Robyn Echols's Blog, page 13

Happy Holiday Blog Hop

Hop! - Hop! for a chance at some great prizes. 

 You can never have too many books to read, especially at Christmas. Check out the books featured on the  HAPPY HOLIDAYS BLOG HOP blogs and leave comments on each blog for a chance to win a prize!


Featuring today:

The Fourteenth Quilt

Annie, Celia and Lynn are all that are left of the Relief Society quilting class, but they are still determined to make baby quilts for the new mothers at church. Annie, who is just south of eighty years old, calls the quiltsters (short for quilting sisters) together to ask for more. She wants to make lap quilts to give to some of the “forgotten” oldsters she sings to each week at the nursing home—something to wrap them in love at Christmastime. It’s a good idea, but the trio discovers that life and making quilts don’t always go as planned.




The quiltsters discuss recipes and quilting ideas including a crocheted cat mat to use up their fabric selvage and trim scraps, all of which they share in the book.

Sarah and Brian meet at the university. Their first date is after Sarah’s First Saturday Block of the Month class she attends with her mom at the local quilt shop. Their romance grows, and they plan their future together—a plan that will require them to be separated for six months before their wedding. But, can they bear to be apart that long?
What wraps together this Christmas tale? The Fourteenth Quilt.  

Excerpt #1:                   (Getting to Know You)


“Would you like to go on a date?”
          “No. Oh, no,” Sarah shook her head even more vigorously. “Right now the only thing I’m interested in is getting through finals. I’m not really interested in meeting a bunch of guys and doing the dating scene.”          “I wasn’t thinking of a bunch of guys. I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me sometime.”          Sarah had not expected this. She forced herself to not let her mouth drop open. She looked up again and stared at Brian as if seeing him for the first time. He didn’t have the most rock star handsome face she had ever seen, but he was good-looking. Unlike most of her family who were tall and heftily-built people, he was thin and wiry. She wondered, when they both stood up, would he even be taller than she was?          With her eyes locked on his, she witnessed kindness as he patiently waited for her answer. Then again, for a second she worried the hint of laughter in his eyes indicated he enjoyed witnessing her discomfort.          Sarah didn’t know what to say. He looked like a nice guy, but she didn’t really know anything about him.          “I…I don’t know,” Sarah stammered. “We really don’t know each other. It’s not like Jenna actually introduced us or ever told me anything about you.”          Brian chuckled.          “You need to understand, Sarah, I didn’t know anyone on your bench. I was sitting here because I’m Len’s friend, and I’ve met his girlfriend, Terry. Terry is friends with that dark-haired girl. I think her name was Angie. Evidently, Angie knew your friend. What was her name?”          “Jenna,” supplied Sarah. “I don’t know her all that well, although she seems to be really nice. We share a class together.”          “But, you know her name,” Brian pointed out. “I suspect that Jenna didn’t make intros because, other than Angie, who was sitting next to her, she didn’t know anyone on my bench.”          Sarah shrugged. She could see how that could have happened.          “I don’t want to pressure you if you don’t feel comfortable going out with me,” said Brian. “But, I like you and would like to get to know you better.”          He doesn’t want to pressure me if I don’t feel comfortable?Sarah blinked as she thought about his words. It seemed like everyone she knew was always trying to push her out of her comfort zone. 

Author Links:
Website   |  Blog  |  Facebook   |  Twitter   |  Pinterest
Goodreads   |  Amazon Author Page
Quilt Gateway blog (See posts for September 2015)
The Fourteenth Quilt Facebook Page
The Fourteenth Quilt Pinterest Board
Purchase Links :
Amazon   |  Barnes & Noble  

 For a chance to win one digital copy of either Aurora Rescue or Aurora Redress, leave a comment about a quilt below no later than midnight, December 10th. Sorry, because of different rules regarding sweepstakes winnings, this offer is good only in the United States.  a Rafflecopter giveaway  Follow these links to the other blogs in the hop: 
An InLinkz Link-up

