The Outlaw’s Daughter

 

Haywire Brides, Book 3

 

by

 

Margaret Brownley

 

Western / Historical Fiction / Clean & Wholesome Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: May 26, 2020

Number of Pages: 384

 

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He may be a Texas Ranger, but he only has eyes for the outlaw’s beautiful daughter . . . 

Texas Ranger Matt Taggert is on the trail of a wanted man. He has good reason to believe that Ellie-May’s late husband was involved in a stagecoach robbery, and he’s here to see justice done. But when he arrives in town, he discovers the thief has become a local hero . . . and his beautiful young widow isn’t too happy to see some lawman out to tarnish her family’s newly spotless reputation.

 

Ellie-May’s shaken by her encounter with the ranger. Having grown up an outlaw’s daughter, she’ll do anything to keep her children safe—and if that means hardening her heart against the handsome lawman’s smiles, then so be it. Because she knows Matt isn’t about to give up his search. He’s out to redeem himself and find proof that Ellie-May’s husband wasn’t the saint everyone claims . . . even if it means losing the love neither expected to discover along the way.

 

 

 

 

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Look no further for a sweet western romance that will bring joy to your heart but has a small element of danger and mystery.

This may be the third in the series but the stories do not overlap and you can read these in any order.  This story focuses on Ellie-May who has lost her husband. Neal, to heroic events.  However, Texas Ranger Matt Taggert has different ideas about Neal and thinks that he might have robbed a stagecoach and is trying to get to the truth about the events that happened that day and where the stolen money has gone.  To top things off, Ellie-May’s father was a criminal and she has been branded by the local citizens that she must be just as bad as her father.  This is sad but not uncommon thinking for people, even today.

While reading this story, I could not help but admire Ellie-May for all that she has endured during her life.  She is not afraid to stand up for what is right or to protect her family.  She is like most single parents, doing what she can to keep the family safe, clothed, and fed.  Don’t mess with her family if you value your life!  Matt may be a tough Texas Ranger, but he is running from demons of his own, and could the answer lie with Ellie-May?  Only time will tell.

There is a variety of supporting characters and two that grabbed my heart were Anvil and Jesse.  Anvil was a down and out homeless person that Neal befriended and brought home to join their family.  That kindness has made Anvil a part of their family for life and he would do anything to protect them.  I admired his character and there are even some humorous parts regarding the neighbor, Mrs. Butterwood.  Jesse is a teenager that wants to be a Texas Ranger like Matt.  Matt takes him under his wing since Jesse’s father has his own issues.  If you have sons or know teenage boys, you know that they can inhale food like there is no tomorrow.  This is a sense of amazement for Matt and perhaps he just doesn’t remember his childhood.  But the bond that grows between these two is special and will warm your heart.

Sadly this is the last in this series according to the author’s notes.  I enjoyed the time in Haywire and I hope you do too.  Make sure to read the author’s notes at the end for a few other interesting tidbits.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York Times bestselling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than forty-six novels and novellas.

 

A two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist, Margaret has also written for a TV soap and is a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

 

 

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5/28/20	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
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5/29/20	Review	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
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5/31/20	Review	Bibliotica
6/1/20	Review	The Page Unbound
6/1/20	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
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FIRST HERD TO ABILENE

 

An H. H. Lomax Western, #5

 

by

 

PRESTON LEWIS

 

Genre: Historical Fiction / Western / Humor

Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing

Date of Publication: February 5, 2020

Number of Pages: 449

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HISTORICALLY SOUND AND HILARIOUSLY FUNNY! 

H.H. Lomax meets Wild Bill Hickok in Springfield, Missouri, and is responsible for Hickok’s legendary gunfight with Davis Tutt. Fearing Hickok will hold a grudge, Lomax escapes Springfield and agrees to promote Joseph G. McCoy’s dream of building Abilene, Kansas, into a cattle town, ultimately leading the first herd to Abilene from Texas.

Along the way, he encounters Indians, rabid skunks, flash floods, a stampede, and the animosities of some fellow cowboys trying to steal profits from the drive. Lomax is saved by the timely arrival of now U.S. Marshal Hickok, but Lomax uses counterfeit wanted posters to convince Hickok his assailants are wanted felons with rewards on their heads.

Lomax and Wild Bill go their separate ways until they run into each other a decade later in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, where Hickok vows to kill Lomax for getting him fired.

First Herd to Abilene is an entertaining mix of historical and hysterical fiction.

 

 

 

 

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As the last to return, Silas and I were only two drovers without sleep since the stampede so we spooned down the food as fast as we could, planning to crawl in our bedrolls and get blessed rest.  While we ate, Sainty mounted his horse and rode out to bring Parsons and Mark to the wagon, leaving the cattle unguarded.  Then he motioned to the remuda for Muñoz and Ramírez to join us.  I finished my plate and carried it over to Bitters, then went to fetch my bedding, but Sainty told me to rejoin to the others.

