The Food
Food almost has its own role in Winter’s List. Ned is a gourmet chef and is based on my own dear husband who also knows how to cook risotto. The lobsters were a nod to my grandmother. It was her favorite food. Once, while visiting with her my husband made several lobsters and she ate two. She smiled like a little kid and declared it was the first time in her life she’d been full of eating lobster. It’s one of my favorite memories of her.
I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like. Missy makes scalloped potatoes and that is absolutely one of my favorite dishes. Although I do prefer a bit of green chile added a la the Turquoise Room at the La Posada in Winslow, Arizona. I don’t know if it’s still on their menu but “yum!” If you ever get the chance to eat there—do.
Rabbit. I’ve never tried it. The dish was taken from the menu of a resort in the Virgin Islands. I’m pretty much an omnivore and will try anything. The list of foods I have tried is lengthy, but no rabbit. It’s not really a bucket list item for me, but if I happen to see it on a menu, I might try it.
The Bucket List
There were a whole lot of activities during Winter’s List that were more suited to a traditional bucket list like snorkeling and parasailing. I’ve been snorkeling and was even certified for scuba diving. I absolutely loved it and would like to do it again in the future.
Parasailing is a whole different topic. I’m not a fan of heights. When I was younger I was terrified. As I get older, I’m working on it. I’ve been ziplining, twice. That’s as close as I’ve come to parasailing. But, after writing about it, I’d love to give it a try if I get the opportunity. And yeah, I’ll probably need a shot of vodka so I don’t pee my pants.
Jack
You might be surprised to learn that Jack didn’t start off as a Texan in the original draft. It was only after he slipped on those cowboy boots that made his slow walk a strut that he found his voice. He was one of my favorite characters to write. His way of seeing the world and his honesty was so freeing.
You might be surprised to learn that Jack has siblings. Janet and Jesse. Both of them use nicknames, too. Their mother can’t understand why. I have a future novella in mind where you will get to meet the rest of Jack’s family. But no time frame on when that will be written yet. I’ll keep you posted.
The Universe (SPOILER)
All of the books in the Melting Hearts series have a push from the Universe. That sign or moment when events align to push the character in the right direction. This reflects my own life experiences. I’ve been gifted friends or opportunities at the perfect moments of need. Missy even comments on the coincidences that push her. First on the plane when she meets Jack and Ned. Like what are the odds of sitting next to the person you ran into? But it happens. And then later when she runs into Carter, Katherine, and Ned at the party it’s a sign that she shouldn’t be working for the firm.
My next two books also have signs from the Universe. And that’s all I have to say about that. You’ll have to read Xmas Angel and book three which I’ve tentatively titled: Shattered Ice.