Wednesday Wonders: THE DRIFTER'S PROPOSAL

Western Cowboy Heroes tend to be the type of rough-and-tumble male who wrestle steers to the ground, rope and ride, and fix fence to blow off steam. So why write a hero who does forensic accounting?Because that's who Malloy presented himself to be during the creative process... and because it fed into the conflict of the story. Malloy turned out to be both the perfect man to step up and help Adaline Whipple and her widowed mother hold onto their family's bakery, but also the man she'd be least-likely to allow to help. In other words, his career put him at immediate odds with the heroine. Instant conflict. And conflict = story.
"With all the publicity given to forensic accounting these days, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a fairly recent aspect of the accounting profession, but evidence shows that it has actually been around for centuries. In fact, archaeological findings reveal that, as far back as 3300-3500 BC, the scribes of ancient Egypt, who were the accountants of their day, were involved in the prevention and detection of fraud." [source]"In 1817, Forensic Accounting had its first day in court. An accountant was called to testify at a bankruptcy hearing. In 1824, a Scottish accountant advertised legal accounting expertise, but the term Forensic Accounting had not yet been coined." [source]"In 1931, The IRS and FBI used accounting to convict mobster Al Capone. ... Due to the Capone case, the IRS actually produced an ad campaign boasting "Only an Accountant Could Catch Al Capone." [source]"The term 'Forensic Accounting' was first used in 1946 by Maurice E. Peloubet, a partner in a New York accounting firm." [source]
Because The Drifter's Proposal is set forty-six years before the term entered the English language, I couldn't come right out and say Malloy was a specialist in Forensic Accounting. Not all western heroes must be quick draws and fight battles with brawn. Malloy proved himself the right man for the job-- not just in solving the mystery left behind by Adaline's deceased father, but protecting the heroine by working beside her, doing the heavy lifting with experience and brain-power. Oh, and he's tall, muscular, and lean, too. He does ranching on the side (so the bad guys would believe his cover story as to why he's poking around the Erickson ranch where someone's skimming money). But that's all backstory.

T he Drifter's Proposal is book four in a currently five-book series of stand-alone novellas. The books are loosely related and may be read in any order or no order. Picking up this book first will in no way limit the reader's comprehension of the community and individual story. Each book in this series is the sweet (innocent) romance between a different couple in the (fictitious) community of Mountain Home, Colorado, 1880 to 1900 (so far). I drew the series name from the town: Holidays in Mountain Home. This book is set mostly in Whipple Bakery, the family business owned by the heroine's family. Adaline Whipple knows something must be very wrong with the family business's books. A Denver banker shows up with proof of a mortgage, sixty days overdue, and she has very little time to solve the problem before her family finds themselves homeless.
Mountain Home, Colorado December, 1900 THE BAKER'S MAN IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS... A spinster is startled by an overdue mortgage and imminent eviction, mere days before Christmas. Dare she trust a drifter to fight at her side, and invite certain heartbreak when he moves on?"Compelling. Heartwarming. Tender." ~Diane Darcy, USA Today Bestselling AuthorThis sweet (clean) romance is rated on the mild side of PG.Appropriate for All Audiences.29,000 word Novella. 130 paperback pages.This novella is also available within the Christmas Cowboy Anthology Silver Belles and Stetsons.(10-book anthology with stories ranging from mild PG to PG-13/R)Anthology is currently 99-cents (66% savings)
Read the entire Opening Scene, free Read a complete Middle Scene, free Kristin Holt writes Sweet Victorian Romance set in the American West. She writes frequently about old west history and contributes monthly to Sweet Americana Sweethearts.
Sweet Romance Appropriate for All Audiences Website | Email | Newsletter | Twitter | Pinterest | g+| Facebook | Amazon
 Copyright © 2015 Kristin Holt, LC


Tweet this blog post: Forensic accounting and Christmas? What a proposal! http://bit.ly/1MM92bS @KHoltAuthor #WedWonders #RobynEcholsBooks  .

Wednesday Wonders: STERLING BRIDGE

Today's Wednesday Wonders features Chad Robert Parker and his novel, Sterling Bridge .



