Those Hunky Colorado Cowboys! (And a Giveaway!) with Jody Hedlund
January 17, 2021 January 15, 2021 by Guest Blogger
Most readers know me for my historical romances about lighthouses, orphan trains, and bride ships. But a western? Whoa! What's that all about?
No, I'm not switching genres. My friends here on Petticoat and Pistols have the western genre well covered! But I am delving into a five-book family saga set in the high country of Colorado in the ranching area of South Park.
The Colorado Cowboys Series has all my usual trademarks—deeply emotional characters, fun plot twists, and sizzling romance. But this time the package includes hunky cowboys!
Most of the time when we think about cowboys in Colorado, we think of the ranches on the eastern plains, not the mountainous high country. But believe it or not, ranches started popping up in the mountains very early in Colorado's history.
One of the first ranches in South Park (near Fairplay), was Hartsel Springs Ranch, founded as a homestead in 1862 by Samuel Hartsel. He started his ranch by buying oxen brought into the mountains by men arriving to mine for gold. The oxen were often worn out and worth little after making the long trek to the West. But Samuel fattened them and then turned around and sold them as beef to the mining community.
By 1864 Hartsel decided to branch out and diversify his livestock. He went to Missouri and purchased a herd of shorthorns that he then drove to Colorado along the Santa Fe Trail. It was a tough trip, but he eventually completed the cattle drive and made it back to his ranch with 150 head of short-horned cattle.
Figure 1 Picture in South Park that I took of a cattle ranch during my research trip
Hartsel went on to become a very successful rancher, capitalizing on the rich grassland in South Park that fed his cattle. He also took advantage of a natural hot spring near his land that he developed and used for tourists who wanted a chance to bathe in the "healing waters."
A Cowboy for Keeps, the first book in the series, is inspired by this real life cowboy and ranch. The hero, Wyatt McQuaid, is attempting to make a go of homesteading and ranching. But with all the obstacles he faces, he's having a hard time making a new home. When Fairplay's mayor offers him a deal, one that involves taking a bride in exchange for cattle, Wyatt can't resist.
If you like hunky cowboys, mail-order brides, and marriages of convenience, then I invite you to give A Cowboy for Keeps a chance!
Leave a comment on this post if you'd like the chance to win a signed copy of the book! (Sorry, U.S. mailing addresses only.) I will choose a random winner on January 16.
What's your favorite thing about cowboy stories?
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats. Visit her at jodyhedlund.com
Categories Behind the Book, Giveaways, Guest Author, Personal Glimpses Tags Colorado cowboys, Give-away, guest author, Jody Hedlund 94 Comments
IRON WOLF'S BRIDE — Free E-book Giveaway & Excerpt
January 12, 2021 January 12, 2021 by Karen Kay
Welcome to another terrific Tuesday.
Hope you've all had a wonderful holiday and are happy to be beginning a New Year. Here's a hope and a wish that this year will be so very much better than last year.
IRON WOLF'S BRIDE, second in The Wild West Series, is a new release for me. Set within Buffalo Bill's Wild West Shows, Iron Wolf's Bride encompasses two continents, both America and England.
I'll be giving away a free e-book of IRON WOLF'S BRIDE to a couple of bloggers (2 bloggers). So do consider leaving a comment, since this is how one enters into the drawing. We have guidelines, by the way, for our giveaways — you can see them off to the top right here.
So here we go: I'm going to post the back cover blurb of the book and then an excerpt. Hope you'll enjoy both.
IRON WOLF'S BRIDE
I will return to you, my love…
Jane Glenforest's father believed she was too young to marry, so he'd stolen her and her newborn son away from the handsome Assiniboine Indian she'd wed and taken her to Surrey, England. In spite of divorce papers and rumors he's wed another, Jane's never forgotten the man who'd stolen her heart and given her son legitimacy. When Buffalo Bill's Wild West show comes to England—bringing her ex-husband with it—Jane's curious to see her lost love, in spite of her new fiancé.
Although Iron Wolf's purpose in working for Bill Cody's Wild West show is to fulfill his father's vision to find and stop a deceiver, he fell in love with and married Jane Glenforest. But, no sooner had Jane given birth than her father stole her away. Now, a few years later, Iron Wolf is arriving in England with the hope of rekindling the love he once shared with Jane. However, instead of love, he finds his wife loathes him, believing he has married another. And, when he discovers she is engaged to another man, he declares war on both her and the fiancé.
But when their son is kidnapped, Jane and Iron Wolf must work together to rescue him. And, as danger escalates, they discover trusting each other might be the only way to save their son. Will Jane and Iron Wolf learn to forgive one another, to reignite the embers of a passion that never died, or will the lies of a deceiver destroy their love forever?
Warning: Rediscovered love might cause sleepless nights spent in the arms of one's true love.
Let me tell you a little about the book before I attach an excerpt.
As I said above IRON WOLF'S BRIDE is the second book in The Wild West Series, my newest series.