“Men,” he announced, “we lost a hundred and thirty-three steers by my herd count plus another thirteen that had to be shot due to injuries.  We can’t afford more losses that size.”

Everybody nodded.

“Your pay and the Five-D Ranch’s survival depend on reducing our losses and making as big a profit as we can.”

“Hold on,” said Muscher.  “You’re not cutting our pay because of the stampede, are you?”

“No, Chuck, but if we don’t have cattle when we get to Abilene, there’ll be nothing to pay anybody with.”

“Cattle or no cattle, you’ll owes us a dollar a day,” cried O’Henry.”

“You owe me a full day’s work, which I don’t always get, Irish.  We’re in this together, whether we like it or not.  That’s why I need to know what started the stampede so it won’t happen again.

O’Henry spun around and pointed at me.  “Lomax started it.  He farted!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preston Lewis is the Spur Award-winning author of thirty novels. In addition to his two Western Writers of America Spurs, he received the 2018 Will Rogers Gold Medallion for Western Humor for Bluster’s Last Stand, the fourth volume in his comic western series, The Memoirs of H. H. Lomax. Two other books in that series were Spur finalists. His comic western The Fleecing of Fort Griffin received the Elmer Kelton Award from the West Texas Historical Association for best creative work on the region.

 

 

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5/1/20	Review	The Clueless Gent
5/2/20	Scrapbook Page	All the Ups and Downs
5/3/20	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
5/4/20	Review	Reading by Moonlight
5/5/20	Author Interview	Texas Book Lover
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RIO RUIDOSO

 

Three Rivers Trilogy, 1

 

by

PRESTON LEWIS

 

Genre: Historical Western

Publisher: Five Star Publishing

Date of Publication: February 19, 2020

Number of Pages: 299

2017 Elmer Kelton Award from the West Texas Historical Association:

Best Creative Work on West Texas

 

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Rio Ruidoso offers a gripping blend of history and story as two-time Spur Award-winner Preston Lewis explores the violent years before the famed Lincoln County War in New Mexico Territory. Seamlessly weaving fact with fiction, the author details the county’s corruption, racism, and violence through the eyes of protagonist Wes Bracken, newly arrived in the region to start a horse ranch with his alcoholic brother.

 

Bracken’s dreams for the Mirror B Ranch are threatened by his brother’s drunkenness, the corruption of economic kingpin Lawrence G. Murphy, and the murderous rampages of the racist Horrell Brothers. To bring tranquility to Lincoln County, Bracken must defeat those threats and stand his ground against the ever-changing alliances that complicate life and prosperity in multi-racial Lincoln County.

 

 

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EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO OF

RIO RUIDOSO

BY PRESTON LEWIS

 

Together they joined other dancers, stepping into one another’s arms and into the flow of the music. Even though he held her at arm’s length, that circumspection could not prevent the stares of the prudish matrons lining the walls with folded arms and scowls on their wrinkled faces. Sarafina, by the slight hesitation in each step, felt their hard gazes, but her equally strong will countered their disapproval.

Wes recognized the tune as “After the Ball” and above all the fiddles he recognized that of the soldier Davison for its sharp precision.

As the song ended, Sarafina curtsied to Wes, who bowed just as the door flew open. A woman screamed. Wes glanced at the commotion, his hand falling instinctively to his waist for his pistol. His fingers came up empty, then he remembered hanging his gun belt on a peg by the door.

A shot exploded in the room.

Wes jumped for Sarafina, pushing her to the floor, flinging himself atop of her.

Women and children screamed as adults tripped over themselves hiding.

One, two, three more shots punctured the air, the smell of black powder engulfing the dance floor. People gasped and shrieked. Near the entry, Wes saw a man clutching a bloody spot on his shirt.

“Luis,” screamed Sarafina, clawing from under Wes and crawling over people toward her son. Wes jumped up, shoved her back to the floor and clambered over the thrashing forms between him and the bench. All around men were blowing out the lamps, and the room dimmed, lit only by the flickering candles on the chandelier and by the flames in the two corner fireplaces. Wes darted to the wall where Luis had rested. The bench, though, was overturned and nothing looked the same. A baby’s wailing rose above the commotion.

Three more shots, one after another, flared from the entryway to be answered by more screams and the loud wail of Luis. Wes clambered for the basket. Just as he reached for it, two more explosions spit lead from the door, and the basket jerked and tumbled beyond Wes’s grasp.

“Luis,” Sarafina screamed.