Book description:“Sterling Bridge” is an historical fiction film novel. It is largely based on the story behind the namesake that is Sterling Elementary in Tooele, Utah. Both commemorate how Sterling Harris championed the bridging of two towns.
With a Mormon mother and Catholic father, Joe Lacey, Jr. especially finds himself in the middle of a struggle between Catholic immigrants and Mormon settlers of the early days of Tooele, Utah. He is not the only one who doesn’t know where he belongs amidst the conflict, but on the verge of facing the adversity of becoming a teenager he’s not sure he’s the right man for the job of overcoming it. To take on the greater travails of a broken community, on the verge of its own heightening adversity, yet unaware of the Great Depression soon to hit, they need a bold leader who is aware of everyone’s needs.
When Joe is up against stacked odds of being the first to attempt integrating with an all Mormon student body, he has a pivotal decision to make, but he is afraid and naturally only thinks of his own predicament. Survival dictates a flight or fight response. Will he gamble with his future, continue to dodge his parents, lie, beg, borrow and even steal his way out of their higher expectations? Or will he let someone show him a better way? To do so he will have to stand up to the challenge posed by another outsider, a new larger than life football coach, who is willing to put it all on the line to integrate not just Joe Lacey, Jr., but the whole community. Both must learn how to strive for high moral ground without leaving any friends behind.
Coach Sterling Harris, aka “The Bridge Builder,” knows building relationships will be of most importance. He also knows Joe is at the center of it all. This young man will need to be a key player, if Sterling is going to be able to use the opportunity of playing winning football for the pride of a town, to bring an even greater good—blessing a community with harmony by curing ignorance and bringing education to the masses.
Short excerpt:
“Is that Joe Lacey over there?” Across the tracks now open to all of the boy’s view stood the austere man with the car, his hands cupped to his mouth to yell. His broad shoulders and bold stance made him look larger than life. I did an about face. The other boys finished tackling each other into a pile.  “You know that guy?” Mike stood next to me. “What does he want with you?”Sterling beckoned with a big swinging motion of his arm. But when I made no motion toward him, he then approached us, confidently crossing the tracks. “I’ll be back,” I scurried toward him.“Hey Joe, you gonna introduce me to your friends?” Sterling walked right by me. “You’re not going to tell my parents, are you?” I held my hands out.          “What’s to tell? I can still give you that ride to school.” Sterling looked at his car.          “My friends don’t know I’m switching schools.” I spoke so only he would hear.Sterling pivoted. With his back to my friends he offered me a deal. “If you win you’ll never hear from me again, but if I win you have to at least let me take you to school.”    Now I felt calm and casually strode over to huddle up certain I would never lose our bet.
Author bio:
CHAD ROBERT PARKER
lived in six states growing up, and is the second of six boys. Each served two-year missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the son of two great, humble parents. They taught him a love for family, church, and life. Chad is an avid sports fan and likes creating games. He also likes juggling; he chose to juggle publishing his first book with getting married and starting a new venture hosting anecdoting.com: a site to share and collect good everyday life stories. Chad works in the library by day at BYU and dabbles in marketing and creative writing services at writcreate.com by night. He lives in beautiful Saratoga Springs, Utah, with his lovely wife. They are enjoying the life of newlyweds and feel like this is just how life was meant to be.


Platform links:
Websites & Blog  |  Anecdoting  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  | 
Linkedin  |  YouTube  |  Amazon Author Page
Purchase links:       
Amazon  |  Barnes&Noble

Family Secrets by Zina Abbott

Zina Abbott is my pen name. Because of Thanksgiving this week, I am featuring this book due to the Thanksgiving theme that runs through it even through it.


About Family Secrets:
From Vietnam to Afghanistan, how many secrets can one family keep?
Jennie Graves Howell has a secret, including being thought of as a loyal wife to her husband serving in Afghanistan, a husband who has demanded a divorce.

     Jennie’s family do not want her to delve into the past. Grandpa Mike refuses to talk about his experiences in the Vietnam War and the aftermath. He wants the biggest mistake he ever made to remain hidden in the past, including family members Jennie never heard about until hints of their existence begin to seep through the cracks of secrecy.

      Her new friends at the Golden Oaks Family Ties club are willing to teach Jennie the skills she needs to unlock her family’s secrets, but is she willing and emotionally strong enough to learn what her family has kept hidden?

