Book reviews: Medieval Christmas tales!

This book review is a little different, as I'm highlighting just a few stories from two of PRP's medieval Christmas anthologies.

First up is One Winter Knight.

Blurb:

Hear ye, hear ye! Looking for medieval romance? Tales of knights and their ladies abound in ONE WINTER KNIGHT, a wonderful collection of medieval holiday novellas for your reading pleasure!

You’ll be held spellbound by this boxed set of captivating stories from some of today’s top medieval authors, as well as some rising stars in this up-and-coming genre. Lindsay Townsend, Deborah Macgillivray, Cynthia Breeding, Keena Kincaid, Cheryl Pierson, Beverly Wells, Patti Sherry-Crews, and Linda Carroll-Bradd have woven eight excellent Yuletide tales of love lost and found that are sure to keep you reading far into the night. Laced with holiday traditions and the excitement of a bold, dangerous era, Prairie Rose Publications is proud to offer yet another wonderful boxed set of medieval Christmas tales for your reading pleasure.

This collection of novellas makes a wonderful holiday gift for hours of entertaining reading—for others, or for yourself! These stories are certain to keep you enthralled as you read on to find out how these knights and ladies find their very own “happily-ever-after” endings ONE WINTER KNIGHT…

My reviews:

My Forever Love by Cheryl Pierson
Logan and Noelle's story warmed me up on a cold winter's night! They were selected for each other in an arranged marriage that both initially faught against. But then after meeting, Logan fell in love with her, while Noelle wasn't aware of everything going on around her. Sweetness and excitement carry through to their happily ever after.

To Play with Cats by Patti Sherry-Crews
Giggle and swoons!! I was needing something different to knock me out of a book funk and PSC's To Play with Cats story did the trick perfectly!

First, we have a sweet and adorable heroine who reminds me alot of me... Especially in her mobility skills. Lol

Then we have the big, strong, manly hero who needed some time to get his head straightened out (what good hero doesn't have some flaw... Lol), but who still could make me swoon.

Wrap them up snug in a castle with a little bit of drama and excitement and you have a sweet Christmas happily-ever-after for a knight and his lady love.

Then there's One Yuletide Knight.

Blurb:

Find a comfortable easy chair in front of the fire and grab your copy of ONE YULETIDE KNIGHT from the authors at Prairie Rose Publications! Travel back to medieval times to celebrate Yuletide with these dashing knights and their spirited ladies in a wonderfully romantic boxed set of stories you won’t want to put down! Lose yourself in this collection of eight exciting stories of medieval days penned especially for this most joyful time of year.

With exciting tales by talented authors such as Deborah Macgillivray, Lindsay Townsend, Keena Kincaid, Cynthia Breeding, Angela Raines, Patti Sherry-Crews, Beverly Wells, and Dawn Thompson, you’ll find it hard to put this collection down until you’ve read to the very end!

Don’t miss these adventures of holiday romance spiced with medieval danger in ONE YULETIDE KNIGHT!

My reviews:

A Marriage Made in Hell by Deborah Macgillivray

Omgoodness!! This novella just BLEW ME AWAY! After I got into the swing of how Deborah uses her words to build the atmosphere of her story, I was totally immersed into Grantham and Lesslyn's story and didn't want to leave. Add in the fact that it was a short story, but yet I was able to connect to the characters, that just made this story all the better!

What started seemingly as a innocent "swap places" decision turned into something meant-to-be but figuring out the who and what to get to their HEA was quite the trip!

Grantham swept me away with just how manly he was and how he claimed and settled into his new role. Lesslyn was endearing in how she approached her new life and sweetly fell for her man. They were the perfect compliment for the other.

This was the first book I've read from Deborah Macgillivray, and it won't be my last! I definitely need more of her stories in my life! 

The Protector by Patti Sherry-Crews

A surprising amount of intrigue and twists are packed into this cute story where everyone has secrets and their own agendas. Tempers flare and stubbornness digs in amidst a swiftly growing admiration that turns into a sweet love.

Juliana finds herself frustrated with having to deal with Sir William, especially when he verbally manhandles her into something she thinks is ridiculous. Will is just following orders trying to protect her, but he can't seem to keep his attention off more fun things to do with her - even when she's stashed away safe.... maybe....

