A Medieval Summer

A Medieval Summer - by Lindsay Townsend

 

 

Summer for people in the Middle Ages was both very busy and a time of relaxation and pleasure. After the hard graft of winter and spring, May was a holiday month in early summer, with few tasks in the agricultural calendar. May Day, a blend of Christian and older pagan traditions, was celebrated by everyone, with dancing, revels and drink.

Later summer was a harder task-master: if a peasant worked on the land, later summer was when the sheep were sheared, then the hay and wheat harvests were gathered in. Summer, too, was often the prime time for miltary activity, when knights might be called to fight for their overlord or king on campaign. However, even in these months there was merry-making. Midsummer was marked by bonfires, a pagan ‘left-over’ from the earlier festival of Beltane and celebrated in the Middle Ages as the saint’s day of St John. Young couples would sometimes leap over the midsummer bonfire for luck. Wells could also be dressed with flowers around this time – a relic of earlier water-spirit worship.

July was marked by St Swithin’s day, when the strewings in the churches would be changed from the winter rushes and straw to the summer hay and sedges, and August saw the feast time of Lammas – loaf mass – to give thanks for the hard-won harvest.

 

 

I often use the seasons, and the folklore and symbols attached to these, as ways to point out contrasts in my stories. So in “The Snow Bride” I have the harshness of winter set against my heroine and hero’s dreams of summer – a clue to their developing feelings and relationship.

                                                                                                                                                                      

 As part of Christmas in July, here is an excerpt.

Excerpt

                                                               

They plodded another mile, then Magnus admitted they should stop. Even on the old west road, which they had stumbled onto at midnight, going was onerous. The horses were weary, heads down, stumbling, their hooves covered in snow. When the snow turned to a biting sleet, everyone had endured enough.

          Before him Elfrida was silent, uncomplaining, though God knew she must be chilled and weary. It was she who noticed the forester's hut, set back from the road behind a holly tree. She tapped his arm to alert him and he called orders to the others, his voice cracking in the cold.

          The forester, whoever he had been, had abandoned the hut, but it was just big enough for them all. Magnus knocked out a panel of wattle to enlarge the door and they brought the horses in.

          While he made a fire just inside the doorway Elfrida slipped off into the darkness. When she returned the men had bedded down and were chewing whatever rations they had with them. Magnus patted a lump in the floor beside him, close to the fire, and she lay down without a sound.

          Magnus rose and put what remained of the door back across the threshold as a barrier and wind-break. Checking it was secure, he knocked the snow off his cloak and stretched out again beside Elfrida. As soon as he closed his eyes he slept, and dreamed.

 

          It was summer and he was in a pleasure garden. Protected by a stout stone wall, it was bordered by fruit trees and ripening vines and filled with small sparkling fountains, the like of which he had not seen since his return from Outremer. One fountain played over a turf seat studded with marigolds and daises. Magnus ran his fingers through the damp flowers and he heard a woman sigh with contentment, a welcome sound.

 

          Elfrida always knew when she was dreaming and this time was no different. It was midsummer and she strolled in an orchard filled with fragrant apple blossom. She carried a twig of mistletoe, its waxy berries still in impossibly fresh bloom. Above her head finches darted and sang and bees buzzed in lazy contentment, dusky with pollen. There was a hay stack beneath an oak tree and a green man smiling at her though the heavy white-green pomanders of a guelder rose. 

 

          "You have a gentle, courteous touch, Sir Magnus."

          Elfrida sighed again and stretched out on the turf seat. Where she lay down roses sprouted and burst into flower, their petals as soft and flawless as her skin. She smiled, and in the wonder of the moment Magnus could not tell if she was clothed or not. From a blower of white and pink rose petals, she held out her hands to him and smiled a second time, trusting and warm, her bright eyes filled with admiration. "Come."

 

          The green man sprang down from the branches of the guelder rose and became Magnus. He bowed to her, a warm breeze ruffling his black hair curls. "My Lady."

 

THE SNOW BRIDE (THE KNIGHT AND THE WITCH 1) https://amzn.to/2MZZan0    

UK  https://amzn.to/2H1tYzY

 

Lindsay Townsend

 

The Kid in Black and the Talking Blues

By C. Marie Bowen 

 

I grew up in a musical household. My mother and grandmother played the piano. My parents started me on accordion lessons when I was six. My dad refurbished player pianos as a hobby. All of those subjects might be good for a future blog, but today, I want to talk about Dad and the talking blues.

