Book Blitz: Christmas Kisses

Today I'm participating in the Book Blitz for Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Five authors wrote stories for the volume.

Let’s take a look at these five authors.

Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who writes romance and mystery/suspense and solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and, of course, reading.

Rachelle is the award-winning author of six books, including Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, and What Every 6^th Grader Needs to Know, as well as the Rone Award-winning novella Silver Cascade Secrets. She and her family live on a farm in Idaho.

Visit www.rachellechristensen.com to learn more about upcoming books.

Social Media Links: Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Blog | Website | Goodreads Author Page | Rachelle's Amazon Author Page | Author News signup form

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor at “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of “The Living Room,” an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning. Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol luxuriates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

Social media links: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Once caught up in a story, she disappears into a cave until the first draft is done. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks (under the name Christina Dymock). Her Christmas romance, Blue Christmas, was a top seller in seven Amazon categories on its own and in thirteen as part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology.

When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or football, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wakeboarding; cycling; baking; cooking; or curled up with a good book.

Social Media Links: Website | Newsletter signup form (for all the latest news)

HEATHER TULLIS has been reading romance for as long as she can remember and has been publishing in the genre since 2009. She has published more than twenty books. When she’s not dreaming up new stories to write, or helping out with her community garden, she enjoys playing with her dogs and cat, inventing new ways to eat chocolate, and hanging out with her husband.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook

Cami Checketts is an idealist who dreams of helping children around the world but can't keep up with the four in her own home. Cami lives in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah where she enjoys running, biking, and swimming during the two months of the year it isn't snowing. A portion of the proceeds from Cami's books will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to www.cachecfsc.org

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

Pick up your copy today!
NOOK | Kindle | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes | Amazon UK | NOOK UK

See it on Goodreads: Goodreads

5 random facts about my story and myself:

1. The idea was born at a writing conference speaker's table with Rachelle, Christina, and myself
2. My husband is from upstate New York, where the story is based
3. Although I've penned 13 other books, this is my first novella
4. I write in between raising seven kids
5. I'm originally from Scotland and this year traveled back to Europe for two fabulous weeks!

Let’s get a sneak peek into one of these great stories!

Snippet from Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie Sokol
“Bravo,” Cecilia glanced at her file folder. “Beautiful speech. I can’t imagine how many times you ran through it but it’s not going to happen. I’ve already called in the heavy artillery.”

“The what? Who?” Not another “sure-bet” one-time hire.

“A marketing genius, graduated summa cum laude from Yale, and works in a marketing agency in my old downtown.”

“As in New York?”

“Yes, that downtown. He knows how to make the numbers really crunch and that’s what we need this Christmas, Miss Kenworth. Or the store, you, and every employee here is done.” She leaned closer, taking off her reading glasses. “No touchy-feely Hallmark campaign is going to save this sinking ship or get the numbers we need. And certainly not a Kenworth’s poster-child-turned-marketing assistant. Do I make myself clear? Tayton Wells is the answer to our problems, with a fat bonus waiting at the end of the rainbow to ensure success.”

Before Keira could respond to the rudeness, Cecilia looked past her shoulder to the reception area and smiled. “Ah, there’s Tayton now. My noon appointment,” she emphasized clearly.

Keira turned to the three people waiting in the sofa and table area. A dark-haired broad-shouldered man sat in semi-profile to her, texting on a phone. His briefcase lay on the coffee table in front of him. Keira pressed her lips together. Rich, “downtown”, and ready to glam-up her father’s beloved store right out of memory.

Not this time.

Keira spun on her heels and marched over to him though his head remained down. “Mr. Wells, Keira Kenworth. Excuse me for being frank but I have to be absolutely clear up front. I’m sure our little hick city of Echo Ridge can’t compare with the savoir faire of say, 5th Avenue, but there’s one thing you should know.” She glanced back at Cecilia, who stood in a rare moment of open mouth and no sound. So what if she was fired. She’d think about that later.