Excerpt from Family Secrets :
 
“So you’re not afraid of opening Pandora’s Box?” Kaylee asked.          “I don’t see it as Pandora’s Box. I see it as—well, not like a treasure chest—more like a strong box with important information inside that can be of great value if only I can unlock it.”          “And your grandpa is the key, no?” said Lupe.          “No…” Jennie hesitated. “He’s the lock. He’s the one who keeps everyone from talking about it so it stays hidden away.”          “So, what’s the key?” asked Kaylee.          “I think it’s more of a case of who is the key?” said Donna.          The room grew silent as everyone looked at Jennie.          “I guess I’m hoping I’m the key,” Jennie said….


          “Thanks, and I appreciate all your help. I’m going to study these hand-outs and look up all the online sites so I can be as prepared as possible. Wish me luck on Thanksgiving Day, will you? That is the one holiday my mom’s side of the family always spends together. Even though he sometimes gets quiet and grumpy after dinner, it seems to be Grandpa Mike’s favorite holiday.”          “Really!” said Kayla. “I think Christmas is most people’s favorite holiday. I know it’s mine, hands down.”          “Grandpa Mike says we can visit other sides of the family any other holiday, but Thanksgiving belongs to him. It’s really important to him to spend it with as many of the family as possible. I just hope that since it’s his favorite holiday, he will be in a good mood and agree to talk to me.”          “We will be pulling for you one hundred percent, Jennie,” assured Sandy. “We can hardly wait until next month when you tell us how things worked out.”          “Yeah, and find out why he likes Thanksgiving so much while you’re at it,” said Kaylee.
Zina Abbott Author Links:
Website   |  Blog   |  Facebook   |  Pinterest   |  Goodreads   |  Twitter
Purchase Links:
AMAZON   |  BARNES & NOBLE   |  SMASHWORDS

Wednesday Wonders: THE BOLD VENTURE

Today's Wednesday Wonders features Linda Ellen's novel, The Bold Venture.

Book description :

The Bold Venture is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2014 Lyra Independent Fiction Contest Romance Category Winner ONCE IN A WHILE, the 2ndbook in the Cherished Memories series. This book picks up the story one week after Once in a While ends.
In the first book, Vic Matthews and Louise Hoskins meet, fall in love, are separated for a time, and are brought back together.  In this 2nd installment (of which there will be 3), it is 1941, and Vic and Louise work on their relationship and bide their time until they can be together.  (To say more about that here would be spoilers.)  They get married, amidst Vic keeping secrets from Louise.  WWII soon breaks out, affecting their friends and family.
     The sweethearts, Vic Matthews and Louise Hoskins, are finally back together after their heartrending years apart - but problems loom that threaten to wreck their plans.
     Steadfast, they are determined that their love will reign triumphant. Vic vows that he will do whatever it takes to provide a home for Louise and her son, but that resolution causes problems of its own when he makes a decision that could prove ruinous for everyone concerned.
     Follow the valiant couple as they weather every disappointment and setback with courage and integrity – even in the midst of a world at war. Once they marry and start their life together, will it be happy ever after? And will the big break he longs, prays, and works toward ever come?
Heartfelt, romantic, humorous, and awash in delightful moments, The Bold Venture captures the power of true love and the mystique of what has been called the “Greatest Generation.”
Author Interview – Q&A :
Q: What inspired you to write this particular series?
Linda: I was looking for something unique to use as a plot line and I realized that my own parents’  romance was full of interesting and poignant twists and turns. There was plenty of material there to use, and since my mom is 91 and still with us, she could provide details and information to help me.  I originally intended it to be just one book, but once I started, the project grew and grew, and took on a life of its own.  As many authors will tell you, the characters took over and many times wrote chapters or scenes I hadn’t even planned. Vic and Louise on a date at the Madrid Ballroom, 1941

