#blogabookscene BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

Oh, boy, is it ever! Even for January in Missouri, it is cold.  This is my first blog of 2018, and its the start of something new.  For the next 12 months I’ll give you a scene from one of my books or stories that fits a them.  Let's see... Baby, It's Cold Outside... winter...  I know exactly which one to start with…

TEXAS GOLD

Scene 1. The setting:  1890, early spring in the Davis Mountains in west Texas. An unexpected snowstorm catches our hero off guard. Can he make it to shelter? Or will they find him when the snow melts?

And, action!

Whoever said hell was hot had lied. It was cold, bitter cold. Not that he’d live to tell anyone of the discovery. The snow came down sideways, so hard Jake McCain couldn’t see past the end of his horse’s nose. He had no way to tell where he was or where he was going. The icy pellets were like razor sharp knives, flaying his face until he figured he must be bleeding. Lucky for him the cold kept him from feeling much of anything. Death dogged his heels and he couldn’t find the energy to care.

He’d climbed from the saddle an hour ago—or was it only a few minutes—and started walking. He hated using his horse as a windbreak, but the animal’s hide could take the stinging ice longer than his own skin, no matter how many layers of clothes he wore. But Griffin was beginning to tire. If Jake didn’t find shelter soon, they’d find whatever was left of him and his horse at the next thaw.

Jake braced himself against the saddle before lifting his head enough to look around. The vicious wind stole his breath. He could barely force his eyes open against the onslaught. He usually had a good sense of direction and distance, but the blizzard and the vicious beating he’d taken at the hands of the men he was supposed to be arresting made it impossible to be sure of anything. He could be close to the mining town he’d been heading for, or miles from anywhere.

Narrowing his eyes against the blowing snow and ice, he studied the frosted landscape. Something flickered, only for an instant, in the distance. Was it his imagination? With his grip tight on the reins, he started for the spot. Real or not, he’d rather be going somewhere than standing around waiting to freeze to death.

He struggled forward, toward the light, or where he thought it should be. He’d lost sight of it. Jake ducked his head behind Griffin’s neck, squeezed his eyes shut a couple of times and looked again, but it was gone. Had he somehow gotten turned around? Just when he decided he’d been walking in circles, the wind backed off, the snow lessened, and he saw the light again.

He concentrated on each step, putting one foot in front of the other. Griffin stumbled, catching him by surprise and taking them both to the ground. It took all Jake’s will to drag himself to his feet and urge the big horse back up. He buried his battered face against the animal’s furry neck, and trudged on, making for that little flicker of salvation.

The next time he looked up he couldn’t see the light. Must’ve been his imagination after all. He took a step, sinking in a drift. Jake thought of his mother, alone in Abilene. He hoped whoever gave her the news of his death was gentle with it. He dragged his other foot forward. His frozen boot caught on something and he fell face down in the snow. Wooden planks broke his fall instead of rock hard ground. He tried to lift his head, but it took too much effort. Griffin took advantage of the stop to turn his rump to the wind, leaving Jake with no protection from the vicious storm.

Battling against the brutal cold, he dragged himself forward. His head bumped something solid. He pulled himself up until he half sat against a thick wood door, but he didn’t have the strength left to knock. Cursing his weakness, Jake tried to force a hand up. No use. Both lay limp at his sides.

If he’d had the breath, he would have laughed at the cruel joke life had played on him, one of many tossed his way. He’d made it—somewhere—and he was going to die anyway. His mind rebelled at the thought of the bastards finally beating him, but even failing his last assignment couldn’t give him the strength to lift a fist. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back. At least he would be found and buried properly.

When the darkness came, he fought against giving in, but it was stronger, dragging him down into the unending black.

On January 11, 2018, TEXAS GOLD will be included in UNDER A WESTERN SKY. And you can pre-order the set right now.

SIX FULL-LENGTH NOVELS for only .99! This western historical romance boxed setis up for pre-order for this fantastic price--but it won't last long! A few more days and the price goes up.

 

Want to know a little more about TEXAS GOLD? Here's the back cover write-up:

TEXAS GOLD

   Texas Ranger Jake McCain is hot on the trail of a band of murderous outlaws when they ambush him and leave him for dead. A candle in a faraway window shines dimly in the night, and with his last ounce of strength, he makes his way through a blinding snowstorm to a solitary cabin and blessed shelter where he can heal.
    The last thing Rachel Hudson expects the deadly spring blizzard to bring is a wounded Ranger with a pack of trouble he’s got to catch up to and eliminate—as soon as he’s able. As she works to save him, Rachel begins to fall for his dark gaze and seductive touch—and she must remind herself she’s got her younger brother to think of. As memories of her earlier life haunt her, Rachel realizes Jake McCain is far more dangerous than any storm.
    But the past Rachel had hoped to escape suddenly looms over her future. She and Jake have more than a powerful mutual attraction in common—the dangerous gunmen he’s been chasing intend to steal Rachel and her brother, Nathan. 