I've planned three books in this series and two of them are released, Book #1, THE EAGLE AND THE FLAME and Book #2, IRON WOLF'S BRIDE.
The third book, BLUE THUNDER AND THE FLOWER, is a work in progress at present.
But let me tell you a little about this series. It concerns three men, who are part of the secret Society of the Wolf, The Clan of the Scout. Two of the men are from the Assiniboine Indian Tribe and one is from the Lakota Tribe. They are on a deadly serious mission.
The chief of the Assiniboine tribe has had a terrifying vision: that someone called the deceiver, or trickster, spells doom for the children of his tribe, and eventually for all Indians. The old chief is desperate and enlists the aid of two young men from his own tribe and one young man from the Lakota tribe to join Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He has been shown in a vision from the Creator that help for his people can be found if these three young men can become a part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. There, within the framework of the show, the old chief has been shown that he may appeal to the President of the United States — or his representative — for assistance; also, to find and stop the deceiver who means to harm the Indian Tribes.
Because traditionally scouts were the most trusted individuals within the tribe, the old chief appeals to two young men who are a part of that society. One of them is his own son; another is a young man who is the most accurate shooter with the bow and arrow as well as a gun. The third young man is to be found from the Lakota tribe.
These three young men become part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and, in addition, they become one of the most popular events in the show, especially with the young ladies. But these three young men care very little about any fame or fortune that might be attached to being so popular. Their concern is to find and disable the trickster and all his associates, so as to free the next several generations of Native American children from harm.
Within this series of three stories, these young men — although not looking for love — discover true love along the path to discovering this real evil which is threatening their tribes.
Enjoy this excerpt of the book:
Earl's Court Exhibition Grounds
Jane Glenforest felt as though her world was shattering. How dare he. How dare he come here.
Of course, she needn't have bought the tickets to see the Wild West Show. But, she'd been unable to resist the impulse to come here today to see if he were still with the show. And, surely, there he was, surrounded by the usual crowd of women.
It still hurt. Seeing him again only made the pain of what had happened between them worse.
Eventually, she'd have to go down there where he was, for her sister still worked with the show; indeed, her sister, Luci, was even now dressed as a boy. Did this fact mean that she and Luci were still in danger? Surely that was behind them now. It had been two and a half, almost three years since the trouble.
Jane watched from a top section of the bleaching boards as her former husband and lover, as well as his two friends, wooed the feminine, English hearts. He and his friends, having finished their athletic performances in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, were now engaging the crowd in a different skill: American Indian-style singing and dancing.
The three friends had taken up a position that was in front of and close up to the tiered bleaching boards. Already, several of the young English women were leaving their seats, were filtering into the arena and joining the Indian women there. Together, these two different groups of ladies formed a circle around the three performers.
And, there he was: Iron Wolf. He stood in the middle between his two friends, Wind Eagle and Blue Thunder. Wind Eagle was drumming on what appeared to be a buffalo-hide drum, which he held in his hand. Blue Thunder shook two rattles. Both Blue Thunder and Wind Eagle were singing, while Iron Wolf blew into his Indian-styled flute. Feathers and strung beads hung from the instrument, which more resembled an English recorder than a flute.
She remembered that flute. Iron Wolf had often played it for her, and once, over two and a half years ago, he had used it to make her smile when she'd felt downtrodden.
She watched Iron Wolf as he danced. He was the only one of the three men who was dancing. As the others were singing, Iron Wolf took a moment to swing around in a circle, then bent over at the waist, keeping time to the rhythm and looking as though he were a nineteenth-century Kokopelli, who was, of course, the ancient American Indian Casanova.
His dance was stimulating to her, although she was an unwilling recipient to the blatant sensuality of his movements. Whether Iron Wolf intended it or not, the dance he was doing was not only exotic, it was erotic, and several of the women surrounding the three musicians were also bobbing up and down to the rhythm, looking as though they were part of the unusual performance.
Once again Jane wondered why he had come to England. He didn't have to come. He could have stayed behind.
Didn't he know she was here? It wasn't possible that he would not know, if only because their divorce papers listed her current residence as being in Surrey, England. Was he so insensitive that he didn't realize how much it would hurt her to see him again, to observe him flirting with other women, to witness him with his new wife?
Perhaps a better question would be to ask herself why she had come here. Yes, good manners dictated that she visit with her sister, but she also needed to talk to Luci more seriously, if only to find out why her sister had never written. Why had she never answered Jane's many letters?
But, she hadn't any real necessity to come to the show for that reason. Not really. She could have sent a note to Luci and her husband, Wind Eagle, inviting them to her uncle's estate.
All at once, Iron Wolf unexpectedly jumped into the air, only to land in an athletic split upon the ground, and Jane recalled that this same man had once appeared to fly through the air in an effort to rescue her and their baby. To her disappointment, his attempt had failed.
But, this was all in the past. Once, not too long ago, he had loved her. Once, she had loved him to distraction. But their love was over now. It was dead.