I loved watching their banter and how they connect even though they're often at odds with each other. This is a fun story if you enjoy a heroine who's determined and spunky and gives just as good as she gets.

Purchase Links:

     

NEW RELEASE--SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS!

Hey everyone! Christmas is on the way and we've got two fantastic collections of stories making their debut this week for your holiday reading pleasure! The first one is SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS-- and it's just what it says--FOUR wonderful, sweet Christmas stories that you will treasure, along with four scrumptious recipes that are mentioned in each accompanying story!

Christmas in Texas couldn’t be sweeter than these stories of lost love found and new love discovered at the most joyous time of the year! SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS is a boxed set of Christmas novellas that will warm your heart and keep you reading long into the night to see how these couples find their happily-ever-after ending!

With the holiday season in full swing, these western heroes and their ladies come together in a delightful collection of four deliciously sweet Yuletide stories you’re sure to love and remember. Authors Stacey Coverstone, Cheryl Pierson, Sarah McNeal, and Marie Piper have penned these scrumptious Christmas tales just for your reading pleasure, along with a special surprise in each story!

Each of these holiday tales includes a delectable dessert recipe guaranteed to bring an added measure of Christmas sweetness your way! There’s nothing quite like a SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS!

Santa's Secret--Stacey Coverstone

Can a young cowboy hope to win the heart of a lady? Grady Cantrell can't help falling for Audra Wagner--even if she IS the boss's daughter! When Audra makes a secret confession to 'Santa', all bets are off and true love may be the best gift she receives this Christmas!

Kidnapping Kalli--Cheryl Pierson
Ex-Ranger Shiloh Barrett abducts the daughter of the man who has taken everything from Shiloh's family--including the life of his brother. But when Shiloh is bitten by a rattler, what will Kalli do? Run back to her former life, or stay and risk her heart with the man who can deliver her to her beloved father?

Miss Miller's Molasses Cookies--Marie Piper
Miss Josephine Miller is known for her delicious molasses cookies How can she impress the one person who matters to her, James Jordan, when he confesses he doesn't much care for molasses cookies? Josie believes she must have misread the signals that passed between them...but some things take a little time!

A Christmas Visitor--Sarah J. McNeal
Sterling Thoroughgood was Matilda Barton’s first and only love, but he left her three years ago to seek his fortune in Wyoming. And now he’s come back with a puzzle box as a gift with a secret inside. But as far as Matilda’s concerned, it’s three years too late. Is love lost forever, or does the mysterious puzzle box hold the key to happiness?

SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS is available NOW for Kindle and also in paperback! Makes a great gift for others or for yourself!

      

SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS--Giving a FREE Copy to a Commenter

Say goodbye to October. It was fun and all, but say hello to November. Here comes winter and all those really wonderful holidays.

This year my story, A CHRISTMAS VISITOR, is part of the Prairie Rose Publications Christmas anthology SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS. I couldn't be in last year's and I missed that excitement and fun. I love to read anthologies, especially Christmas stories.

So here's a little something about this year's anthology for Christmas. Oh, by the way, there are recipes in the back that were mentioned in the stories. YUM!

And I am giving away a FREE copy in PDF or Kindle Mobi to a commenter.

  SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS is an anthology of sweet historical western romances that take place in the state of Texas written by veteran western romance writers: Stacey Coverstone, Sarah J. McNeal, Cheryl Pierson, and Marie Piper.

(my contribution) A Christmas Visitor

Prairie Rose Publications

Releases November 2, 2017

Preorder Buy Link: SWEET TEXAS CHRISTMAS

He left her…Now he’s back…But not for long…

Blurb:

Sterling Thoroughgood was Matilda Barton’s first and only love, but he left her three years ago to seek his fortune in Wyoming. And now he’s come back with a puzzle box as a gift with a secret inside. But as far as Matilda’s concerned, it’s three years too late.

Is love lost forever or does the mysterious puzzle box hold the key to happiness?

Excerpt:

“Don’t you even think about stepping up on this porch, Sterling Alexander Thoroughgood, or I’ll shoot a hole in you big enough for a team of horses to jump through.” The woman wearing a faded blue calico dress aimed the shotgun straight at his heart…and sometimes his liver since she wasn’t holding the shotgun all that steady.