Q: How do you spend your free time?
Linda: I admit to spending too much time surfing the web and Facebook.  I do, however, read quite a bit, and when I’m not writing, I spend time with my family, watching DVDs with my husband, going to church, and chatting with friends.  I make it a point to spend one day a week with my mom.
Q: What is the thing you struggle most with when you are writing and how do you defeat it?
Linda: I struggle with several things while writing...being distracted, unable to focus on the scene or chapter at hand, or being faced with too many choices of how a scene should go and thereby stalling myself with indecision.  I defeat that by going over what I wrote the day before, and mentally carrying a plot idea out to its conclusion and seeing if I like the way that conclusion feels.  But actually what helps me defeat all of that, more than anything, is praying for help. Praying for solid ideas and wisdom to know what to choose, whether for that scene, that chapter, or for the whole book.  The Lord is a great co-writer – I just need to stop forgetting that, lol.
Q: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what kind?
Linda:  I do, actually.  I find that I can write much easier and the words and thoughts flow much better, if I have a radio playing downstairs. I like it just loud enough to hear it and understand the words, but not overwhelming. It’s always tuned to my favorite station, WJIE, our local contemporary Christian radio station.  Its songs are wonderfully inspiring and uplifting.
Q: Since this book is the 2nd in a series, can it be read as a standalone?
Linda: Yes, I think a reader could enjoy the story if read first, as I tried to reiterate major events and reintroduce characters.  However, to get the full effect, it would probably be better to read Once in a While first, otherwise reading the 2ndbook will reveal spoilers that would make reading the first less enjoyable.  Once in a While is now on KU, for those readers who have access to that.
The Bold Venture is for sale in both ebook and print. 
Amazon  |  Barnes &Noble
About Linda Ellen :
Linda Ellen lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband and youngest son. A lifelong avid reader, after encouragement from her family and friends, she tried her hand at writing in 2009 and never looked back. Prior to the release of her debut novel Once in a While (fashioned from the real-life story of her parents’ romance), she has written 30 well-received Fan Fiction works, including short stories, missing scenes, novellas, and four full length novels, based on the TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Linda keeps very busy with her work in her church’s prison ministry and writing every spare moment she gets. Under production is one more book in the Cherished Memories series and a possible novella. 


To keep up with the latest news on her books, including trailers, cover reveals, release dates, and book signings, visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page, Linda Ellen – Author. Also, if you ‘Follow” her on her Amazon Author Page, you will be notified when she publishes her next book. For a special treat, go to her Pinterest page to see many pictures related to all three stories.
Connect with Linda Ellen:
 
Amazon Author Page          Facebook         Pinterest          Twitter
Goodreads          Books Without Borders Lira Winners
Purchase Links: Amazon  | Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: TOO OLD FOR CHRISTMAS

This is me, writing historical western romance as Zina Abbott. I hope you have enjoyed the blog tour and enjoy reading Too Old for Christmas this Christmas season.



A holiday romance set in 1854 Columbia, California. Too Old for Christmas , by Zina Abbott.

 About the Book:

Irishman Sean Flood survived the potato famine, crossing the Atlantic, the Mexican-American War, and wandering the Western wilderness with his mules and freight wagon. But, due to poor diet and deprivation, his teeth did not fare well. It’s November of 1854 in Columbia, California, Queen of the Southern Mines, a city Sean is helping to rebuild after the disastrous fire the previous summer. Intense stabbing tooth pain drives him to see Doc Massey, the local dentist. He first stops by the mercantile to pick up a bottle of whiskey—for medicinal purposes—and food­­­­ he’ll be able to eat when it’s all over. If only the beautiful but aggravating woman ahead of him who keeps her face half hidden and insists she won’t accept charity would finish up with her purchase so he can get his supplies, his tooth pulled and return home to his mules and half-built cabin….
That night, Sean meets the woman’s two sons, Jesse and Benjy McNair, and learns her secret. He decides with only three teeth left in his head, he needs widow Ona McNair’s charity—and he’s willing to pay for it. Sean won’t accept nine year-old Jesse’s declaration his family’s poverty means the boy is too old for Christmas that year. Sean is a full-grown man and he’s not too old for Christmas. He not only plans to come bearing gifts to Christmas Eve dinner with the McNairs, but he knows exactly what gift he wants for himself.  *Sweet Romance

