Jade Stones and Butterflies

MJ Kane

We're pleased to share the 4 Broads blog with another woman writer today.  MJ Kane's debut novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, Book one of the Butterfly Memoirs, became an instant Amazon Bestseller in Multicultural Romance and African-American Literature and Fiction within hours of publication. It has also spent time on the African-American Women’s Fiction and African-American Romance Bestsellers lists.  She is celebrating the publication of Jaded, Book 2 of the Butterfly Memoirs.

I like to use symbolism in my stories. It can be something as simple as a tattoo, a location, or a name. In this case, Jaded represents the emotional state of the hero and heroine as the story opens. 

What does it mean to be jaded?

According to Dictionary.com it is the following:

noun

1.a worn-out, broken-down, worthless, or vicious horse.

2.a disreputable or ill-tempered woman.

3.to make or become dull, worn-out, or weary, as from overwork or overuse.

The second and third definitions best describe the characters of this story.While the definition is directed towards a woman, men can be affected the same way. Yasmine and Zachariah have both given love and commitment a try, and were emotionally devastated by the results.  Determined to move on with their lives, they throw themselves into activities that bring them happiness. For Yasmine, her goal of starting her own business and giving back to the community are key. For Zack, it’s taking care of his ill mother and advancing at work. Neither has the intention of falling in love again. When they meet, sparks fly, but not in the way of love. Before long, they settle into an easy friendship with no expectations, no commitments, and no need to fulfill anyone’s desires but their own. 

And for a while, it works.

But as life goes, sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

During my research, I found some very interesting articles describing the significance of jade stones in combination with butterflies. The Chinese believe a jade stone, when cut into the shape of a butterfly, signifies love and happiness. If worn or given as a gift, the wearer will be successful in romantic relationships. (For more information, follow this link or search Google for jade butterflies)

How do these two very different meanings play a role in Yasmine and Zack’s story? You have to read it to find out!

MJ

***TRIVIA QUESTION! Ebony has a twin brother. What is his name?***

A devastating breakup leaves Yasmine Phillips in shambles. Unable to trust another man with her heart, she focuses on the one thing she can control—starting her own business.

When her computer crashes, taking months of hard work with it, she must rely on computer genius Zachariah Givens to save her. A complete opposite of men from her past, she doesn't expect the passion that ensues. But just as she finds happiness, she learns the truth about the other women in Zachariah's life.

BUY your copy today!

Buy The Amazon Bestseller, A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book One of The Butterfly Memoirs)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.J. Kane stumbled into writing. An avid reader, this stay at home mom never lost the overactive imagination of an only child. As an adult she made up stories, though never shared them, to keep herself entertained. It wasn’t until surviving a traumatic medical incident in 2006 that she found a reason to let the characters inhabiting her imagination free.  Upon the suggestion of her husband, she commandeered his laptop and allowed the characters to take life. It was that, or look over her shoulder for men caring a purple strait jacket. And the rest, as they say, is history.

No longer a television addict, if M.J. isn’t reading a book by one of her favorite authors, she’s battling with her creative muse to balance writing and being a wife and mother. She resides in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with her high school sweetheart, four wonderful children, and two pit bulls. MJ can often be found hanging out at the local library where she is director of a local writer’s group, or online connecting with readers and other authors. Other activities she enjoys include: creating custom floral arrangements, assisting her children in their creative pursuits of music and art, and supporting her husband’s music production business, 3D Sounds.

MJ’s debut novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, Book One of the Butterfly Memoirs, became an instant Amazon Bestseller in Multicultural Romance and African-American Literature and Fiction within hours of publication. It has also spent time on the African-American Women’s Fiction and African-American Romance Bestsellers lists.

You can find MJ on social networking sites, sharing writing tips, talking about music, life, and family. She’s always excited to meet new people. Connect with her via the websites below. 

Facebook    Twitter   Goodreads    M.J. Kane Blog and Website

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