The man looked up from his phone and glanced around the room as if to be sure she spoke to him. Keira glanced at Cecilia but plowed on. “That’s right, I’m talking to you. No Neiman-Marcus suit ideas will make a bigger impact on our store than the old-fashioned strategy of creating a family-friendly place to shop. A place that connects people. A worthy cause that fills their hearts, not just their gift lists. I can guarantee”—okay, that was stretching it, but in for a penny…--“that not one of your bottom-line glitzy concepts are going to fly in this town. Not long term. It doesn’t work that way here.” Her voice rose. “And I will work night and day to prove that the heart of Christmas is the real secret to saving this store.”

Pause.

Shirley smacked her gum. “Oh, sugar, that’s a whopper speech right there.”

Keira’s chest heaved slightly while standing her ground. The man smiled—or was it a smirk? Then he stood up, all six foot six tall of him. He smiled openly as he appraised her. “For the record, I’m not—”

Another man suddenly stood next to Keira. “Are you looking for me?”

A deep baritone voice. Like warm rushing water. Keira turned to her right. A well-built dark-haired man in a nice-fitting burgundy jersey and snug jeans stood with a hint of a smile. “I’m Tayton Wells.”

“You? But I—” Keira willed her face to remain neutral but could feel the tinge of red spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes. Glancing back at the original man, he stuck out his hand. “Drew Stirling. Remember me?”

“Wait, Drew? As in our Echo Ridge basketball legend? I didn’t recognize you in a suit. I mean, not wearing sweats.”

Articulate, Keira.

Tayton stepped slightly in front of Drew, necessitating their handshake to break. Though tall, Tayton only rose to his shoulders. “I apologize for the confusion between people. As for business attire, the driver ran late so we didn’t have time to stop at the resort first. Are we meeting with Ms. Grange right now?”

“Not we. Just you.” Cecilia had walked over to them. “Drew, I’ll be with you soon, touch base with accounting. Tayton, in here. Keira, go make yourself useful.” With that she turned on her red heels and entered her office.

Dismissed. The redness in Keira’s face burned. Drew grabbed his briefcase and with a nod and smile headed toward the open office door. Tayton feigned gentlemanly interest in his duffel bag while Keira shook off the embarrassment, holding her work folder close to her chest.

He stood. “Sounds like we’ll meet later then.”

“Apparently.” She shrugged. “Possibly.” Turning to go, she looked back, surprised to find him watching her. “I meant what I said, Mr. Wells. If we have to go toe to toe, I’m in the ring.”

He watched her for a moment longer than he should have then nodded with the start of a smile. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Not knowing what to do with that, Keira walked through the open door and into the nearest restroom to calm down. She forced herself not to beat her hands on the door.

What an utter failure of a morning.

Follow along on the Facebook event page to get an inside look

at all the stories in this Anthology.  

Facebook Event Page

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sample Saturday - Bloodied Leather

Some time ago, I was asked to write a short story for an anthology with the theme of boxing. With little knowledge of the sport, I took on the role of naive spectator and wrote "Bloodied Leather." I hope you enjoy this brief excerpt.
~~~

When Percy called that evening, Isabelle had no excuse not to receive him, with Papa home and sitting in the parlor reading his newspaper.

Percy launched into a spate of wheedling, trying to convince her to attend a boxing match with him. She shuddered as his face lit up at his description of what he expected to see at the championship event the next month. What attracted men to such unsavory pastimes? Why did he expect her to relish the invitation to accompany him? Would he attack her again tonight if she refused?

“Surely young ladies should not attend such lurid displays,” she answered his last plea in a soft voice, glancing at her father, hidden behind his paper.

“On the contrary, several very cultured women attended the last figh— uh, match.”

“Papa?” She turned to her parent for help.

He looked up, eyes glazed with inattention.

“What do you require, daughter?”

“Must I attend a boxing match with Percy?”

“He is your fiancé, my dear. I’m sure he knows best how you are to spend your time together.”

He paused to inhale a powder she supposed was snuff.

“Papa?”

“Do go ahead and attend,” he replied. “It will broaden your view of life.” He waved a dismissive hand.
~~~

"Bloodied Leather" is found in the boxing anthology that, curiously, is titled two ways on Amazon. In the Kindle edition it's called Fight Card Presents: Battling Mahoney & Other Stories. The print version is called Battling Mahoney & Other Stories. As you can see, the cover replaces the ampersand with the word and. To me, this is a reminder to be consistent.