   Jake vows to protect Rachel, the innocent beauty with a smile that touches his heart and kisses that burn straight through to his soul. Now that he knows life is worthless without love, he’s not about to lose the woman who means everything to him—Rachel, his TEXAS GOLD…

Previously published as TOUCH OF TEXAS

Writing Fiction Is Like An Emergency Room

Writing Fiction Can Be A lot like An Emergency Room

When I retired from the ER back in 2009, I figured my unpredictable work had come to an end. I was wrong. Writing fiction doesn’t always unfold the way one might plan. So it was with me any way. I wrote my tome travel, paranormal western, Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride as a lone novel with no sequel, and most certainly not as a series about the Wilding family.  First, that dang homeless rascal, Banjo, kept nagging at me until I had to write his story in the sequel, For Love Of Banjo. Banjo is a powerful character who manages to get his name in every story.

After that, I have written about the Wildings’ children and I’ve managed to get most of them married off one story at a time. But one character kind of bugged me from Banjo’s story—the widow, Penelope Thoroughgood. Even though Penelope’s daughter showed up in a story about another Wilding as a secondary character, I still had not written about the widow, Penelope. Banjo, in defense of his rakish life, once said of Penelope Thoroughgood, she had taught him about love, but he never said how. I left Penelope back there and never told her story or why Banjo said that about her—until now.

For the Christmas anthology, Present For A Cowboy, I wrote When Love Comes Knocking, Penelope’s story and just what took place between her and Banjo. The incident almost ruined her life. She had not had the best of life, but like most strong pioneer women, she managed to carve out a life for herself in spite of everything. She deserved more than just an existence. She deserved a good man and true love.

A lonely widow…an indiscretion…a gift for redemption

Blurb:

Penelope Witherspoon was charmed into marriage by Evan Thoroughgood only to learn she loved a philanderer, who gambled away his inheritance and drank too heavily. It came as no surprise that four months after their marriage, Evan was shot dead for cheating at cards. Since his death, Penelope has come to depend on his older brother, Gil. In fact, she has come to love and respect him. No two men could be further apart in character. But, if Gil learns of her secret indiscretion, he will want nothing further to do with her. What is Penelope to do?

Excerpt:

Penelope sensed that Gil watched Banjo and her as they stood at the door. She tried to maintain a bland demeanor, but her whispered words were desperate. “Banjo, I must beg your discretion. Gil must never know about the night you spent with me…not ever.”

He leaned a little closer and kept his voice low so only she could hear. “I would never betray your trust. You should know that by now, Penelope. I think you care for Gil, and if you do, you need to tell him yourself.” He lifted his hand as if to touch her, but seemed to think better of it what with Gil staring at the two of them.

“I can’t do that. He’ll hate me. He’ll think I was disloyal to Evan’s memory, or worse, suspect there was something going on between you and me before Evan got killed. I would be mortified if he thought such a horrible thing of me.”

“Oh Penelope, you’re a decent woman. Gil knows you wouldn’t do such a thing. Honestly, you’re not giving the man credit.” He glanced toward Gil, then back to her. “I best get along, before he thinks we’re standing here plotting a get-together. You look guilty as hell right now. I’ll come by day after tomorrow to pick up the laundry. Goodnight until then.”

Buy links:

AMAZON

Smashwords

B&N Nook

Just as an aside, since I mentioned Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride, the book that started the whole series of Wildings, I ought to mention that, for a limited time, is included in a boxed set of 5 western novels titled, A Cowboy's Brand, at Amazon for the insane price of 99 cents. If you don't take advantage of this sale, you are really missing out on the bargain of the century. Just sayin'.

 Buy Link: 

AMAZON

And just because Prairie Rose Publications likes to do things in a huge way, there is a second boxed set of western novels for 99 cents at Amazon, titled A Cowboy's Heart.

Buy Link:

AMAZON

It’s coming up Christmas soon and I want to give something away. So, I’m going to give away a digital copy of the Christmas anthology, Present For A Cowboy to someone who comments. Be sure to include your email address in your comment for a chance to win.

I hope all of you have a safe, happy, and wonderful holiday season.

Sarah McNeal is a multi-published author of time travel, paranormal, western, contemporary and historical fiction. Her stories may be found at Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and Prairie Rose Publications. Her website: http://www.sarahmcneal.com  

You can also find me at the following places:

Facebook

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My Amazon Author’s Page

SWEETHEARTS OF THE WEST

ONCE UPON A WORD

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! 

