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Blog Tour: LIES & LETTERS by Ashtyn Newbold

Today's Wednesday Wonders is part of a blog tour for  Lies and Letters by Ashtyn Newbold


About Lies and Letters:
“That same ache I had been feeling for weeks now blossomed inside of me, bruised, bleeding, and broken. Only now did I realize it was my heart.”

After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy earl. She is beautiful and talented, how can she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.



Excerpt:
The scratching of a quill did little to settle my nerves. Neither did the pattering of rain, nor the abrupt planking of the pianoforte from downstairs. In fact, all the sounds produced quite the opposite effect.Slamming my quill down on my writing desk, I jumped from my chair, striking my knee on the underside of the desk. The inkwell tipped, splattering my gown. I froze, staring at the tear drops of black. Propelled by a new bout of anger, I rushed at the door and threw it open.          I knew it was Clara at the pianoforte, rehearsing for a dinner party at which she was bound to humiliate us all. And as if the rain wasn't enough to upset me, my sister carried on with her horrifying display while I was trying to write a letter to my dearest friend, Alice. It had been two long months since I had visited her at Kellaway Manor, and I was itching to know if her eldest brother was still unattached.          I gripped by stained skirts as I stomped down the stairs. It was such a relief to stomp. In public, I was only permitted to glide.          “Clara! Quit that horrendous music and look what you have done to me!” My voice was a shriek, shrill from lack of use.          Clara's hands stopped for a moment, suspended above the keys. Her smile was tight as she took in my dirtied dress and ink-covered hands. Without comment, she resumed her playing with renewed vigor.“Clara!” I rushed at her and threw the music off the stand, missing the burning fireplace by inches. The sheets fell to the ground like dead petals. “Content yourself with the fact that you will never be as talented as me.” I placed my hand on her shoulder and leaned in close. “Nor will you ever be as pretty.”Her face darkened to a shade of cherry red and her brow creased. In anger or shame, I couldn't tell.          “A well-bred lady will always maintain and even disposition. I trust you haven't applied rouge to your entire face.          “Charlotte, stop!” She threw my hand off her shoulder. A dark smudge of ink stained her ivory sleeve.          I glanced at it with mock regret. “Oh, dear sister, forgive me.”          With an animal-like grunt she leapt from her seat and charged at me. Her palms slammed into my shoulders and I faltered, gasping. Clara was sixteen, two years younger than me, but we were similar in proportion. I regained my bearings and returned the action, throwing her back several steps. It was a fair fight, to be sure.          “I am going to sit beside Mr. Weatherby tomorrow, and you will be placed beside Mr. Connor’s belching!” I screamed.          “Mr. Weatherby favors me!”          I scoffed. "What has possibly implanted such a fantasy in your simple head? He certainly wasn't charmed by your musical talent.”          She cast me a look of contempt. “Do not ever speak to me again!” She gave me one last shove before crossing her arms. “I wish to play music, and I will play music, and you cannot stop me!”          I caught my breath, rolling my eyes. With the clean area of my hand, I brushed back my pale curls. “Very well, but you will never master the art as I have. You will never be like me.”          She stepped closer, the light from the flames flickering over her face. I expected to see a look of hot anger, or an inadequacy. But instead I saw pity. “I have never wanted to be like you, Charlotte.”



My Book Review:
Written in the first person from Charlotte’s point of view, I did not want to relate to this proud, selfish, self-centered harridan of a girl. Then the story introduced her mother, and it was apparent she was the product of this woman’s teachings—teachings she internalized in an effort to win her mother’s love.
This book touched on the shallow values of the Regency era where among the many of the well-to-do, the focus was on pride, prestige, wealth and position. That was how Charlotte and Clara’s mother had been raised, and those were the values she had sought to instill in her daughters, particularly in Charlotte, the daughter considered the most beautiful and who was extremely talented on the pianoforte.
The author did a masterful job of portraying the personalities in this story. It was easy for me to visualize each one as the story progressed and the family suffered its reversals. I was quite disgusted with the mother who sent her daughters off by themselves to a remote section of England where their family’s disgrace would not be known with a task for Charlotte to ensnare a wealthy, titled husband. At the same time, the mother saw to her own comfort—and her own conniving.

It was while on this journey the two sisters learned of their true potential and what was truly important to them—what would make them truly happy. However, even when those traits about herself Charlotte valued most deserted her, and she found something better, at first she denied the good and sought to return and fit back into the society in which her mother had coached her to belong.