And, she had recovered from its extinction. She'd had to, for she was raising her small son without Iron Wolf's aid. Indeed, her once-unconditional love for Iron Wolf had died about a year ago when he had divorced her. It was that simple.
She had grieved for months, but had forced herself to move on with her life and had put her infatuation with Iron Wolf behind her. Her future now lay with another.
Little Jeremy Iron Wolf, Jane's son, laughed, his antics serving to bring Jane back to the present. She glanced to her right where her friend and nanny, Marci Fox, sat. Marci was holding Jeremy in her arms, while Jeremy wiggled his small fingers, entangling them in Marci's long, nearly-black hair.
Jane smiled. "Here, I'll take him," she said, as she moved to gather her son into her arms. "I'm thinking we should be leaving soon."
Marci nodded and grinned. "Look at your son dance up and down to the drum. Do you think he knows that he belongs in the Western culture on display down there?"
"No," replied Jane, "although I admit I used to think this was so. But not now. Let's go."
"Yes. Are you going to try to see your sister?"
"Not today. Tomorrow perhaps."
"But tomorrow you are to be married. Will there be time?"
Jane bit her lip. "Yes, well… Perhaps you are right. Will you come with me while I try to find my sister?"
"Then, I suppose we should go down there," Jane replied, then sighed. "Mayhap, we might find someone who will lead us to her. Maybe, too, I might invite her to dinner tonight…. Possibly…"
That's all Jane would say on the subject for now. But she did wonder why, in all this time, Luci had not written. Like Iron Wolf, had Luci changed so much?
Well, there was nothing to do about it now. Luci was here in London, and she was, after all, Jane's sister.
Positioning young Jeremy on her hip, Jane rose up from her top seat beneath the white canvas awning covering the bleaching boards of the Wild West Show. Stepping toward the stairs on the far side of the sitting arrangement, she carefully made her way down toward the arena. That the bottom edge of her light-blue walking dress dragged on the steps, dirtying it, was, for the moment, forgotten. What was more important was what her stomach was doing. Her entire body was trembling. Her stomach in particular felt as though butterflies had taken residence within it.
Would he see her? Would he even recognize her? He might not, since two years ago, Jane had been forced to wear a disguise. At that time, Jane had managed her hair into a tight chignon, and she had worn a wig of long, dark hair whenever she was away from her sleeping quarters. Yes, he had seen her as a blonde, but rarely, and mostly in the privacy of their bedroom. She'd been pregnant then and he'd only been privy to a brief glimpse of her as a slim, young girl before her father had come and whisked her away. Would he even know her now?
He might. Unlike many men, Iron Wolf seemed unusually perceptive, attentive to the minutest detail in his environment. He saw elements around him that another might miss.
Her light-blue hat, however, might cause him to pass her by, for it was wide brimmed, with feathers on top to give her small, five-foot-four figure more height. It hid her face, also.
She inhaled deeply…for courage.
Having descended to ground level, she stepped forward onto the field of the arena. The three young American Indian singers had not yet finished their performance, and Jane hoped she might be able to avoid detection as she glanced into the distance, her gaze searching for Luci. However, it was not to be.
Her first indication that she had been recognized was when Marci touched her shoulder and said, "He comes, I fear."
There was no need to say who "he" was. Apparently, he had detached himself from the rest of the performance, and Jane watched as Iron Wolf approached her.
Dear Lord, why did he have to look so handsome? Tall, with a slim, muscular build and long legs, he sauntered toward her, his gait smooth and graceful, as though the mere act of walking were an art form. His hair had come a little loose from where he usually clipped the two braids behind his head, and the Assiniboine-style "bangs" blew in the wind. He wore dark-blue, cotton pants that fell to the ground and were long enough to almost cover his moccasins. His breechcloth was white with blue, red and green beaded decoration, and his shirt was light blue. A beaded, white vest was secured in front with what looked to be leather ties, and a white bandana was tied neatly around his neck.
Jane took another breath as her stomach alerted her to the danger coming toward her, and she realized with mounting dread that she was not immune to him. She should be, but she wasn't.
And she, who was to be married to another man tomorrow….
She pasted a smile on her face as she prepared herself to confront the man she had once loved with all her heart.
He had watched for her all through their performances this day; he had even counted on her being here, for he'd suspected that her father might have taken her to England. Indeed, his antics today were for her benefit, alone.
He had despaired, though, when he hadn't caught a glimpse of her in the crowd. However, as he and his two friends had begun their singing, he had espied her, there in the top row of the seating arrangement. All through their first singing performance, he had felt as though he had gobbled her up with his gaze. Had she felt the intensity of his emotions? Did she know that he played his flute for her? That he wooed her with it? That his dance was for her, and only for her?
His heart beat fiercely in his breast as he approached her now. Two, almost three years ago, he had known her as a pregnant woman and she had been beautiful then, both in spirit and in body. But to see her now, slim, holding their son on her hip…it was such a stunning sight, he was certain he would never forget it.
