes that’s the worst thing to hear :) (I’ve even asked, tongue in cheek, if he could tell me something he *would* worry about. He has a hard time coming up with an answer.)
I think if I view their job as unethical, it would be a deal breaker. But then again, if God has the right one come along, he can work all that out! :) And I agree wholeheartedly on the financially responsible thing too! A couple supports one another, both financially and emotionally, I don’t want to be like a mother to a spouse.