Sterling raised his hands in the air. His bare hands were practically numb from the cold. He glanced up at the slate gray sky. Snow’s comin’. Then he grinned at the woman holding the shotgun. “Merry Christmas to you, too, Matilda.”

She dipped the shotgun for just a moment, but raised it again as if on a second thought. “What do you want here after being gone for three years? Did you break some hearts up in Wyoming? Maybe you have some fathers and brothers gunning for you and you thought you’d come running back here to hide.”

Well, there it was. He’d hurt her when he left and she wasn’t about to let him forget it.

Sarah J. McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER and Critical Care nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Prairie Rose Publications and its imprints Painted Pony Books, Sundown Press and Fire Star Press. She welcomes you to her website and social media:

Website 

My Amazon Author’s Page

Facebook

Twitter

The Wildings

Fantasy and Dreams Blog

Sweethearts of the West

Prairie Rose Publications Blog

CALLS FOR SUBMISSION: Christmas Anthologies!

In keeping with tradition, Prairie Rose Publications is gearing up for its annual Christmas madn…er, celebration. Yes, that’s it! Celebration!

The 2013 Christmas anthology Wishing for a Cowboy marked PRP’s debut as a publishing company. That anthology and the two 2014 short story collections—Present for a Cowboy and Wild Texas Christmas—proved popular with authors, and all three continue to deliver heartwarming stories to readers of western historical romance.

So, guess what? We’re publishing two Christmas anthologies again this year!

Here’s the scoop:

A Mail-Order Christmas Bride: western historical romance
Christmas is the season of good cheer, family, and tradition. Imagine leaving the familiar comforts behind to marry a man you don’t know. Would that bring a bride long-awaited happiness or sorrow? Why would a man send for a bride during the season of joy? Perhaps one or both of them have never known the spirit of Christmas, and they’re eager to discover what they’ve been missing. Maybe they’re desperate to escape the pain Christmas evokes. Did her family disown her? Is he isolated...or alone in a crowd? Whether they’re running to or from all that makes the holiday season special, it’s up to you to give them the most memorable Christmas ever with the best gift of all: love that will last a lifetime.

Send us your tale about a happily-ever-after Christmas in the old west. Manuscripts should be 10,000 to 15,000 words long and may have a heat level of sweet to spicy. No erotica, please. Attach the completed story to an email addressed to Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com, and include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. All manuscripts should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Deadline: September 15, 2015.

One Christmas Knight: medieval tales of love
Many of today’s Christmas traditions saw their genesis during the Middle Ages, when kings, knights, lords, and ladies lived in splendor while serfs and vassals endured squalid conditions. What would make Christmas special for medieval heroes and heroines? Whether they’re fighting to retain all they own or battling to change their personal circumstances—or maybe the world at large—it’s up to you to unite a hero and heroine with the lifetime love of their dreams.

Prairie Rose Publications wants to see your story about Christmas love in a medieval land. Send your completed manuscript of 10,000 to 15,000 words to Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com. Include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. Tales may be sweet to spicy, but no erotica, please. Deadline: September 15, 2015.

Memories from Maple Street, USA—The Best Christmas Ever: memoir
Christmas is a time of wonder and joy—especially for children. Can you remember one special Christmas that stood out from all the rest when you were growing up? Maybe you got a present you’d wanted more than anything else—or perhaps a loved one came home unexpectedly. Amidst all the excitement and fond memories of family and loved ones, maybe you had a quiet moment or two to think about the true meaning of Christmas…and that was the best Christmas of all.

We’re looking for these stories at Sundown Press for the second volume in our Maple Street series: Memories from Maple Street, USA—The Best Christmas Ever. So wander back down Memory Lane, and put your pen to paper to recount the very best childhood Christmas you remember. We’d love for you to share it with us.

Please remember, we are looking for TRUE, first-person stories of 1,500 to 3,000 words. No “as told to by” accounts. Attach the completed manuscript to an email addressed to Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com, and include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. Deadline: October 15, 2015.

PRP enjoys working with both new and established storytellers. We look forward to seeing your holiday tales!

Other calls for submission remain open, as well: Nine Deadly Lives, the six duet volumes in the A Song to Remember series, and the first Memories from Maple Street, USA. Information about all of them is available on our website, PrairieRosePublications.com.

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

Twitter

My Amazon Author’s Page

SWEETHEARTS OF THE WEST

ONCE UPON A WORD

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! 