In many ways, it was hard to believe that she was his wife, for her beauty was unusual to his eye. Small-boned, feminine and clothed as she was in the English style of dress, she looked calm, cool…and untouchable. The light blue of her dress might complement her coloring of light skin and pink cheeks, but its color added to the illusion that there was no history between them. She looked foreign, cool, out of reach.
All those years ago, her hair had been dark, almost black whenever she was in public. He had come to learn that it was a wig she wore, that the true color of her hair was an unusual shade of white-yellow. On her, the hair color was beautiful, although he had to admit that to him, it was still foreign to his eye.
He felt a stirring in his loins as he measured his steps toward her, and he marveled at the power of his attraction to her. She was his wife, and, although their love had been left to simmer over the ashes of a two-and-a-half-year-old fire, he felt his hunger for her stirring again within him.
He stopped directly in front of her, and, as was Indian tradition, he simply looked at her. It was a sign of respect he bestowed upon her, and he didn't speak, nor did he extend a hand toward her. He simply gazed at her, admiring her lovely face.
She looked up at him briefly, then glanced quickly away.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice low and sweet, though within those tones, there was an air of hostility toward him. She didn't look back at him, leaving him to do little more than admire her attractive profile.
Although her words weren't exactly welcoming, he yet felt heartened. He was here and so was she. They were, at last, together again. He said, "I am happy to see you, my wife and my son."
She did nothing in response at first and he watched as she swallowed hard before she gained her composure and uttered, "How dare you call me that."
To say he was astonished by her tone of voice, as well as by her words, would have been an understatement, and it took him a moment to respond. But at last, he asked, "Call you what? I do not understand. What did I say that you object to?"
"'Wife.' That's what I take offense to and you should know it."
Clearly puzzled now, he asked, "Are you not my wife?"
"You know I am not."
He had not expected her anger; sadness, perhaps, that he had not been able to find her sooner. But antagonism bordering on what appeared to be disgust? And, what did she mean that she wasn't his wife?
He watched in surprise as a tear slipped down her cheek. Why was she crying? It seemed incomprehensible to him that she was so upset, especially because his emotions were intense and happy; he was, after all, reunited with her. Yet, he could not deny that those were tears. Reaching out a finger toward her, he traced the path of the tear's salty wetness.
But she batted his hand away, saying, "Do not touch me!"
He nodded and took one step backward, and, by way of apology, he murmured, "I mean no assault."
"Don't do this!"
He said nothing. He didn't, however, avert his gaze from her, for she was truly angry with him. Why?
"I am looking for my sister," she stated after a pause; still she did not look at him. "Do you know where I might be able to find her?"
"I do," he answered calmly. "If you follow me, I will take you to her."
"I will not follow you anywhere, sir. Simply tell me where she is, and I shall go there."
"She is in the corral," he told her without pause. "But come, the time is long since we have seen or talked to one another. Could we not take a moment to speak kind words to each other? You are angry with me and I do not know why. Perhaps if we share our thoughts with one another, we can renew our acquaintance. But, if it is your wish to see your sister now, I would be honored to take you to her."
"Don't do this to me, Iron Wolf. I will not go with you. Is it your wish to parade that other woman in front of me? Is that why you wish to accompany me? No, I will not allow it."
Iron Wolf realized at last that he was completely baffled. He questioned, "Another woman?"
"Do you really expect me to say it?"
He could only stare at her, confused.
"Your other wife! That is who I am speaking of. Do you think I don't know of her existence? Did you believe that you could throw me away and marry another without my knowledge?"
"Throw you away?"
"Please, stop this. I…I've seen the pictures of you with her. Did you expect that I would not? I also have our divorce papers that you signed. So, do not pretend innocence with me. I…I can say no more."
Iron Wolf felt as though he were bedazzled. True, he was confounded by her accusations, but he was also in awe of her. Angry or not, he continued to be happy to see her. But, he did question how a woman could be so angry, yet exude such beauty at the same time.
Accused of acts he hadn't done, he knew no other course of action but to tell her the truth, and so he said, "I tell you no lie. I have no other wife. But I do wonder, who has told these lies to you?"
She didn't answer his question. Instead, after a short moment, she called over her shoulder, "Come, Marci."
He watched as his wife turned and brought forward the young woman who had been standing behind her all this while. Then, his fine-looking, yet irate wife said to the one whom she called Marci, "We will find my sister without any help."
But, before they left, and in defense, he uttered, "I tell you this true. I have no other wife, but you."
"It is you who lie, for I have a news clipping of this wife you claim you don't have and of you…pictures…newspaper articles…as well as our divorce papers. And those, Mr. Wolf, prove that it is not I who is telling lies, but you." Then she turned away, and, within moments, she was walking away from him.
She loathed him, he realized perhaps too late. And, he supposed that from her point of view, she might believe she had reason to show him dislike.
He watched her until she turned a corner and was no longer in his line of vision. He frowned. Two, almost three years ago, Jane and her sister had faced a trouble that had almost taken their lives. He had thought the incident had resolved itself, and that his and Jane's forced separation had been the act of a jealous father.
