Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sweet Saturday Samples: A big brother's role

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples! Since we looked at two of Marie's brothers a couple of weeks ago, I thought I'd slip in a scene of her and her eldest brother, Rulon, talking together in a piece from my forthcoming novel, Spinster's Folly.
~~~

After she had eaten and cleaned up, Marie prepared her bed at the foot of a tree, and then sat on her quilt for a while, her back against the trunk. Rulon strolled over and squatted beside her.

"You all set here?" He picked at his teeth with a flayed willow twig.

"Yes sir. Almost as comfy as my bed at home." She hugged herself. "I reckon I'll sleep after a bit. I can't bring myself to close my eyes yet."

"It's a pretty night," he said, looking at the stars. When he looked at Marie again, he tilted his head to one side. "Are you sore, Sis? You've been in the saddle for a long stretch, and you're not used to the sort of work you've been doin' today."

Marie smiled wryly. "You caught me out, didn't you? I'm also burned and windblown and flybitten. I'll make a handsome prize for Tom Morgan."

"No, Sis," Rulon said, drawing out the initial vowel as he shook his head. "You're a beauty despite a tad bit of sunburn. Tom Morgan's a fool if he won't see that tomorrow."

Marie rolled her eyes. "Big brothers always say such dainty things."

"The truth ain't a dainty thing." Rulon smiled. "Granted I'm your big brother, and I might be a mite partial to you, but there's no denyin' you're a gem of a woman, Marie. You stand the competition on their noses, girl."

Marie couldn't help but laugh.

"There now." He patted her hand. "That's what I like to hear."

"Rulon, who do you reckon is my competition?"

"Just a figure of speech, Sis. There is no competition that stands up to you."

"There is no competition at all. I'm the only girl left single hereabouts." Marie ducked her head so Rulon wouldn't see hopelessness in her eyes.

He put two fingers under her chin, raised her face, and looked at her for a long time. "Marie. That is an unfortunate circumstance. You are worth more than any three girls back home. Don't forget that. Not ever."

Marie hoped the deepening darkness prevented Rulon from seeing the tears that suddenly caused her vision to swim. "That's sweet of you to say," she whispered, catching his hand. "No wonder Mary thinks the sun rises and sets on you."

Now Rulon ducked his head. "Go on!"

"I reckon I think that, too, big brother." She pushed him on the shoulder. "I'm sleepy now. You needn't watch over me tonight."

He touched her on the tip of her nose. "That's what big brothers are for." He got to his feet. "Good night, Sis."

"Good night, Rulon."
~~~

Thank you for visiting. Come back every Saturday for more samples. Now, use this list to go to other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. Enjoy!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Sweet Saturday Samples: An awkward situation

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples! I thought I'd take a look at interpersonal dynamics today in a little scene from Spinster's Folly, my forthcoming novel.
~~~

Marie watched her mother hurry off, then turned toward the Morgan's fire.

"Miss Marie," said Tom, stepping into her path from behind the brush. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Startled, Marie laid her hand over her heart. "Tom! I didn't see you there." With his back to the fire, his figure was outlined with light, but she couldn't see his face clearly.

"I saw you a-comin'. Thought as I'd greet you ahead of the folks." He leaned in toward Marie, and she took a step backwards.

"How nice of you. Are you and your kin comfortable?"

Tom was silent for a moment, then said, "Aside from hauling water for tomorrow, I believe we're set. Come to the fire and say hello." Tom moved forward and took her arm, fitting it through the crook of his.

Marie let him lead her into the circle of light.

Mrs. Morgan glanced up from her seat on a log. "Well, look who's here. Mr. Morgan, it's Miss Marie, come to call on us."

"Miss Marie," Ed Morgan said, then stepped away from the fire and into the darkness.

Stung at his rudeness, Marie blurted out, "Tom says you're set for the night." The look on Mrs. Morgan's face made her regret that she hadn't started out with pleasantries. Then Louisa and Melissa crowded around, asking questions and diverting her attention as she tried to make up for her mistake with Mrs. Morgan.

"It's a nice evening," she began again. "I trust your journey wasn't too taxing?"

"Uneventful," Mrs. Morgan murmured, nodding. "Uneventful, but warm."

"It has been a warm day," Marie agreed. "It's fixin' to cool off, I believe," she offered.

"I can only hope it don't get too chilly."

"No, ma'am. It should be pleasant tonight."

Mrs. Morgan didn't reply, but instead examined the hand work in her lap.

Louisa and Melissa went back to their chores, and Marie stood awkwardly beside Tom, her hand trapped between his arm and his body. The rhythm of his breathing pressed against the back of her arm, and his warmth seeped into her skin. Her throat constricted.

After it became apparent that Mrs. Morgan had finished with her, Marie cleared her throat and said, "Well, good evening to you. I must be going."
~~~

What characters those Morgans are! Thank you for visiting. Come back every Saturday for more samples. Now, use this list to go to other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. Enjoy!

