No Place Too Far
Page 29
Mahalo to the people of Maui again in this second book set on your lovely island. Your history is full of stories and legends, and I’ve enjoyed learning more through the research for this series.
To Amanda, I’m still living vicariously through your adventures on Maui, and many of them you will find within these pages. Maggie is a lot like you: strong and capable with a fiery and passionate spirit. Learn from this story: don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, and never let anyone put out your flame.
Many thanks to my Ben for putting up with me when I was in the homestretch of writing this book and at the same time working with builders to finalize our new home. You’ve stepped in and done more than your share. It’s this teamwork that makes our marriage so special, and what has made the last twenty-six years together so full of love.
Kelly Crake Ozgunduz and other Facebook friends in animal care, thank you for letting me pick your brains on animal clinic logistics and drugs. To those of you who are in my circle and on Kay’s Krew, you are responsible for a big part of the success of my books, and I can’t thank you enough. To Danielle, Gabe, and the rest of the team at Lake Union Publishing, thank you for continuing to help my words reach readers. Your hard work is acknowledged and appreciated. To Alicia Clancy, thank you for believing in this series enough to acquire it and to see it through. To Sarah Murphy and Alicia Clancy (again), you are both great editors who were instrumental in the developmental passes to get Maggie’s and Quinn’s story to be the best that it could be.
Last, there are so many people in my life whom I’ve never met that I can say I care about. I have such a strong online community of support, and though I probably share too much of myself, I don’t regret a single bit of it. That you can reach through the screen and make me feel better with your words of affirmation says a lot about you. Raymond Loewy says, “People will turn to you, follow you, support you only as long as they are confident that you are doing your best.”
Well, I’m doing my best, y’all. I really am. Thank you for seeing that.
From the Author
The town of Hana on Maui is often referred to by its residents as the “last Hawaiian place,” and I can attest that a day spent driving there will soothe your soul and heighten your senses. The famous Road to Hana winds its way through a timeless, untamed rain forest paradise of lush flora, grand waterfalls, and a myriad of quaint—and sometimes startling narrow—bridges. Some say the drive is not for the faint of heart, but I say you don’t want to miss it! Be sure to bring good hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and plenty of bottled water and snacks. Start your journey with a full tank of gas, a humble attitude, and a heavy dose of respect. If you are just visiting, remember you are a guest and the Hawaiians are gracious enough to share their treasure with you.
In the tiny town of Hana, you will find a strong sense of protectiveness from the people about their land, called the ’aina, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Hana’s long history boasts many legends of battles and heroes. As I’ve been experiencing more and more of Maui, I felt that Hana was the perfect place for Quinn to start her new life, among the ghostly shadows of the brave who came before her.
I also hope you enjoyed Maggie and Charlie. Maggie Dalton was a fun character to create, considering she has a fiery sense of independence that I’ve always admired but never attained. I think there are many women like Maggie who can mistake needing someone for being needy. Never be afraid to share your burdens with those who love you, for that is why they are on your life path.
As for Maggie’s story line, the subject of stalking is a personal one for me. By definition, stalking is a pattern of behavior that includes harassment and intimidation and may cause fear or concern for the person who is the focus of the behavior.
Decades ago, I survived my own traumatic stalking ordeal. I use that memory, and more of my life experiences, to bring authenticity to my work. In turn, I feel that sharing the stories of my soul helps my healing process.
I hope all of you will continue to follow along in the By the Sea series. In book three, you’ll see familiar characters and get to know Jules in more depth. You’ll discover how strong of a wife and mother she really is when yet another of life’s punches hits her full-on. Mothers are usually the glue that holds everything together. Through the years I’ve learned that some of the best moms grew up with tumultuous childhoods, causing them to rebel as teens. How they overcame those lessons and learned from them is what separates the good from the great moms.
If you have survived a difficult childhood, background, or have experienced a toxic family relationship, I think you’ll especially connect with the next book in the By the Sea series.
With gratitude,
Kay
READERS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Maggie has an issue with her pride, and because of it, she doesn’t allow those who love her to encircle and help protect her. Are you like Maggie, keeping your troubles close, or do you utilize the bonds of family and let them intervene when you need help?
Maggie’s pride also made her push Colby away because she thought he resented having a family. Have you ever felt resented by a family member? How did you move past it?
In this story, we explore Maui from the opposite point of view of a tourist. If you ever go to Hawaii, will you see it in a different light? If so, why?
Many single parents can relate to Maggie because of her living paycheck to paycheck and her modest housing and car conditions. When you started out, did you have to struggle to make ends meet, or was it different for you? If Colby hadn’t come back into the picture, what are some ways Maggie could have gotten ahead in an area like Maui, with such a high cost of living?
Quinn did a great job renovating the inn and starting the business, but do you think she has done as well in forging bonds with her newly discovered family?
It’s an admirable trait to put your family first, but Quinn pushes it to the extreme, tending to set her own dreams and desires aside. Many women are wired the same, but do you feel that once you turn a certain age, you’re more inclined to put yourself first?
Maggie and Quinn have opposite personalities. Discuss how they are different. Do you have any friendships with opposite-minded people? If so, what draws you to them?
Family is important, but some people are closest to those who are not blood relations. Do you have someone in your life that is family by choice, not by blood?
About the Author
Photo © 2013 Eclipse Photography
Kay Bratt learned to lean on writing while she navigated a tumultuous childhood and then a decade of domestic abuse in adulthood. After working her way through the hard years to come out a survivor and a pursuer of peace, she finally found the courage to use her experiences throughout her novels, most recently Wish Me Home and True to Me. She lives with the love of her life and a pack of rescue dogs on the banks of Lake Hartwell in Georgia. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.