Now he wondered about the truth of that. His wife's reaction to simply seeing him again caused him to further speculate. What had happened here, and, perhaps more importantly, why had something bad happened here? Did it have anything to do with what had occurred to Jane and her sister two years ago? He didn't know, but he promised himself that he would discover these answers, and soon….
Categories Excerpt, Giveaways, Native American, Native American, New Releases, western romance, Western Romance Series 30 Comments
Guest Julie Lessman and a Give Away!
January 8, 2021 by Guest Blogger
Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun-Bonanza!
Howdy, Everybody! My name is Julie Lessman, and I'm wondering if anybody remembers the above musical intro to the hit Western TV series back in the day, Bonanza? Probably not, because I'm pretty old, but it was a staple in our household growing up and not just in ours either. Bonanza is ranked No. 43 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and the 2013 TV Guide included it in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time, still in syndication today.
So … why am I talking about an almost 60-year-old TV show? Well, despite the fact I'm primarily known as an Irish family saga author with novels set during the early 1900s on both coasts, one day I had this Western series percolating in my brain so strong I could smell the chicory coffee. Next I know, the dad-burned thing caught on fire like the Ponderosa map at the beginning of every Bonanza episode.
It's called The Silver Lining Ranch Series, and it's the story of two suffragists from New York, a godmother and her goddaughter, who fall in love with confirmed bachelor ranchers in Virginia City, Nevada (where Bonanza was set) from 1868 till the 1890s. This is an absolutely fascinating era on the heels of the transcontinental railroad and the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver mine upon which Virginia City was built.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that writing a Western scared the pejeebers outta me because, well, to be honest, I was intimidated by so many wonderful Western authors I love like Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, Winnie Griggs, Kit Morgan, and Margaret Brownley, most of which—gulp—are part of this amazing blog!
But once I got into the fascinating research—like the Transcontinental Railroad, which lots of Irish workers helped build (YAY!) and Virginia City, which numbered as many as 115 saloons in its heyday (BOO!), I knew I found a home in the Wild West!
So I'm a-lookin' to give away some books today, including my latest Western release, Love's Silver Bullet, which is book 2 in the Silver Lining Ranch Series. Now, to give you the flavor of this novel, my talented artist hubby created a realllllly cool VIDEO/TRAILER that also features pix of my grandchildren, so I hope you check it out.
And if you do and send me an email via my Contact Julie tab on my website telling me where the heroine, Sheridan Donovon, went to school, I will send you a FREE E-COPY of the prequel novel to this series, For Love of Liberty.
Have you ever run across some interesting tidbit in history that you wanted to learn more about?
Here's a sneak peek of my series:
Or Someplace a Whole Lot Warmer?
She's stubborn, educated, and looking
to give women the vote.
He's bullheaded, successful, and looking
to give her a piece of his mind.
But when things heat up, they just may give each other
a piece of their hearts.
Next, here's a gander at book 1 in the series, Love's Silver Lining:
She tampers with his life.
He tampers with her heart.
Love tampers with them both.
And finally, my new release, Love's Silver Bullet:
She's targeting his love.
He's aiming to steer clear.
Till true love picks them off
in a bull's-eye of the heart
In addition to my video/trailer giveaway mentioned above, I am ALSO giving away winner's choice of the entire Silver Lining Ranch series in e-book OR a signed paperback of her choice of one of the novels in the series. So leave a comment, and you're automatically in the draw!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Categories Behind the Book, Giveaways, Guest Author, Nevada, New Releases, Prospecting Tags Julie Lessman, Silver Lining Ranch series 128 Comments
I'm Like, Totally Your Huckleberry
January 6, 2021 January 6, 2021 by Julie Benson
Lots of us have had tough years personally before, but not in my lifetime have we as a human race had such a difficult year. If you're like me, New Year's held a new significance and you're thankful to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. Hopeful for 2021, I tried writing about the activities I desperately miss and appreciate more since COVID-19. I hope this year to return to treating myself to a mani-pedi (I'm so relieved it's closed toe shoe season!), getting a haircut every six to eight weeks instead of twice a year, going to lunch with friends and sitting close enough we don't need walkie-talkies to converse, and window shopping. Somehow instead of being the hopeful post I intended, I found myself needing a break from thinking about COVID and the harsh realities it's brought crashing down on our lives.
Also needing to laugh, I turned to a book I discovered in Glassboro, New Jersey visiting my son. When the title caught my eye, This Is Like, Totally a Quote Book, I had to open it. The dedication had me LOLing. "This book is dedicated to the eminent individuals whose words are parodied herein. We'd like to imagine each of them, living or dead, getting a chuckle out of it. We only wish we could invite them all to dinner. * That would be, like, totally an amazing party. *Except maybe Hannibal Lecter."