Wes glanced at the door, seeing the profile of two men with pistols in their hands. He looked over his shoulder in time to see Sarafina jump up from the tangle of arms and legs that moments before had been dancers.

“Get down, Sarafina, now,” Wes shouted as he grabbed the basket and pulled it into him, but the basket was empty. He heard a whimper nearby, then a scream as his hand fell against a bundle on the ground. It was Luis.

Wes jerked the baby to him, flinching at the touch because the wrap covering him was soaked, Wes fearing from blood. The baby screamed uncontrollably as Wes screened him from the men at the door.

Two more shots flashed and thundered into the smoke-filled room, now acrid with the bitter aroma of gunpowder. “Let’s get out of here,” a voice called, followed by the heavy fall of boots outside.

Before anyone else stood up, Sarafina ran to Wes’s side, clutching her son’s damp bundle. In the dimness, she unwrapped him and celebrated. “He’s only wet himself,” she cried. “He’s okay.” Then she sobbed.

Wes pounced to his feet and scampered over the cowering forms toward the door. Knocking his coat from the peg, he jerked his gun belt free and strapped it on. At the exit, he met Haskins tugging his scabbard in place. Together they dashed outside. Fifty yards down the street, two men turned and fired at them.

“You sons a bitches,” Wes cried out. He grabbed his pistol and took aim. “You’ll die tonight,” he screamed.

 

 

 

Preston Lewis is the Spur Award-winning author of thirty novels. In addition to his two Western Writers of America Spurs, he received the 2018 Will Rogers Gold Medallion for Western Humor for Bluster’s Last Stand, the fourth volume in his comic western series The Memoirs of H. H. Lomax. Two other books in that series were Spur finalists. His comic western The Fleecing of Fort Griffin received the Elmer Kelton Award from the West Texas Historical Association for best creative work on the region.

 

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2/21/20	Review	Hall Ways Blog
2/22/20	Author Interview	All the Ups and Downs
2/23/20	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
2/24/20	Review	Texas Book-aholic
2/25/20	Author Interview	Book Fidelity
2/26/20	Review	Forgotten Winds
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The Mail Order Bride’s Secret

 

Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride, Book Three

 

by

Linda Broday

 

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: January 28, 2020

Number of Pages: 352 pages

 

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When the West was wild and man’s law favored the few, these extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them―a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.

Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem―the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.

 

 

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PRAISE

 

“This is another page-turning period romance from Broday.” Publisher’s Weekly

“Broday does a fabulous job of telling a story filled with humor, angst and some candid truths just so we don’t romanticize this period in our history.” Fresh Fiction

“This book was absolutely mesmerizing with nonstop action, full of laughter, tears and just a downright good Old fashioned Wild West story as only Linda Broday can do.” Glenda (Goodreads reviewer)

 

 

 

 

Linda Broday’s Favorite Foods

 

I grew up in the Southwest and my favorite foods reflect a lot of that. We were poor when I grew up, so Mama fixed a lot of red beans and potatoes and the mention of that makes my mouth water even though a lot of years have passed. I still love them to this day. As you can see, most everything is a Southern dish. It’s what happens when you grow up a great distance from the Gulf of Mexico or any ocean.

 

1. Enchiladas
2. Chicken Fried Steak
3. Grilled Salmon
4. Turkey and Dressing
5. Homemade Onion Rings
6. Fillet Steak with all the trimmings
7. Fried Catfish
8. Chicken and Dumplings
9. Fried Chicken
10. Red Beans and Fried Potatoes

**Linda and I could eat nearly every meal together except for the fish.  But I am down for at least 7 of her top 10!**

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys are still caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide-open spaces.

When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I’ve also been accused (quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic unfold on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.

 

 

 

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1/29/20	Excerpt	That’s What She’s Reading
1/30/20	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
1/31/20	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
2/1/20	Character Interview	It’s Not All Gravy
2/2/20	Top Ten List	StoreyBook Reviews
2/3/20	Review	Books and Broomsticks
2/4/20	Series Spotlight	Jennifer Silverwood
2/5/20	Review	Missus Gonzo
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The Outlaw’s Heart

By Amy Sandas

Publication Date 10/29/2019

 

Synopsis

 

Three runaway brides

Determined to escape their fates

Flee West to find freedom that can only be had

in a cowboy’s arms…

 

Desperate to escape an unhappy marriage, Boston socialite Evelyn Perkins flees west in hopes of losing herself to the dusty frontier. But when her train is boarded by outlaws, Evelyn is taken for ransom. Despite her terror, Evelyn fears being returned to her husband more. Refusing to cooperate, she becomes the responsibility of a man whose steady gaze threatens to pierce her brave façade and reach the wounded heart within.

