Robyn Echols's Blog, page 6

Blog Blitz: GUNSMOKE & GINGHAM

USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world.
She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.
Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~


Amelia C. Adams is the author of twenty-five sweet Western romance novels, the mother of four children, and the eater of chocolate cake and tacos. Many tacos. Too many tacos to count. Because cheese. And meat. Meat and cheese. She has hit the Amazon bestseller list three times and has the screenshots to prove it. Even though she’s only been publishing Westerns for two years, she plans to do it forever and ever, or until the cows come home, whichever happens first. She credits her own pioneer heritage for this new interest, and is glad that she doesn’t have to wear twelve petticoats to be considered modest. 
Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ 



Peggy L Henderson is an award-winning, best-selling western historical and time travel romance author of the Yellowstone Romance Series, Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Teton Romance Trilogy, and the Blemished Brides and Wilderness Brides Western Historical Romance Series. When she’s not writing about Yellowstone, the Tetons, or the old west, she’s out hiking the trails, spending time with her family and pets, or catching up on much-needed sleep. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart. Along with her husband and two sons, she makes her home in Southern California. 
Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~


Hi! I'm Kristin Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author. I write frequent articles (or view recent posts easily on my Home Page) about the nineteenth century American West–every subject of possible interest to readers, amateur historians, authors…as all of these tidbits surfaced while researching for my books. I blog monthly at Sweet Romance Reads, Sweet Americana Sweethearts, and Romancing the Genres.
I love to hear from readers! Please drop me a note . Or find me on Facebook. Sweet Romance Appropriate for All Audiences
Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ Twitter ~
~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~



A transplanted Scot, Margery now lives on a lake in Canada.
Although she grew up as far away from the old west as possible, she’s always had a love affair with the men and women who settled the untamed land west of the Mississippi. Glued to TV westerns like Maverick, Rawhide and Gunsmoke, and reading stories of Annie Oakley, Roy Rogers and Rin Tin Tin, it was only natural that when she started writing, she wrote what she loved to watch and read. When she’s not writing or travelling in search of the perfect setting for her next novel, you can usually find her wielding a pair of knitting needles or a pool cue.
  Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~







MAIL-ORDER MEMORIES by KIRSTEN OSBOURNE: Mary Brown is forced to start over in Beckham, Massachusetts, when the love of her life is killed out West. She has no desire to be in the town where they grew up together and memories of him will flood through her at every turn. After five years as a cook, her employer suggests she become a mail order bride to a man who has no desire to find love…only a life partner. Unsure if she’s making a mistake, she sends a letter in reply to the ad, unsure if she’ll be able to handle marriage to a stranger after expecting a life of love.
William Jones has always known he’d marry his love, but when her father insists he goes West to make his fortune before they can marry, he reluctantly agrees. After all, he wants his love to get everything she ever wants in life. When he finds out Mary has died after a tragic illness, he gets his farm ready, but he can’t go through his entire life without love. He sends for a mail order bride, getting the biggest shock of his life. Will he ever be able to trust his bride? Or will he spend the rest of his life regretting his decision to marry?

THE ECHO OF MUSIC by AMELIA C. ADAMS: When acclaimed opera singer Orinda Lou Britt loses her voice, she leaves the stage and her home in Chicago to live in Topeka, where no one knows her and she can start over again. Along with her, she brings her cherished heirloom piano, a gift from her grandmother.

Nathan Perry travels the country tuning pianos in every town, and there is no one Orinda Lou trusts more. But when it comes time for her piano to be repaired, Nathan seems nowhere to be found, and when he does finally arrive, the reason for his absence may drive them apart forever.


TETON SEASON OF PROMISE by PEGGY L. HENDERSON: Olivia Barkley knows how to take care of herself. Growing up in an orphanage, she’s learned that good things don’t come easily and certainly don’t last forever. While escaping the unwanted advances of her employer, her path crosses with a man who made a promise he didn't keep. 
Caleb Walker has lived a life of freedom among the spectacular Tetons, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Unexplained restlessness prompts him to leave his beloved mountains in search of answers. When he joins an expedition into the wilderness, he is shocked to come face to face with a woman from his long-forgotten past.

Caleb and Livy must find a way to come to terms with their unexpected meeting. If they can move beyond the guilt and misunderstandings of the past, they might discover that they were meant to be together all along. 


THE GUNSMITH’S BRIDE by KRISTIN HOLT: Morgan Hudson can’t begrudge his widowed father a second chance at happiness. So when Dad’s mail-order bride arrives in Mountain Home with a beautiful daughter, Morgan’s life flips upside down. The lovesick fifty-year-olds need a chaperone, and Morgan can’t remember to treat Lizzy like a sister. Will their emergent love survive their parents’ romance, threats from the past, and a law forbidding kissing on the streets of Mountain Home?


