About the author: Jana Richards loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also with a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting than peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick. When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better). Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband, Warren.
An enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance, A Long Way from Eden is the story of an abused woman running from her past and a man sick of lies and secrets. To set themselves free, they’ll need to take a leap of faith. Here is a blurb to whet your appetite: Zane Martin’s teenage daughter is pregnant. Meg Evan’s son is the baby’s father. Because Zane grew up not knowing who his father was, he’ll be damned if he’ll let his grandchild live with that shame. Meg was forced into an abusive marriage because of an unplanned pregnancy, so she knows that love is the only good reason to marry. Neither Meg nor Zane expects or welcomes the attraction that sparks between them. As they await the impending birth of their grandchild, old wounds open and long-hidden family secrets come to light. The young couple builds a newer, stronger relationship, while Meg and Zane reach for a love passionate enough to overcome the past—if they’re strong enough to trust it...and each other.
Here is what readers have to say about A Long Way From Eden:
N.N. Light: “A Long Way from Eden is an emotional romance I couldn’t put down. Jana Richards interlaces two romances into a compelling story. The narration is equal parts descriptive and emotional. The tension is taut in many of the scenes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I connected with the characters, especially Zane and Meg. As the relationships grew, the more invested I became. Jana Richards has penned a poignant romance that will have you believing in the power of love. Her ability to create realistic characters with deep emotional scars is unparalleled. Readers who enjoy Robin Carr and Sarah Morgan will enjoy Long Way from Eden.”
Veronica Lynch: “This is a story about things that could happen to those of us of ‘a certain age’. We’ve been there and done that—and we’ll be damned if we’ll sit by and allow similar things to happen to our kids just as they’re getting a start on building their futures. This is a story that will make any reader sit back, take a deep breath, and wonder, ‘how would I handle this?’ or, what would I do?’ Based on a scale of 1-5, A Long Way From Eden merits a 7.”
Jennifer S: “Love isn’t always neat, and in Jana Richards’ A Long Way From Eden, it’s anything but simple. This modern romance with the journey of two families is one of healing, trust, and opening their hearts again, and shows how families can be rebuilt with honesty, strength, and compassion. I enjoyed reading this authentic romance because the characters are real and have real-life problems and lives. They’re not perfect, but that’s exactly what makes them real—in every choice they make. The story moves at a steady, engaging pace, balancing moments of heartbreak with hope, and never shying away from the tough conversations about love versus obligation. Richards’s writing brings out themes of forgiveness and new beginnings in a way that feels uplifting without being rushed or forced. It’s a story that not only entertains but also inspires reflection on how love—whether romantic or familial—can heal old wounds and create lasting bonds. This is the kind of book that belongs on the shelf of anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance with depth and substance.”
https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Eden-Enemies-Contemporary-
I’ll Be Seeing You: A Second Chance Time Travel Romance (Twice in a Lifetime Series Book 1) is Jana’s latest release with an interesting premise. Here is a blurb to whet your appetite:
When apprentice angel Gabriel takes Frank back in time for a second chance at love, they both learn lessons about trust.
My name is Gabriel Daniels, and the first thing you need to know about me is that I’m dead.
The second thing you need to know is that I’m an apprentice angel. At least, that’s what Thomas tells me. Thomas is a senior angel, and I know he’s real because I’ve seen his wings. He’s the one showing me how things work up here. Or near here. Heaven itself is agonizingly close, close enough to feel, but Thomas says I don’t belong there yet. Not until I earn it.
And this is where things get… unreal.
According to the Heavenly Council, the only way I can earn my wings is by giving three mortals a second chance at love. Thomas and I will take them back to the time they made the choice that shattered their hearts. My task is simple in theory and terrifying in practice: I have to convince them to choose differently this time.
To trust. To stay. To love.
Our first client is Frank Brennan, a World War II veteran. In 1944, in Plymouth, England, Frank fell deeply in love with Claire Cartwright. But when he found her in the arms of another man, he walked away without listening—without believing her when she swore things weren’t what they seemed. Now it’s my job to help Frank find the courage to trust her love again.
I can’t fail. I need to get into Heaven. Thomas has promised that once I become a full-fledged angel, I’ll be allowed to watch over my mother and my brother back on Earth. They need me. With their mental health struggles, the world is often too much for them.
And maybe—if I’m lucky—I’ll be allowed to watch over Sloane, too.
She was the love of my mortal life. Even though she said goodbye, even though I never told her what I should have, I never stopped loving her. Not for a single moment.
What I didn’t expect was that earning Heaven would require me to relive my own failures. Thomas never mentioned the part where I’d be dragged back through my every mistake. He claims understanding myself is vital if I want to be allowed into Heaven.
But the more he shows me my relationship with Sloane, the clearer it becomes: it wasn’t fate that ruined us. It was my inability to trust. As I said, I can’t fail.
But Frank is stubborn, wounded, and carrying decades of pain. Before either of us can get what we want, he’s going to have to confront the past he’s been running from. And so am I.
https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Be-Seeing-You-Lifetime
I think I want a Gabriel looking after me ...
I love Jana’s writing.