Author Interview - Q&A with S.E. Daley :
S.E. Daley:  What inspired you to write in the first place?Zina:  I have always loved to read and write. I was sort of a day-dreamy child who made up stories in my head. I naturally progressed to writing my stories down so others could read them.
S.E. Daley:  What inspired this particular book/series?Zina:  This past year my husband and I made several trips to Columbia State Park, a Eagle Cotage & Fallon House Theater - Columbia State Park, CApreserved Gold Mining town in California’s southern Mother Lode region. I took scads of pictures of the place this year, bought books, and researched its history, learning to love it even more than in past years. My writing focus had been on my Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series, but I missed a publishing deadline. Since my next book in the series will not be published until next year, that meant my Christmas story in the series will not be published until next year, either.           I have no idea where I saw it, but an old photograph of a very lovely woman who obviously had lost all her teeth caught my attention and stayed in my memory. As soon as I decided I wanted to write a Christmas novella for this year, the idea for the plot for Too Old for Christmas , complete with title, inspired by that picture popped into my head. I quickly decided chose to set it in one of my favorite places to visit. In no time at all, I had the outline for an entirely new series organized on my computer: Too Old in Columbia.
S.E. Daley:  How do you spend your free time?Zina: I love to read and quilt. I also love to take road trips to the mountains and other scenic localities. I love exploring the West.
S.E. Daley:  What is the thing you struggle most with when you are writing and how do you defeat it?Zina: The more I publish, the more time I spend marketing my books: blogs – including on group blogs –Facebook, Twitter, blog tours, making promotional hand-outs – all the things needed to get my name and the name of my books out there so people know what I have to offer. I defeat it by keeping on top of my calendaring, making templates for visuals to use and reuse on Twitter and Facebook, and keeping an organized filing system on my computer not only of my research and other resources, but also of my promotional and publishing deadlines.
S.E. Daley:  If you could spend a day inside one book, what book would it be and why?Zina: I try to spend a little bit of every day inside one book or another,    whatever I’m reading at the time. The book I most like to get into is the one I’m writing at the moment.  
S.E. Daley:  Do you listen to music while you write? If so what kind?Zina: No. I prefer to write in dead silence. I have learned to write while the news is on, but I don’t listen to music often.
S.E. Daley:  Which of your personality traits did you write into one of your characters?


Too Old for Christmas is now available on pre-order at Amazon. You may purchase it by clicking HERE . It will be available on Nook soon.




a Rafflecopter giveaway
  About the Author :

Zina Abbott is the pen name used by Robyn Echols for her historical novels. 

The author currently lives with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” She is a member of Women Writing the West, American Night Writers Association, and Modesto Writers Meet Up. She currently lives with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” She enjoys any kind of history including family history. When she is not piecing together novel plots, she pieces together quilt blocks.


 
Zina Abbott Links:
Website   |  Blog   |  Facebook   |  Pinterest   |  Goodreads   |  Twitter
Zina Abbott Amazon Author Page  
Too Old in Columbia Series on Facebook
Too Old in Columbia Series on Pinterest

Wednesday Wonders: COWBOYS AND CHRISTMAS BLOG TOUR

Welcome to the 2nd annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour! Raising funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund Ring in the Holidays with a Helping Hand November 1 through Dec. 24, 10 percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund . The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total. Don't forget to add books to your Christmas lists!


USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”




Animals as Characters      Animals are so fun to incorporate into stories. They have such unique personalities, and they can get away with a lot of shenanigans.     That’s why I get such a kick out of adding animals into my sweet romances.     In my new release, The Christmas Vow (Hardman Holidays, Book 4), Adam Guthry returns home to bury his best friend and his past, never expecting to fall in love with Tia Devereux, the woman who destroyed his heart.Tia and her four-year-old son Toby come to Hardman for her grandmother’s funeral and stay. She’s a widow trying to create a new life for her son, so she moves into her grandmother’s empty house. A white cat named Crabby keeps watch over them. Although he likes children, he’s not fond of adults, until Adam comes along.However, Crabby keeps Adam in line when it comes to Tia.


Here’s a fun little excerpt from the story:
Tia screamed when a weight dropped onto her shoulder and bounced off her lap, using Adam’s head for a springboard before speeding off in a blur of white.
Startled, Adam jumped to his feet, dumping Tia onto the floor as he frantically reached for the pistol he’d left on the other end of the table. Sudden realization that their attacker was only Crabby forced a growl out of his throat. He set the pistol back down and ran a hand through his hair.
“I swear, Tia, I’m going to find that cat and turn it into a pair of fuzzy mittens!” Adam’s chest heaved as he glanced around, frustrated and angry the cat had disturbed their amorous interlude.
Tia sat on the floor, watching the impressive form of Adam’s chest rise and fall as the situation went from frightening to entirely humorous.
The hand she clapped over her mouth did nothing to stifle her giggles.
~*~ New Releases To kick off the second annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour and the JCCF campaign,
 two brand new holiday romances will release Nov. 12! 
  Capturing Christmas is the third installment in the sweet holiday western Rodeo Romance series.

 Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo. Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor. Will Kash and Celia capture the spirit of the season?
Pre-order your copy today! http://amzn.to/1FC8ZQj
 
 Get all three books in the Rodeo Romance series!
The Christmas Vow is the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series. Columbia River Pilot Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, after the sudden death of his best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago. Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and adored as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame. When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise Toby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son.
You can pre-order your copy today for only $2.99! http://amzn.to/1KQHhvI

 
 Don't miss out on the Hardman Holidays series! 
You’re Invited to PARTY!You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party , Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more (many of the giveaways will stay open until the following morning)! Here’s the link to the party: http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty2
 
The talented guest authors joining in the celebration include: 10 a.m. - Carmen Peone 10:30 - Kayla Dawn Thomas 11 a.m. - Melanie D. Snitker, Author 11:30 - Julie Cerniglia Lence Noon - Author CJ Samuels 12:30 - Rachel Rossano 1 p.m. - Author Kristin Holt 1:30 - Dani Harper
 
Enter to Win Prizes! To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, Wrangler Tote Bag, Rock & Roll Cowgirl T-shirt, autographed books, chocolates, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced Nov. 16. http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasprizes2
Where to Find The Books  Start the Rodeo Romance Series with The Christmas Cowboy. Kindle | Amazon    Travel back to a time of grandeur in the old westwith the Hardman Holidays series. The Christmas Bargain begins the popular seriesand is available free for a very limited time!Kindle | Amazon About Shanna Hatfield Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.
When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
This USA Today bestselling author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts.

  Find Shanna’s books at: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple  

Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter
Make sure you sign up for her newsletter to get the latest on new releases and exclusive giveaways! Newsletter

Wednesday Wonders: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE ON LESS

Today's Wednesday Wonders features Danielle Wagasky's book,  Living a Beautiful Life on Less: The Blissful and Domestic Guide to Food, Fun, and Finances
About the Book :
When her husband got out of the military, Danielle’s income dropped dramatically. Something had to change.

Discover how her family of four survived happily on a $14,000 annual income with no debt—not even a mortgage. Their beautiful life on less could be yours! 


Learn to

-Lay a financial foundation
-Cut your grocery bill in half
-Become a strategic shopper
-Plan meals your family will love
-Celebrate on a budget

With practical tips and real-life examples, this book makes living on a budget fun! You don’t have to sacrifice to enjoy the life you want. You just need to make your money work for you!

Click HERE for an example of the You-Tube tutorials by this author:
DIY Mason Treat Jar Holiday Gift Idea About the Author :
Danielle is a self-proclaimed budgeting diva, who has learned through experience how to make frugal living work. She started her blog, Blissful and Domestic, in 2009 as a way to document her frugal journey. Little did she know it would turn into a labor of love, where she shares daily tips and tricks to help people learn to create a beautiful life on less. She continues to share this knowledge through teaching others how to budget in her community and at church. She lives in Henderson, Nevada with her Hubby and two redheads.
Author Links:
Blog  *  Bloglovin  *  Facebook  *  Twitter  *  Pinterest  
Instagram  *  You-Tube  *  Amazon Author Page
Purchase Links:
Amazon  *  Barnes & Noble

Friday First Kiss: THE FOURTEENTH QUILT

Thank you, Lily Graison! 

She is hosting my book, The Fourteenth Quilt, on her blog as part of her Friday First Kiss feature. You can find her blog with the post by clicking HERE .

For the rest of 2015 you can also find the link on my right-hand sidebar as part of my blog tour.

This first kiss scene took place on a park bench in the middle of a traffic circle. 



Do you want to take a guess at what else took place there?

My author links and purchase links are listed below.