This was a novel of self-discovery, and of realizing what is truly important in life. The romance elements are sweet and inspiring. I highly recommend it.



You may purchase Lies and Letters at the following:
Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Books & things| Deseret Book

    About Ashtyn Newbold:
Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family.  Connect with Ashtyn Newbold:  Website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Wednesday Wonders: AFTER THE FLOWERS DIE

This week's Wednesday Wonders is part of a blog blitz for  After the Flowers Die by Melanie Delorme




Melanie Delorme was a content English teacher, wife, mother, sister and friend when without warning she gained the title of bereaved parent when her eight-year-old son Garrett was accidentally killed in a hunting accident. Her road to healing brought her to write her first book. Melanie is involved with her local chapter of Compassionate Friends and is passionate about offering hope to other bereaved parents. She is currently living on a ranch in Southern Saskatchewan with her husband, Gerry, and their two children. 



Connect with the Author here: ~ Website ~




After the Flowers Die: A Handbook of Heartache, Hope and Healing After Losing a child by Author Melanie Delorme
"Is it possible to survive the loss of a child?

Even though you might be feeling that the answer to this question is no, never, absolutely not; be assured that not only is it possible for you to survive, but you are also strong enough to thrive after this devastating tragedy.
The loss of a child creates a gaping hole in a parent’s heart that seems unbearable and the only people who truly understand your pain are other bereaved parents. Melanie is one of those parents and, in After the Flowers Die, she offers encouragement, hope and honest suggestions for how you can once again experience joy. 
This book is written in an easy to read A to Z format and covers topics that many parents may experience, such as anger, bitterness, birthdays, Christmas, hope, signs, and more. If you have lost a child and are feeling hurt and lost, this book is a great starting point for you to acknowledge your loss, celebrate your child’s life and find hope.
Are you ready to begin your journey towards healing?"

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ ~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~


Snippet:
Anger is such a dangerous emotion to embrace, and even though it does not rear its head without cause, too often we forget that we have the power to control it. Every time I wanted to scream at someone, it was warranted—in my mind. However, what would it have gained me? Would it have made me feel better? Maybe for a minute. But unless it brought my son back, it would not have made me truly happy, and to be the source of another person's hurt was not going to make me feel better.I know a mother whose child was Idned by a reckless driver who failed to stop at a stop sign. This mother spent three years living in a state of rage. She attended every court hearing the driver faced, insisting that he be jailed for life. She wrote letters to her government officials demanding that he never receive bail, and she spoke of nothing else. The courts deemed this particular accident to be just that—an accident, and the man spent no time in jail. We can all understand her outrage, but having that man spend the rest of his life in jail was not going to take away her agony; it was not going to bring her daughter back. Furthermore, that man was also going to spend the rest of his life hurting and coping with his guilt.Anger becomes dangerous when we choose to take this emotion with us on our daily journey. The bottom line is this: the more time you spend angry, the less time you will spend grieving and the further away it will take you from your memories and the further away you will be from acceptance.So why isn't anger higher on the list than acceptance? Well [image error]obviously, because my book would no longer be alphabetical. But seriously, accept that you may be angry. Allow yourself to be angry—temporarily. It will be the acceptance of your anger that will allow you to deal with it in a healthy or even practical manner. Consider taking some action to alleviate your anger. Throw something. Punch something. Scream in your car. Cry in your bedroom. Perhaps one of these will make you feel better, or perhaps you need a bigger outlet for your anger. Have you ever heard of Candy Lightner? She was so outraged when her daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver in 1980 that she organized Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). I It doesn't get much more practical than that! I'm not saying you need to become the founder of a new organization, but perhaps you can join an existing one or simply share your anger with others who have had similar experiences.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 


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Book Tour: CODE NAME SCORPION

When Trevor Willis offers Dani Carpenter her dream job as director of a new camp for children, she is thrilled. Dani intends to keep Trevor, a family friend, at arm’s length. But her heart changes toward him as they team up to protect Ady, the young daughter of a kidnapped scientist. 
After Trevor testifies against the son of Don Francisco Morales, a major supplier of heroin into the United States, Morales (aka the Scorpion) targets Trevor in a personal vendetta to destroy his reputation and then destroy everyone Trevor loves. 
With Ady tucked away in a secure location, Dani and Trevor embark on a chase that takes them from the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of Mexico. They must stop the Scorpion before he strikes again.