Friday, March 23, 2012

And the Winners Are . . .

Western Writers of America, Inc., the writers' organization that celebrates "Literature of the West for the World," has announced the Winners and Finalists for the 2012 Spur Awards. Winners will receive their award plaques in a gala ceremony on June 16, 2012, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2012 Spur Award Winners and Finalists

BEST WESTERN LONG NOVEL
Winner:
Stephen Harrigan, Remember Ben Clayton, Alfred A. Knopf

Finalists:
Thomas Fox Averill, Rode, University of New Mexico Press
James Lee Burke, Feast Day of Fools, Simon & Schuster

BEST WESTERN SHORT NOVEL
Winner:
Johnny D. Boggs, Legacy of a Lawman, Five Star Publishing

Finalists:
Joe Henry, Lime Creek, Random House
Alan C. Huffines, Killed by Indians 1871, Texas Wesleyan University Press

BEST ORIGINAL MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Winner:
Johnny D. Boggs, West Texas Kill, Pinnacle Books/Kensington

Finalist:
Cameron Judd, The Long Hunt, Signet/Penguin
Dusty Richards, Between Hell and Texas, Pinnacle Books/Kensington

BEST FIRST NOVEL
Winner:
Meg Mims, Double Crossing, Astraea Press

Finalists:
Tammy Hinton, Unbridled, Roots & Branches/AWOC Publishing
Stephen B. Smart, Whispers of the Greybull, High Mule Publishing

BEST WESTERN NONFICTION – HISTORICAL (TO 1900)
Winner:
David L. Bigler and Will Bagley, The Mormon Rebellion, University of Oklahoma Press

Finalists:
Paul L. Hedren, After Custer, University of Oklahoma Press
Richard White, Railroaded, W.W. Norton & Company

BEST WESTERN NONFICTION – CONTEMPORARY (1900 TO PRESENT)
Winner:
Frederick H. Swanson, The Bitterroot and Mr. Brandborg, University of Utah Press

Finalists:
Jim Kristofic, Navajos Wear Nikes, University of New Mexico Press
Rachel St. John, Line in the Sand, Princeton University Press

BEST WESTERN NONFICTION – BIOGRAPHY
Winner:
Paul Magid, George Crook, University of Oklahoma Press

Finalists:
Louis Kraft, Ned Wynkoop and the Lonely Road from Sand Creek, University of Oklahoma Pres
Richard D. White, Jr. Will Rogers: A Political Life, Texas Tech University Press

BEST WESTERN SHORT FICTION STORY
Winner: (TIE)
Rod Miller, “The Death of Delgado,” Western Fictioneers
Clay Reynolds, “The Deacon’s Horse,” Ink Brush Press

Finalists:
Shann Ray, “The Great Divide,” Graywolf Press

BEST WESTERN SHORT NONFICTION
Winner:
Paul Andrew Hutton, “The Alamo, Well Remembered,” Wild West Magazine

Finalists:
John R. Wunder, “That No Thorn Will Pierce Our Friendship,” Western Historical Quarterly
Mark Dworkin, “The Wild West’s Premier Mythmaker,” Wild West Magazine

BEST WESTERN JUVENILE FICTION
Winner:
Candace Simar, Birdie, North Star Press of St. Cloud

Finalists:
Johnny D. Boggs, South by Southwest, Five Star Publishing/Gale
Nancy Oswald, Rescue in Poverty Gulch, Filter Press

BEST WESTERN JUVENILE NONFICTION
Winner:
Don Nardo, Migrant Mother, Compass Point Books/Capstone

Finalists:
Jean A. Lukesh, Wolves in Blue, Field Mouse Productions
Linda L. Osmundson, How the West Was Drawn, Pelican Publishing

BEST WESTERN DRAMA SCRIPT (FICTION)
Winner:
John Logan, Rango, Nickelodeon Movies

Finalists:
Jonathan Raymond, Meek’s Cut-Off
Miguel Barros, Blackthorn, Rogue Pictures

BEST WESTERN DOCUMENTARY SCRIPT (NONFICTION)
Winner:
Cindy Meehl, Director, and Julie Goldman, Producer, Buck, Cedar Creek Productions

