Kathleen Bacus Books In Order

Publication Order of Tressa Jayne Turner Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of 12 Days of Christmas Books

An American author, the writer Kathleen Bacus has been writing for a number of years now, although her path to becoming an acclaimed novelist was somewhat less than conventional than that of her many peers and contemporaries in the same field. Writing books set within the historical romance genre, she has been able to carve a niche for herself unlike any other, creating a style and voice that is all her very own. With her now iconic characters, such as that of Calamity Jayne, she has made a name for herself, along with establishing a keen interest in the western romance genre, something which her many readers have come to appreciate over the years.

Early and Personal Life

Born in America, Kathleen Bacus grew up with a strong passion for the written word, as well as literature as a whole. A voracious reader, she’d constantly be getting lost in books, all whilst learning more about the craft of writing. Not only that, but it was during this time that she’d learn to style her voice, whilst simultaneously taking in experiences from the world around her and putting it all back into her work.

Getting an academic foundation for her writing later on, she’d go onto study English at a higher-level, thus giving her the tools she needed. Attending Knoxville High School in Knoxville, Iowa, she’d go on to study at the University of Iowa later on as well. Taking in a large amount during her time here, she managed to hone and refine her craft as a whole, creating what was to become her career as an author in due course.

Starting out in law enforcement, she paved the way for female officers in the state of Iowa, being one of the first female state troopers there. On top of this she was writing incident reports and traffic citations, all before moving on to the Iowa Attorney General’s office as an investigator. It was during this time she brought in a wealth of experience, gaining insight into the legal process, and gaining ideas for her forthcoming writing career.

After having children, with four in the space of two years, including a set of triplets, she went on to start writing whenever she had a spare moment. Not working full-time she was able to devote herself to the goal of getting published, whilst simultaneously bringing up her children. In time she managed this task, as she still continues to write as a highly successful author to this very day, something which she will carry on doing for some time yet.

Writing Career

Releasing her first novel ‘Calamity Jayne’ back in 2006, on the first of January through Leisure Books, this was the original title to set-up the ‘Calamity Jayne’ series as a whole. Setting up the franchise, it not only introduced the eponymous leading protagonist, but it also worked at establishing Kathleen Bacus as a writer herself. With her style and tone laid out, she would then proceed to develop her craft over the years, along with the franchise itself.

In regards to the series itself, it centers around the lead character of Tressa Jayne Turner, a woman who has come to be known as ‘Calamity Jayne’. Working for the Iowa State Department, it’s set in a territory that Bacus knows well, which is something that clearly shows throughout. Understanding her environment clearly, it works at setting up all the characters, as it takes the reader through all the pitfalls of Jayne’s life, with them rooting for her all the way.

Winning awards, she’s not without critical acclaim either, having gained plaudits from both her peers and contemporaries, as well as the general public. Gaining such achievements as becoming the Romantic Times American Title finalist, along with final place in the Golden Heart Awards, she’s managed to garner success from many corners. Not only that, but she was also a finalist in the highly prestigious Daphne Du Maurier Award, leading to her becoming one of the most recognized talents within the industry to date.

Finding her audience over the years, she’s come to be regarded as one of the biggest voices within her particular genre. Gaining recognition both nationally and internationally, she’s become a worldwide sensation all across the globe. With her iconic characters and engaging story-lines, she’s unsurpassed within the field of romance and contemporary literature.

Continuing to write to this day, she carries on with her novels, as she has many more ideas to come in the years to follow. Creating new narratives and concepts, she’s always managing to formulate exciting and engaging situations for her readers to get involved in. With awards and praise coming her way, her writing career will grow from strength-to-strength, something that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun

Initially brought out through the Love Spell publishing label in 2006 on the first of October, this was to be the third title in the ongoing Calamity Jayne series. Set in much the same vein as before, it manages to build upon the previous two novels, whilst also adding some twists and turns of its own. It also manages to be easily accessible, given that readers can pick it up at any time and, whilst they should be read in order, it’s not too much of an issue if they aren’t.

This time Jayne is out to uncover all the secrets of an extremely elusive author, something which poses a problem, as it’s difficult to know where to begin. That’s when she finds that she needs to let go of her own past if she ever hopes to move on and make a name for herself. With prom queens and other ghosts haunting her, she needs to make a new start if she ever wants to solve this mystery. Will she be able to learn more about the author? Can she let go of her own past? What will happen when she finds that ghouls just want to have fun?

Fiancée at her Fingertips

Once again released through the Love Spell publishing label, this title works as a stand-alone romance novel. Brought out in 2008 on the 29th of April, this was another witty and fun release from the author, as it offered her bright and breezy style once again. Giving the readers more of what they’ve now come to expect from her, it clearly displays an author at the peak of her writing powers and is a must for any fans of her work.

Seeking to escape from those around her, such as her mother who’s constantly trying match-make her, Debra makes a break for it. Looking to create an ‘imaginary boyfriend’ and get her friends and family off her back, she soon finds that she’s got more than she bargained for. Turning up at her door is the imaginary boyfriend standing there and assuming that this was where he was always meant to be. Will she find out what’s going on? Is this imaginary man really the one? Can she work out what to do with a fiancée at her fingertips?