On March 30th, The Billionaire’s Wife will finally make its way into the hands of readers. This book, y’all, I had plans for it. It was supposed to release in December. Early December! Then, I thought, January for sure.
No? Well, okay, February definitely.
And we all can laugh, because I talked about this here before. It seemed like every time I made a goal, something else would crop up that meant writing needed to scoot a little farther down the list of priorities.
When I finally did make the time to finish up Tristan and Faith’s story, I was pleased to have reached the end and felt as though I did justice not only to Tristan, my final Billionaire Next Door, but also the rest of the series. Hopefully, readers will be content with the glimpses of the prior couples working through their happy endings. (Although I imagine there will be some who wish I’d looked farther down the road. Or I’d given everyone a fairytale perfect ending. That seems to happen with every book. But I can only write until the story in my head stops. So I do the best I can and hope that no one is too disappointed.)
I was excited to send the story off to my friend who beta reads for me. Not only does she generally do a great job of catching run on sentences for me, but she also tends to have encouraging things to offer on the story overall. This time, however, I got, “It’s a good story. Really different. But that’s good, too.”
I’m still not quite sure how to internalize that, but maybe my editor will have more to say on the matter. At the time I’m writing this, I’m still waiting for her to return it. So honestly, I’m holding onto the first part (it’s a good story) and letting go of the rest.
(If you haven’t pre-ordered The Billionaire’s Wife you can click that link to do so.)
I’m doing that with a lot in my life right now, honestly. Because it feels like a lot of seasons are coming their end.
I’ve been writing in the world of my Billionaires Next Door since 2021. That’s not bad for a six book series. But also? It’s still hard to let go of the characters who have been hanging out in my head for those years. Even more? I’ve put the Chicago Billionaires aside for a while, even though those brothers have been hanging out some in my thoughts since last year, when I snuck in what would have been the first book in their series — Her Billionaire Benefactor — as part of the Easter in Gilead multi-author project.
Right now, writing those brothers doesn’t seem to be the place I’m meant to go. I don’t think they’re shelved for good. They’re just not next.
I lost my sister in February. And this new season of having no living siblings is taking a lot of getting used to.
InspyRomance — along with the two other pieces under its umbrella, Christian Romance Reader Gathering and StoryChats — is shutting down. Honestly? This one is almost as hard as losing a loved one. I’ve been blogging at InspyRomance since the beginning and I’m not sure what mornings will look like without a trip over to see what’s new here. I’ve been on admin since shortly after we kicked off and that, too, was a lot of behind the scenes time that I enjoyed. Ultimately, there are good reasons behind the decision to close everything down, but I wish all the effort Valerie and I put into trying to find a workable alternative to shut down had borne fruit. We were both praying for God to make the way forward clear, and He did, just not the way we’d hoped.
It’s a lot of endings for spring, which I generally associate with new beginnings.
And maybe that does go hand in hand. Things end. New things begin. It’s all part of the rhythm of life.
For me, part of the rhythm has been the seed of an idea for a story that I think will be next. It’s a little different, but not so much that it’ll be scary to those of you who’ve read and enjoyed my previous books. It’s not cowboy romance. (Just throwing that out there as I have no intention of writing cowboys any time soon. I really am enjoying my billionaire era.) Beyond that, I’m not going to share more because for me, new ideas are like butterfly wings. They need to be handled with care so they aren’t ruined.
But I hope you’ll sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Facebook or Instagram and stay in touch.
In the inimitable words of Douglas Adams (a favorite author of mine), So long. And thanks for all the fish.
Ellie says
I will miss seeing what this blog has to offer each morning as well. I’ll look forward to whatever is next from you. I’m a fan of billionaire stories and I love how you write friend groups. :)
Renate says
Good morning from chilly Michigan, Elizabeth. First: Condolences at the loss of your sister. Second: This decade follower of Inspy Romance and beta reader to several authors still can’t imagine her mornings with no blog to read and reply to. Will definitely be an adjustment. Inspy Romance isn’t the only blog shutting down – this morning through an author newsletter just learned that Author’s Billboard with 38 authors is also shutting down their blog at the end of the month.
Finally: As a Beta Reader of The Billionaire’s Wife, the story is a strong conclusion to the series. Just finished reading the story and enjoyed the series. Your unique approach to Billionaires. I enjoyed the twist in this story – a married couple and second chances. Working on drafting my review.
Life has a way of moving on – Things end. New things begin. It’s all part of the rhythm of life. Best wishes and happy writing.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Yay! I’ll definitely still be writing billionaires – I just love them..
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed TBW! I’ll admit to some nerves about it :)
I’ll miss getting the chance to interact with you every morning. Change is good. But hard.
Lori Smanski says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. Sigh. But life does go on. I am so sorry to hear that this site will be closing. Sigh. Again, I am sure that God has something big in store. We just need to be patient and wait on Him to show us all. Thank you for being a big part of this site. I have loved it for years. Blessings to all of you.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you.
And yes, I’m sure there are good things ahead.
Betty Robertson says
I will miss these morning chats and wish you well as you move through this season of change.
Jessica B. says
Thanks for all of the time and effort you have put into IR for the last 10 years! I really appreciate it. It can definitely be hard to let things go, even if you know it is what you are supposed to do.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you ❤️
Elizabeth Maddrey says
It really is so hard. Even when you know it’s right.
Margaret M Nelson says
I’m so glad I found out about InspyRomance early in my days of having an e-reader, and getting introduced to you and your books! I’m pretty sure I’ve read everything you’ve written! I just finished The Billionaire’s Wife too, and loved it! I’m thankful I already get your newsletters. Thanks for lots of good reading!