No finalists

STORYTELLER AWARD
Winner:
Bryan Langdo, Tornado Slim and the Magic Cowboy Hat, Marshall Cavendish

Finalists:
Mary Casanova. The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town, Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Mary Dodson Wade, Henrietta King, Bright Sky Press

BEST WESTERN POEM
Winner:
Rod Miller, “Tabula Rasa,” Port Yonder Press

Finalists:
Floyd Collins, “What Harvest: Poems on the Siege & Battle of the Alamo,” Somondoco Press
Larry D. Thomas, “The Red, Candle-lit Darkness,” El Grito del Lobo Press

BEST WESTERN AUDIOBOOK
No Award Given

BEST WESTERN SONG
Winner:
Jon Chandler. “Morning Star Moon,” Western Dog Publishing

Finalists:
Wylie Gustafson, “Raven on the Wind,” Two Medicine Music
Bob Thomas, “The Cowboy,” Easy Bob Music
Congratulations to all of you!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Uh Oh! The Curmudgeon is Loose!

From time to time, an alter ego escapes and shows up here. I've named him The Curmudgeon, because he's clearly a testy male. He's also an editor and a critic of misuses of the English language. I've tried to lock him away, but alas, he spotted something the other day that got his ire up. I'm losing my grip on him--

I'm tearing out my hair. I read a phrase the other day that upset me. I stood it for as long as I could manage, but it's just too much. I had to elbow my way out of my dungeon when the guard came with my lunch.

as of lately

Argh!!! This is a mashup of two separate phrases that mean about the same thing: lately, and as of late, referring to past events.

People! Don't use them both at the same time!!! One of them is certainly enough to convey your meaning.

Okay. I'll go back to my snug little hidey-hole. My mistress has made it as comfortable as possible. She hates it when I get out, So DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE AND SHOUT AT YOU AGAIN! She might get so out-of-sorts that she'll take away the simple pleasures of life, like my access to the Interwebs.

Sheesh!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

First draft scene from Spinster's Folly

I can always use advice, if you think there's too much of this or a scene needs a little bit more of that. Comments always welcome!

Here's something that needs more polish, so I'm offering it up for your emery compound and buffing wheel (and I might do a little editing of my own as I put this in).
~~~

Bill awoke with an uneasy feeling. As he sat on the edge of his bunk, he paused before pulling on his second shoe. What was bothering him? It didn't take much pondering to know that the path he had planned for his life had gone terribly wrong: Marie Owen was promised to that wretched farm boy, Tom Morgan. That was enough to bother any man anyone.

"Tom," he growled, yanking on his shoe. "What a puny excuse for a man!"


He tied the brogan, rose, and slammed his hat onto his head. Why did she choose Tom Morgan? Doesn't she know how I feel about her? Anger battled grief in his body, his heart pounding like galloping hooves on a hardpan road. He took several deep breaths, trying to get the emotions under control so he could get about his day, but the sense of wrong, the sense of foreboding wouldn't leave him. Maybe something else was gnawing at him.


Try as he might would to shake off the feeling of disaster that lingered like a bitter aftertaste in the mouth, Bill went to breakfast without any relief from the sensation. Even three spoonsful of sugar mixed into his coffee didn't take away the dread.


A heavy hand came down on his shoulder from behind, and immediately the hoarse sound of Chico Henderson's morning voice cut through a bit of his reflective fog.


"Sorry I was a porcupine last evenin'," Chico said. "You don't usually take my money so handily."


Bill attempted to add a light tone to his reply. "You're a sore loser, Henderson." He failed. His voice grated in his ears as though he were drawing a rasp over a tin washboard. He clamped his jaw shut.


"I ain't so much, old son. You were on a winning streak the likes of which I ain't seen before." Chico sat in the chair next to Bill's and lifted his mug toward his mouth. "It took me by surprise, I got to say." After a slurp or two, he cut his eyes toward Bill. "What's tuggin' on your brainpan?"


Bill shrugged.


"Somethin' has you befogged. Out with it."


"I can't say." He shrugged again. "I don't know." He bit his lip. "How could she up and get herself promised to that lump?"


Chico wiped his the last sip of coffee from his moustache. "Was you makin' plans with her?"


Bill hesitated. Then, realizing Chico was the closest thing to a good friend that he had in this country, he blurted out, "It didn't get that far along. I was hoping, but--" He stopped short when the cook, Sourdough Smith, slapped a plate of eggs and beans onto the table before him.


Chico waited until Sourdough stepped back to the stove. "Uh-huh?"


"I had no chance to speak to the girl."


"Why's that?"


"She went on that little expedition with her pa and the boys."


"She come back."


"Maybe so, but she was she's mighty changed. She'd She's put up a wall the size of the Guadalupes."


"You sayin' you ain't much of a mountain climber?"


Bill snorted derisively. "Chico, you trying to make me smile? I'm not in a smiling mood."


"I'll say you ain't!" Chico took a plate from Sourdough's hand and shoveled a mouthful of eggs beneath his moustache. Then he mumbled through the food, "You oughta talk to her. Speak your mind."


"You think Rod Owen would stand for that?"


"The ol' man don't got to know."


"Humph."