Amazing Sale--TWO BOX SETS OF 5 WESTERN ROMANCE NOVELS--Only 99 Cents Each

For a limited time you can buy 2 boxed sets of full length western romance novels for your kindle at the bargain price of 99 cents for each collection.  A COWBOY'S BRAND, AND A COWBOY'S HEART--available for a short time so grab them while they're available for this crazy price.

A Cowboy's Brand: 5 Western Romance Novels

A COWBOY'S BRAND is a sensational boxed set from Prairie Rose Publications! This collection includes five full-length novels from some of the best western romance writers in today's field, including Livia J. Washburn, Meg Mims, Gail L. Jenner, Kristy McCaffrey and Sarah J. McNeal. This set makes a wonderful gift for someone else, or for yourself, and at only .99 you can't go wrong! Grab A COWBOY'S BRAND and its companion set, A COWBOY'S HEART, and enjoy some fantastic old west tales of romance guaranteed to make you smile! 

MENDING FENCES by Livia J. Washburn is a riveting story of the Texas frontier as well as a touching romance between a heroine trying to find her place in the world and a hero whose past may destroy them both.

Meg Mims’s Spur Award-winning novel DOUBLE CROSSING is the story of mystery and intrigue as Lily Granville heads west, determined to track down her father’s killer. But who can she trust? Will Lily survive the journey and unexpected betrayal?

HARMONICA JOE’S RELUCTANT BRIDE by Sarah J. McNeal is a wonderful time travel story of unexpected love.When Lola Barton inherits a rundown plantation, she believes her life has finally taken a positive turn. But, when she finds a mysterious trunk in the attic, it takes her into the past and to a man with dark secrets—and she’s married to him.

In Kristy McCaffrey’s story, Kate Kinsella has no choice but to go after Charley Barstow and talk some sense into him. Ethan Barstow is hot on his younger brother’s trail, too. All hell breaks loose when they discover Charley—not wishing to be found by anyone! Can Ethan and Kate find their own love and happiness with one another through the deception and hurt? Or will they both return INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS…

This 2002 WILLA AWARD WINNER by Gail L. Jenner is the story of Liza Ralston, a young woman who leaves her settled existence to travel to Montana with her father—a decision she regrets. With her father severely wounded, the Pikuni tribe takes them in. But Liza wants nothing more than to return to St. Louis, despite her growing attraction for Red Eagle, a handsome young Indian warrior. Will Red Eagle and Liza find the love they’ve been waiting for? Beauty, treachery and danger lie ACROSS THE SWEET GRASS HILLS. 

A Cowboy's Heart: 5 Western Romance Novels

Hold on to your Stetson and get ready for some darn fine reading for a price you won’t believe! This Prairie Rose Publications boxed set includes ten western romance novels with something for everyone! For only .99, hours of reading pleasure can be yours—and this makes a wonderful gift, too! So come on, see what lies within A COWBOY’S HEART!

In Cheryl Pierson’s time travel story, TIME PLAINS DRIFTER, Romantic Times reviewer Donna M. Brown says, “4.5 stars…Cheryl Pierson's fresh, well-crafted novel pits some unlikely heroes against evil incarnate. The characters are vibrant and tell a story of courage in difficult circumstances.”

THE CALLING is an inspirational tale by Sara Barnard about a young man who turns away from God and the woman he loves to follow the outlaw trail. But love holds true and Esau can’t forget the past as God pushes him to face his sins and make things right again in a most unusual way!

In CLAIMING HIS HEART by Tanya Hanson, a handsome stranger who arrives in a peaceful California valley bearing a mysterious letter leaves Charmlee no choice but marriage to him. But  Charmlee and Tulsa each have plans of their own. Is there a bigger dream for the future ahead that they can’t see?

Is Leroy Vance a SAINT OR SINNER? Gil McDonald pens a riveting tale of a hard hearted bounty hunter, hot on the heels of a gang of outlaws. Injured and on foot, Vance faces almost certain death. But when he realizes that there is a young woman and her brother who desperately need his help, he risks everything for them. Will this bounty hunter and sinner finally find true love with the wife of another man? Or will any of them get out alive?

ALL FOR LOVE by Beverly Wells tells a gut-wrenching tale of social injustice in Wyoming of the 1880’s. Lorelei Webster, schoolmarm, tries to right the wrongs of the small town she’s a part of, and hopes for the help of the town doctor, Seth Taylor. Will her determination spark more than friendship between them as they work together?