Thanks so much for having me on today! I’m thrilled to have a chance to talk about the newest book in the Bakeshop Mysteries, A Crime of Passion Fruit which is now out on bookshelves everywhere. One of the questions that I get asked most often by readers is the inspiration for the series and whether I pull from my own experiences when writing. The answer is absolutely. The books feature a very romantic pastry chef, Juliet Montague Capshaw, who was named after Shakespeare’s most lovely of all heroines. I grew up surrounded by Shakespeare’s words. My dad taught honor’s English and would quote sonnets and soliloquies while crafting a magnificent eight-layer torte in the kitchen. When I was young, I didn’t appreciate the bard’s works. I wanted to read cozy mysteries with mom and chomp on her homemade chocolate chip cookies.

It wasn’t until I went to Ashland for the first time and saw a play on the outdoor Elizabethan stage that Shakespeare really came to life for me. I finally understood my dad’s obsession with the playwright. I also fell instantly in love with the town of Ashland. Spending time in the quaint Southern Oregon town feels like a different world. It’s a magical experience and easy to see why people from all over the world make the trek to experience a live production of Hamlet under the stars or a delightful romp of Taming of the Shrew in one of the indoor theaters. Family vacations to Ashland became something I looked forward to with eager anticipation. Ashland’s charm isn’t limited to the theater. From unique shops, all themed in Tudor style, to street musicians busking on the sidewalk, pop-up art markets, and amazing food, the town is a funky and eclectic mix of artists and outdoor lovers.

When I was in high school, my English class took a field trip to Ashland for a week to see a variety of plays and take a backstage tour. It’s one of my favorite memories. I remember walking behind the stage with my jaw hanging open as the lighting and rigging crew demonstrated the vast array of technical choreography that no one in the audience ever sees. The costume, wig, prop, and make-up departments made me practically swoon. So much so that I almost considered switching my intended college major—English—and studying theater arts instead.

I didn’t end up switching my major, but now I get to take my awe and fascination with the stage and weave it into the series. Jules delivers pastries to the costume department and is best friends with the theater’s artistic director. It’s a perfect blend of my real and fictional worlds. As is the food writing. Food was always a huge part of our family. My parents were both amazing cooks and loved to share their recipes and knowledge. Now I get to do the same with Jules and her team at Torte.

Of course, in the latest installment, she’s taking a bit of a hiatus from Ashland to return to the ship where she worked as a pastry chef for over a decade. Not to worry, she’s going to quickly find her way home, especially because the adage, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rings very true for Jules. Being away from her beloved Ashland, even for a few days, makes her realize how much she’s come to adore her hometown. I hope you get to fall in love with Ashland on the pages as well.

Happy reading!