~~~
 

Yes, I've got Bill pulling on shoes instead of boots, because not all cowhands of the period wore boots. However, I'll have to check for consistency. If he wore boots in The Man from Shenandoah, he'll have to wear boots in Spinster's Folly, as well. Maybe someone can look that up for me. I'll give you a shout-out in the acknowledgements. :-) 

Copyright 2012 Marsha Ward

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Sweet Saturday Samples: looking at brothers

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples!

Let's take a look at two of Marie Owen's brothers in this snippet from Chapter 3 of Spinster's Folly:
~~~

The noon stop couldn't come fast enough to suit her. It would be a welcome relief from the sun and the dust and the flies. Marie wiped her sweaty, dusty forehead with the back of her hand, then realized it was tender to the touch. Sunburned, she thought. That's my own folly. She sent Bess into a bit more speed to rejoin the herd, wishing she'd thought to borrow a hat, or at least, to bring her sunbonnet.

An hour later, Rod Owen did call a halt for dinner when the company came upon a stream with a pebbled bottom. After the boys watered the steers in the stream, they drove them up the southern bank and onto a grassy area. Then they watered all the horses and picketed them nearby on the grass.

Marie opened the saddlebags, spread a cloth on the bank, and put out tin plates and cups for her father, her brothers, and herself. She unwrapped the cornbread and beef she and Ma had prepared and put a portion of each on the plates. Then she went to the creek, upstream from the place they'd crossed, and dipped a bucket into the water.

She had almost carried it back to the eating area when Albert swooped in, snatched the bucket, and poured the water over himself.

As he wiped the water from his eyes, Marie cried out, "You oaf! That's drinkin' water!"

"Works just as well to cool me off," he said in a sneering tone, shaking himself like a dog to make Marie wet.

"Bertie, I'll get you," she cried, and picked up the bucket to hurl at him.

Rulon restrained her arm, and thrust the container into Albert's stomach. "Fetch clean water," he barked. "Now."

"Ah, you're no fun." Albert rubbed his abused belly. "You sound just like Pa, orderin' me about."
~~~

Rulon and Albert are certainly different! Thank you for visiting. Come back every Saturday for more samples. Now, use this list to go to other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Finding Character Names

I've got a unique collection of character names. I never run out. Someday, in some book, I will actually use them as names for villains.

Want to know where I get this endless list from?

Spammers. Those who send me emails that end up in my spam folder. Their names are so great, especially for villainous characters: Dacia Ramonita. Concepcion Griselda. Griselda Concepcion. Ramonita Dacia.

See there, I got four names just from the last two spammers who tried to sell me bogus Viagra. Like I need that stuff!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Sweet Saturday Samples: Spinster's Folly reprise

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples!

Here's a snippet from a scene towards the middle of Spinster's Folly:
~~~

Bill saw Marie saddle her horse and ride up toward the tree line, but he was obliged to stay where he was, stacking the last of the logs alongside of Chico Henderson.

"Don't you wish you could fork a horse and follow Miss Marie?" Chico asked in an undertone, his grin almost splitting his face.

Bill knocked hard against Chico's shoulder, the one that had been wounded.

"Ow! There's no call for that, Henry."

"Keep your mouth buttoned. I don't want to hear your palaver."

"Where'd you get that burr under your blanket?" Chico taunted. "Ain't she been taking notice of you?"

"That's no concern of yours. Get back to work. These logs don't get stacked by magic."

Chico subsided, but he chuckled, and the sound rankled.

No, she ain't spoke a word to me since she returned from down south. She's been short of smiles, as well. Somethin's wrong.
~~~

Thank you for visiting. Come back every Saturday for more samples. Now, use this list to go to other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Don't forget Read An E-Book Week!

This event continues all week until Saturday at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Here's a link to a page with my novels listed.