~ Amazon ~ 


Born in Illinois, Donna Fuller has lived in a variety of places and currently resides in Butler, Pennsylvania. At times she feels like a ping pong ball—bouncing from coast to coast and back again. Her grandchildren bring her the greatest joy. She has always been involved in writing, from journals to plays for Cub Scouts, to short stories for her children and as a reporter for a small newspaper. Donna has won awards for her writing and has also taught in writing workshops and retreats. She is the co-founder of the annual OHPA Writer’s Retreat in Western Pennsylvania. Her novels include A Strand of Doubt and CodeName Scorpion.


Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~



This book started out with an attention-grabbing opening, then bogged down for a short time as the author acquainted the reader with the cast of characters. The beginning of the romance between Trevor and Dani, as well as the introduction to Ady, the four year-old that kept everyone on their toes, was well-written.

Once the action really got started, it was one incident after the other. The suspense and trying to figure out all the crosses and double-crosses kept me engaged and guessing. 

This story had a satisfying conclusion, with the characters, particularly Dani, staying true to the personalities they were given. The romance elements were sweet. It was obvious the religion of the main characters was an influending factor in their  lives, yet the story was not about religion. I think any reader who enjoys reading contemporary romantic suspense would enjoy this book.


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Blog Tour & My Book Review: TWICE BETRAYED

The thread of friendship is stretched to the breaking point…

With the spark of independence crackling in Colonial Philadelphia, Perdy Rogers chafes under the strict rule of her Quaker grandmother and the endless duties of her apprenticeship in Betsy Ross’s upholstery shop. So when her best friend shares a secret and invites Perdy to help plan an elopement, she’s thrilled to be with her friends again. But Perdy has no idea that one favor will unravel the stable fabric of her life and involve her in a tangled web of deceit, lies and treachery.
Disguised as boys, three girls head to the river to put Perdy’s plan into action, but only two return. When the third, a young milliner’s assistant, is found drowned with gold coins sewn into her hems, coded spy letters in her bodice, and a journal implicating another sewing apprentice as her co-conspirator, all eyes turn to Perdy Rogers. But she’s no spy! 

Accused of treason, she struggles to prove her innocence with the help of a handsome stranger and learns the hard way that freedom, whether an individual’s or a country’s, comes at a cost.




~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ ~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~



As a Master Educationalist Gayle C. Krause taught Children’s Literature, creative writing, storytelling techniques, and acting in upstate New York, where she trained young men and women to become successful Early Childhood and Elementary teachers. She also directed the Pre-K Laboratory School affiliated with her teacher-training program and taught at a local SUNY college as an adjunct professor.

Her years as a creative role model for teens and pre-school children have led to her career as a children’s author. She is a member of SCBWI, KIDLIT, INK, The JAGRS Writing Group, and a past member of the Historical Novel Society and The Poets’ Garage.

Her publishing credits include:
•          Rock Star Santa, (2008) Scholastic. •          RATGIRL: Song of the Viper - Noble Young Adult /Trowbridge Books (2013)•          Scheherazade’s Secret – Trowbridge Books 2014•          Twice Betrayed – Trowbridge Books 2017•          And coming November 7, 2017 – Daddy, Can You See the Moon? – Clear Fork Publishing.
She lives in a small town not far from where she was born. She listens to her muse sing through the trees of the Pocono Mountains and is inspired to write for children everyday.

Connect with the Author here: ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~

Prudence “Perdy” Rogers found herself in quite a predicament after making a not-so-prudent decision to go along with the scheme devised by her friends which almost got her killed and endangered her much younger sister. The author wove a fun tale about patriotism, and how sometimes it doesn’t pay to be clever, especially when friends know about a talent and use it to further their own ends. Such are the results of intrigues on the eve of revolution.
I enjoyed the characters the author developed in this book, but the pesky, but adorable, four year-old little sister Abby to the stern, but devoted grandmother. Then there was Betsy Ross to whom Perdy was apprenticed. I enjoyed the twist the author developed on the creation of the first American flag. Then there was the stranger, Darach, a cabin boy on a ship anchored in the harbor, who proved to be a greater friend than some Perdy had known her whole life.
The author did a great job of throwing in twists and turns to keep me guessing who were really the bad guys behind the whole intrigue, and who were causing problems for Perdy, even being willing to condemn her to death to protect their own. Friend after family either abandoned her or died, leaving her alone to face an uncertain future. However, the author did a wonderful job of pulling the ending together to a satisfying conclusion.
This book is intended for young adult readers. It has clean romance elements, and leaves anyone of any age things to consider when it comes to disobeying rules, deceiving those close to you and blindly placing trust in friends, some of whom are being manipulated themselves. I would recommend it for all readers.