Gabriel Sloan has his orders, but the haunting shadows in the pretty young woman’s eyes spark an intense protective instinct he can’t deny. Every look, every touch brings them closer together. He would do anything to protect her, but dangerous men are on their trail, and soon the two must face Evelyn’s darkest nightmare—or risk losing the unexpected joy they’ve found forever…

 

 

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Runaway Brides Series

The Gunslinger’s Vow (Book 1)

The Cowboy’s Honor (Book 2)

The Outlaw’s Heart (Book 3)

 

Praise for Amy Sandas

“[B]eautifully written romance that’s full of adventure—electric and absorbing.”—Kirkus for Lord of Lies

“Pure perfection.”—Romancing the Book for The Untouchable Earl

“Smart and Sexy.”—Booklist for Luck is No Lady

 

Excerpt

The tall, muscled man who’d stared at her across the fire was even more intimidating up close. He had expansive shoulders, thick arms barely contained in his pale-colored cotton shirt, and powerful legs encased in worn denim. In a graceful economy of muscle and movement, he folded his large body into a crouch, bringing his face even with hers.

And what a face it was. Strong and beautiful in a way she’d never seen before. He had a broad forehead and a long, straight nose. His jaw was sharply angled, as were his cheekbones, but his mouth was wide and his lips were soft and full.

But unsmiling.

Startled by his unexpected proximity, Evelyn flinched when he lifted his hand, realizing belatedly that he held a canteen and was offering it to her.

He did not react to her obvious fear. Instead, he remained still—his expression flat as his eyes held hers. “It’s water,” he said.

His voice matched the rest of him—richly complex and powerful. Something strange rolled through her at the sound. Like anticipation of a storm when you hear the rumble of distant thunder, but warmer.

Her lashes flickered as she glanced down at the canteen. She was unbelievably thirsty, but how could she trust anything offered by men who held her captive?

“If you want to survive, you’ll drink the water and eat the food,” he said quietly. The words were just between them. Still she did not reach for the canteen. “You want to live?” he asked, raising a brow.

Evelyn lifted her chin, regaining eye contact with the man, despite her uncertainty and fear. “Yes, I want to live,” she replied, surprising herself by the conviction in her words.

With a single, short nod, he extended the canteen a bit more. “Then drink.”

She lifted her hands to take the water, but because of the binding rope and her frozen fingers, she couldn’t grasp it.

Realizing her predicament, he gave a quiet grunt, then set the canteen on the ground and reached for her wrists. His large, warm hands surrounded her curled fists. He held them in silence for a moment—as if his only intention was to share his heat and offer comfort.

Though Evelyn felt the icy stiffness in her fingers dissipating, she resisted the instinctive desire to accept anything more. But she didn’t pull away.

And she wasn’t sure why.

“Don’t be scared,” he stated, still in a private tone. “You won’t be hurt.”

She searched his gaze in the darkness. She wanted to believe him, but she knew far too well how easily a man could hide wicked intent. “I am not so naive,” she replied, her voice barely more than a murmur of sound.

He did nothing to indicate he heard her reply as he released his hold on her hands and deftly loosened the ropes. He did not remove them altogether, but he allowed for a bit of freedom to use her hands more effectively. Then he picked up the canteen and offered it once again.

Evelyn managed to bring it to her lips this time and took a few long drinks. The water soothed her throat, but it also made her very aware of her empty stomach. Lowering the canteen, she offered it back to the man who remained patiently beside her. Watching her in silence.

His nearness was discomfiting. As were his size and his quiet manner.

She had no idea what to make of him. There was strength in him, something his muscled form attested to without effort, but he displayed not the slightest hint of temper or violence.

Of course, Matthew hadn’t either…until something set him off.

The outlaw took the canteen, never shifting his gaze from hers. Not even when the voices around the fire rose higher in discord.

“Shit,” the young one named Ramsey exclaimed, frustration clear in his tone. “We can still ransom the woman. I mean, look at her.”

Evelyn stiffened under the sudden flood of attention. The man crouched before her was still watching her carefully, and she feared she might have revealed her trepidation when his brows lowered over his gaze.

Did she really believe she was better off with these outlaws than in her husband’s hands?

Yes. Yes, she did. But that didn’t mean she was not in danger.

He stared at her for a moment longer before he rose to his feet and walked away without a word, leaving the canteen on the ground beside her. She couldn’t keep her gaze from following his powerful form as he melted into the darkness beyond the fire while the others continued discussing her fate.

She expected to release a breath of relief at being left alone again, but it didn’t come.

“With her fancy clothes and fine airs, there’s gotta be someone somewhere who’ll be willing to pay good money to get her back.”