The book takes famous quotes and inserts the phrase like, totally. Having been part of the generation that thought those words were so cool, I couldn't stop reading. The next thing I knew I was reading quotes to my husband. So today, in hopes of making you smile and showing how adding two words can change a sentence, I've tweaked some famous quotes.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in like, totally rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela
The way to get started is to like, totally quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney
Life is what happens like, when you're busy totally making other plans. -John Lennon
To be or like, totally not to be. -William Shakespeare
When you reach the end of your rope, like tie a knot in it and totally hang on. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but like, totally by the seeds that you plant. -Robert Louis Stevenson
It is during our darkest moments that we must like, totally focus to see the light. -Aristotle
Here's some modified western/cowboy sayings from grammar.yourdictionary.com.
Some cowboys have like, totally too much tumbleweed in their blood to settle down.
When you're throwin' your weight around, be like, totally ready to have it thrown around by someone else.
Always like, totally drink upstream from the herd.
Never ask how stupid someone is 'cause they'll like, turn around and totally show you.
The only good reason to ride a bull is to like, totally meet a nurse.
And my favorite…
Never like, jump a barbed wire fence totally naked.
I hope these changes to famous quotes made you chuckle. To be entered in the random drawing for today's giveaway of the sparkly Peace sign and a signed copy of Home on the Ranch: Family Ties share a quote and like, totally parody it in This Is Like, Totally a Quote Book style. Here's to 2021. May your year be blessed, and wishing you like, totally the best year ever!
Categories Filly Fun, Giveaways, Holiday Fun, humor, Julie Benson, Just for Fun, Language, New Year, Quotes, Random Ramblings 36 Comments
And the Winner for Tuesday is….!
January 6, 2021 January 5, 2021 by Phyliss
Congratulations to Tuesday's Blog Winner …
sallycootie
Sally, please watch your email for a note from me
on how to get your book!
Again, congratulations, Phyliss
Categories Announcements, Drawing, Giveaways, Winners 4 Comments
Come Along with Alicia Fannin!
December 18, 2020 December 18, 2020 by Guest Blogger
Hello, fellow book lovers!
I'm so honored to be here today! When I received the invitation to write this guest blog post, I was beyond thrilled! So thank you so much for the invitation, Karen!
I thought the best thing to do was tell you about my debut novel which just launched.
I've always been drawn to mail order bride stories. My heart has felt so compassionate for the women who found themselves in the position of needing to marry for financial survival in times gone by. I marvel at the bravery of the couples that took that risk.
"The Expectant Mail Order Bride" is such a story. Meggie James is heartbroken and hopeless when she loses her husband in a tragic accident. Her options are few and her situation is dire, complicated by the fact that she has a baby on the way. With little family to turn to, she sees an ad for a mail order bride.
Thomas Kellen has suffered his own losses. He's lost his wife and is left with a beautiful little boy to raise
on his own. It's a task that's proving to be too much with a ranch to run and he's desperate for a solution. Though it's unconventional, he advertises for a wife.
When Meggie arrives in Springwater, Texas, there's a little detail she may have neglected to mention. She's expecting and that's something Thomas never expected!
In addition to that little tidbit, other issues arise. Thomas can be gruff when afraid, which is practically all the time since he lost his first wife in childbirth and his new wife is facing just that. He's also very much a man's man (don't we just love those?!) and Meggie has a very independent spirit! Clashes are bound to happen.
Then there's the more tender element that they don't have a matching faith and Meggie is discovering that her hurts can only be healed by The One she's ran from for so long.
I hope you'll come along as their story unfolds.
You'll also meet other characters that will have their own personal journeys and love stories in books yet to come. "The Expectant Mail Order Bride" is book one in the "Springwater Sweethearts" series.
It's available on both eBook and paperback on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3nZUltT
Have you ever been caught in an unexpected situation?
To one reader who leaves a comment, I will send you a copy of
"The Expectant Mail Order Bride."
I'll see you in Springwater.
Alicia Fannin
P.S. You can follow along my writing journey at https://www.instagram.com/aliciafanninauthor/
Categories Behind the Book, Giveaways, New Releases, Personal Glimpses Tags Alicia Fannin, The Expectant Mail Order Bride 28 Comments
New Release and Two & a Half Weeks Before Christmas
December 8, 2020 by Karen Kay
Welcome to another Terrific Tuesday!
Is it really only two and a half weeks before Christmas? Wow! Time is going a little too fast for me. Rush…rush…rush…
But, if I can take a moment in the midst of all the rush, I'd like to talk about the concept of giving and how it was a little different in Native America.
In the days of old, before the white man came to this country and influenced the American Indian into other traditions, giving gifts to others was a point of survival. No chief could become chief who did not give to the needy and the less well to do. Often the chief of the tribe was the poorest person in the tribe because he gave away almost all that he had. However, contrary to a more socialist point of view, this was not pure socialism, because the giving was never regulated and never mandatory. (Compare that to our income tax system.) Only the strong, the wise and the kindhearted could be counted on to give, and it was considered one of the most aspired-to attributes.