Like I said, Dad didn’t play an instrument, instead he sang. He sang along with the player piano, and to my accordion music. He even sang to The Lawrence Welk Show. Dad had an outstanding voice, whether he was singing or talking the blues. Of course, this all took place long before anyone had heard of Rap music. Woodie Guthrie popularized this particular mix of folk and country music in the early 40s. Although, Christopher Allen Bouchillon is credited with creating the talking blues. He recorded the song, “Talking Blues” in 1926. Even Bob Dylan used this style of spoken lyrics.

Dad had a number of “go-to” songs he would rap at family gatherings and parties. The only one I’ve been able to identify is “Talking Dust Bowl,” recorded by Woody Guthrie in the early 40s. Of course, Dad changed the words he’d forgotten, filled in, and made a different ending (which I’ve yet to find anywhere).  

Trivia time: Woody wrote and recorded the iconic song “This Land is Your Land.” Originally spoken, the music was added later and “This Land,” is now the patriotic song we all know. Woodie is Arlo’s father. Arlo Guthrie recorded “The City of New Orleans,” and “Alice’s Restaurant.”

Back to Dad. My favorite lyric was a poem he called “Denver Dan.” It’s a tale about a gun fight in The Silver Star Saloon. The Kid in Black confronts Denver Dan and his gang after tracking them across the country. Apparently, Denver Dan had killed a friend of the Kid in Black, and The Kid set out for revenge. I’ve searched the internet looking for the author of “Denver Dan,” and have never found an inkling of who wrote this blues rhyme or where dad may have heard it. I, however, still loved the story and wanted to bring the song to life.

My short story, The Kid in Black, is based on the poem I heard so often from my dad. I’ve included the song in my novella, and credited it to “Author Unknown – as retold by Eugene. N. Pixler.”

Eugene Pixler: June 30, 1923 – April 9, 2002.

The Kid in Black is a Christmas in July Single Sell release from Prairie Rose Publications.

Blurb:

Nell Grant lost everything and watched her family homestead burn. Her desire for vengeance keeps her moving during the day. At night, dreams of a passionate stranger fill her empty heart.

Disguised as a man, Nell tracks the outlaw who killed her sweetheart to Beaumont, Texas, and swears his day of reckoning is at hand. When the man in her dreams turns out to be real, and a US Marshal, her plan for revenge collides with her dreams of passion.

Marshal Samuel Kline hoped to spend a quiet Christmas reunion with his sister in New Orleans, but an urgent assignment sends him to Beaumont, Texas to capture a murder. The local sheriff warns Sam of another criminal, a kid in black, who was spotted in the Silver Star Saloon. Determined to complete his assignment, and return to his sister, Sam confronts the mysterious kid in black, and discovers Nell's secret identity. Sam is swept up in her passion for the man in her dreams. 
How can he protect Nell when her need for revenge threatens to destroy her? Can Marshal Sam Kline tame her wild beauty and make her dream of love come true?

Excerpt:

Sam yanked open the door, hurried down the stairs and then raced to the backdoor of the saloon. He shook the locked door, jarring the hinges. “Damn it.” He raced around the side of the saloon, his heart in his throat.

When he stepped through the swinging barroom doors, the piano player still played a ragtime tune. In the time it took to walk around the first gaming table, the piano had fallen silent. He wove between the tables. The crowded barroom hushed as he pushed past saloon girls and patrons, all straining to see what transpired near the bar.

His perception of the room became clear and focused. Every movement caught his eye. A man to his left scribbled frantically on a piece of paper with a broken pencil. To his right, the dealer dropped his cards face up on the table, two kings and an eight, then rose to better his view.

Sam could see Dan Gregor, his elbows resting on the bar. Gregor shook his head and stepped back to face someone just out of sight. Sam took another step forward and spotted Gregor's target. Sam's heart dropped to his stomach. Dear God, Nell! Where was Sheriff Clairborne?

Nell faced Gregor from across the barroom. No one but Sam knew the short man dressed in black was a woman. She hid her face behind a black handkerchief. Between the face cloth and the black felt hat, her hazel eyes glittered with rage. 

Buy Links           Amazon         Barnes and Noble Nook        Smashwords  

  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CMarieBowen 

Website: www.cmariebowen.com

Happy Fandango Day from a Bank Robber's granddaughter!