Evelyn listened to the exchange with increasing tension. These men were right about one thing. Her husband would no doubt be willing to pay a small fortune to get her back. But there was nothing in the world that would convince her to tell them that.

 

***

Excerpted from The Outlaw’s Heart by Amy Sandas. © 2019 by Amy Sandas. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

About the Author

Amy Sandas’ love of romance began one summer when she stumbled across one of her mother’s Barbara Cartland books. Her affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children in Wisconsin.

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Longing for a Cowboy Christmas

with stories by

Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley,

Amy Sandas, Leigh Greenwood, and Anna Schmidt

Genre: Romance Anthology / Western / Historical
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: September 24, 2019
Number of Pages: 528

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Find your very own cowboy to keep warm these long, wintry nights as you cozy up with six sweeping, epic tales of heroism, passion, family and celebration from bestselling authors Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas.

Fall in Love with Christmas

Whether it’s a widower finding an unexpected new start, a former outlaw and his new wife welcoming their very own Christmas miracle, a long-lost lover returning just in time for a special holiday celebration, a second chance at love between two warring hearts given peace at last, an unlikely pair working together to bring joy to a small Texas town, or a cowboy and his dark-eyed beauty snowed in one unforgettable wintry eve…every Christmas with a cowboy is filled with light, laughter, and a forever kind of love.

 

 

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Praise for Longing for a Cowboy Christmas

“Greenwood is a master at westerns.” ―RT Book Reviews for Leigh Greenwood

“An emotional powerhouse! This classic historical western is destined for the “keeper” shelf.” ―RT Book Reviews, Top Pick for Rosanne Bittner

“Fun and sensual…great for fans of history, romance, and some good old Texas grit.” ―Kirkus for Linda Broday

“A great story by a wonderful author.”―#1 New York Times bestselling author DEBBIE MACOMBER for Margaret Brownley

“The perfect read.” ―RT Book Reviews for Anna Schmidt

“A genuine page-turner…electric and absorbing.” ―Kirkus for Amy Sandas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret Brownley

AUTHOR OF A LOVE LETTER TO SANTA

Included in Longing for a Cowboy Christmas Anthology

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA^® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is also a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award.

Her story, A Pony Express Christmas, appeared in the Old West Christmas Brides collection, and book three of her Haywire Brides series will be published May 2020.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

 

About A Love Letter to Santa

 

She’s turned his life upside-down.  Could she really be the right woman for him?

Holly Sanders plans to make this the best Christmas for a town hard hit by the drought.   Okay, maybe she’s overdone the bows, baubles and garlands.  But is that a reason for the new blacksmith Tom Chandler to declare war on tinsel?

Tom doesn’t mean to play scrooge. But when his dog’s objections to the endless caroling gets them tossed out of his boarding house, he decides enough is enough.

The escalating battle takes an unexpected turn when he spots Holly struggling against the wind with an armload of presents and rushes to help her. Before he knows what happened, the green-eyed beauty recruits him to play Santa’s helper. After helping make one small boy’s Christmas wish come true, he’s utterly hooked, and suddenly has a wish of his own!   But convincing Holly he’s the right man for her would require a miracle—and maybe even a little help from Santa.

 

 

Excerpt From A Love Letter To Santa

 

Holly picked up a piece of chalk. “All right, boys and girls. Today, we’re going to write letters to the North Pole, and I want you to use your best handwriting.” She turned her back to the class and began writing on the blackboard. “This is the correct way to begin a letter.”

She wrote Dear Santa on the board. The name Santa had grown in popularity in recent years and had replaced St. Nick. As she wrote the last sample on the board, she heard whispers behind her.

She dropped the chalk in the ledge and turned to face her class. “Is there something you wish to share, Bobby?”

Bobby Baker sat back in his seat, arms folded, his expression too hard and cynical for an eight-year-old. “Santa ain’t gonna bring us any toys. He didn’t bring us anything last year, and he ain’t gonna bring anything this year.”

Since hurt feelings were more important than grammar, Holly ignored the urge to correct his speech. There would be time enough later for that. Instead, she folded her hands together and surveyed her class. Fifteen pairs of eyes turned to her. Little Alice Harper looked close to tears, and she wasn’t the only one.

Holly sighed. She’d hoped the English assignment would bring smiles, not tears. But then she could hardly blame Bobby for feeling the way he did.

“Last year was a bad year for everyone.” She spoke in a calm voice that she hoped would both soothe and encourage. “Even Santa had a bad year. But this year will be different. Santa has a lot more helpers, and he promises to do his best to pay a visit to each and every one of you on Christmas Eve.”