A Christmas tale in Nebraska? Brrrrrrr ~Tanya Hanson

Can a Christmas blizzard ignite love gone cold?

My Christmas story, Covenant, is now bargain priced at only 99 cents! It’s a gut wrencher...here’s what one reviewer has to say:

 In a romance I want a novella to deliver the power and enjoyable HEA that one would expect to enjoy only in a full size novel.
     “Covenant” is that kind of 5-Star novella.
     It opens with about as emotional a scene as you’d expect in a romance and then continues with that high level of tension until the last page. No padding and no sagging middle.
     “Covenant” provided a totally engaging and enjoyable reading experience. I loved it. Highest recommendation. 5-Stars!

http://tinyurl.com/ltj63hr

Part of the anthology, Wishing for a Cowboy, the story--now available separately, needed a Christmas food for a theme. My gram’s springerle cookies just jumped into my head. I clearly remember the lemony yet licorice-y taste of these little “picture cookies” from my childhood, but more than that, I remember just dreaming over the rolling pin.

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/holiday-springerle-recipe

In the story, Carsten Green courts his mail-order bride Ella across the miles by sending her hand-carved cookie molds depicting her life...and his love. She calls his carvings worthy of a museum. But sadly, Fate tosses them unexpected grief that tears apart the new marriage.

Also sadly, Gram's springerle recipe disappeared over time, a well as her story-telling rolling pin. But King Arthur Flour has generously given permission to use their recipe at the back of the story, and pictures..

Enjoy! It’s the perfect short read in front of a fireplace where stocking have been hung with care!

Blurb:

Alone, abandoned, struck with guilt and grief, mail order bride Ella Green refuses to celebrate their first wedding anniversary by herself on the Nebraska homestead. Her fault Charlotte died.

Her fault her husband couldn’t stick around. So it’s back to Pennsylvania. Until the snow hits.

But do the spingerle cookie molds depicting her life--Carsten’s hand-carved courtship gifts to her across the miles--still have more story to tell?

Or is it truly The End?

Widower Carsten Green took on a bride merely to tend his little daughter. Unbeknownst to Ella, he gave her his heart instantly. Yet he believed she’s got no reason to stay after the child’s death. So he’s left her first.

How can the Christmas blizzard separating them warm their hearts, brighten their future, and ignite love gone cold?

  

www.tanyahanson.com

wwwp.petticoatsandpistols.com

“Tuesdays with Tanya~ http://tanyahanson.blogspot.com

A Little Quilt History

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  

A Bit About The History of Quilts

I can’t imagine there is one among you who doesn’t know what a quilt is, but for the sake of clarity, it is the stitching together of layers of cloth with padding between that usually incorporates pieces of different colors of material to form a design. It can be simple with simple stitching, or artistic and complicated with decorative stitching, and even incorporate embroidery in the pattern of the design.

It is believed that quilting began as early as ancient Egypt.

In the United States, quilt making became a common activity during the late 18^th century and early 19^th century. Since commercially made blankets were economical and most women spent time to weaving and spinning clothing for their families, quilt making was a time consuming activity that only the wealthier women could lend their time to, and, therefore, only a few performed Colonial quilting.

I was surprised to learn that quilts were originally not made with scraps of material. Instead, they were decorative items made to display the quilter’s fine needlework.

Whole cloth quilts, broderie perse, and medallion quilts were a particularly popular style of quilting during the 19^th century. These quilts appear to be a solid piece of fabric, but were actually strips of fabric sewn together since weaving looms were not big enough to produce a large enough cloth to cover an entire bed. They consisted of three layers: a top with a layer of padding that was often wool, and a bottom cloth. The hand sewn stitching held the layers together. In those early days, it was the stitching that was the decoration. The early American quilts came from Europe and only the wealthy could afford to buy them.

In Canton, Massachusetts, the Canton Historical Society believes they have the oldest whole cloth quilt in America made of wool in 1786 by Martha Crafts Howard.

The surviving whole cloth quilts feature natural designs like feather designs, outlines of flowers, and so on. Some quilts are made even more beautiful by incorporating stuffed and corded quilting, often termed trapunto, which is an Italian word used to describe the technique of stuffing more padding into certain areas of the design to raise up the design and distinguish it from other areas of the quilt.

