How Our First Reader Graced Us

Our new cover from gifted cover artist, Nicola Martinez.

Isn't it stunning?

Last summer we anticipated the release of our first White Rose book - our first published book ever.  Imagine our excitement, joy and, yes, anxiety about the next step after publishing.  Will we reach Readers?  If they take the chance on unknown authors will they enjoy our voice, be touched by our faith inspired messages and happily travel our story's journey?

A few days after the magical release date of JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC, my (Pat) husband, Nick, borrowed by car to drive to weekday Mass. [Important note: my license plate reads: KM DAUTR - the vanity plate a gift from Nick after we completed our first manuscript.]  After Mass a woman approached Nick and questioned him, reportedly incredulous, "Are you K.M. Daughters?"

Nick explained that his wife and sister-in-law (Kathie) write under the penname and the woman further inquired how she might purchase our new book.  Turns out the lady, Rosemary Kaenel, is a Wild Rose Press author (Last Rose of Summer, Rosette, It's Called Love) and her interest struck me as heaven sent.

Our book features Marian apparitions and the rose is associated with visions of the mother of God, her favorite flower - a pivotal reason why we submitted to The Wild ROSE Press after we completed the manuscript.  A woman named "Rose" "Mary" wanted to buy this book?  I couldn't deliver it to her fast enough.

An instant connection occurred with Rosemary.  She's a lovely person - interesting, interested, engaging, gracious, funny, quietly - deeply religious.  Amazing, she has sung the Lord's praises in our church choir for seventy years!  I produced the autographed book for her, our first sale, our first official Reader!  When she had finished reading it she took the time to send an email to tell us she loved it and why.  Such a precious gift.

But there's more!  A few months later I received another email from her advising me to call a local bookstore right away.  She had just visited the store and convinced the owner to host a signing for K.M. Daughters.  We made the arrangements and on a bitter cold January day (in the Chicago environs cold is bitter cold) we sold enough copies that the store wants us back to sign ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC! 

Rosemary attended the signing affording us the chance to hug her for her lovely good deed.  Our fellow White Roses are attuned to the angels among us.  How nice to have the chance to single one out and share her with you.

I did seize the opportunity to return the small favor of purchasing her Rosette and sent her an email to tell her why I loved it.  She told me she's eagerly awaiting the July 31, 2009 release of our sequel (ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC). We found a Reader, or should I say, she found us - and we gained a dear friend.

Visit us at:  http://www.kmdaughters.com

Introducing KM Daughters & Jewel of the Adriatic

We didn’t know what to expect when we entered the adoration chapel on the grounds of St. James Church. A strange little building with a copper turret atop a cinder block structure it didn’t fit any notions we had of a place of worship. But our guide had inspired us with an anecdote about “what to do in an adoration chapel”, so we were excited at the prospect of worshipping there.

We should backtrack a little. Needing a guide and translator while on a pilgrimage in the village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzogovina – a long way from the suburbs of New York City and Chicago where each of us resides – we were especially grateful for her guidance that day. She related a story about Sister Elvira, the head religious at a resident rehabilitation center for alcohol and chemically addicted men. Working with one of her charges, Sister counseled him to spend time in the adoration chapel and he opposed the advice claiming he didn’t know what he was supposed to do to “adore” in the chapel.

Sister Elvira compared the prayerful time she wanted him to experience to sunbathing. “When you lie in the sun, you don’t do anything, the sun does all the work. I want you to go to the chapel and let the Son work on you.”

As we mentioned, we were excited to worship in the chapel. After a peaceful and prayerful time intent on hoping the Son would work on us, we emerged from the chapel into the glare of an early summer day. Kathie’s face was radiant, on fire with the spirit of the Lord. “I know what we’re supposed to do, Patti. Honestly, it was as if He spoke to me, the words were so clear in my mind. We’re supposed to write about what we’ve learned on our pilgrimages. I think we’re supposed to stop writing the book we’re working on and write an inspirational romance.” The Son had worked on Kathie in a profound way!

Our pilgrimage ended in late May 2007. By November we had completed our manuscript. Pat heard about The Wild Rose Press publishing company’s call for submissions in all genres and it seemed meant for us to submit a query. The talented and discerning Nicola Martinez rejected the book based on a partial manuscript submission for several good reasons. Normally we’d accept a rejection with grace and gratitude for the constructive criticism. This time we were compelled to act totally out of character. We “fixed” the flaws Nicola outlined and asked permission to resubmit to her. Once granted, we sent her the “prayed over” full manuscript.

On January 26, 2008 Nicola offered us a contract for Jewel of the Adriatic by K.M. Daughters. Our penname is dedicated to our parents (both gone to eternal life) Katherine and Michael. Thrilled, honored and blessed, we are privileged to be included with our fellow White Rose authors.

Jewel of the Adriatic is a story about a village in the Adriatic where millions believe the Mother of God appears daily to three visionaries. Here two souls find faith…and love. Historic and contemporary Marian apparitions around the world inspired our story. Places like church-approved shrines in Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; and the yet to be approved Medjugorje, captured our imaginations and deepened our faith… as we listened in the chapel.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12

Visit us at our Website Or at The Wild Rose Press

Until next time, Be Blessed!

KM Daughters