Everyone talks about a follow-up when they read an author's first book. In my opinion when it is a series, it is the third book that says so much.
I think I have made "Maid in Waiting" a monster. It is, after all, number three in the series and that is the one I judge a writer by. I examine it for too much formula writing, for patterns, for evidence that I am going to be cheated by increasingly watered down versions of the first book and I simply do not want "Maid in Waiting" to be that.
Unlike my first book which I tossed up on the internet with a certain defensive carelessness, the series has become important to me.
Not letting you down by accidently uploading a draft as I did in my virgin foray into self publishing has become something bigger. I don't want to dissappoint my readers with anything which would disillusion me. When I talk about Ben in Yemen I want to know everything about it, I want to know so much more than I need in order to set the scene for you.
While Gretchen is with Elizabeth in London I want you to feel it, see it, love the people she loves and want to come and visit with them again.
And this is perhaps how I turned "Maid in Waiting" from book three into book "Oh My God I So Want Every Fan to Be Completely Happy."
That is a ridiculous goal. I wrote the first two books for me and created a world with a character I understood and wanted to reveal to you in all her damaged glory.
Now I am back to doing just that again.
In order for you to have Gretchen again she has to be mine first.
I am so greatful to all the people who have been so patient and continue to wait.
Now the reviews have been pushed aside (as much as I appreciate every single one) and Gretchen can stretch, breathe, grow, and get to you more quickly.
Thank you all.