 Broderie perse is a term that refers to the applique of cut out motifs from printed fabric onto a solid background. This form of quilt making has been done since the 18th century. The popular printed fabric during this period was chintz imported from India. Because printed fabric was more expensive even for the wealthy, quilters would cut out birds, flowers, and other natural designs and applique them to the plain background. These broderie perse quilts were used on the best beds in the house, or reserved for times when guests were staying over.

Medallion quilts are made around a center. The center was sometimes a solid piece of large scale fabric like a toile or a Tree of Life, an appliqued motif or a large pieced star or other pieced pattern. The central area was surrounded by two or more borders. Although some borders were solid, many were pieced or appliqued.

In the mid 19^th century when the industrial revolution began, quilting changed drastically because quilters no longer had to spin and weave their own cloth. By the 1840’s, with a huge variety of fabrics readily available, quilt-making became so much easier and, therefore, more widespread. While some quilts were made from scraps of cloth from other projects, many quilts were made with fabric purchased specifically for the quilt.

Another huge development during this period was the invention and availability of the sewing machine. In 1856, the Singer Company introduced an installment payment plan that made more families able to have a sewing machine. Now women could sew their family’s clothes in less time and sew part of their quilts by machine as well.

When the American Civil War broke out, women made quilts to raise funds for the abolitionist movement, to support the war effort, and to provide warmth and comfort to the soldiers. Sometimes women would apply anti-slavery poems and sayings to the quilts they sold at fairs to show the plight of slaves. Stories came out of quilts being used to signal slaves of safe houses they could go to designated by a certain kind of quilt hung on the clothesline. Not all historians agree on this belief.

Not only were quilts used to raised money for the war effort both in the North and the South, but quilts were made for the soldiers as well. Many women remade quilts from bed covering to create two quilts from one bed cover. The quilts were distributed to the soldiers by the United States Sanitary Commission in the North. Things were more difficult in the South since, although the South raised cotton, it was milled into fabric in the North. Fabric became almost impossible for women of the South to obtain so the Southern women had to spin and weave the cloth before they could make the quilts. Both sides used practical designs for soldiers’ quilts. Sadly, due to the extreme use these quilts endured, few have survived.

There are a variety f types of quilts such as Amish quilts with their bold designs, distinctive designs and exceptional stitching, Crazy quilts that arose in the late 19^th century with their abstract shapes randomly stitched together with fancy stitches, artistic quilts, and Traditional quilts made with appliqué designs, meticulous stitching, and even embroidered elaborately. Traditional quilts were created for special occasions such as weddings or when a new minister arrived. 

(example of a traditional quilt with embroidery from New Mexico)

My grandmother made a quilt for each of her grandchildren. They were very special with applique and embroidery with intricate stitching. For my oldest sister, my grandmother had appliqued women with bonnets and aprons over their dresses with a pocket. In each pocket, she placed a penny. I’m sure my sister removed all the pennies and spent them on candy. My quilt was made with kittens in baskets with embroidery and fancy stitches. My quilt met an untimely end during my fire bug period.

I used a traditional quilt in my story, When Love Comes Knocking, in the Christmas anthology from Prairie Rose Publications, Present for a Cowboy soon to be released. My widowed heroine, Penelope Thoroughgood, made a beautiful traditional quilt with the help of her mother for her some day marriage.

 (my contribution) When Love Comes Knocking

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:

“I need to be on my way as well.” Gil had already risen from his chair and put his dish and fork in the dry sink. He approached Penelope with his face expressionless. “I’ve got some things to do before I head on home and I don’t want to wait too long since a storm is headin’ this way.” He shrugged into his long, wool coat and shoved his hat on his head. “If you need anything, or the wood gets low before I get back, just send someone to tell me.”

She reached out her hand to him. “Thank you for everything you did today. It means a lot to me. I always enjoy your company.” She wanted to say more—so much more, but she had no sense of how he would react.

When he clasped her hand in his, her heart stuttered in her chest. Does he have any idea how much I care for him? “Any company is good in a storm.” 

She hated to think what he meant by that. His eyes turned dark, like black coffee, and he didn’t smile. “Your company is exceptional to my way of thinking.” What more could she say? She certainly wasn’t going to open up like a tin can and spill out all her feelings to him. If he didn’t feel the same, she would be humiliated and she didn’t want to ruin their friendship.