And here's the collection, No More Strangers.

All are 50% off this week only. Be sure to look around for other works by authors and publishers participating in giving discounts this week. You'll find the list here or linked at the Home page.

Thank you.

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Book Review: A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God, by Fay A. Klingler

Fay A. Klingler is an LDS writer with an Advertising and Commercial Art degree and much experience blending her writing skills with her art, illustrating and writing articles and books. When the need to support herself and her family by herself came, her abilities and experience as an editor and writer provided their income.

Fay has written on topics ranging from family activities to railroad safety, oil refinery procedures to inspiration for women. Now she primarily focuses on materials for women and the family. She loves writing about healthy lifestyles, cooking, family fun, and time management.

She believes passionately in the positive power of mothers. Because of her experience, she can write to all sizes of traditional families, single-parent families, blended families, multi-cultural families, and grandparents. She is often asked to speak about writing and editing at writers’ conferences, or to be a presenter for organizations dedicated to strengthen the home and family.

She and her husband live in Utah, and are the parents of twelve children between them, with thirty-five grandchildren.

Fay's latest book, to be released on March 13 by Cedar Fort, Inc., is A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God.

The back cover copy says:

In today’s chaotic world, many women feel like they’re hanging on by a single, fraying thread. But as daughters of God, we’re blessed with lifelines from above. All we have to do is reach up and grab hold of them.

A Woman’s Power, from beloved author Fay A. Klingler, simply and beautifully illustrates which threads have the strength and power to carry women of virtue to safety, peace, and lasting happiness. Perfect for women everywhere, this inspiring work will help you hold fast to the divinity within you as you learn just how powerful a faithful woman can be.

Book Details:

  • Title: A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God
  • Author: Fay A. Klinger
  • Hardcover: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (March 13, 2012)
  • Genre: Non- Fiction/Religious(LDS)
  • ISBN-10: 1462110290
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462110292
Fay's son produced a lovely book video for A Woman's Power:



Fay has lined up a blog tour to let readers know of its availability. Today is my turn to review her book.

Not only is this a book of empowerment, it's a book of exhortation, and of comfort:
One day I drove to my son Marcus’s home to deliver a family history I had just completed for him. I mentioned something about how difficult it was for our pioneer ancestors and how amazing it was for them to remain faithful under such hardships. His response stunned me. With passion he said, “Which is more damaging to your salvation—immorality or suffering death due to hunger? In some parts of the world, they’re both ever-present issues. Hardship due to exposure affects your attitude and faith, but getting caught up in the base deconstruction of society and immorality while sitting in a warm, cozy house is far more powerful and seductive.”

Fay goes on to tell us:

My father once said to me, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you. What matters is how you react to what happens to you.” Will our choices draw us closer to the Lord or bitterly away?

Here we can’t mince words, for ours is not an easy path. We are in a period of earth’s history when many individuals are taking a stand with Satan. But we have what it takes to stand for the right! It is doable. It is expected. And each time we choose the right and turn to the Lord, we grow in strength, confidence, insight, and wisdom. Depending on our choices, the bad things that happen to us can confirm our faith as it shapes our lives for the better. We then become increasingly aware of who and what we are and less fearful and more effective in our service.

The chapter titles give us a hint of the principles Fay addresses: Identity, Prayer, The Word of God, Awareness, Obedience, Goal Setting, Supporting Each Other, and Patience. Using personal examples she has gained throughout her years of growth and church service, as well as examples related to her and talks from General Authorities of the LDS Church, Fay helps us understand how a life lived in accordance with Gospel principles binds us to God, our Father, as He has promised, and we can become His Daughters, heirs of all He hath.

This book is worth reading. Although it is short, Fay has packed it full of insights that will ring true and help us in our daily walk.



Check out the other blogs on the blog tour.

February 28, Tuesday—“Great Minds Think Aloud” Fay will have a personal guest post at this blog stop

February 28, Tuesday—“Connections with Christy” Book review

February 29, Wednesday—“I Am a Reader, Not a WriterAuthor interview and book giveaway

March 1, Thursday—“Bonnie Gets a Say Author interview, book review, and book giveaway