Trudy says
I’m going to miss all of you here, and since this is one of only two blogs I follow every day, I’m definitely going to miss it. However, I’m stalking you already, and I’m looking forward to reading my ARC copy of Tristan’s story!! I just have to finish a few ahead of it!! I’m trying to look at the change in a positive way, so I’ve decided the time y’all spent (especially you, Valerie, and Narelle) is going to now be spent writing, which just means y’all will put out even more books, which is always a great thing!!! Remember, grief is a process, and as one of the books on grief that I read said, you grieve for everything that person was to you, such as sister, friend, etc., so it’s a lot. Mom was the last of her family (parents and siblings) to pass, and she said that was a strange feeling, and now one of my cousin’s says the same thing, as she’s the last of hers. God will get you through the process!!!! Remember, next time you’re visiting your friend in FL, we’ve got to meet up!!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you, Trudy!
And yes – I’m trying to make a Florida trip happen before they get stationed in Texas this summer. I’m not sure if we’re going to be able to though :( That said, next time we do Disney (because I’m sure there will be a next time) I will get in touch!
Love that perspective on grief.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Yay! I’m so glad you found us (and our books!) too <3
Lincoln says
When I first became aware of IR several years ago, it became a wonderful bridge into the world of God-centered romance that helped me see beauty at a time when things looked rather bleak. It became a source of joy and connection that continues to this day. Though the blog made be standing down, its influence will continue in my heart for years to come.
You have been a special part of IR for me from the time I started reading the Peacock Hill series. As a fellow computer nerd and eclectic amateur of odd-ball humor, you have brought many a happy smile to my lips. Thank you so much. I am already on your newsletter list and looking forward to The Billionaires Wife.
I know that words are insufficient to touch your loss but I pray that comfort will increase and that the sharp pain will diminish into an appreciation of the joyful times and the hope for an eternal reunion.
Here’s to the belief that in heaven the answer to the ultimate question of life the universe and everything will finally be 54.
Dianne K says
There is a season for everything and who knows what amazing projects you will create post IR. I have really enjoyed your posts and appreciated your hard work (though I wasn’t aware it was you) in putting together the blog. Starting to get quite sad at the thought of the loss and it will take time to grieve that. I’m off to follow you on social media now. Take care :)
Elizabeth Maddrey says
❤️
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Aw big hugs. It is definitely a big change.
Alicia Haney says
Good afternoon, I am so very sorry for your loss. So sorry we won’t be receiving any more Inspy Romance blogs, as I have enjoyed them all along, I do follow you and many of the authors here on FB and am a subscriber to most. Yes, it is sad to end things , but we do have to listen to God for new beginnings. I wish you all the Very Best and I Thank you all with All of my Heart for all the awesome and very informative and fun posts. Your books sound like Great reads! God Bless you all.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you ❤️ we absolutely do have to do as we’re called.
RuthieH says
I’m so sorry for your loss, it’s amazing you have been able to write at all with all you and your family have gone through these past few months.
I’m really looking forward to The Billionaires Wife. I love your take on the billionaire trope, and I always love how your writing deals with difficult topics as well as happy ever afters, and shows God’s grace working in all sort of situations.
I will miss this blog, and all of you who write here, thank you so much for all your work with it. I first came across InspyRomance from a link in your newsletter a couple of years ago, and it’s been a real blessing to me, introducing new writers and other readers who enjoy CCR as much as I do.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you! ❤️
Ausjenny says
Firstly I am sorry you got indifferent feedback from your beta reader. Its not helpful when there isn’t constructive feedback. Maybe you need to find a couple other beta readers. I am hoping you got helpful feedback from your editor and you get great reviews.
I do miss the FB group and will miss storychats as I could watch it before or after the news depending on time of year. Ironically when it started I was hardly watching Youtube now I have several things I watch regularly but this is the only book related one.
I will miss the blog but understand how much work it is as I help admin a blog and I know how much goes on behind the scenes although we only have monday – friday and not every date is filled. I do have to laugh about it won’t be a cowboy story I have to admit I prefer cowboy stories that are historical.
All the best with your future I am on your newsletter list and follow you on some SM. (don’t do instagram as I don’t understand it)
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I’m glad you’ll still be around! My ARC readers are all coming in with good feedback and I did get another beta read.
I miss StoryChats too.
Debra Pruss says
Thank you Elizabeth for all your years of hard work. Good luck on your new book. Congratulations on the end of March birthday. God bless you.
Ausjenny says
I am so glad. I didn’t take up the ARC because I know I don’t have the time and then feel back cos I am running so far behind. I am sure your readers will love it and different is good.
I am currently reading a ARC with plenty of time partly cos they put an orphan squirrel which I love. Only problem reading at the drs (I know when I go I will have about an hour to wait) and I am sobbing cos of one of the scenes. then come home and am sobbing for a different reason for another scene. I had to contact the author to let her know how moving it has been. I am not one to cry that easily in a book but this one so far twice.
It was cos of the Dani Pettrey issue at story chats I read her latest book and I loved it so much. Yes it was scary a few times I actually covered my eyes at one scene to realise that won’t help when reading. But I hadn’t read her books cos I thought it was heavy suspense. there have been others I have read and changed my mind about because of Storychats. I also read Just For Summer thanks to Storychats. And I will still continue to read in order unless its a multi author series where books are plugged as read alone.