He still held her hand when he dipped his head toward her. For one brief moment, she thought he might even kiss her. Oh goodness, if only he would. If only…

But he didn’t. She saw a light ignite in his eyes as he stared at her mouth, and then he backed away. “Thank you for the supper. You cook a fine meal. Well, goodnight, Penelope.”

“Goodnight, Gil.” She wasn’t sure he even heard her. He shut the door as she spoke. Something’s not right.

No Buy Link yet

Please Note:

All photos of quilts from Public Domain/Wickipedia

References

Carolyn Ducey, "Quilt History Timeline".

Levie, Eleanor; Place, Jennifer; Sehafer Sears, Mary (1992). Country Livings Country Quilts, p. 98. Hearst Books, New York. ISBN 0-688-10620-X.

 Levie, Eleanor; Place, Jennifer; Sehafer Sears, Mary (1992). Country Livings Country Quilts, p. 98. Hearst Books, New York. ISBN 0-688-10620-X.

Sources

Dunton Quilting Collection, Archives and Manuscripts Collections, The Baltimore Museum of Art.

Books

[2005]Celia Eddy: "Quilted Planet A Source Book of Quilts from Around the World".

2004: Roderick Kiracofe, Mary Elizabeth Johnson. "The American Quilt: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950". Clarkson Potter. ISBN 1-4000-8096-7.

1994: Laurel Horton (Editor). "Quiltmaking in America: Beyond the Myths". Rutledge Hill Press. ISBN 1-55853-319-2.

1995: by Sandi Fox. "For Purpose and Pleasure: Quilting Together in Nineteenth-Century America". Rutledge Hill Press. ISBN 1-55853-337-0.

1989: Barbara Brackman. "Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Identifying and Dating Antique Quilts". Howell Press Inc. ISBN 0-939009-27-7 .

HEARTS AND SPURS RELEASE PARTY by CHERYL PIERSON

We are just as thrilled as we can be, here at PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS! Our latest anthology, HEARTS AND SPURS, was just released on Monday--a couple of days ahead of schedule! Unheard of, but we take it as a good sign that it's ready to "get out in the world" and be read by everyone who loves a good cowboy story. There's lots of romance, lots of twists and turns, and all the ingredients for nine wonderful stories that will melt your heart.

We've included the blurbs for each story below, just to give you a taste of what's headed your way! And in honor of our newest release, we want to offer some digital book giveaways today! All you have to do is leave a comment, along with your CONTACT INFORMATION in case your name is drawn. Drawing will be sometime after 8:00 p.m. central time, so swing by and let us know you've been here.

HEARTS AND SPURS is also available in PRINT.
Buy Link at Amazon on Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00HU5SCYE

Here's a sneak peek at the wonderful love stories in HEARTS AND SPURS!


Story Blurbs:



“The Widow's Heart” by Linda Broday


Skye O’Rourke thinks her imagination is playing tricks on her when she sees a man emerge from the shimmering desert heat. No one would willingly take a stroll under the scorching sun with a saddle slung on his back. She’s shocked to discover it’s Cade Coltrain, a man she once gave her heart to only to have him give it back.

Can she trust him not to abandon her this time? Yet, trusting each other is the only way they can survive. And love might just save them if they believe…



“Guarding Her Heart” by Livia J. Washburn


Julia Courtland was on her way west to marry a man she had never met. Henry Everett, the marshal of Flat Rock, Texas, was the grandson of her uncle's best friend. It seemed like a good match for both of them, and the wedding was scheduled to take place on Valentine's Day.

Grant Stafford thought the young woman who got on the stagecoach at Buffalo Springs was the prettiest thing he had seen in a long time. She wasn't too friendly, mind you, but she was sure easy on the eyes. Not that Grant had time to worry much about such things. He was the shotgun guard on this run, but more than that, he was an undercover Texas Ranger on the trail of the vicious outlaw gang responsible for a string of stagecoach robberies.

Fate threw Julia Courtland and Grant Stafford together on a cold February day in West Texas, but it also threw deadly obstacles in their path. A runaway team, a terrible crash, and bullets flying through the air threaten to steal not only their lives but also any chance they have for happiness. If they're going to survive, they will have to learn to trust each other...and maybe steal their hearts back from fate.