March 2, Friday—“Why not? Because I said so!” Book review

March 2, Friday—“LDS Women’s Book Review” Book review

March 3, Saturday—“Babs Book Bistro” Book review

March 5, Monday—“Renae’s Writespot” Book review

March 5, Monday—“Thrilled by the Thought” Book review

March 7, Wednesday—“Weaving a Tale or Two” Book review

March 8, Thursday—“J. Lloyd Morgan” Book review

March 9, Friday—“Queen of the Clan” Book review and book PDF giveaway

March 9, Friday—“The Character Connection Personal guest post

March 10, Saturday—“Cheryl’s Book Nook” Book review

March 12, Monday—“A Writer’s Ramblings” Book review

March 12, Monday—“Star Crossed” Book review

March 13, Tuesday—“Bookworm Lisa” Book review

March 13, Tuesday—Mormon Moms” Book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Good Family ReadsPersonal guest post and book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Inklings” Book review

March 15, Thursday—“families.com” Book review

March 16, Friday—“BooksRUs” Book review

March 16, Friday—“A Writer’s Reality” Book review

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Coupon Codes for "Read An E-Book Week"



Now that "Read An E-Book Week" has arrived, here is the promised coupon code for obtaining ebook versions of The Man from Shenandoah, Ride to Raton, Trail of Storms, and the collection, No More Strangers, at half off the usual price from Smashwords.com.

Scroll down past War Party to pick up the titles you want to buy, then, when you check out, insert the code REW50 in the indicated box. The code is not case-sensitive, but it's only good this week!

Remember that once you have purchased a book or short story from Smashwords, you can choose any ebook version you need for your computer or ebook reading device. I do ask that you not share your purchases with others. I consider such an action stealing from me and from Smashwords. If your friend or relative needs a copy of my work, please buy an additional copy for him or her. They're quite inexpensively priced, and this week--when the novels are half price--is the best time to make multiple purchases.

Thank you.

Saturday, March 03, 2012

A Snippet from Spinster's Folly

Bill Henry reflects:

Bill thought of the first day he'd met Marie. Fresh from Texas, driving Rod Owen's herd of cattle, the crew had encountered the little sister, half-paralyzed with fear. She'd barely missed being abducted by an outlaw band. She was safe, but the miscreants had kidnapped Marie and the Bates girl--she who was now Carl Owen's bride.

The Owen men and their hired hands had tracked the party to a cave, and finally rescued the girls at great cost. His own cousin had paid the ultimate price.

For a moment, Bill let the barely abated grief of losing Bob wash over him, but his cheerful mood didn't want to go toward darkness just now, so he shook it off and went back to his more pleasant memories of that day.

On the way down the mountain after the shooting affair, they'd stumbled across a deep black pool of water shaded by trees and surrounded by protective boulders. Rulon Owen had called a brief halt to better bind up Carl's wounds so he wouldn't expire from loss of blood.

Marie reluctantly rested beside the pool, expressing her anxiety over Carl's dire condition and her desire to reach home. Be that as it may, Bill got the idea she had appreciated the beauty of the spot as she gazed around at the sheltered area. He'd brought her a tin cup to dip into the water. She'd looked up at him then, an intense gratitude in her dark eyes as she thanked him in a quavering voice for being one of her rescuers.

That was the moment when she had captured his interest. Even bedraggled as she was, with her shoulders and sleeves covered with dirt and her hair tangled and bedecked with twigs and leaves, she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. Ever since that day, Bill had thought of the pool as their special spot. Not that they'd ever been back to it, but they would, someday.

I hope you enjoyed this look into Bill Henry's fond memory.

Sweet Saturday Samples: early snippet, Spinster's Folly

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples!

Here's a sample from an early chapter of Spinster's Folly, the fourth novel in the Owen Family Saga. Coming soon.
~~~

Rod burst into the cabin, flinging the door wide so it banged against the wall. Marie, placing a stack of washed plates on the shelf beside the fireplace, felt the shaved boards vibrate from the concussion.

"Pa!" Marie let go of the plates and steadied the pair of kerosene lamps teetering on the shelf. "Mind the lamps."

"He's left! He didn't even come say goodbye to his ma."

"What do you mean? Who's left?" Marie went to close the door, a sick premonition washing through her.

"Your brother. He has no more sense than a beetle, pining over a girl who doesn't care for him." He paced around the room, angrily pounding a fist into his open hand.

Marie crossed the distance between them and laid her fingers on her father's arm. The queasiness settled in her stomach. "James? Where's he gone to?"

"North. He has some idea of working your uncle's mine. Darn fool boy." Rod left Marie's grasp and sank into his chair. "He wouldn't even take my coin."

"Oh Pa, does Ma know? She'll be heart-sick."

"Don't I know it!"
~~~

Thank you for visiting. Come back every Saturday for more samples. Now, use this list to go to other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. Enjoy!
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