Come back next week for another sample.

Sale! Summer in Snow Valley - Six Sweet Novellas

#1 Bestselling Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!

***Only $.99 until June 6th***

Amazon * B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords

Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson

On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis

Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts

Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.

First Love by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart 

Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last. 

Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller, Kimberley Montpetit

Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austen and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller Lucy McConnell

Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

Excerpt from A Touch of Love

“Do you ever write down what you’re thinking?” Luke asked.

Annie's eyebrows arched. He loved the way she did that.

“Would you write for me? What you’re thinking?”

She shrugged her shapely shoulders and studied him for a few seconds before pulling out a notepad. She wrote for a few seconds then handed it to him.

I’m thinking that this cowboy is a nice guy who’s uncomfortable with my silence.

“I guess you got me there. I don’t really talk too much, usually just swear at the cattle. So I’m not a nice guy at all.”

She took the pad back, wrote, and handed it to him again.

You’re definitely a nice guy. I knew that when you bought the thoughtful gift for your sister. Why do you want to take me to dinner? Feeling bad for the new girl in town?

He grinned. “Nope. Feeling intrigued by the new girl in town and wanting to get to know her better.” He handed the pad back to her.

You don’t have the time to get to know me better, it would take hours for me to get anything out with my stutter.

He laughed. “Sweetheart, I’ve got the time and the desire to get to know you better. I really do love the sound of your voice, but if you’re more comfortable we could communicate like this.”

Her grin widened. How about we give it a few days? I don’t go to dinner with men I don’t know.

“How about I come back tomorrow and see you so you don’t have to go to dinner with a man you don’t know?” He paused. “Dang. Tomorrow we’re checking the range cows. Friday?”

She looked dubious.

“I’d like an appointment Friday at five for...” He looked over the list of options. “A foot zone. If you’re available, I’d like to take you to dinner after.”

She wrote quickly. Reading your feet will definitely help me get to know you. Are you sure you’re ready for that kind of disclosure?

A surprised laugh escaped him. “You can tell stuff about me from rubbing my feet?”

She pointed at the word reading.

“Reading my feet?”

She nodded, looking very smug.

“Okay. I have nothing to hide. You’re sure we can’t go to dinner tonight?”

She waved at him.

Luke inclined his head. Annie was a challenge. He liked her more each minute.

***Remember, on sale for $.99
only until June 6th***

Amazon * B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords

Madcap Monday - New Box Set available now

A new Triple Treat Historical Romance box set containing my previously-published novel, The Man from Shenandoah, and two others by amazing authors Kristin Holt and Kelli Ann Morgan, is now available!

Whispered Promise: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set (Triple Treat Romances Book 11)  is just $2.99, available as an eBook at many booksellers online. Here is what you get:

Three Bestselling Authors, Three Historical Romances, One Great Price

The Bride Lottery by Amazon bestselling author Kristin Holt
Colorado, 1881—It’s too bad the mail order bride agency failed to round up even half their order, ‘cause every man on the mountain wants a bride—except Sam Kochler. When Evelyn Brandt steps off the train, a last-minute addition to the brides, he can’t help but wonder why a pretty, well-to-do pregnant lady would take her chances with a bunch of unruly miners. Forty Bachelors. Fifteen Brides. What could go wrong?

The Rancher by Amazon bestselling author Kelli Ann Morgan
The deal was to share the ranch, not her heart... Abby McCallister can ride and shoot better than any man she’s ever met, but when the threat of losing her ranch forces her to find a husband, she is unprepared for the mysterious stranger who takes her hand and evokes in her a sudden desire to be a lady fit for his arm. He'd sworn to protect her. He couldn't do that if she married someone else... Cole Redbourne, immersed in guilt over the accident that claimed his best friend, discovers there was nothing accidental about it. When he sets out for Silver Falls, Colorado, to fulfill his friend’s dying wish and to flush out his killer, the last thing he expected was to find hope again disguised as his impromptu bride.

The Man from Shenandoah by Amazon bestselling author Marsha Ward
Returning from the Civil War, Carl Owen finds the family farm ruined and his father set to leave Virginia. Then Carl falls in love, and he battles a band of outlaws, a prairie fire, blizzards, a trackless waterless desert, and his own brother—all for the hand of feisty Ellen Bates.

Whispered Promise: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set (Triple Treat Romances Book 11)
eBooks: Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | iTunes | Kobo

Stand Against Plagiarism - Beloved: United! Box Set #3 now available

In July, my friend and fellow author Rachel Nunes learned that someone had stolen her Christian novel, added graphic sex to it, had it for sale as an ebook in the United Kingdom, and was planning to sell it in the United States.

You can read about the personal, professional and emotional turmoil this brought to Rachel and her family, and the resultant legal suit here and in subsequent posts.

People around the globe are aghast at the temerity of the plagiarist, who, it was learned recently, stole the personal and very traumatic recollections of a wounded veteran of a foreign war to use in another of her novels. Many people have banded together to help Rachel fund a lawsuit that, hopefully, will prevent this person from plagiarizing even more writers and authors.

This is going to be an expensive fight. Estimates of the costs begin at $30,000. While Rachel Ann Nunes, the author, has written many novels and is quite popular, the proceeds of her books have gone to help raise a family of seven children. She doesn't have deep pockets, so another writing friend helped her set up a Go Fund Me account here to help raise the necessary money for the suit in federal court. To date, about 20% has been raised. I urge you to click on the link and be as generous as you can to stand against plagiarism. Even five dollars helps, if enough people contribute! (Please spread the word.)

But Rachel wants to give readers another way to stand against plagiarism and get real value for their donations. With the help of willing friends in the writing community who have donated the use of their works, she has created a line of electronic book box sets containing (so far) novellas and full novels. These box sets will only be available for a limited time, so you need to hurry and purchase them soon.

The first, Unseen, contains six spectacular Speculative Novellas.  From futuristic science fiction to romantic fantasy, this set has something for everyone who loves an interesting tale. Authors include Teyla Branton, Andrea Pearson, Stephanie Fowers, Frank Morin, Debra Erfert, and Kathleen Marks.

A second and third box set were released this week. Number Two, Concealed, contains two full-length Mystery novels, one full-length Suspense, and a Bonus Mystery novella, by authors Rachel Branton, Liz Adair, Heather Justesen, and R. L. Tyler. Whether you love romance, mystery, or suspense, this set has something for you.

Number Three, Beloved, contains three Romance novels. Fall in Love with wonderful romances from three popular eras! This collection contains my full-length novel, Spinster's Folly, and novels from Joyce DiPastena and G. G. Vandagriff, as well:

Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena
Medieval Romance
Heléne de Laurant has not forgotten how the Earl of Gunthar destroyed her father’s castle during Henry II’s war with his sons. Apparently neither have her family and friends, for when someone tries to murder Gunthar, every sign points in their direction. Heléne realizes the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin.

As Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor, fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction. Heléne must race against time, and dark secrets of the past, to unmask the would-be killer before the kingdom plunges back into war and takes the life of the man she has unexpectedly learned to love.

Miss Braithwaite’s Secret by G. G. Vandagriff
Regency Romance
When Miss Caroline Braithwaite, the “Incomparable,” leaves London in the middle of the Season, she confides her reason in no one, not even her closest friend. Her sizable court of gentlemen mourn, but no one can tempt her into Society again. Living reclusively in the country, she finally deigns to accept an invitation to her friend’s county house party. Then the Duke of Northcott arrives, fresh from a broken engagement, and none too happy to see her. Caro tries desperately to make her excuses and leave, but then her pride intervenes. Such behavior may reveal her fierce attraction toward him and the fact that it is he who has broken her heart. Deception is at hand in the form of another gentleman who is more than a little interested in her, and looks like he may not take no for an answer. This delicious romance that will carry you back to the Regency period in English history, where manners were dictated by strict rules of fashion. It is the Jane Austen era, populated by gentlemen and ladies of leisure. These books are best enjoyed with a box of chocolates, and are guaranteed to enliven any boredom (ennui) that you may be experiencing!

Spinster’s Folly (The Owen Family Saga) by Marsha Ward
Western Romance
Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely than wedded bliss. Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor’s son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family. Marie’s mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers. This fourth book in the Owen Family saga is infused with potent heart and intense grit.

Don't forget that your purchase of Unseen, Concealed, and Beloved will help Rachel Nunes stand against plagiarism! At the same time, you will be able to stock up on excellent reading pleasure for the Fall. Look for future box sets to come.

Madcap Monday - August 4, 2014

I have several items to announce today.

First of all, my short story, "Bloodied Leather," has been published in the anthology Fight Card Presents: Battling Mahoney and Other Stories, available for Kindle at Amazon.com. Followers of the Owen Family Saga will be interested in reading it. The collection is a charity anthology. All the authors donated their stories on behalf of the late great writer Jory Sherman. 100% of the proceeds will go to his family or to other writers in need. I encourage you to buy a copy of the collection, enjoy my story and others, and help with a great cause. It's only $2.99!

Don't forget to check out my novella, Faith and the Foreman, in the Old West Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 7), available for Kindle at Amazon.com and for Nook at BarnesandNoble.com. This collection has been well received, so be sure to see why it's a best-seller. It's only $4.99 for six novellas!

I've saved the best for last: Gone for a Soldier, my fifth novel in the Owen Family Saga, is going to be released on Thursday, September 18. Beta readers have indicated that it's a page turner.

We're having a Launch Party on Facebook, and a blog tour in October, so stay tuned for more information.

What a Difference a Designation Makes!

At least to me and my attitude.

The Old West Collection has been published for just two weeks, but already it has hit #2 on one Amazon chart, and has maintained that status for a couple of days. It's also in the top 30 for two other lists, and rising.

It's amazing to me what a lift this has given my spirits, along with the legitimate ability to claim status as a "bestselling author." I hope I don't get carried away, but you will see that appellation creeping into my promotional materials and Internet sites. It's just so fulfilling to be able to put that before my name after so many years.

Whew!

As a reader, are you influenced by the term? Are you more willing to give an unfamiliar author a chance if you see "bestselling author" before their name?

I guess the more important question is, are you going to go buy the Anthology? If you're not a Kindle person, even with an app on your favorite device, I have purchase links to various other venues on the My Books page of this site.

Thank you for your patronage!

Saturday Sample - May 3, 2014

Welcome back to my Saturday Sample. I'm very excited to give you a taste today of the beginning of my Western Romance Novella, Faith and the Foreman, which is now available in the Timeless Romance Anthologies' "Old West Collection." A bank panic in 1893 has wiped out a great many fortunes, including that of our heroine, Faith Bannister.
~~~

A bell jangled on the horse-drawn street car outside as Faith Bannister folded the letter she’d been reading and rose to pace the room. After two circuits, she stopped before her cousin. “I am ruined.”

Clarissa Pembroke looked up from the bandage she was knitting and shook her head. “The news can’t be all that bad, dear. We’ve managed to survive the bank crisis fairly well thus far.”

Faith waved the letter. “The interest on my stocks is practically zero.”

“You should have told me. I must try harder to find employment.” Clarissa breathed heavily. “I can’t believe my usefulness as a nurse is over because of a few gray hairs.”
~~~

I hope you enjoyed this tidbit from Faith and the Foreman. I'm thrilled that the Timeless Romance Anthologies' "Old West Collection" has been released!

Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Please come back next Saturday for another sample. Thank you!

Marsha Ward is the award-winning author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her latest book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association aka ANWA.

Facebook | Twitter | marshaward.com

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection now for sale

I am thrilled to announce that A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection is available for sale on Amazon! It will be coming up soon on all the other sales venues for ebooks. I'll get back with links as soon as I have them.
Edited to add the Barnes and Noble link

About A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection. Readers will love this collection of six historical western novellas, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Break a Leg, a charming story by two-time Rita Award winner Carla Kelly, hospital steward Colm Callahan is ready to move away from army life at Fort Laramie. His only regret is leaving behind exotic Ozzie Washington, easily the prettiest woman on the post. As a maid to the lieutenant colonel's wife, Ozzie is no wilting flower when it comes to hard work. When the post surgeon leaves for an extended period, Colm must handle several medical emergencies on his own. He pleads for Ozzie's help at the hospital. While they spend long days and nights working together, Colm, a shy man, realizes he can't hide the truth of his feelings for Ozzie. He needs a little help, though. Enter from stage left, Lysander Locke, Shakespeare tragedian on his way to Deadwood.

The Soldier’s Heart, an enchanting novella by Sarah M. Eden, follows Gregory Reeves, who has fallen in love with a woman he’s never met. Her brother’s dying wish is that Gregory checks on his family, and after the war, Gregory is only too happy to meet the woman he’s been dreaming about. Helene mistakes him for a hired hand and sets him to work immediately. As time passes, Gregory finds it more and more difficult to reveal his true connection to her family, fearing that a woman who loathes liars will turn her disapproval on him.

Hidden Spring is an enthralling novella by Liz Adair, in which Susannah Brown is just getting her life back together after becoming a widow. She still misses Wesley with a fierce longing, but when she meets his half-brother, Douglas, she learns her heart is not completely dormant. Over the next several weeks, Douglas helps Susannah with repairs on her small ranch in exchange for supper. The exchange becomes more and more meaningful as Susannah realizes that Douglas might be the one to finally heal her heart.

The Silver Mine Bachelor, by Heather B. Moore, is a sweet romance between an unlikely pair. Lydia Stone has a checklist for men who qualify as the eligible bachelors in the mining town of Leadville, Colorado. Her new boss, Mr. Erik Dawson, is about to be struck off the list when she sees him coming out of the town brothel. Lydia doesn’t know that Erik Dawson’s sister has been living the brothel lifestyle for years, and he’s set on redeeming her soul. When Lydia discovers Erik’s secrets, she learns that life is not as black and white as she thinks.

In Annette Lyon’s delightful story, The Sweetest Taste, Della Stafford hates being a farm girl in the tiny town of Shelley, Idaho. She’ll do anything to live in a big city and experience real city life. Her only regret is that she’d have to leave Joseph behind, the young man who makes her heart flutter. But she's convinced that moving away is for the best; her dreams and Joseph's dreams are too dissimilar. Then Della takes a job as a maid in Los Angeles and must face the truth that what she thought would make her happy and what really will are totally different things.

In the captivating novella, Faith and the Foreman by Marsha Ward, Faith Bannister is forced to travel west to earn a living as a school mistress in Arizona Territory. Faith soon learns that living the frontier lifestyle of a single woman has many harsh challenges. But when she meets Slim McHenry, she discovers that life doesn’t have to be so lonely. Unfortunately the dangerous Rance Hunter stands between her and Slim, and she must act with courage before everything is lost.
~~

I hope you will enjoy reading this anthology as much as we enjoyed writing the novellas therein.

Sweet Saturday Sample: Trail's End

Welcome back to  Sweet Saturday Samples!

Today I'm featuring a tidbit from a short flash fiction piece, Trail's End, that comes from my prose and poetry collection, No More Strangers.
~~~ 

She heard his spurs jingle in the darkness as he came into the room where she lay, and she opened her eyes, but with no moon or starlight broaching her draped window, she did not expect to see him. Nevertheless, she knew her husband by the odors he brought with him into the room: the musty smell of dust, the pungent odor of sweat and leather, the hint of tobacco.

A match flared, and he lit the candle on the washstand. Its sputtering flicker lighted the angles and planes of his face, his eyes shaded by the wide brimmed hat he hardly ever removed.

