Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2 by Jacquie Biggar

Today, I’m happy to welcome Jacquie Biggar, New York Times best-selling author. Jacquie is here today to discuss her new book, Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2. Welcome Jacquie.

Thank you for sharing my new release on your blog today, John. It’s deeply appreciated!

A few years ago, a regular customer of my restaurant lost her husband to suicide. It shocked our small community and devastated her family. They seemed like a happy, loving couple, so what happened?

The same occurred to a famous, well-loved dancer called tWitch. He and his wife had three children, the youngest only two years old. And yet, he, too, is gone.

This led me to wonder (and worry) about the children left behind. How do they handle the loss of their father? Do they blame themselves? Each other?

The Defiant Sisters Duet is an exploration of two sisters, Renée and Izzy, affected differently by the loss and how it eats at the family’s dynamics.

Finding Me

Izzy

My life is not like I dreamed it would be. I had the foolish fantasy of finishing high school, going to college, making something of myself- maybe even becoming famous.

Instead, I’m the infamous kid of the father who killed himself in the family’s backyard.

How’s that for a legacy?

Renée

I came home for my mother’s funeral, but I’m staying to mend bridges with my sister. We have another chance, and whatever it takes, we need to come together as a family or live the rest of our lives knowing we let our brother down.

They say pride goes before a fall, but it doesn’t tell us how to avoid the scrapes along the way.

Excerpt:

My sister is here.

Joy sweeps through my chest, brushing away months of loneliness and pain, but hard on its heel, fury erupts, boiling up through my throat until I want to scream at her for not being here, for leaving us when we needed her most. She ran away days after Dad… and never came back, not even for his funeral. She left us to clean up the mess and deal with the aftermath in typical Renée fashion. She can’t just show up whenever she wants. My hands fist at my sides.

Battening down the maelstrom inside, I stride down the hallway, sparing a glance for Benjamin’s room, but the door is still closed. I’m relieved. The next few minutes will be ugly enough without him listening in.

The front gate creaks, warning me she’s close. Taking a deep breath to gather my armor around me, I tug on the sticky door and let the sun sweep over the threshold. Too bad it can’t warm the ice encapsulating my heart.

“What are you doing here?” They say the best defense is a strong offense. The sooner she gets the message I don’t want her here, the better. But then I look at her, and the years fall away, and we’re climbing trees and skipping rope again, and I want to hold her more than I want to breathe. She’s beautiful, but then she always was. I’m the Orphan Annie, the family’s black sheep. I can’t do this. My nails bite into the door, and I’m glad I’m holding it, or I might fall to my knees and beg her to stay, embarrassing us both. She has a life I know nothing about, and I have… Ben—it’s enough, it has to be.

Before I get the chance to regroup, she’s on me, her arms wrapping me in comfort and compassion. I freeze, taking it all in, eyes burning and heart crumbling. My knees wobble, threatening to give me away, and I press against her hold, wordlessly asking to be released from the torture. She tightens her grip as though she can absorb me into her skin, then slowly lets go, and I’m bereft.

Bio

Jacquie Biggar is an award-winning author of romance who has been listed on USA Today’s bestseller list. Her writing is centered around tough, alpha male characters who fall for strong and independent contemporary women. She resides on Vancouver Island with her husband and would love to hear from readers worldwide!

In her own words: “My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I’m not being a klutz, I’m a wife, a mother of one, a grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat. Watching reality TV shows such as The Voice and Amazing Race is one of my guilty pleasures. Every Monday night, you can find me laughing at the judge’s shenanigans as I’m plastered to my armchair. I love hanging out with my husband at the beach, taking pictures, and reading romance novels (what else?). I have a slight obsession with Tim Hortons, enjoy gardening, everything pink, and talking to my friends.”