HANNAH’S HERO by MARGERY SCOTT: US Marshal Kirby Matheson is on his way to testify at the trial of an outlaw when he comes across Hannah on the trail, unconscious and hurt. He feels a connection to her unlike any he’s never felt with another woman. He’s sure she feels the same, so why is she so frosty toward him? And why is he suddenly thinking about giving up the one thing he’s always valued – his freedom?

When Hannah Wilde is rescued by a handsome stranger after being thrown from her horse during a storm, she finds herself growing to like him, much to her dismay. He’s exactly the kind of man she’s sworn never to get involved with – a lawman! 

However, when danger follows Kirby, Hannah realizes she could lose him forever. Or is it already too late?


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THE GUNSMITH’S BRIDE by KRISTIN HOLT

Kristin's Top Ten List
1.   When I was growing up ... my father was a professor, and not yet tenured, so we moved often (as enrollment would be up or down), so I ended up attending something wild like 10 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 1 high school, and 2 universities. I count myself blessed to have had so many nation-wide experiences.2.   I once ... worked for Weight Watchers as a receptionist, leader, and ultimately a Territory Manager. I loved working with people, bringing hope and sunlight and encouragement into (often) the greatest undertaking of their lives. I loved making a difference. Though I no longer work for Weight Watchers, I've always cared deeply about people (must've been what brought me to study nursing in school to start with).3.   Readers would be surprised to know I ... vacationed in Europe just once...and though I love to travel, I sincerely have no interest in going back in person. I think I'll travel there (or perhaps time-travel in Europe) through fiction instead. Suits me just fine.4.   Everyday I ... grab whatever time I can to read. I take Stephen King seriously. He said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." I believe him.5.   I like to ... ask couples how they met and about their own love story. Must be the romance-writer in me, but I enjoy hearing real-life stories about how couples meet, fall in love, commit, and remain happy together.6.   I have always wanted to ... go on another cruise through the Panama Canal. I went years ago (with my husband and many members of our extended family), and I really want to go again. Maybe this year!7.   I will never forget ... my own love story. I met my husband of 29 years in high school (and thought he was gorgeous). We dated off and on for years, and were married in our early twenties--too young to be settled, too young to be financially stable, too young to own much stuff. We built our lives together. Looking back, I'm absolutely certain I'm happier with him than I could've been with anyone else.8.   The best thing about writing is ... the freedom to explore and visit a wide variety of places, times, cultures, eras, and all of it without leaving my home (and internet connection).9.   When I am not writing, I like to ... READ! I'm an avid reader of fiction (romance, romance, romance), nonfiction, 10.               I am working on ... more sweet western historical romances in my existing series. I hope to keep the momentum generated in late 2016 and early 2017 and make this year as productive as possible (which means more books to offer readers!).


Snippet from  THE GUNSMITH’S BRIDE
One of the children wrested free from his mother’s hold. Morgan caught him easily and swung him onto his shoulders and caught his bowler as it tumbled. “Hold on, little man. You’re not going anywhere.”The child held on tight—nearly pulling Morgan’s hair out by the roots.And Mrs. Speare looked from the child on his shoulders to Morgan, smiling like an angel.Perfect teeth. White. He adjusted his initial assessment. This woman couldn’t be mid-twenties. Barely twenty. Plenty of childbearing years before her. He’d known Mama and Dad had wanted more children—was that why Dad had intentionally chosen a much younger bride?Morgan would move out.In with the child-bride and out with the twenty-seven-year-old son. He didn’t know where he’d go, not yet, but he’d go. Quickly. The first house wasn’t far enough. He’d find a room in town. And stay away. Far away, from his much too-lovely stepmother.“Thank you, sir.” Her smile widened, deepened, and caught him with another quick jab to the gut. “You must be Morgan.” She turned back to Dad with ease. “Mr. Hudson, my mother will join us shortly. She needed a moment to compose herself.”Her mother?Dad had been willing to take on a bride with two children, but three generations moving in? All at the same time? A mother-in-law? Morgan expected distress on Dad’s face, but he merely reached for the smaller child, nestled the monster on his arm and offered Mrs. Speare a hand up from the platform floor.“Oh, thank you.” She stood easily, in a whoosh of gray skirts…and barely reached Morgan’s shoulder—uh, Dad’s shoulder.One look at Dad and his bride, side by side, and he knew—with unshakable confidence—the two were horribly mismatched. What man, fifty years of age married a twenty-year-old? Yes, discordant marriages happened all the time. Young women wanted men who were settled, had made their way in life, could offer a comfortable living.The naughty boy on his shoulders fought for freedom. “Mama!” He nearly dove off Morgan’s shoulders, reaching hard, but not toward Mrs. Speare.The little fellow reached for Rocky Gideon’s wife, Felicity.He should have recognized those little rascals, spitting images of their father. Rocky had brought them into the shop last week.Felicity, dressed in blue and cream and the high fashions Morgan had learned to recognize because of Arrah, reached for the boy. “There you are. Were you good for Miss Speare?”Miss Speare?Relief—no, not relief!—recoiled like an old .50 Hawken. He did not want to hope this young woman wasn’t committed to marry Dad.