Her assurances brought a look of relief to some, but not Bobby. The poor boy had had too many disappointments in life to believe that things would be different. Bobby was the oldest of four. His mother had died in childbirth, and his father had his hands full keeping his business running and taking care of the children, the youngest being two.

“Any questions?” she asked.

Sandra Miller raised her hand and Holly called on her. “Can Santa bring me a baby brother or sister?”

Before Holly could answer, the minister’s grandson, Jimmy Johnson piped up. “No, silly. That’s God’s department.” Jimmy considered himself an authority on the subject.

Since Sandra seemed content, Holly let Jimmy’s answer stand and called on Willie Tustin. “You have a question, Willie?”

“Can I ask for two things?”

“Only if you’ve been very good,” Holly said. Since no one else raised a hand, she looked at her pendant watch. “You have twenty minutes to write your letters.”

As her students began writing, she wandered from desk to desk, looking over each child’s shoulder.

Some children asked after Santa’s health. Others made sure to describe themselves in such saintly terms, Holly couldn’t help but smile.

Jerry Maine wrote that he wanted a folding knife. This made Holly wonder whether the new blacksmith would be willing to donate one. Probably not, the old Scrooge.

Actually, the man wasn’t that old. Probably not a day over thirty. Too bad he had such an aversion to Christmas.

Shaking the thought away, she stopped at Bobby’s desk. His paper was still blank.

 

Order the first two Haywire Brides books now

And watch for book three in May 2020!

PS these are GREAT books!  I’ve read the first two and can’t wait for the 3rd one

 

 

 

 

Rosanne Bittner:

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Linda Broday:

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Margaret Brownley:

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Leigh Greenwood:

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Amy Sandas:

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Anna Schmidt:

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Visit the other blogs on this tour

 

10/15/19	Book Trailer	Carpe Diem Chronicles
10/15/19	BONUS STOP	Hall Ways Blog
10/16/19	Review	Book Fidelity
10/17/19	Author Spotlight	That’s What She’s Reading
10/18/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/19/19	Author Spotlight	All the Ups and Downs
10/20/19	Author Spotlight	StoreyBook Reviews
10/21/19	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/22/19	Author Spotlight	The Page Unbound
10/23/19	Review	Missus Gonzo
10/24/19	Review	Forgotten Winds

 

 

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Book Title: Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West by The Gagnon Family
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Genre: Children’s book
Publisher: JPV Press

 

Synopsis

Cowboy Joel and Blackbeard find themselves face to face with El Maton, the most feared desperado in the West. When El Maton mocks him for the way he looks, Joel must confront his biggest fear; a tongue-slingin’ with the outlaw. Can Blackbeard convince Joel to do it? Will Joel find the courage? Note to Mom and Dad: Cowboy Joel will teach your child that it’s not always about punching the bully. It’s about being confident in who God made them to be, and using those truths to fight the battle in their mind.

 

 

 

Trailer

About the Authors

The Gagnon family is an atypical, hodgepodge mix of humanity. The entire family enjoyed writing this book, with each one contributing their own input. Every child in the family has their own special story, and each one faces their own unique challenges. Stacey, the mom of this bunch, also has a blog called Ransom for Israel. She presents an honest assessment of the orphan crisis and the desperate need for families willing to adopt. After the adoption of their youngest daughter, the Gagnons started a non-profit called Lost Sparrows. Lost Sparrows is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and those with special needs through education, proper medical care, and adoption. Their current focus is in areas of Eastern Europe and Bulgaria.

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Giveaway

Win 1 hardback copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West (USA only) (one winner)

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Renegade

By Anna Schmidt

Publication Date: June 25, 2019

 

Synopsis

He’ll protect her reckless heart.

No matter the cost…

Lily Travis may be a Harvey Girl, but she’s a rebel—and a romantic—at heart. Too bad her impulsive nature led her to marry a man who promised a life of ease and prosperity, only to disappear the very next day. She’s kept her secret as best she can, and now she’s convinced she’ll never find true love…not even with the handsome local sheriff she can’t get off her mind.

Cody Daniels knows Lily isn’t the right woman for a by-the-book lawman with political ambitions. She’s brash, headstrong…and entirely too tempting. But when Lily’s past catches up with her and the villain she married threatens everything she holds dear, Cody is determined to defend her honor and show her the future they could have together—no matter the consequences.