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Book Review: DEFIANCE-A WORLD WAR II STORY by A.L. Sowards

This week's Wednesday Wonders features  DEFIANCE by A. L. Sowards 
About Defiance:
Eight years after immigrating to the United States, German-born Lukas Ley embodies the American dream: successful athlete, gorgeous girlfriend, loving family. But beneath the surface, eighteen-year-old Lukas is driven by ambition, resolved to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, a failed physical throws his plans for flight school off course. Unlike his war-hero older brother, Lukas’s purpose is unclear. He can’t fly, and in the eyes of the military, he’s good for only one thing—the front lines.
From the foxholes of war-ravaged Luxembourg to the devastation of an enormous German offensive, Lukas’s journey is fraught with peril. But when he’s taken as a prisoner of war, he realizes life is about to get much worse. In the enemy camp, Lukas is viewed as a German fighting for the wrong side. Ripped from the innocence of an idealistic youth, he becomes a man beaten by the horrors of war. Now his only hope of survival is to hold tightly to his faith in God and his love of family and home. But even if he manages to make it out alive, can he ever be whole again?


 My Book Review:


          I have always enjoyed the books written by A. L. Sowards about World War I and World War II. This one was no exception. It seemed slightly different than the others. Written in first person, Defianceseems less of an action-adventure story set in wartime and more of a journey into the heart and soul of a young man from when he eagerly looks forward to graduating from high school so he can join in the battle against Nazi Germany, through  his actual experiences as a soldier, and until he is returned home.           Born in Germany, but brought to the United States as a child, Lukas has a desire for revenge against Hitler and his Nazi government that he blames for the death of his father, a man who wrote in protest of the rise of National Socialism in his native land. Lukas’s lofty dreams of how he wanted to participate were crushed. He ended up being assigned to what he thought was the least desirable manner to engage the enemy. He ended up in the infantry, a ground soldier considered “cannon fodder.” Nevertheless, he was willing to do what it took to defeat Nazism. He soon found himself willing to do things he never thought he could or would do to save both his friends and himself.



          Without realizing it, the company to which he was assigned was in an area thought to be “quiet.” It ended up becoming the center of action in what we know today as the Battle of the Bulge. When Lukas joined his squadron, the men already there ignored him. He soon came to the conclusion he was on his own and no one cared about him. As he gradually proved his worth, and demonstrated he was not going to get himself killed the first few days in combat, he soon developed a close working relationship and position of trust among fellow soldiers. This is a frequent situation in combat situations where men see so many of their buddies get killed or seriously wounded they build a protective shield around their emotions by trying to not care about newcomers. The author did a great job of not only showing what happened, but demonstrating its effect on the characters.           I thought the author did a wonderful job as she took us on the journey into the mental, emotional and spiritual responses of Lukas and his comrades as they faced death of their fellow soldiers, difficult battle situations, surrender, experiences as prisoners of war, the additional torture at the hands of a Nazi guard Lukas faced because of his nativity, and illness.           One of the most daunting challenges Lukas faced was wrestling with his own conscience after the war was over. Although his faith in God got him through many difficult times, the horror of war took its toll and left him feeling unworthy of God's love and forgiveness for some of the choices he made. The author’s message regarding this was powerful.           The story was well-written and kept me interested from beginning to end. Although not primarily a romance, what romance elements the book contains are sweet and clean. The language is clean. The action is intense. I recommend this book.


Purchase links for Defiance:

Barnes & Noble  |  Deseret Books |  Amazon 




Author Bio:


A.L. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, then came to Utah to attend BYU and ended up staying. Now she’s a busy mom with young kids, but she does her best to squeeze writing time in between naptime, stroller rides, and homework sessions. She enjoys reading, writing, learning about history, and eating chocolate, sometimes all at once. As an author, she is known for heart-pounding action, memorable characters, careful historical research, clean romance, and family-friendly language. Prior to The Spider and the Sparrow, Sowards wrote four novels set during the Second World War, including two Whitney Award finalists. This is her first novel set during the Great War, but she doubts it will be her last. Find A.L. Sowards online at: ALSowards.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Goodreads.