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Wednesday Wonders: SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship by Kristin Holt

About Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship:
Union Pacific Station Agent Chadwick Hughes has everything in a state of readiness to welcome his mail order bride…everything but the bride. The woman he’s corresponded with for a year didn’t change her mind or miss her train in Omaha—she never existed. Chadwick’s mortified to discover he’s been swindled by a fraudulent matrimonial agency in Chicago. He needs a lawyer if he’ll ever recover a dime of the fortune he spent on worthless membership fees and the nonexistent bride’s transportation west.

Sophia Sorensen, Attorney at Law, is a spinster on the edge of propriety. The good people of Wyoming Territory are open to a lot of things, including Lady’s Privilege during Leap Years, but some aren’t fond of her day-to-day behavior. Why, the woman rides her bicycle hither and yon, showing her petticoat ruffle and ankles. She might be the least ladylike specimen beneath Wyoming skies, but it’s entertaining to watch her court the U.P. Station Agent, Chadwick Hughes, the most-eligible bachelor in the county.


Excerpt:
She leaned near. Immediately, her intentions were clear.
Sophia sought a kiss.
Her attention slipped to his mouth, lingered. The anticipation of her mouth upon his made his breath catch, his lungs constrict. Lightheaded, he blinked, tried to slow his breathing.
She brought those heavily lashed eyes up to meet his. Seeking permission?
Why did she think she needed to ask?
Yes! The answer was always yes—though he shouldn’t.
If roles were truly reversed, leap-year style, didn’t that mean he was obligated to receive her kiss only if he believed their courtship would end in marriage? Kisses, he believed, were special. A wordless promise.
Her warm breath caressed his lip, scented of coffee and almond. Craving, sharp and sweet. He wanted her kiss.Closer, closer still. Captivating.
His pulse leapt. He shouldn’t, but he couldn’t think of anything sweeter than falling in love with Sophia.
Sophia’s lips, rose-petal smooth, touched his. She held perfectly still for the space of one heartbeat, then two.
A soft purr made its way from her throat and tugged him under.
Wonderful.
The intimacy felt so right, so good. She broke the kiss. He followed when she would have retreated, sought another, and another.
So good. So good, it scared the life out of him. How could he fight this? This connection, this ease, the sheer perfection, the attraction that drew him, a flying insect to firelight. This, thiswas precisely what he’d wanted when he’d contacted Amour Marital Bureau and proposed marriage, in writing, to Lina. But Sophia brought so much more than he’d ever dared imagine.
He kissed her this time, with intent. His hands found her cheeks, the softness of her hair satin between his fingers. Something inside him loosened for the sheer joy of having her in his arms, in his home, in his life.
Five kisses became ten. He lost count. Better yet, he lost himself in her scent and her warmth and acceptance.
She eased back, and he let her go.
How would he make this work? “Unchartered territory. I’ve run off the end of the track.”
“Of course this is unchartered territory.” Sophia’s voice was husky. She dragged her little thumb over his lower lip, sending tingles all the way to his toes. “Because there’s never been an us before.” She blinked, held her breath, looked him squarely in the eye. “Don’t misunderstand me, Chadwick. Just so you know, I’m courting you. Well and truly courting you. I’m claiming my Leap-Year Privilege in every sense of the word. I have just over one month to win you.”
He ought to be terrorized.
Instead, agreement swelled, choking him with something so close to love. He wanted this woman…and she’d just said, plain as day, that she wanted him.
How had that miracle come about?
“This is where you respond,” she said after a long moment when all he could do was smile. “Something along the lines of, ‘I’m honored,’ or, ‘I’m sure my father would be pleased, were he here to ask permission of.’” She chuckled, and he heard the nervous undertones.
He couldn’t reject her.
Not now. Not after those kisses and the vibrancy in his life these past weeks. When had he ever felt more alive? More whole?
He lovedleap year.
“Thank you, Miss Sorensen. I’m honored. I’m the luckiest fellow in all of Wyoming Territory.”



Book Review for Sophia’s Leap Year Courtship :
This delightful western romance dealt with two issues of the day. First, Sophia had trained to become a lawyer at a time when society frowned on women entering professions they considered appropriate only for men. She had read for the law with her uncle, then struggled against and overcome those who would have kept her from being admitted to the bar. She moved to Wyoming, a state Still, once she set up her business, there was the issue of being seen as a competent professional and getting clients so she could earn a living before her savings ran out.
The second issue dealt with fraudulent mail order bride agencies. Such schemes—advertising to connect couples for a fee, but having nothing come of the agreement after the money was collected from the groom. It was a prevalent scam of the era.
It was this issue that brought Sophia and Chadwick, a Union Pacific Station Agent, together. As she helped him with his legal issue, they discovered each had traits that complemented each other in ways that each could be themselves. Then mutual friends encouraged Sophia to take advantage of a tradition widely practiced back east in the 1800’s during leap years. It was acceptable for women to turn the tables and pursue a romance with men of their choice. Not only did others in the community benefit from their efforts, it was fun to read how Sophia courted Chadwick.
This book is well-written, a delight to read and had a satisfying ending. Those who love historical western romance set in the Victorian era will love it. 
You may purchase Sophie's Leap Year Courtship by CLICKING HERE .