Hello everybody! I have a question for you to ponder this fine Monday.

Writers, why do you write what you write? Readers, why do you read what you read?

I have found in my own daily dates with the keyboard (and more recently, pen and spiral notebook -- old school, I know) I seem to be trying to right some unrecognized wrong that time forgot to fix. 

For instance, did you know that in addition to being just .99 and part of PRP's Christmas in July, The Bank Robber's Lament is based loosely upon the tale of my very own biological gun-toting and bank-robbing grandpa? 

That's right. Funny how I now make my forever home in the same state, Oklahoma, where he skillfully relieved several banks of over $27,000 in the 1960's . . . quite a haul for that day. In addition, he led the Feds on quite a chase and stirred up a fracas, both at home and on the run. But those are stories for another time. My grandfather was eventually caught and did some time at Fort Leavenworth and after his release, took his own life. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot tolerate unhappy endings and I also don't like that I never had the opportunity to meet a man who spoke Classical Greek, was an Army veteran, painted beautiful pictures, wrote glorious letters, and robbed banks. 

In The Bank Robber's Lament, I try to right the wrongs that my grandfather will never let be righted, at least not in this lifetime. Like I said, I try. I know I can never do his actual story justice, but this one has it all -- bank robberies, jail, romance, realization, a little girl who needs him, and the final showdown between good and evil . . . 

Now that you know the backstory, here is the blurb! You may find just a bit more meaning in it than most do now that you know, well, everything. 

With his troubled past never far from his mind, the once-handsome Smith heads out to lose himself in the anonymity offered by the American West. When he arrives in Gabriel's Settlement, Texas he succumbs to the lifestyle of quick money and adventuresome living offered by a gang of wily bank robbers. It isn't until he crosses paths with Johanna Johannsen and her daughter Sadie that Smith discovers he isn't the only person in Texas with a looming past, and some people's devils are much closer to home than his own. When he learns of the Dalton Gang's plans to stick up the bank in Gabriel's Settlement, Smith must make a choice. But is he strong enough to face his past and be the man his own father couldn't be?

Happy Fandango Day! I hope everyone is having a high old time, kicking up their heels, meeting new and amazing authors and scooping up awesome works at incredible prices. In case you haven't found the link to the PRP Fandango, here it is again :-)

Thanks again for stopping by!

Christmas in July at Prairie Rose Publications!

Yee-haw! It’s finally here: Prairie Rose Publications’ second-annual Christmas in July. All of the Roses have been a mite excited for weeks now. The event stirred up the corral something fierce, not least because twenty of us wrote the short stories, novellas, and novels that are part of the event. We were sworn to secrecy until yesterday, when the corral gate opened and the herd spilled out a-whoopin’ and a-hollerin’.

Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret like that? PRP founders Cheryl Pierson and Livia Washburn Reasoner had their hands full muzzling the herd.

The first Christmas in July around these parts contained only six Christmas short stories written by the six original Prairie Roses. This year’s special sale contains a total of twenty-five heart-warming volumes overflowing with tales about love all year round, plus two additional collections of traditional westerns. Most are priced at 99 cents; five of the ebooks are $1.99 because they contain two stories each.

Is that a deal, or what?

Here’s a quick look at the twenty-one ebooks that released today. Aren’t the covers fantastic? After creating every single one of them all by her lonesome, Livia deserves a break, don’t you think?




Many of this year’s Christmas in July short stories were published last year in one of PRP’s popular anthologies. If you’ve been waiting to try a story by a writer whose work you haven’t read, now is a great time to curl up with a heart-melting tale that will sweep you away to the Wild West. At 99 cents, how can you go wrong? And who knows? You may discover a new favorite author.

Six of the novels on sale for 99 cents have been available for a few months and are some of PRP’s most popular offerings.

More than a few of the Christmas in July stories were written by award-winning and best-selling authors, including James Reasoner and Livia Washburn Reasoner, two of the western genre’s enduring favorites. Some of the ebooks made Amazon’s Top 100 lists during the pre-sale period. (Thank you, early birds!)

You can find more information about all of these extra-special releases on a special page at the PRP website. Take a look. We bet you’ll find something you like.

Because we’re always looking for an excuse to kick up our heels with readers and friends, the Prairie Rose family will host one of our infamous Facebook Fandangos on July 27 and 28. Twenty-one authors will be there to stir things up. RSVP by clicking on the image.