Wednesday Wonders: DISASTERS OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  Disasters of the Pikes Peak Region
by a consortium of authors for Pikes Peak Library District Special Collections
Book description:
Disasters of the Pikes Peak Region serves as an intense summary of many of the major fires, floods, and other catastrophes of this area. Though thoroughly researched by the contributors, this book is not intended to be a comprehensive accounting, but rather a collection of some of the more significant calamities impacting the area—many of which were discussed at the 9th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium, also titled “Disasters of the Pikes Peak Region.”

Readers will learn that recent misfortunes experienced in the Pikes Peak region were unprecedented in their destruction, but were not unfamiliar, or even unpredictable, events. In fact, we should expect some natural disasters. For example, did you know that Colorado was designated the “hail capital of the U.S.”? Or did you know that Colorado is on the western borderline of Tornado Alley and that twisters have damaged property in both the El Paso County plains and Manitou Springs, where an estimated $1 million in tornado damage occurred in 1979?

In these pages you will learn how the devastating 19th century fires in Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs influenced how these communities developed and how waging battle against destructive flames evolved from making fire breaks by blasting buildings to sophisticated military missions involving satellites, GPS, and aerial firefighting methods. You will understand, from first-hand accounts, how the 1898 Antlers Hotel fire started and quickly burned an extensive area of Colorado Springs three blocks long and two blocks wide. And you will be shocked by the damaging 1935 Memorial Day Flood, and other floods, that swiftly overcame Colorado Springs’ parks, streets, and buildings.
 449 pp. Maps, illustrations, notes, bibliography, index.
ISBN 978-1-56735-318-1 (print), $24.95; 978-1-56735-344-0 (Kindle), $5.99; 978-1-56735-345-7 (Smashwords ePub), $5.99 (available for free to your readers at Smashwords.com through 30 April with coupon code ZU66Q)
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Purchase Links for Disasters of the Pikes Peak Region:
Amazon(Kindle) | Smashwords| Clausen Books (Print)
(Clausen Books will eventually list the print version on Amazon and AbeBooks)

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CONTENTS
Defining Disaster: Death, Destruction, or Distress?Michael L. Olsen • 1
FIRE
Evolution of Fire: Our Changing Views of Fire in the Pikes Peak RegionErinn Barnes • 15
Colorado Springs Burns, 1876 • 52
Pikes Peak Timberland Reserve FiresJohn G. Jack • 62
The Antlers Burns:The 1898 Fire that Destroyed a Landmark • 64
The Antlers Hotel Fire of 1898Bill Crosby • 90
Help from on High: Space Assets & Military-Civil Cooperation during the Waldo Canyon & Black Forest FiresRick W. Sturdevant • 105
In Our Own Backyard: Excerpts from the Waldo Canyon Fire Oral History ProjectHeather Jordan • 129
Crossing the Denial Divide: Arid West Lessons from the Waldo Canyon & Black Forest FiresKatherine Scott Sturdevant • 166
FLOOD
Harbinger: The Fountain Valley Flood of 1864 • 187
When the Waters Rise: Recovering & Learning from Pikes Peak-Area FloodsJohn E. Putnam • 191
                                   The Memorial Day Flood of 1935                Preston & Lindsay Petermeier• 231
Hell & High Water: Natural Disasters at Glen EyrieSusan A. Fletcher • 245
Flash Flooding: A Legacy of the Waldo Canyon FireJohn E. Putnam • 282
OTHERCATASTROPHES
The Cripple Creek Volcano: A 35-million-year DisasterDoris A. McCraw • 319
Earth, Wind, Fire & Other Mini-disasters in the 1800sNancy K. Prince • 344
The Fountain Depot Explosion of 1888 • 357
“Worse Than Fire or Flood, Tornado or Earthquake”:The Collapse of the Building & Loan Industry inDepression-Era Colorado SpringsAlice Echols • 388
Selected Bibliography • 417
INDEX • 421



You may connect with the Pikes Peak Regional Library and their collection at the following:
Regional History Series Website| Facebook | Twitter

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Featured Author – Doris A. McCraw:
Author of “The Cripple Creek Volcano: A 35-million-year Disaster”

Doris McCraw is an actor, historian, poet, photographer, and (of course) writer. After she retired Doris decided to pursue her other dreams. She performs as Helen (Hunt) Jackson, Katharine Lee Bates, as stand alone historic characters. She researched and wrote on Karol W Smith, Colorado's first film commissioner, and currently is researching the early women doctors of Colorado prior to 1900.
She writes and post haiku with her photographs, five days a week on her fivesevenfive page.  http://fivesevenfivepage.blogspot.com 
Writing fiction under the pen name, Angela Raines, she contributes to the following blogs: http://sweetamericanasweethearts.blogspot.com, http://prairierosepublications.blogspot.com,
https://writingwranglersandwarriors.wordpress.com and yes, she finds time to write her Western and Medieval romances. She claims it keeps her young.

