As a young girl, Janis Jakes looked forward to visiting her grandfather, where she'd devour his western novels set in the 1800s. She loved reading about the rugged terrain, wild horses, and the strong men and women who faced danger without backing down. Not surprisingly, her debut novel (published by Pelican Book Group) featured a West Texas bounty hunter bent on justice and a feisty school teacher fighting for her life (The Bounty Hunter's Bride, book #1, Lancaster Legacy Series). This novel was selected as a Serious Writer Semi-Finalist for Book of the Year. Her next western, A Rose in Winter, was released July 2022 followed by The Outcast's Bride (book #2, Lancaster Legacy Series) available April 2023. With a heart for women, Janis Jakes is also the author of numerous non-fiction articles under the name of Kim Nowlin, including Journey: A Woman's Guide to Intimacy with God, The Secret Place, Christian Communicator, Woman Alive, LIVE, Bible Advocate, and Celebrate Life.