Actually, it requires a bit of mind change to grasp the American Indian idea of giving. If a man attained a higher state or did some great deed, he was not given something by the tribe, but rather, he gave gifts to others. If a woman attained some desired state (a young girl attaining puberty for instance — or an older woman being praised for her handicraft) she and her relatives worked night and day to give gifts to others. An example of this might be this: Say it is your birthday, but instead of you getting gifts on your birthday, you and your relatives would work for months and months in order to have a feast, where one would give to the community in celebration of something one attained. This was considered the highest honor one might place upon a family member.
This tradition is still carried on in Native America today. When a family wishes to distinguish one of its own, members of the family will work for many months (sometimes years) to produce goods, not for oneself, but to give away to others — in honor of the family member. In this manner, we have an example of giving something that cannot be measured in terms of finance. The gift of caring, the gift of giving of oneself and one's time.
These presents in Native America weren't wrapped. Sometimes the offerings were simply in the form of food or clothing or blankets. Sometimes, in the case of a marriage or some other big event, items such as a tepee were donated to the cause (remember in the movie, Dances With Wolves and the tepee the star of the movie was given?) When one couldn't give because one didn't have the wherewithal to do so, that person might give away all that he had. In this way such articles were kept afloat in the society. Sometimes one bestowed the very best possession that he treasured most, especially so if there were a sickness in the family and one wanted to ensure their beloved one's recovery. Sometimes the donation was in the form of gifting a service to one's people. Certain societies had stringent rules about bundles or other sacred items and most people didn't want the responsibility of taking care of these items (such as becoming a bundle holder.) In this case the bequest would be in the form of the entire family taking on the responsibility, in order to preserve the spiritual traditions of the people.
This picture was taken at a give-away celebration that my friend, Patricia gave many years ago. Another aspect to the American Indian's way of thinking, was that it was considered a great honor if one gave in such a way that the other person didn't feel they had to return the favor. This happened to George Catlin in the 1830's when a young warrior bestowed him with the diary that Catlin had lost. The giving was done in such a way that Catlin was unable to give-back, since he was embarking upon a ship.
There is yet another example of giving by the American Indian comes to us from the Iroquois. The Iroquois (which was composed of originally 5 tribes and eventually 6) had a system of government that was truly Of the people, For the people, and By the people. Men served and were never permitted to draw any kind of pay for serving — it was simply considered their duty and their way of helping the tribe. Such service is still in operation today.
I'd like to disagree with corporate America for a moment if I might. I think the most potent gifts are those that one cannot measure by physical means. When my kids were growing up, they used to give me coupons for Christmas — I still have them to this day — little chores they would do for me upon presentation of the coupon. I guess the point is that one can always give something of themselves to another.
And here's the most beautiful gift of all — something that those who crave material wealth over all else will never understand nor will they ever receive this gift (though some might pretend an affection) — the gift of love — true love. No gold, no silver, can ever replace these gifts, since they have their roots in one's heart and one's nature.
And so, I would like to make this wish during this New Year's season: That the reasons for war — and the profit received from war — will perish from this earth.
And with this thought in mind, I leave you with a YouTube video of a song performed by Keith Whitley (who I believe is one of the best country singers to every grace the stage).
http://youtu.be/BgKYm1ssb9o
And speaking of gifts, I will be giving away a free copy of my newest release, IRON WOLF'S BRIDE — just look over to the side here for the Giveaway Guidelines.
Available from these stores:
Categories Giveaways, History - General, Native American, New Releases 37 Comments
Winnie Griggs New Release and a Giveaway
December 7, 2020 December 7, 2020 by Winnie Griggs
Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. I am excited to announce the release of my first Amish Romance novel Her Amish Wedding Quilt, will release in just a little over a week. This is a genre that for me as a writer wasn't even on my radar 16 months ago. But then last September an editor contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in trying my hand at writing one. It so happened I was at a point in my career where I was ready to try my hand at something new so I jumped at it.
It's been quite a year as I've immersed myself in research and all things Amish, trying to learn the ins and outs of this unique culture. I'd actually planned to make a couple of trips to Amish country this year but we all know what happened to travel plans in 2020 🙁
Anyway, Her Amish Wedding Quilt is the first of a three book series that will follow the Eicher sisters. This one features Greta, the middle sister, and Noah Stoll, a widower doing his best to raise his two preschoolers with the help of his younger sister.
Greta is a bit of an outspoken, take charge kind of gal, which is something of a problem since everyone tells her she needs to tone it down a bit if she ever wants to find a husband. Noah has just learned he needs to stop relying on his sister's help and his answer is to find a wife.
The book opens on the first day of a brand new year with Greta convinced this is the day her best friend, Calvin Stoll will propose to her. But by the end of the day her whole world has come crashing down around her.
In this scene, Greta, who has successfully done some matchmaking in the past, has decided to help Noah out more as a way to take her mind off her own problems as anything. Oh, and for those of you not familiar with Amish dialect, here is a quick glossary:
fraa = wife
Gotte = God
jah = yes
kinner = children
mamm = mom
"Esther told me you asked her to help you find a new fraa."
