New interview with historical romance author JA Boulet

Historical romance author JA Boulet is back. Today we’re chatting about her newest novel, Whichever Way the Road Leads.

During her virtual book tour, JA will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
J. A. Boulet is the passionate author of six historical fiction novels. Raised in a Hungarian refugee family, J. A. was born and grew up in Canada with a strong moral foundation, which she has stood behind all her life. Ms. Boulet began writing poetry at a very young age and progressed to short stories and novels easily. She quickly became a history geek and became fascinated with ancestry and the rough path of immigration. Her university studies ranged from photojournalism to accounting. After decades of working in accounting, J. A. published her first book in 2020 and has since published one to two books annually.

She lives in the Niagara region of Canada with her two sons, a crested gecko, a large Doberdor dog, and a small orchard of fruit trees.

Welcome back to Reviews and Interviews, JA. Please tell us about your newest release.
Meet Jesse Eastman, a young man from a powerful and wealthy American family. When he joins a group of rough fur traders on a journey to open up the American Northwestern Frontier, Jesse thinks his days are numbered.

The looming War of 1812 and a rugged farm woman from Upper Canada may prove him right.

Zee Collard and her father, George, are half-American, and half-Canadian. They will stop at nothing to protect their livelihoods in Upper Canada. The Collard’s family history goes back to the Revolutionary War and their past is not something many Americans are keen on.

Whichever Way the Road Leads will pull you into the lives of two American families on both sides of the border who struggle as war breaks out in 1812. This engaging and graphic first book of The Eastman Saga will take you through raging mountainous rivers and early Northwestern Frontier landscapes to the bloody Niagara battlefields of 1812.

Be careful which road you take, you never know where it’ll lead.

What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a family saga showing the ancestral ties between Canada and the USA. Whichever Way the Road Leads is the first book in The Eastman Saga and does a great job at this.

Excerpt from Whichever Way the Road Leads:
Jesse walked confidently to the group as the man spoke commandingly to him in the Arikaran language. Jesse looked at him in bewilderment.

“He said that he would take everyone into the village and save our lives in exchange for the bear pelt and the canoe,” the woman translated slowly.

The Arikara guard spoke again, quickly, almost jumbling over his words with passion.

“He also says that this is not a free stay. Everyone must work once they are healthy enough.” The woman explained the rest of the agreement and looked at Jesse for confirmation.

Jesse looked back at the stranded Overland Astorian group. They were probably three more days away from dying, he thought. Losing the bear pelt was nothing, but the canoe would be a huge sacrifice. “Tell him we will give him what he wants,” Jesse replied, rubbing his long beard. “But he must allow us to rebuild a new canoe with the surrounding trees. It is our only survival to return to St. Louis.”

The woman frowned, turned to the Arikara guard, and relayed the message in their native tongue.

The Arikara man’s mouth frowned in deliberation. Then, a half smile graced his face. He spoke rapidly to the woman, then turned to his group of guards, gesturing for them to grab the canoe and bear fur. They began approaching the Astorians as the native woman spoke to Jesse. “They have agreed,” she translated, with a funny grin on her face. “He also said that you are stupid and young.”

Jesse laughed and patted her on the shoulder. “Thank you,” he said. “You saved our lives.”

“No,” she replied. “You did, Jesse.”

What’s the next writing project?
Book 2 of The Eastman Saga (American Historical Fiction – The Underground Railroad 1835)

What is your biggest challenge when writing a new book? (or the biggest challenge with this book)
My biggest challenge when writing and releasing a book is maintaining my life/work balance. I have two sons in university, a growing orchard, other work, and pets that keep my life very, very busy. I struggle to maintain that balance and some days there are just not enough hours to accomplish this.

If your novels require research – please talk about the process. Do you do the research first and then write, while you’re writing, after the novel is complete and you need to fill in the gaps?
My novels always require research. Luckily, I am a history nerd and I enjoy the research process as much as writing the book! I visit museums, and battlefields and interview veterans/locals as much as possible.

What authors do you enjoy reading within or outside of your genre?
Lately, I have been enjoying Westerns! Specifically, William and JA Johnstone are my top books read. I am always looking for more Westerns to add to my TBR list.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers today?
Thank you for all your support and reviews. Authors rely on readers such as you! I hope you all enjoy Whichever Way the Road Leads!

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