About Kristin Holt USA Today Bestselling Author I write frequent articles (or view recent posts easily on my Home Page, scroll down) about the nineteenth century American West–every subject of possible interest to readers, amateur historians, authors…as all of these tidbits surfaced while researching for my books. I also blog monthly at Sweet Romance Reads, Sweet Americana Sweethearts,and Romancing the Genres.
I love to hear from readers! Please drop me a note . Or find me on Facebook.
SweetRomance Appropriate for All Audiences
Website | Email | Newsletter | Twitter | Pinterest | g+| Facebook Profile | Facebook Fan Page | Goodreads | Amazon
 

Wednesday Wonders: OFF COURSE

This week's Wednesday Wonders features  Off Course  by Glen Robins
About Off Course:
Collin Cook has been running from trouble for months. In Off Course he runs straight into the very trouble he’s been trying to avoid. Since receiving a large insurance settlement stemming from the tragic accident that claimed his wife and children, Collin has been targeted by Pho Nam Penh, the nefarious cyber terrorist and owner of the insurance company. Penh wants his money back and has finally ensnared Collin. Penh applies every bit of leverage available against Collin in order to gain access to the accounts where Collin has stashed the money.

Also at stake is the information contained on Collin’s computer, which links him with his friend and security consultant, Lukas Mueller, a high-ranking, clandestine National Security Agency specialist. The mysterious Lukas uses his expertise and resources to assist Collin, who is pushed to his limits in every way. In order to stay alive, Collin must employ every survival instinct he has and follow Lukas’ guidance.

Interpol and the FBI must protect Collin’s family and friends from Penh as they continue their search for the missing Collin, still believing that he is involved with Penh’s syndicate and hope he can help them bring Penh to justice.

In order to save himself and those he loves, Collin is forced to do things he never dreamed of doing, leaving him to grapple with the long-reaching consequences.

Excerpt from Prologue:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
June 14, 5:54 a.m. Malaysia Time; June 13, 4:54 p.m. Caribbean Time
     The room was dark. A thick cloud of cigarette smoke hung over the makeshift conference table. Eerie, bluish light fro seven laptop screens bounced off the haze. Small holes in the heavy brown curtains allowed shards of muted sunlight to pierce the gloom. No one spoke. No one dared to. Instead, each man stared intently at his computer screen, afraid to make eye contact with him. These men knew him as their fearsome leader and he wanted to keep it that way. Fear was, after all, a powerful motivator. Fear and respect.      Pho Nam Penh stalked back and forth near the head of the table, trying to tamp down the rising anger. Maintaining control of one's emotions was absolutely paramount, especially in front of subordinates. The seven in the room squirmed under his scrutiny, unsure how to respond to his questions about their quarry. Some gazed intently at their screens, as if riveted by the data displayed there. The rest kept their eyes down to avoid drawing his ire.
     He inhaled, with great satisfaction, the scent of fear. Power was an intoxicating drub and Penh relished the control he had over these men. He loved to watch them quiver in his presence. His next goal was to make the entire Western world tremble and quake. With the money he would soon recover from Collin Cook, Penh would increase the size of his team and expand his global reach. He and his Komodos would be feared by their enemies and hailed by their allies.
You may purchase Off Course on Amazon by CLICKING HERE .
You may purchase the paperback version from Barnes & Noble by CLICKING HERE .
 About the Author: Glen Robins first began writing shortly after graduating from Brigham Young University in 1992. He worked on a novel at night and in the early morning hours between appointments with clients. Although that book was never completed and, therefore, never published, it proved to him that he had a creative muse. That muse just needed to find its voice. In 2010, a split-second, horrifying dream caused him to contemplate what was really important to him. He used writing as catharsis, later adding in generous amounts of imagination, wanderlust, and creative plotting to build the story that became the "Off" series. "Off Kilter" was started in earnest in the summer of 2011 and, given his busy schedule as a sole proprietor, a Scoutmaster, a husband, and father of six, it was completed and published in early 2015. "Off Course," the follow-up to "Off Kilter," was published in March 2016. Proof positive that despite the pressing responsibilities life had handed him, the muse lived on inside. Learn more about Glen Robins and his books at www.glenrobinsbooks.com.

