RHYS BOWEN: Toot the horns! Wave the flags! Everyone cheer because it's the publication day of Jenn's latest book in the cupcake series and we're all doing a happy dance. But I'm going to let you tell her about it!
JENN McKINLAY: Thank you, Rhys! There are moments in an author's life where she has to stop and look over her shoulder at her backlist and say, "Whoa!" This is one such moment for me as WEDDING CAKE CRUMBLE is the tenth book in a series that I was quite certain wouldn't last past book three.Why did I feel this way? Well, I'd already had one series fade. It was a crafter's series about decoupage (yes, really) written under the name Lucy Lawrence. I figured cupcakes were as on point as decoupage and was braced for the series to be kicked to the curb. But my publisher offered for three more books before the first book even came out and the series has continued to be enthusiastically renewed ever since. What do I know? Clearly, cupcakes have staying power - must be all of that sticky frosting. I'm happy to report there will be at least two more, which will bring the series to a dozen, which was my hope all along.
I think two more books will give me just enough page space to wrap up all of the relationships and put the series to bed. Am I committed to that course of action? I don't know. I definitely don't want the series to go on so long that it begins to lose its charm, but when is that moment and will I recognize it when it comes? I sincerely hope so.
In the meantime, what's the premise of this book? Well, two of the main characters, Tate and Angie, are getting married...or are they? Sorry, you'll get no spoilers here! And in and around their big day several murders happen, which unfortunately are many of the vendors they've hired for their big day. Naturally, the assumption is that someone is out to stop the wedding but who and why? Is it about their wedding or is there another motive in play? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Now, what about you Reds and Readers, what do you think is the natural ending of a series? Have you read series that went on too long? How about series that ended too soon? And what makes you keep coming back to a beloved series?
In case you've missed a title or two here is the series in toto:
