A BEGGAR’S BARGAIN

The Bargainer Series, Book One

by

Jan Sikes

Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction

Publisher: Fresh Ink Group

Date of Publication: March 12, 2024

Number of Pages: 324 pages

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A shocking proposal that changes everything

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and for time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.

If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

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Sara Beth’s Top Ten Weird or Different List

Sara Beth is the female protagonist in this story. She has some unusual quirks I thought would be fun to share.

1. She has a pet rabbit named Cuddles, and she takes the bunny everywhere she goes.
2. She plays a thumb piano. Ever seen one of those?

3. Sara Beth learned to read Tarot cards from her deceased mother.

4. Sara Beth has gypsy blood in her from her mother’s bloodline.

5. She’s always suspected Homer Williams isn’t her real father. How could such a hateful, arrogant man sire her?

6. She loves music. When she arrives at Layken’s farmhouse, one of the first things she spots is a cabinet radio typical for the 1940s. She’s never listened to a radio.

7. Sara Beth has never taken a drink of liquor, but when a man offers her and Layken some apple pie moonshine at a street fair, she gets her first taste.

8. Sara Beth has soft, gentle ways, and this helps when she finds a terrified little boy living in a treehouse in the woods behind the farmhouse.

9. Sara Beth had never tasted a Coca Cola until a shopping trip into town with Layken.

10. Sara Beth has a loyal guardian, Uncle Seymour, who had promised her dying mother he would always look out for Sara Beth.

Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.

She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author, although she’s been an avid reader all her life. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. She brought the entertaining true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.

And now, this author can’t put down the pen. She continues to write fiction in a variety of genres and has published many award-winning short stories and novels.

Jan is an active blogger, a member of Story Empire, a devoted fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.

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FOUR WINNERS:

Two winners receive $20 Amazon gift cards;

Two winners receive eBook copies of A Beggar’s Bargain

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 4/19/24)

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