Connect with Glen Robins:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Wednesday Wonders: Maria Inés

This week's Wednesday Wonders features Maria In é s by Anne Schroeder



About Maria Inés:  
An Indian girl born under Padre Serra’s cross at Mission San Miguel de Arcángel witnesses the political intrigue and greed of Spanish, Mexican and Yanqui invaders who plunder California, destroying everything she loves. A refugee in her own land during the Time of the Troubles, Maria Inés struggles to survive while she reclaims her family, her faith and her ancestral identity. A moving must-read for fans of the Old West and Native American history.
Excerpt:
     Her mother-in-law’s shadow fell across her, blocking the light of the fire so that part of her face showed grief. Wordlessly, Oxwe’t held the baby. For a long moment she studied the tiny features, the pert nose and the tiny, dimpled chin.     “The blood will be strong,” she declared.     Señora took the baby and laid it on the mother’s belly. It was a girl, wizened, its skin a purple tinge the color of a sunset just after a storm. Alfonsa rubbed the tiny arms and legs with her rough fingers, wishing she had something to wrap it in.     “A cover,” she whispered.     One of the women was reaching for a cape when a padre rushed in. Alfonsa was glad to see it was Padre Juan Cabot, the Spanish padre who usually managed the laborers and not the spiritual matters.     He fell to his knees, his gray robe sweeping the dirt floor. He wore his stone around his neck, a sign that he was to perform a blessed sacrament in her humble house. She felt her heart swell with gratitude, even as her fingers holding the baby trembled. Uncorking his flask of holy water, he poured a few drops onto the baby’s forehead and made the sign of the cross.      “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” He scarcely glanced up, his attention focused on saving the baby’s soul before the body ceased its breathing. “What is the name?”     Oxwe’t raised her head and her nostrils flared. In the olden times a child did not receive a name for the first four years. Even then, the name was not chosen by the mother, another taboo.     Alfonsa looked for her husband, but he was not in the room. She felt her insides quake with fear, but her voice was strong. “We call her Maria Inés.” 

You may purchase Maria In é s on Amazon by CLICKING HERE.




My Book Review:
This book touched me because of the time period it covered, a time when the Spanish came to California and set up the mission system. They brought in cattle that destroyed the local habitat, thereby forcing in the surrounding Yokut tribes in the cause of saving their souls, but turning them into slaves to perform the work of the missions. Abused by the Spanish soldiers who left many of the women diseased, their treatment by the padres was only slightly better. This was the world into which Maria Inés was born. In her lifetime she sees the change as Alta California changes from Spanish rule to Mexican rule, the missions desecularized, casting Spanish soldiers, Catholic priests and Yokuts into chaos. Then, came the Americans after the Mexican-American War. Through it all, the Yokuts lost the most of all.
I could tell quite a bit of research went into this book. It covered so many of the dramatic changes that came to California during the 1800's. Also, the Yokut culture and beliefs were shared by the author in detail.
Just as her parents sacrificed for her, Maria Inés sacrifices for her son, once when he is quite young, and again when he is an adult and chooses to not acknowledge she is his mother--because it is better to be Mexican than to be Indian.
This book is very well-written. I couldn't put it down until I finished. I highly recommend it to those who love historical fiction, especially anything doing with the history of California.
I read the author's book, Cholama Moon a couple of years ago. Although published first, it chronologically comes after Maria Inés . That is another great story that takes the reader into the California of the Mexicans and early American settlers. You may learn more and purchase Cholama Moon by CLICKING HERE. 

About Anne Schroeder:
Anne Schroeder describes herself as a calorically-challenged Aphrodite with an unmistakable fervor for life. Second of seven children, she was born in Ventura County, California, the subject of her first memoir, BRANCHES ON THE CONEJO: Leaving the Soil after Five Generations.

In 1971 she graduated from Cal Poly, SLO, in the first wave of the Social and Sexual Revolution with a degree in Social Science, a husband, toddler and part-time job. Her memoir ORDINARY APHRODITE is an adventure tale about a life of small steps in the Boomer women's experience. Her fiction and memoir have won numerous awards.

She served as 2015 President of Women Writing the West, 2016 WILLA Literary Competition Chair and is a member of Western Writers of America.

Her Central Coast Series features well researched, character-driven novels about the history of Central California in the Mission California era. CHOLAMA MOON is the first in the series, a western romance with gritty attitude. MARIA INES was released in October 2016. It follows a Mission Indian girl through the Spanish, Mexican and Yanqui conquests of California.

Connect with Anne Schroeder:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads| Amazon Author Page

Wednesday Wonders: SPECIAL DELIVERY BABY

This week's Wednesday Wonders features Special Delivery Baby by Sherri Schackelford


About Special Delivery Baby:

Instant Daddy 

An abandoned baby is the last thing town founder Will Canfield expects on his doorstep. He's not the father—and the mother's unknown. But the precious little girl needs a protector. And Will never backs down from a challenge, even if it means caring for a newborn…or dealing with spitfire cattle driver Tomasina Stone. 

