About the Book

Book: Blue Jean Bayou

Author: Janis Jakes

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Release Date: June 12, 2026

After Jenna’s father dies, she travels to his cabin in the Texas Piney Woods to oversee the remodeling and ready the property for sale. She’s surprised when the contractor is a childhood crush – now a handsome man with a heart of gold.

Their friendship reignites, bringing the possibility of more…but at a price. Jenna, a business owner, loves the bustling streets of Manhattan. Creed, a military veteran with a hero’s past, finds refuge in small-town living.

When Jenna learns her father led a secret life, her world turns upside down, and she suspects Creed knows more than he’s telling.

As the truth about her father emerges, Jenna faces the secrets hidden in her own heart and must choose: a life of high heels and high rises or a meandering bayou with the man she now loves.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Janis Jakes is an author of multiple contemporary and historical inspirational romances with an emphasis on courageous men, strong women, Texas sunsets, and happily ever after.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Janis

Texas is known for its vastness and cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. While those cities are great, there’s something about a small Texas town that stirs the heart and evokes a sense of community.

 

When I wrote Blue Jean Bayou, I wanted Shelton’s Cove to be one of those small towns that every reader would want to visit—where they’d find hundred-year-old farmhouses, wooden bridges that clack under the weight of vehicles, country diners where chicken-fried steak is standard fare, and salt-of-the-earth folks who look after their neighbors.

 

I also wanted characters who embody the Texas nature I know so well: brave men with strong faith and a staunch work ethic, and women who face life’s unexpected twists and turns with strength.

 

My ultimate hope is that readers get a true sense of the town and enjoy meeting the characters who call Shelton’s Cove home. This is Book 1 of the three-book Small Town Texas Series.

 

A little backstory nugget: The café in Blue Jean Bayou is named Myrtle’s Café after my late grandmother. She could cook like no one’s business—her meringue is legendary!—so it only seemed right to give the café her namesake.

Author Interview

• Are you a one project at a time author or do you have multiple projects going at once?

During the initial writing phase, I have multiple projects going at once and enjoy the variety. Once editing starts, however, I stop working on multiple stories and concentrate specifically on the editing project. Occasionally, I also write Christian articles and devotionals. In my own life, I’ve found the mix keeps the creative juices flowing.

• How has your life experience helped in your writing journey?

I was a prodigal daughter and learned from experience that nothing in life satisfies like the Lord Jesus Christ. My hope is that this prior life experience keeps the characters real and relatable, whether they’re from another city, culture, or century. Even characters have a past, but by the end of the story, I want the reader to see that redemption is available for anyone who will receive it.

• What is the funniest thing to happen in the process of writing one of your books?

I’m currently working on a new story with a bit more intrigue than I normally use. In the process, I found myself worried that one of the characters would do something I didn’t want them to. I told my daughter-in-law about my concern, and we both got a good laugh at my expense. It was as if we were discussing a friend who was on the verge of making a mistake, and there was little I could do to stop them. Actually, I see that as a good sign. That means the character has come to life.

• Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

Writer conferences always give me a creative boost, but there’s not really one thing that inspires me. One day, reading well-crafted books is inspiring. Another day, listening to praise and worship music. On another day, pondering the love of the Savior. There are just so many different places to find inspiration. On occasion, I don’t feel inspired by anything, but I know that doesn’t mean I should stop writing. I keep on, trusting the Lord’s leading and that He’ll bring the inspiration I need.

• Do you have extensive outlines when writing or do you write a book as you go?

I’ve never created an extensive outline, but write as I go. I do have a general idea of where I’m going to end up, but allow the characters to take me down a different path if the story (or their development) warrants it.

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, July 27

Simple Harvest Reads, July 28 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, July 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 30

Guild Master, July 31 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, August 1

Fiction Book Lover, August 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

The Bookish Ledger, August 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 5

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 6 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, August 7 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Stories By Gina, August 9 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janis is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/N6cAK/blue-jean-bayou-celebration-tour-giveaway