“Found Hearts” by Cheryl Pierson



Southern belle Evie Fremont has lost everything—except hope. When she answers an advertisement for marriage to Alex Cameron who lives in the wilds of Indian Territory, she has few illusions that he could be a man she might fall in love with—especially as his secrets begin to unfold.


Ex-Confederate soldier Alex Cameron needs a mother for his two young half-Cherokee sons more than he needs a wife—or so he tells himself. But when his past threatens his future on his wedding day, he and Evie are both forced to acknowledge their new love has come to stay—along with their FOUND HEARTS.



“Open Hearts” by Tanya Hanson



To honor her brother’s last request, Barbara Audiss takes on his identity. Letting loose her secret will land get her arrested. But keeping it prevents her from giving her heart to handsome sheriff Keith Rakestraw.


Furious at “Judge Audiss’s” latest verdict, Keith discovers she’s a fake and consequences seem easy: toss her in jail. Instead, he finds himself eager to give her his heart.


“Hollow Heart” by Sarah J. McNeal



Madeline Andrews is a grown up orphan. Sam Wilding made her feel part of his life, his family and swore he’d come home to her when the war ended, but he didn’t return. With the Valentine’s Ball just days away, the Wildings encourage Madeline to move forward with her life and open her heart to the possibilities. But Madeline is lost in old love letters and can’t seem to let go.


“A Flare of the Heart” by Jacquie Rogers



Celia Valentine Yancey has no illusions she’ll ever enjoy wedded bliss, so chooses marriage over spinsterhood even if she has to marry a man her father picked. On the way to meet her groom, she endures armed robbery, a stagecoach wreck, a dozen hungry baby pigs—and an incorrigible farmer. Ross Flaherty retired from bounty hunting to become a farmer but now Celia has brought his worst fear to his door—in more ways than one. A ferocious wolf-dog and a dozen piglets are no match for this determined lady. Which is more dangerous—the Sully Gang or Miss Celia Yancey?



“Coming Home” by Tracy Garrett



Sometimes it takes two to make dreams come true.



When a man who believes he’ll never have a home and family…


Former U.S. Marshal Jericho Hawken should have been shepherding a wagon train to new territory, but he unwillingly left them vulnerable to a vicious raider. The murder of the settlers he was supposed to be guarding is the hardest thing he’s ever had to face…until he meets the sister of one of the settlers.

…finds a woman who has lost everything…


Instead of a joyous reunion with her brother, Maryland Henry has come to River’s Bend to take responsibility for her three orphaned nieces. Fired from her teaching position and with no other family on whom to rely, Mary believes Jericho Hawken is responsible for all her woes. Or is he what she’s been searching for all along?

It takes a lot of forgiveness and a few fireworks to realize that together their dreams can come true.



“Tumbleweeds and Valentines” by Phyliss Miranda



When Amanda Love finds a tumbleweed lodged against her fence with an invitation to a Valentine Day dance stuck to it she thinks someone must be playing a joke. No one would invite her. No one ever had. Besides, she has no time for such things. She has a candy store to run. Curiosity gets the best of her though. Finding her name scrawled on it as bold as can be sends ripples of surprise through her. As she embarks on a quest to find the sender’s identity, she examines herself and the secret dream she harbors of having a husband and children.

Maybe, just maybe, someone had seen the yearning in her heart. But who?



"The Second-Best Ranger in Texas"

by Kathleen Rice Adams



His partner’s grisly death destroyed Texas Ranger Quinn Barclay. Cashiered for drunkenness and refusal to follow orders, he sets out to fulfill his partner’s dying request, armed only with a saloon girl’s name.


Sister María Tomás thought she wanted to become a nun, but five years as a postulant have convinced her childhood dreams aren’t always meant to be. At last ready to relinquish the temporary vows she never should have made, she begs the only man she trusts to collect her from a mission in the middle of nowhere.

When the ex-Ranger’s quest collides with the ex-nun’s plea in a burned-out border town, unexpected love blooms among shared memories of the dead man who was a brother to them both.

Too bad he was also the only man who could have warned them about the carnage to come.



If you missed our FIRST anthology, WISHING FOR A COWBOY, (also available in print and digital formats) you can get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Cowboy-Phyliss-Miranda-ebook/dp/B00G9GTWVC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1389664164&sr=1-1&keywords=Wishing+for+a+Cowboy