With her father gone, Tomasina's trail life has ended. Yet becoming a polished city lady feels far out of her reach. All she wants is a place where she'll be appreciated, respected…maybe loved. And the more time she spends helping Will care for the baby, the more she wonders if she's found it. She's never wanted to settle down…but Cowboy Creek—by Will's side—might finally give her heart a lasting home. 

Cowboy Creek: Bringing mail-order brides, and new beginnings, to a Kansas boomtown.

Excerpt:  

      There was something awful endearing about a man strolling through the stockyards with a babe in his arms. She'd seen little softness from the men in her life. She's always had to work harder, ride longer and take more licks than the men. A woman in a man's job always had something to prove.
      He jabbed her poster with the tip of his cane. "This Texas Tom person cannot stage a rodeo in this town," he declared. "Those posters will have to be removed immediately."
     I don't know who put a burr under your saddle, Daddy Canfield, but you sure are a cranky fellow. Maybe fatherhood doesn't suit you.
     "Fatherhood suits me find." He shook his head. "I told you before I'm not a father. This isn't my baby."
     "Whatever you say, Mr. Canfield. But you sure are getting comfortable with that babe in your arms."
     "I'll speak with Texas Tom myself. When you see your boss, tell him I'm looking for him."
     "I might be able to save you some time," Tomasina declared with a wink. "I'm Texas Tom."



You may purchase Special Delivery Baby from the following:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble


My Book Review:

This was a delightful story with a great collection of characters--each unique and enjoyable to read about. Set in a fictional Kansas cow town laced with all the details of a real city of its day, it could have been Abilene in 1871. 

My only complaint--and I don't know if this was the author or her big-city, non-country, editor--but in one scene, the words bull and steer were used as synonyms. When it comes to cattle, a bull is a male that continues to have all the equipment needed to reproduce. A steer is a male which has had its reproduction equipment removed. The two words, bull and steer, are not interchangeable. Once you get past that, the story feels like the old West in action.

The plot was clever and multi-dimensional. There were some twists that kept me guessing for several pages, then on the edge of my seat as I waited to find out if I guessed correctly.

Tomasina was an interesting character. She struggled to find herself since the person who had defined her most of her life, her father, had died on the trail. She knew the men around her would not accept her for herself or tolerate her chosen lifestyle if she continued doing what she knew best. I enjoyed watching her work through her self-discovery.

As for that baby, she was a heart-warmer. This was a sweet romance I would recommend to anyone.    

About Sherri Shackelford:

 
A wife and mother of three, Sherri's hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, "Why did I just come in here?" A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul. She loves to hear from readers.




Connect with Sherri Shackelford:

Website| Facebook |Twitter | Goodreads| Amazon Author Page




 

Wednesday Wonders: MISCHIEF & MANORS

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  Mischief & Manors  by Ashtyn Newbold

About Mischief & Manors: “Although his voice was gentle, his words struck me with the panic ridden feeling of being unarmed. He was uncovering buried truths from the deepest recesses of my heart, and I felt completely exposed by it.”

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers were orphaned, Annette closed her heart off, dedicating her life to raising her brothers and protecting them from her abusive aunt. But when her wicked aunt sends them to Kellaway Manor for the summer to reform the boys’ bad behavior, Annette is reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood friend just as mischievous as her brothers. She soon finds her closeted heart in jeopardy in the battle between fear and desire. Does she have room in her heart for another?
Excerpt: Owen turned his attention to my brothers again, resuming his tutorial tone of voice. “Anyhow, the answer I was looking for, when I asked you what a lady likes more than anything in the world, is . . . compliments.”Peter’s brow furrowed. “What is a compliment?”“To compliment someone is to flatter them with kind words. To tell them of something that you like about them, whether it be of their appearance or conduct. But don’t be mistaken into thinking that you should pay a compliment to every pretty girl that passes by. Give compliments only to those who truly deserve them.” He stood up and walked in front of me where I sat on the edge of the fountain. His body acted as a shield from the sunlight, trapping me in his shadow. I looked up at him. Nervousness fluttered in my stomach for a reason I couldn’t name.“Now, I know your sister doesn’t particularly like compliments,” he paused to shoot me a relentless smile, “but she is certainly one who deserves them.” He waved my brothers over. “So, come here and practice your compliments. You may say something about her beauty, her kindness, or whatever it is you like about her.”I watched with amusement as Charles trudged to his feet and stifled a giggle. There was no possible way that he would take this seriously. He stopped beside Owen in front of me and flashed me a gap-toothed smile. “Your eyes are green.” He giggled and looked at Owen for approval.Owen laughed and knelt beside Charles on the grass. He was facing me, his line of sight directly even with mine. He looked back at Charles briefly. “Almost. But you must tell her more about her eyes.” He took a slow breath and moved his gaze to me. “Tell her how beautiful they are, and how they make the rest of the world disappear. How any man would have to be blind not to lose himself within them.”I scolded my heart for how wildly it was jumping around in my chest. This is only another demonstration. Surely he is not serious, I told my heart.Charles giggled again. “I don’t want to say that!”Owen didn’t move his gaze from my face. “Don’t worry. That one was from me.”