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Other books in the Regional History Series
The Colorado Labor Wars: Cripple Creek 1903–1904,A Centennial Commemoration
“To Spare No Pains”: Zebulon Montgomery Pike& His 1806–1807 Southwest Expedition
Doctor at Timberline: True Tales, Travails,& Triumphs of a Pioneer Colorado Physician
Legends, Labors & Loves:William Jackson Palmer, 1836–1909
Extraordinary Women of the Rocky Mountain West
Lightning in His Hand:The Life Story of Nikola Tesla
Enterprise & Innovation in the Pikes Peak Region
The Pioneer Photographer:Rocky Mountain Adventures with a Camera
A City Beautiful Dream: The 1912 Vision for Colorado Springs
Film & Photography on the Front Range
Doctors, Disease, and Dying in the Pikes Peak Region
Rush to the Rockies! The 1859 Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush
Candy Makers’ Manual for the Household
Massacre, Murder, & Mayhem in the Rocky Mountain West

Book Blitz: TAD'S TREASURE by Shanna Hatfield

I've been fascinated with the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as the Old West as long as I can remember.     Growing up on a farm in Eastern Oregon where only the most determined and resolute individuals dare toil the soil that spent centuries covered in sagebrush, rock, and the random juniper tree, I never gave a thought to my great fortune in having a rural foundation on which to build my future.   All the crazy exploits I had as a girlie-girl being raised as a tomboy came in handy when I began writing western romances. You'd be surprised how many of the wild adventures in my stories are based on things I either experienced or witnessed during my formative years.   I joyfully bear the burden of being a hopeless romantic, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure. I've always been a sappy-hearted girl who loves a happy ending. I also love the western and rural way of life and that's why I began writing sweet and clean western romances.
   Everything you never wanted to know about me is posted with frequency on my blog. There you'll discover I'm completely and entirely smitten with my husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller. You'll also find that I eat too much chocolate, have a thing for roses, like to play with my camera, and enjoy researching the towns and eras for my romances set in the old west.


Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~
~ Pinterest ~ Youtube ~ Twitter ~





[image error] Tad Palmer makes a promise to his dying friend to watch over the man’s wife and child. Years later, he continues to keep an eye on Posey Jacobs and her precocious little boy. The only problem is that he’s not sure his heart can withstand the vow he made when he falls in love with the widow and her son.
Posey Jacobs misses her beloved husband, but her wrenching grief has given way to hope for the future as she finds herself falling deeper and deeper in love with Tad Palmer. However, the infuriating man doesn’t seem to notice her interest and treats her as he would his sister.

Throw in a goat who thinks she’s a dog, a town full of quirky characters, and this widow has her work cut out for her if she wants one handsome cowboy to give her his heart.

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ ~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~


Top Ten List
1. Captain Cavedweller (my hubby... although technically he isn't a thing, he still tops my list of most favorite anything ever.)2. Chocolate (Decadent and rich, please!)3. Roses (Pink are my favorites.)4. Music (I almost always have the radio on, and country is my fav.)5. Old dishes (I am a dish addict and I admit it. I probably need to enroll in some sort of 12-step program, but I'd most likely just find an antique store on my way there and come home with another serving bowl or teacup.)6. Sunsets (They are so, so pretty in our little corner of the world.)7. Homemade bread (Warm from the oven, scenting the whole house with that mouth-watering yeasty scent.)8. Quilts (I have several that I view as cherished treasures, including the one I used on the cover of Tad's Treasure.)9. Rodeos (I grew up on a farm with a die-hard cowboy brother. Rodeos are such fun for us and takes me back to the summers of my childhood.)
10. Books (My love of reading started in my childhood. I love books and all the fascinating, amazing places I've traveled between the pages of a great story.)