Cowboys & Harvey Girls Series

Trailblazer (book 1)

Renegade (book 2)

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Praise for Anna Schmidt

“Readers wanting a good old-fashioned Western romance need look no further than this one.” —Dear Author for Last Chance Cowboys: The Drifter

“The perfect read.” —RT Book Reviews for Last Chance Cowboys: The Lawman

“A plot twist that will leave readers speechless.” —Fresh Fiction for Last Chance Cowboys: The Lawman

 

Excerpt

February 1899

Lily Travis stood with the rest of the Harvey Girls, eyes brimming with happy tears at the sweet scene before them. Grace Rogers, former Harvey Girl, was repeating her vows with Nick Hopkins, the handsome ranch foreman they’d all met on the train from Kansas City just five months before. The lump in Lily’s throat was as much about her own sadness, however, as her happiness for Grace. A few years earlier, Lily had made a huge mistake— one that promised to prevent her from ever finding the true love Grace and Nick shared. She forced a smile when her friend Emma nudged her. This was Grace’s day, after all.

At the reception that followed, Lily helped pass slices of the wedding cake as Grace and Nick cut them. She nodded in agreement at guests bubbling with joy for the couple, until, cake in hand, she found herself face- to- face with Sheriff Cody Daniels. He was his usual serious self, a blessing considering Lily’s mood that day. On the rare occasions when he did smile, the man had dimples, and Lily was a sucker for a man with dimples. Emma and Grace used to tease her about that, and Lily couldn’t deny that the lawman was definitely good- looking. But he also played life by the rules— something Lily had trouble doing. Something that had been the source of her problems from the time she was sixteen. No, it was best to keep her distance from Cody Daniels.

***

Excerpted from Renegade by Anna Schmidt. © 2019 by Anna Schmidt. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Award-winning author ANNA SCHMIDT delights in creating stories where her characters must wrestle with the challenges of their times. Critics have consistently praised Schmidt for the reality of her characters—exposing their flaws as well as their strengths as she delivers strong tales of hope and love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She resides in Wisconsin and Florida.

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HITCHIN’ POST

and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

by

JULIE BARKER

illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Western / Fantasy

Publisher: BookBaby

Date of Publication: September 28, 2018

Number of Pages: 50

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Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs Ranch. 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs’ 4th of July celebration will go on!

This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!

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Praise

Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS

 

 

Enjoy a little western swing to get you in the mood to read the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series.  You’re in for a twistin’ turnin’ ride!

Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys

1. San Antonio Rose
2. Ida Red
3. Stay All Night
4. Take Me Back to Tulsa
5. Corinne, Corrina
6. The Star Spangled Banner by The Charlie Daniels Band on the album Land That I love (Songs for America)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin’ Post, her debut children’s storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children’s author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin’ Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.

Website  ┃  Facebook  ┃  Goodreads

Twitter  ┃  Amazon Author Page

 

 

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come.

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art.

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life — her faith.

 

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Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

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May 29-June 7, 2019

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

5/29/19	Sneak Peek	Texas Book Lover
5/29/19	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
5/30/19	Review	Reading by Moonlight
5/31/19	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
6/1/19	Review	All the Ups and Downs
6/2/19	Review	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
6/3/19	Playlist	StoreyBook Reviews
6/4/19	Review	Missus Gonzo
6/5/19	Review	Books and Broomsticks
6/6/19	Review	Book Fidelity
6/7/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog

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The Cowboy Meets His Match

By: Margaret Brownley

Publication Date: 5/28/2019

Synopsis

His first mistake was marrying her.

His second was falling in love.

Chase McKnight will do anything to secure his family’s ranch—but marriage to a complete stranger? That’s a hard pill to swallow. Yet the will is clear: Chase needs a wife by his side if he wants to keep his home, so he meets his veiled lady at the courthouse steps and reluctantly says “I do”.

Too bad he married the wrong bride.

When Boston runaway Emily Fields agreed to marry a Texas stranger to escape her family’s scandal, she wasn’t prepared to get hitched to the wrong cowboy! Stuck in a secret compromise, she has one year to learn the ways of the ranch and convince Chase’s family they’re happily married. But when the lie becomes true, the past catches up to them and they must save the love they never expected…

Amazon * B&N * iBooks * IndieBound * BAM

Haywire Brides Series

Cowboy Charm School (Book 1) – Read my review here

The Cowboy Meets His Match (Book 2)

 

What People Are Saying About Margaret Brownley

“A great story by a wonderful author.” —DEBBIE MACOMBER, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, for Left at the Altar

“Delightful, humorous…packed with engaging characters, loads of action, several mysteries — all enough sizzle to satisfy her fans.”—RT Book Reviews for A Match Made in Texas

“A sweet, touching love story.”—Kirkus Reviews for Left at the Altar

“Lively and warm. A welcome addition to a sparse yet popular subgenre.”—Booklist for Left at the Altar

 

Review

Emily was not having a good day when she ended up at the courthouse to get married and is caught up in the craziness of a stampede through the small town and finds herself married to the wrong man!  Needless to say, no one was extremely happy about the turn of events.  But sometimes, fate has other things in mind for you than what you had planned and perhaps everything will be ok after all.