Subscribe to her Newsletter and follow her on these sites:

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Purchase links

74 comments

  1. Unknown's avatar

    […] Finding Me: The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book 2 by Jacquie Biggar […]

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing Jacquie’s post, Charles.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

        Thanks for the repost, Charles, appreciated!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. coldhandboyack's avatar

    There is a lot in that excerpt. Well done.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Years of pent-up animosity. These two have a lot to overcome. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    A big congratulations to Jacquie. Bravo! Thank you, John, for featuring her today. Finding Me is a great read. 😊

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for your support and recommendation, Gwen. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I’m grateful you enjoyed the story {{hugs}}

      Liked by 2 people

  4. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Great of you to share Jacquie’s new release, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      John is a good guy 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  5. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    An intriguing story, Jacquie is telling. I love the way the different characters driving twists and emotions. Thanks for sharing the news, John! Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for your terrific comment, Michael

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Yay! Thanks for stopping by, Michael 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Wow…I’m speechless after reading that excerpt. Beautifully written and lovingly describing the complex dynamic of families. Thank you for sharing this remarkable release.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Monika

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      These girls have been through a terrible time and reacted very differently. Now, they face the consequences. Thanks for your kind comments.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Sue Coletta's avatar

    I felt every emotion in that excerpt, Jacquie. Well done! Adding to my TBR.

    I knew tWitch died, but I had no idea he committed suicide. Heartbreaking…

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      It was horrible, Sue. His youngest was only two, I believe—such a tragedy.

      Thanks for your interest in my book!

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    I’ve loved everything of Jacquie’s that I’ve read. I can’t wait to get into this series!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Kymber. She will be delighted with your comment

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Woohoo! You know how to make an old lady smile 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    I thought this book (and the first) was wonderfully written, John. It’s great to see our friend here with her new book. Thanks for hosting and Congrats to Jacquie!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Diana. Great to hear you liked it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      I’m breathing a big sigh of relief, lol. Thanks, Diana 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    I enjoyed this book and found it not only entertaining but realistic. I watched these sisters go from hating each other to desperately needing each other. Such a good story. Thank you for sharing, John, and a big congratulations to Jacquie!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. Jacquie will be pleased to read your comment.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. I deeply appreciate your support ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  11. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Family dynamics are simultaneously complex and fluid. This book sounds like it captures that fact perfectly. Nice to see it featured here, John.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Bruce. You are right about family dynamics. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      The girls have good hearts. They just need to learn how to communicate. Thank you, Bruce.

      Liked by 3 people

  12. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    This one is on my reading list. Thanks for spreading the word, John.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jacquie will be pleased, Pete

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jacquie will be pleased, Pete.

      Like

    3. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      I’m excited to hear your thoughts, Pete, thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Mae Clair's avatar

    Another great tour stop for Jacquie with her latest release. I found Finding Me an engrossing and emotional story. Wishing Jacquie all the best!
    Thanks for hosting, John!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Thanks for the super review, Mae. You choked me up 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Teri Polen's avatar

    Really nice excerpt, Jacquie. I felt all the fluctuating emotions.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      These girls are a mess, lol

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Congratulations to Jacquie on her latest release! Sharing to help spread the word.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Thanks for the share, Liz!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, Jacquie!

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

    I’m sorry, John. I tried commenting earlier and the messages disappeared to the WordPress well-of-doom, lol. Thanks so much for allowing me to share Finding Me with your readers {{hugs}}

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure, Jacquie.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

    I see people everywhere who look like this family. Congratulations again on your new release, Jacquie! Thank you for hosting, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miriam

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Miriam, thanks for your wonderful review!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

        You’re welcome, Jacquie! I’ll post it on my blog later. 🙂 I need to take a break for my eyes so I can’t respond to comments.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

          I hope it’s nothing serious {{hugs}}

          Liked by 2 people

  18. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    Great reviews on this book, on Amazon. 5/5–a dream rating!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. A dream rating for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      I’m grateful it’s well received- whew!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, this looks like a great book. Thanks for sharing about Jacquie’s new book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jacquie is a terrific writer, Robbie. I would recommend any of her books

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Hi, Robbie. It’s a moody portrayal of loss and betrayal. But there is a thread of hope that carries the story forward.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar

        Yes, there must always be that thread of hope.

        Liked by 2 people

  20. dgkaye's avatar

    Nice to see Jacquie and her latest book featured here today. Another of her series I look forward to reading. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        Most welcome John. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Jacquie Biggar's avatar

      Thanks, Debby. I hope you enjoy the duet!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        No doubts Jacquie 🙂

        Liked by 2 people