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Book Blitz: GLORIA'S SONG by Kathryn Albright

Kathryn Albright grew up in southern California where she sets many of her sweet western romances. A Golden Heart finalist and recipient of the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, she writes historical romance that celebrates courage and hope against all odds with a dash of adventure.
Her enjoyment of historical romantic fiction began as a teenager when she was given the novel Ramona ~ set in southern California after the Mexican-American War. A few thousand books later, she still enjoys reading romance set in the past. (She also loves fairy tales and all things Disney.)

Kathryn's past includes careers as a nurse and an obstetrical sonographer where daily she witnessed many "happy ever afters" and miracles.

Kathryn's latest western historical romances for Harlequin are "sweet" although her earlier stories were not. Please check her website if you are wondering what brought on the change ~ Why Sweet?

Along with her writing, Kathryn also judges for the Romance Writers of America Rita contest for published writers and the Wisconsin Romance Writers FabFive contest for unpublished writers.

To hear about the release of future books, contests, and more, sign up for Kathryn's newsletter. She loves to hear from her readers. Please contact her through one of these sites:
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Gloria Palmer has always done the proper thing expected of her as the daughter of a shipping tycoon. The approval of her family and friends mean everything. And yet, when the perfect suitor offers for her… she hesitates. Colin McDougal has little use for those living on the fancy side of the trolley tracks. He is too busy managing the family pub and, in his spare time, writing down the lively tunes in his head. So, when Miss Palmer asks for his help to prepare for a music audition, he is flummoxed. What does he know of highbrow music?But with each practice session, their feelings for each other grow. When it comes time for Gloria to make a choice between what is proper and what she desires, will she realize that if music can cross class lines, it might also be able to harmonize two hearts.
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Top Ten List:
#1~ I wrote my first manuscript with the hope that I could make enough money to stay home with my children as they grew. Call me naive to the publishing world! It didn’t happen, but now on the flip side of life, I have been able to retire early and be with my grandchildren and parents more.#2 ~ I prefer even numbers.
Not sure why…it just makes sense to me.
Maybe it was because I was born on an even day in an even month.
2014 was a good year. 2016 even more so.
(There might be a pill to correct this…or maybe therapy.)#3 ~ Although my first wedding was more exciting than my second, my second marriage has been more exciting than my first–and it’s to the same man!
My first marriage at my grandparent’s farm lasted fifteen minutes ~ the duration of the drive from the farm to the church. I learned after the 1st ceremony, that the wedding wasn’t legal because the farm was just over the county line. The pastor had to take us back to his side of the line to say our “I Dos” all over again and sign the wedding certificate in the correct county. (It seems to have stuck — We’ve been married 38 years!) #4~ I love witty puns and quotes.
I think this may be a hazard of being a writer and loving the written word.              “Borrow money from pessimists—they don’t expect it back.” (Steven Wright)
“If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?” (Steven Wright)
“She’s descended from a long line her mother listened to. (Gypsy Rose Lee)
“Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”FFF #5 ~ I wanted a horse when I was a child.
I still want a horse…
(Or a trip to a dude ranch might help :-))
I enjoyed riding lessons for two years as a youngster.
Even won a red ribbon (2nd place) in my one and only horse competition. FFF #6 ~ I grew up in the big city but have always been a country gal at heart.
My favorite times were when my family went hiking in San Diego’s back country, to the beach, or on a summer vacation road trip to a National Park. Give me the wide open spaces, an open road, and a starry sky and I am happiest.#7 ~ I’m a dog person
—most particularly Golden Retrievers and Great Danes.
(I think this has something to do with never having my own horse.)
I’ve had three goldens that have come and gone in my life. The one pictured here was named Baron.
Every time I take a walk I miss them. They were my walking partners.#8 ~ I love everything SUPERMAN.
Mostly it has to do with his moral integrity, need to protect those weaker, and his strength.
It may have a small something to do with being able to fly. That is one cool super-power!
But then…he is easy on the eyes…#9

In my other lifeI was a High Risk Obstetrical Nurse and a Sonographer.
That’s a lot of initials after my name…(I’m trying to beat my brothers…)
Now that I have left the medical field, I miss doing ultrasounds of babies in the womb.
I don’t miss having to get up every day and leave for work.#10I have my own “cheese cake” photo.  Ready?  Here you go…





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Book Blitz: CHASE'S STORY by P. A. Estelle