Emily and Chase are a couple to love.  They found themselves in predicaments that they could never have imagined and coming together, even by accident, solved their immediate problems.  They still had issues to work out which they do over the course of months.  It is interesting how quickly Emily takes to dressing like a rancher’s wife with split skirts and cowboy boots.  Emily also has to find her place on the ranch and she manages to make inroads with the ranch hands and a precocious little girl named Ginny.

I enjoyed the love story and the tension between Chase and his brother Royce.  It added just enough friction to the story.  I was a little surprised to find out who was stealing the cattle but it made sense once it was laid out for the reader.  I was also glad to see that the situation didn’t always run smoothly for Chase and Emily.  It added more depth to the story and their unconventional marriage.

I was happy to make the journey back to Haywire and can’t wait to see what happens next in this sleepy little Texas town.  We give this 5 paws up.

 

 

Excerpt

Watching Emily stagger away like a drunken cowhand, Chase kicked himself mentally. Now he’d done it.

All he’d wanted to do was keep a safe distance from her emotionally. It was the only way he could keep from thinking things he had no business thinking. Things like how she’d looked in that blasted towel.

But he’d gone too far, and now it appeared he had pushed her away completely.

He hated thinking that he’d taken out the resentment toward his father on her. She wasn’t to blame for any of this and was as much a victim of circumstances as he was.

Feeling lower than low, he watched her cross the yard for a moment before chasing after her. She might not admit it, but it was clear by the way she limped that she was hurting.

Emily stopped when he caught up to her. “Now what?” she demanded, eyes flashing.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

If she was surprised by his interest in her welfare, it didn’t show. “I’m fine!” she snapped. “No thanks to you.”

Yep, she was hurting all right. He could see the strain in her eyes. She also looked like she’d been through the wringer. She straightened her hat, but not much could be done for the abundance of yellow hair that had sprung free from its bun. The intriguing smudge on her cheek, however, called for a man’s touch. His touch.

When he reached a finger to her smooth, silky skin to rub the spot away, her startled blue eyes met his. “Sorry,” he said, pulling his hand away. “You had somethin’ on your face.”

Her hand flew to her cheek, and her already heated face turned another shade darker.

“It’s gone now,” he said.

Her mouth formed a perfect circle, and she lowered her hand to her side.

He felt bad for giving her a hard time. Lack of sleep had made him start the day out of sorts, and his encounter with Cassie Decker hadn’t helped. Poor woman. She had counted on their marriage for her children’s sakes.

His failure in keeping his promise to Cassie had made him more determined to do right by Emily. Or at least to see to her safety. He’d let one woman down; he sure in blazes didn’t want to fail another.

Horses were dangerous. The land was dangerous. But a part of him knew there was more. A lot more. As long as they were at each other’s throats, he could control his thoughts. Or at least keep from dwelling on such things as Emily’s gold-tipped eyelashes. Or the little indentation on her cheek when she smiled. Or even the way her eyes flashed during their many confrontations.

Looking away, he reminded himself how unsuited she was for ranch life. How unequipped she was to deal with the harsh land. She was much more suited to the city.

“Tomorrow, we’ll go a little easier with your lesson,” he said, hoping to make amends for his bad behavior.

She lifted her chin, her face dark with anger. “There won’t be any more lessons.”

“Come on,” he said gently. “You don’t mean that. Look at you. You’re fine.” More than fine…

“No thanks to you!”

Surprised by the vehemence in her voice, he stepped back “Me? What did I do?”

Her blazing blue eyes met his. “You put me through hell, that’s what!”

“By teachin’ you the proper handlin’ of a hoss?”

“By making me obey your every command like a helpless imbecile!”

He drew in his breath. He’d been rough on her, but he never meant to make her feel bad. “You have to admit your knowledge of hosses leaves much to be desired.” Taking her silence to mean she agreed, he added, “Tomorrow, same time, same place.”

She shot visual daggers at him. “If you expect to have your way with me a second time, you better think again.” With that, she stormed away.

Her words struck a chord that was better left untouched. Still, he couldn’t hold back the words that popped into his head. “Trust me,” he called after. “If I wanted to have my way with you, it wouldn’t be on a hoss!”

***

Excerpted from The Cowboy Meets His Match by Margaret Brownley. © 2019 by Margaret Brownley. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA^® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is also a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award.

Her story, A Pony Express Christmas, will appear this fall in the Old West Christmas Brides collection, and book two of her Haywire Brides series will be published May 2019.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

◆  Website  ◆  Facebook  ◆  Twitter  ◆

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5 Copies of Cowboy Charm School

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