My Book Review:


Some young women without much experience raising children might find the first chapter delightful. At first I was annoyed with this introduction to this Regency romance. Two little boys, ages 5 and 7, were involved in stealing, an act they had been guilty of several times in the past. It was passed off as mischief by the older sister, Annette, age 19. Although she convinced the boys to return the food they stole, throughout the chapter she either made light of their antics or otherwise protected them from consequences of their wrongdoings, partly because they were cute. As a mother of a couple of children who, when they were little, often tried to “cutsie” their way out of trouble, it grated.
Then, as the history of this family unfolded with the mean pie vendor, the critical townspeople, and the wicked aunt who had grudgingly taken in the orphaned trio, it was easier to understand Annette’s motivation for her over-compensating attitude and indulgent treatment of her brothers. She had been solely responsible for the love and direction they received from the time she was a young teen with no good role model to help her. She had also shut her heart down to avoid the hurt of the loss of their parents, the rejection of their remaining family, and the deprivations the trio suffered.
After the trio was sent to Kellaway Manor, supposedly as a punishment with a threat of dire consequences for the boys if they didn’t learn proper behavior, Annette came in contact with Owen, a childhood friend who sometimes acted as her nemesis. As a child he was just as mischievous as her brothers. The author handled well the growing attraction to Owen that Annette fought against because she felt falling in love with him would betray her commitment to focus her love and attention on her brothers. The author also handled Owen’s actions and responses well and consistent with his personality.
There was opposition in the form of a meddling grandmother, a neighbor intent on winning Owen’s offer of marriage more for status and wealth than for love, and a vengeful villain who threatened those at the manor. There were also shows of love and support by the supporting cast of characters, not to mention Annette learned the true nature of love. It is a sweet romance with a satisfying message and conclusion.
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.
Purchase Links: 
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Book Blitz: A SPELLBINDING CHRISTMAS

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  A Spellbinding Christmas  by Chelsea O’Neal12 Days of Christmas Book Blitz

Chelsea O'Neal lives in her fantasy world where people can fly, vampires could be real, money is never an issue and the romantic meeting of your true love is a normal happening. When not relaxing in Chelsea-ville, she enjoys talking with animals who talk back and taking long walks with her prince charming.
Actually Chelsea lives in the United States in Nebraska, where she was born and raised, with her black lab Daisey, who hasn't spoken actual words to her but she is pretty sure Daisey understands her. She is yet to meet her prince charming, though she is quite sure he is out there. Chelsea enjoys working in a library as well as a cosmetologist. She is an avid reader and writing has always been her passion. Chelsea has written three novels and a novella, and she is working on her next book now.

Q & A With The Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.
Fun and outgoing, love to create crafty things and teach others how to as well.  I also love telling stories and living in my fantasy world. I love to make people laugh and be happy. In my writing I love to shock people, and invoke intense feelings.
2. What do you love most in the world?
This is a hard question as love is a very intense emotion.  I love books, and writing, coffee, chocolate, and of course various people and my dog. But what do I love the most? Feeling accomplished, knowing I have done something that has helped someone for the better.
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Can Trinity control her power?
Trinity is headed home to celebrate Christmas with her Gran. She hasn't been back in nearly ten years staying away from the man she has longed for since she was young. The man who has starred in every one of her fantasies, her Gran's next door neighbor, Travis. As her emotions run high, her inherent magic is let loose.
Can Travis let Trinity in?
Travis never noticed Trinity, but has grown close to her grandmother after the loss of his parents and his uncle. When Trinity comes swirling into the house an attraction flares in him but he fears loosing anyone else in his life.
The more time spent together the attraction grows, so does a new found realization that Trinity has a magic that has captured his heart.
Will this spellbinding Christmas be merry?




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Snippet:



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Book Blitz: THE FOURTEENTH QUILT

Robyn Echols currently lives with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” She is a member of Women Writing the West and American Night Writers Association.

She enjoys any kind of history including family history. Currently she is the editor of her local genealogical society newsletter and occasionally gives family history presentations.

When she is not piecing together novel plots, she pieces together quilt blocks.

Q & A With The Author:

1.  What is the hardest thing you've ever done?

The hardest thing I have ever done is move a household of mostly teenagers from one county to another. Theoretically, I had help, but I learned children that age make their own decisions.
2. What do you love most in the world?
I love my faith, my church and my family.

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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.