And, after you read the book, please remember:


Robyn Echols Author Links: Website   |  Blog  |  Facebook   |  Twitter   |  Pinterest Goodreads   |  Amazon Author Page Quilt Gateway blog (See posts for September 2015) The Fourteenth Quilt Facebook Page The Fourteenth Quilt Pinterest Board
Purchase Links : Amazon   |  Barnes & Noble

Wednesday Wonders: HALLOWS GATE

Today's Wednesday Wonders features Hallows Gate by Michelle Erickson.


Book Description :
New Year’s Eve changed Angelina ‘s life

She got lost and fell in love – with a ghost.

Now she needs to save him by becoming his wife

The problem?

If she succeeds, she frees him, but loses him forever.

Love is more complicated than she thought...

And that doesn’t include the elves.  

Short Excerpt :
 “Angelina?” he looked as if he were fighting some inner battle.
He’d never said my name before in dreams.  His voice made it sound intimate.  I touched my lips and stared at his; he wasn’t going to get away that easily.  I wanted to kiss him again.I looked at the ever-so-real illusion in front of me, “You always called me Angel when we were under the tree, you know.”His eyes traveled over my face as if memorizing it.“I’m going to wake up soon.  Let’s just kiss ‘til I do.”  It seemed the best use of my time.  I stepped forward and he held up his hand to stop my approach, looking regretful, but not as regretful as I felt he should look.  “But you’re not dreaming,” he was amused and he seemed to be able to read minds.  I guessed men who looked like super-heroes were entitled to super powers. I blinked at him, confused. “I need to kiss you again.” His smile deepened, revealing a shallow dimple in his right cheek.  It looked very attractive and I wanted to kiss it as well.  He looked wistful and then his eyes sank to my lips and rose back up to my eyes. “You will.”I smiled, ready to step forward just as he disappeared. I blinked and looked around, like the fool I was, wondering where he went.  Then it dawned on me that I really was getting soaked.  It was cold enough I could see my breath.  Through the misty shroud my breath made, I realized I was not only alone; I was standing in a hollowed-out building in the dark, two feet from a gaping hole in the floor.  If he hadn’t stopped me from going forward…Numbly, I skirted the hole, walked out the doorless building that had a large “Danger!” sign tacked to the wall.  I stumbled down the broken steps, avoiding those that were missing, ignoring the pelting rain.  The parking lot was empty, except for my car.I opened the car door, sat behind the wheel, put the car in reverse, and floored it.  I wanted to huddle over the heater, but my chattering teeth weren’t only connected to temperature.Three things were screamingly apparent. First, this wasn’t a dream. Second, he knew my name.Third, I wanted himto kiss me.I touched my lips with a shaking hand.  No, make it four things:  Apparently, I just kissed a ghost and it was, without a doubt, the best kiss I had ever had.  I didn’t need caffeine.  I was so awake my hair was standing on end.

Amazon Link to purchase Hallows Gate


About the Author :
In the past, I've suffered from post-apocalyptic stress syndrome while writing 5 Blanks, powered an ancient artifact using a pair of star-crossed lovers in Chest of Souls, recovered Christmas by unearthing the forgotten love story of the Klauses, and, in Pic Jump, saved a little girl from a terrorist organization armed with nothing but a Barbie head and a woman in a coma. Oh, and helped a woman get lost and find true love - with a ghost - in Hallows Gate.

People ask how I do what I do. Simply put: I LOVE what I do. I thrive on the written word! By the time you read this, I'll be working with awesome new characters to turn upside down (or inside out), spinning more plots to weave into their lives and planting subplots to harvest when they aren't looking.

I'm currently at work on House of Cards (Book 1 has been released), a children's urban fantasy I'm co-authoring with my oldest daughter. Other projects?   I'm being haunted by characters that demand sequels, and those who simply want to get their fifteen minutes in the spotlight. Masters of Lightning, never-say-die ghosts, and Elves with attitude are among these.

It has been a long and miraculous (always mental), journey. I bid you good reads wherever you go and in case I don't survive my next adventure, I left my will at the bottom of a volcano under a rock.

Are you still reading this? Good. Keep it up - and thanks for dropping by! 

Author Links:Blog  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube      Google+  |  Wikia Page  |  Amazon Author Page