Interview with Madeleine Jaimes, Author of I Wish You Love: Alice’s Story

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write I Wish You Love: Alice’s Story?

Alice’s character in I Wish You Love came to me while writing Beach Therapy, the first book in the Tuckaway Bay series. Initially, she presented herself as the perfect mom, wife, friend, and all that. The women friends in Beach Therapy called her the mother hen because she was the one to ensure everyone was happy and safe. It wasn’t until about two-thirds of the way through writing the book that I realized Alice had a secret—and of course, there was no room in that book to explore the secret and dig deeper into her character. (The same could be said for all six of the women in the story; hence, more books.)

The stories in the Tuckaway Bay series all focus on women’s issues, resilience, and often renewal. I am fascinated by how complicated family dynamics can become when secrets, expectations, and love collide. Alice’s story grew out of exploring how her choices rippled out to affect her daughter, her marriage, and her friendships. I knew she had to face the reality of her secret, wrestle with it, embrace it, and determine her next steps in life. I hope she and I accomplished that with I Wish You Love.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of I Wish You Love: Alice’s Story, what would they be?

I love music, but I’m terrible at remembering song titles or artists. My characters probably know their playlists better than I do! But here’s my best guess for each of them:
• Alice – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, because she always tries to keep things light and positive, even when life gets complicated.
• Marilyn – “Cold as Ice” by Foreigner, which perfectly captures her hard, no-nonsense, sometimes distant personality.
• George – “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King (or “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers), because he’s steady, kind, and supportive—though even he has his limits.
• Ella – “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, reflecting her confusion and struggle with her parents’ ending their relationship.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love big stories with complicated, relatable characters and twisted, convoluted plots. The same could be said for the movies I love to watch. I read romance, suspense, and thriller novels, as well as stories that focus on women’s journeys. As a young woman, Phyllis Whitney’s gothic romance novels kept me reading and reaching for the next book. Danielle Steel kept me reading as a young mom, and Sandra Brown kept me reading and writing because I wanted to write and publish books just like her. Right now, women’s fiction is my favorite genre to write, but I’m finding that some of my women’s fiction stories are leaning into suspense. The next book in the series, Anywhere But Here, will definitely do that.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m currently not reading fiction. I am reading a couple of nonfiction books for research—The Kitchen Witch by Skye Alexander and The House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock. I might be plotting a witchy cozy mystery series….

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The ending. I’d had the last scene in my head for months, but refused to write it until it was time. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, how, and where. And it was extremely satisfying when I finally got to write it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I can’t start a writing day until I’ve had at least one cup of coffee—two if my characters are being stubborn.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Perhaps this: Choose a creative life. The thought of creativity makes me happy, and I can’t think of a better way to live. As I’ve told my significant other on numerous occasions, I need projects.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That life isn’t neat or easy, but love—whether between friends, partners, or family—always finds a way to matter. Even when things feel broken, there’s hope in connection. I’m continuing to expand the Tuckaway Bay series, which also explores women’s friendships, family secrets, and second chances. Each book stands on its own, but together they create a world I hope readers will love returning to.

Madeleine Jaimes is the author of the new book I Wish You Love: Alice’s Story

Connect with Madeleine Jaimes

Facebook

Buy The Book