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Snippet:
“I think we’re finished. Let’s give it the once over and then move The Beast to the quilt frame.”          “Oh, no!” Annie cried out as she inspected the fabric. “The Beast drew blood.”          “What?”          Lynn hurried over to study the three inch long pattern of red dots near the top corner. “That’s fresh blood. Which one of us is bleeding?”          They both inspected their fingers.          “It’s me,” Annie sighed. “Of course I felt the pricks as we pinned this thing in place, but I had no idea any of them were deep enough to make me bleed.”          The doorbell rang.          “It must be Celia,” Lynn said. “I’ll let her in and bring a Band-aid, a rag and my stain remover on the way back.”          “What are you doing?” Celia asked when she saw Lynn grab the spray bottle and rag from the laundry room.          “Annie accidentally dripped blood on The Beast. We need to get it out while it’s still fresh.”          Without another word, Celia broke into a run down the hall.          “Spit on it! Spit on it!” Celia shouted to Annie as she entered the bedroom.           Startled, Annie jerked to her full height, her eyes wide as she peered over the top of her glasses.          “I already bled all over The Beast. Now you want me to curse it by spitting on it?”          “It’s already cursed as far as I’m concerned,” Lynn muttered as she entered the room.


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Book Blitz: COLOR MY CHRISTMAS

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  Color My Christmas  by Natalie-Nicole Bates12 Days of Christmas Book Blitz

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian photography, Frozen Charlotte dolls, and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
 
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.


Q & A With The Author:

1.       Describe yourself in 50 words or less.I like to think I constantly change and make myself better. I am what you see, I do not present false fronts or try to make myself better than anyone else. Like me, hate me or something in between, I am who I am.

2.       What do you love most in the world?
The family I made for myself.
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After an unfortunate incident, Dr. Timothy Martin’s career as a surgeon is in tatters. Unable to cope with the changes in his life, his mother insists he visit Meggie Marie, a woman she says can perform miracles with her alternative therapy.
Timothy is reluctant, but maybe Meggie is his last chance to heal.
 When he sees Meggie, he is intrigued by the eccentric woman with vibrant red hair, who wears tie-dye and flower headbands. When he gets to know her, she becomes something else to him – hope, joy, and maybe even love.
But is Meggie for real, or is she simply providing him with her special brand of therapy?
With Christmas just around the corner, has Timothy found his Christmas miracle, or is Meggie’s motive something darker waiting to be discovered?


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Wednesday Wonders: OFF KILTER

Today's Wednesday Wonders features  Off Kilter  by Glen Robins
About Off Kilter:
Collin Cook is a man on the run – from many things. This young father is struggling with his career, his increasingly strained marriage, and the pressures of life when he is sent into a tailspin by the sudden, tragic loss of his family. Losing them was a painful shock. Witnessing the accident over the phone was enough to send him over the edge. In “Off Kilter”, we follow Collin around the world as he battles with guilt and the pain of his loss while trying to stay one step ahead of his would-be captors. These would be captors have targeted the unstable Collin and have been dispatched to retrieve the huge settlement he received. At the same time, they have framed him so that law enforcement agencies have joined the hunt, believing that he is involved in major cyber attacks on several large banks. With the help of his long-time friend Lukas Mueller, a highly trained security expert, Collin must find a way to stay alive and maintain his freedom while teetering on the brink of emotional collapse.

Excerpt from Off Kilter:
London, EnglandApril 30


Adrenaline made his hands shake, but he forced them to remain steady. Fear made his breathing ragged, but he forced it to slow down. Apprehension made his body rigid, but he forced his muscles to move. When prompted, he stepped forward and gave the uniformed guard at the security line his passport and boarding pass. He had done this dozens of times over the past six months in more airports than he could remember. But today was different. Today he had actually seen them. They were real and they were there, somewhere, hunting him. 
James Stevens, as the passport read, was a thirty year old Canadian national. His real name, however, was Collin Cook, and he hailed from Huntington Beach, California. He was a man on the run. From many things. For now, he just wanted to get out of London, out of England, and on to the next unfamiliar hiding place. Without anyone following him or recognizing him.
You may purchase Off Kilter at Amazon by CLICKING HERE.
About the Author:
Glen Robins first began writing shortly after graduating from Brigham Young University in 1992. He worked on a novel at night and in the early morning hours between appointments with clients. Although that book was never completed and, therefore, never published, it proved to him that he had a creative muse. That muse just needed to find its voice. In 2010, a split-second, horrifying dream caused him to contemplate what was really important to him. He used writing as catharsis, later adding in generous amounts of imagination, wanderlust, and creative plotting to build the story that became the "Off" series. "Off Kilter" was started in earnest in the summer of 2011 and, given his busy schedule as a sole proprietor, a Scoutmaster, a husband, and father of six, it was completed and published in early 2015. "Off Course," the follow-up to "Off Kilter," was published in March 2016. Proof positive that despite the pressing responsibilities life had handed him, the muse lived on inside. Learn more about Glen Robins and his books at www.glenrobinsbooks.com.

Connect with Glen Robins:

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