Penny Estelle was born, long ago, in Iowa City, Iowa.  Her family up and moved to Mesa, AZ, when she was a toddler, and has remained in Arizona since.
She started writing for children right before retiring, claiming after working so long with children of all ages, she has plenty of material to work with. “I was never a reader as a child or teen and I missed out on so many adventures.  I think it's very important in today's world to get kids reading and keep them reading.”
Her books for the younger group include two children’s picture books, Have You seen My Tail? and The Red-Eyed Mr. Glumb, a couple books of magic and fantasy, Hike Up Devil’s Mountain and The Bearded Dude in the Puzzle, plus a series of time travel adventures for ages 9 – 13, The Wickware Sagas.
Penny decided to try her hand at writing for the older crowd.  She now has a family drama about desertion and addiction, four contemporary romances, a paranormal romance and five historical western romances under her belt.  She and her husband also wrote a non fiction short story on their experience living with solar.
Penny Estelle was a school secretary for twenty-one years.  After retiring, she and her husband moved to their fifty-four acre ranch in NW Arizona where they live off the grid.  Solar and wind is the only source of electricity.  “A real adjustment for a city girl, but I love it.  At night, the sky is an explosion of stars.  It is breathtaking!”
If Penny is not working on stories, she enjoys four-wheeling on unexplored roads, visiting with family (especially her seven grandchildren), and enjoys the occasional visits to the casinos.  She also admits her weakness is ice cream, anytime, anywhere!


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Chase wanted no part of going to college or following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a Doctor.  His dream involved cattle and horses and he follows that dream to the Arizona Territory.
 One cold, rainy day his life takes a turn when he finds himself looking down the muzzle of a Colt Walker barely being held up by a woman who has been badly beaten along with her three-year old son.  Will she be someone Chase could let into his heart or someone who could destroy his life?






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Top Ten List
1 – Kathryn Woodiwiss is my favorite all time author2 – I love going to the casino3 – 4-wheeling is an all-time favorite thing to do4 – When I finish writing a book I treat myself by doing a jigsaw puzzle5 – Once I got Janet Evanovich to answer a few questions for my blog when I first got into writing.6 – I’m very afraid of the dark.7 – I hate to cook.8 – I just learned to play pickleball and I love it.9 – When I was ten years old my sister and I danced on a weekly TV variety show
10 – My favorite place to be is walking the beach


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Book Blitz: JOSIE'S DREAM by Angela Raines

Angela Raines is the pen name of Doris McCraw.  Doris is an actor, historian, poet, photographer, and (of course) writer. After she retired Doris decided to pursue her other dreams. She performs as Helen (Hunt) Jackson, Katharine Lee Bates, as stand alone historic characters. She researched and wrote on Karol W Smith, Colorado's first film commissioner, and currently is researching the early women doctors of Colorado prior to 1900. She writes and post haiku with her photographs, five days a week on her fivesevenfive page.  



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 She also contributes to these blogs
~ Sweet American Sweethearts ~
~ Prairie Rose Publications ~
~ Writing Wranglers and Warriors ~




Josephine, Josie, Forrester FOLLOWS her DREAM and heads to the Eastern Plains of Colorado to be the doctor for the new town of Kiowa Wells. She faces the challenges of not only being a woman doctor, but earning the trust of the people in and near the town. Her life is complicated when William Murphy, a lawman, becomes her patient after being shot and losing his memory. Can these two find the love and happiness they deserve, despite a threat from the past? Can they get past their own beliefs about life and love and societies expectations to find the love and happiness they both deserve?






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Top Ten List  
Fun facts courtesy of my friends1.     She is and has been a tremendously talented actress, she is also a very extravagant singer as well! 2.     Started acting at age 2 ½3.     "Mom" to the young. Doesn't take guff. Tells people to "Just do it!" 4.     Has a dry or sarcastic sense of humor which when one stands back and watches it unfold, it's really funny and entertaining.  5.     In college was in the “New Frontiers” trio? (We were something of a hit in Denver, IL!)6.     Played the role of ‘Olive’ in the female version of “The Odd Couple”, and once performed Helen Hunt Jackson on a moving bus! 7.     Directed a film 8.     Directed a stage production of  “Inspecting Carol” 9.     Love rock music, Alice Cooper, Rush, etc. along with Western, Classical, Folk and Broadway music
10. Likes to stop in the middle of the road to allow her passengers to take pictures

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