~~~

No More Strangers is available on all Amazon Kindle stores, and at Smashwords.com in multiple ebook formats.

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

Sweet Saturday Sample: Excerpt from Slim and the Schoolmarm

I started a novel a long time ago and called it Slim and the Schoolmarm. I haven't finished it yet, as it got sidelined by my current series, The Owen Family Saga. I thought it might make a good Sweet Saturday Sample for today. Here's the beginning scene from this Western novel. [Edited to add the missing words, which appear in blue below.]

“Do not come to Arizona. Stop. Accidents happen. Stop.”

Alice-Anne Barrows turned the telegram sheet to the back, as though it would give her further information. Nothing enlightened her there. She looked at the message again.

“I cannot imagine what this signifies, Cousin. Are you certain it was meant for me?”

Clarissa Pembroke looked up from the bandage she was knitting and nodded her graying head. “Yes, dear. See, your name is on the envelope. Who has sent it?”

“There is no name given. This is a puzzle. What does it mean?” Alice-Anne rose from her place on the sofa and paced the room.

“Is there a place of origination, my dear? I don’t think we know anyone in the West.” Miss Pembroke twisted her thin frame in her comfortable chair near the fireplace, following Alice-Anne’s progress.

Alice-Anne stopped and examined the paper once more. “Oh! Of course. It says ‘Bitter Springs, A.T.’ The initials must indicate ‘Arizona Territory’.” She read the message once more, then asked, “Who would want to bully me, Cousin? And at such a distance from New York City! I think this is a prank.” She crumpled up the telegram as though preparing to throw it into the fireplace, then changed her mind and smoothed it out, folded it neatly, and replaced it in the envelope.

Miss Pembroke shook her head. “I have no idea, dear.”

“I have no patience for 
 pranksters.” The young woman brushed back a blonde curl that threatened to fall into her eye, then put the envelope into her pocket. She took a deep breath. “Will you come to the lecture tonight? Doctor Harley is to speak about treating poisons.”

“I thought Mr. Spencer was calling this evening.”

Alice-Anne stepped to the window and moved the heavy damask drape aside. A distant bell jangled, drawing her eye to the horse-drawn streetcar at the end of the avenue. She turned to face her cousin. “I sent Will a message that I wouldn’t be receiving callers.”

“He is no ordinary caller, Alice-Anne. I do believe he will offer for your hand soon.”

“Oh, Cousin!” The young woman crossed the parlor to kneel at the older woman’s side. “Please, don’t encourage him. I know he means to ask me, but I don’t love him.”

“I wish you had the luxury of refusing every offer, but your stocks—” Miss Pembroke broke off and left

unspoken the fact of her cousin’s diminishing means.

“I will dismiss the servants and take a smaller house. I can find a position as a governess, or even clerk in a shop. I don’t love him, Cousin. I want a love match—like Momma and Papa.”

The older woman sighed. “It would help if I could find employment again. I cannot believe my usefulness as a nurse is over because of a few gray hairs.” She straightened her back as though in denial of aging. “Let us not fret about it, dear. If Mr. Spencer is not coming to call tonight, I will go and enjoy the lecture with you.” She held up her knitting. “This bandage will be finished by then, and I can take it and another eleven to the good doctor.”

~~~

Here's the list of participants in this Sweet Saturday Sample blog hop. Have fun reading them!

My New Project is Alive!

No More Strangers is a collection of six short stories, three poems, and an excerpt from my forthcoming novel, Spinster's Folly.

No More Strangers, the eBook, is found at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55150 regularly priced at $3.99. However, in celebration of Easter, I'm having a special introductory sale that ends Tuesday at midnight PDT.

Use the coupon code QF77F at checkout, and receive the collection for 50% off=$1.99 

This collection is now available at the Kindle Store, too!