Something akin to irritation flashed across Noah's face before his guard went up. "And why did she feel the need to speak of it to you?"
"She and I are good friends and she knew I'd help in any way I can."
"Help you find a new fraa, of course." She smiled. "And a mamm for your kinner."
His guard eased a bit, but now he seemed ready to dismiss the subject. And her. "I appreciate your desire to help me, but I think this is something best left to Esther. She knows me and she knows my preferences."
Greta wasn't going to let him get rid of her that easily. "I realize Esther is your cousin and you might be more comfortable dealing with her. But perhaps you don't know that I have experience helping other young men find a helpmeet."
"Jah, I'm aware that you've played matchmaker in the past."
The way he said "played" got her back up, but Greta decided to ignore his tone and keep her focus on convincing him he needed her help. "Then perhaps you'll understand why Esther thought I'd be able to help in your search as well. If you give me a chance I know I can find a woman who'll make you happy."
"What do you know about what will make me happy?"
Good question, especially after her spectacular failure on her own behalf. And for a moment her certainty wavered.
But then she rallied. This was different. "I believe I understand people well enough to know who'll get along nicely together and who won't." At least when it came to others.
He raised a brow at that. "Do you now?"
She refused to let his skepticism affect her again. "It probably sounds like pride and boastfulness to you, but it isn't. I believe this is a gift from Gotte, just as your skill with woodwork is, and that it would be wasteful not to use it."
She saw him sober at that and study her thoughtfully.
Trying to press her advantage, she quickly added. "But of course you'll need to help me figure out some of your own specific likes and dislikes." Would he agree? She realized she wanted to help him, that she needed to find some purpose to fill the emptiness that was stretching out in front of her.
But rather than respond directly, he asked a question of his own. "Why do you want to do this?"
"Because I love your kinner and want to help see that they are well cared for. And also because I think it's something I can do well."
"And for no other reason?"
She squirmed a bit under his steady, much too perceptive scrutiny. Surely he didn't know about her feelings for Calvin and what had happened New Year's Day.
She tilted her chin up. "What other reason would there be?"
Noah saw the slight reddening of Greta's cheeks that belied the confident expression on her face. Was she thinking of Calvin? If she'd been so wrong about his brother's feelings, how could she possibly know what he needed? But somehow it seemed cruel to point that out to her. And what could it hurt to let her try? "I suppose we could give it a try."
Her face blossomed in a smile that made him blink—it had been a while since he'd seen those impish dimples of hers.
Her hands clasped tightly together as if trying to hold in some big emotion. "Good." Her tone was charmingly businesslike. Apparently she'd wanted to do this more than he'd realized.
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peak at Her Amish Wedding Quilt. To be entered in the drawing for an advance copy of the book, leave a comment related to Amish fiction – love it, hate it, never tried it but want to, or anything else that fits the bill. I'd also love to know what you thought of this set-up and excerpt
HER AMISH WEDDING QUILT
An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming first novel of a new series.
Spirited, forthright, impulsive – everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.
Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?
Categories Amish, Giveaways, Matchmakers, New Releases 52 Comments
Winnie's Game Day Winners!!
December 1, 2020 November 30, 2020 by Winnie Griggs
Hello gang. Between my book deadline and preparing for Thanksgiving, I totally spaced on picking a winner for last week's Game Day. But better late than never, right?
You all did such a great job captioning the photo that I had a hard time selecting a winner – so I picked THREE! And they are:
ABQNANCY
DENISE HOLCOMB
Congratulations! Just go to my website and decide which book you'd like to have. Then contact me via my website with the title and your mailing info and I'll get it sent on out to you.
Categories Giveaways 10 Comments
Thanksgiving Giveaway
November 26, 2020 by Margaret Brownley
It has been a hard year for all of us, and this holiday season will be like no other. Restrictions may mean fewer people at your Thanksgiving table, and fewer hugs all around, but this day can still be special. That's because restrictions can only go so far. No one can restrict our ability to spread love, laughter, and kindness. No restriction can limit how much faith, hope, and gratitude fills our hearts. Nor can any restriction stop our ability to create new traditions and make new memories.
Thanks to the miracle of technology, restrictions also can't keep us from reaching out to each other and, for that, I'm especially grateful. It allows me to tell you how much we fillies appreciate your staying with us during this difficult time. Your continued support has truly been a blessing. To show our gratitude, I'm giving away three ten-dollar Amazon gift cards today.
To enter the drawing, tell us how your Thanksgiving will be different this year? What new traditions do you have planned? What is your hope for the season?
Christmas stories on sale now for only 99 cents.
It was just his luck to run into a trigger-happy damsel
Is their love strong enough to overcome their differences?
Watch for this exciting new contest starting November 30
Categories Giveaways, Holiday, Holiday Fun, Margaret Brownley, New Releases, Thanksgiving 75 Comments