Come join the festivities! The Roses will be giving away lots and lots of prizes, including ebooks and autographed print books, jewelry, Amazon gift cards, cowboy gift bags, and other western gear anyone would love to win.

As a heartfelt thank you for joining us in this celebration of PRP authors and their work, we’ll gift an ebook to several of today’s blog visitors. Simply comment below to be entered in the drawing. Winners will be picked at random and will get to choose their prize from the list of today’s twenty-one new releases.

Thanks for stopping by, and merry Christmas in July!

Upcoming Christmas in July event: 'A Gift of Christmas Hope' video by Kaye Spencer

With the Prairie Rose Pubications' Christmas in July event right around the corner (24th), I'm sharing my brand spanking new book video for my story contribution to the festivities. My story, A Gift of Christmas Hope, is from the 2014 Wild Texas Christmas anthology.

Until next time,

Kaye

You Can’t Outdraw the Ozark Belle—and a Giveaway!

An unwritten law in the Old West remains true to this day: Never draw on someone who can out-shoot you.

This deceptively sweet-looking woman
is a crack shot with a six-gun.

Though none of the Prairie Roses is overly concerned about being gunned down by Tracy “Ozark Belle” Garrett, one thought remains in the back of our minds: She could, if she wanted to, plug every one of us. After all, she and her husband, Ozark Shark, are members of the Cowboy Single Action Shooting Society. They’re quick, and they’re deadly.

Tracy is also an accomplished musician…but it’s the weapons thing that keeps us polite around these parts.

Aside from her prowess with six-guns and instruments, Tracy is a talented author of western historical romance and one of the original Prairie Roses. So far, she has contributed stories to Wishing for a Cowboy, Hearts and Spurs, Lassoing a Bride, and Lassoing a Groom. She possesses a remarkable ability to create settings and situations that make characters come alive.

Tracy’s most recent release is the novella Her Christmas Wish. Originally published in the PRP anthology Wishing for a Cowboy, the story twists the enduring star-crossed lovers plot, giving Romeo and Juliet the happy ending they deserved but were denied.


Her Christmas Wish
Parental disapproval separated Kathryn and Will as young adults, before they could marry. A decade later, widowed Kathryn mourns the loss of her youth while honoring her late husband’s dream by tending his stagecoach stop in the middle of nowhere. An unexpected reunion with the man she never forgot—and his explanation for his sudden disappearance on the eve of their elopement—leaves her confused and angry.

Tracy wove freshness onto a well-worn framework. Plausible situations, behaviors, and emotions create very real doubt the characters will work out their differences and find a happily-ever-after ending. They do, in a most sigh-worthy way.

In May, Tracy’s stories were included in the anthologies Lassoing a Bride and Lassoing a Groom. The two shorts are related, and that type of writing presents a challenge for any author. Tracy climbed the hill with aplomb, producing excellent romances overflowing with warmth.

“No Less Than Forever”
Doctor Franz Bittner is satisfied with his life as it is. He has a good practice in a place where he is respected, in spite of his German birth. He has good friends and enough income to provide him with a few comforts. A wife would only complicate things. Then a tiny blond stranger is pulled from the river and everything changes. With one smile she captures his attention—and steals his heart.

Rebekah Snow Redmann barely survived her abusive husband’s attack. Though she was given to him to pay her father’s debts, she’d rather die than go back.  Then she ends up in the care of the handsome local doctor and he stitches up more than her wounds—he mends her soul. With him, she discovers everything that she believes she can never have...a love that will last forever.

“Wanted: The Sheriff”
Martha Bittner may be considered a spinster at twenty-seven, but she’s not planning to stay that way. For four years, she’s wanted the sheriff of River’s Bend, Missouri, to notice her as more than a friend and a really good cook. With the first annual spring dance only weeks away, Martha decides to announce her intentions—and declares the sheriff a wanted man.

Sheriff Matthew Tate always thought he was better off a bachelor. Growing up in Boston society, where marriage is a business transaction and wealth his greatest asset, he’s learned to distrust all women’s intentions. None of them even catch his eye anymore—until pretty Martha Bittner tells him exactly what she wants… and he wonders why he ever resisted capture.

Tracy’s story in the Valentine’s Day anthology Hearts and Spurs is equally delightful.

“Coming Home”
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.

Before joining the Roses, Tracy published two western romances with Zebra Books. Both received excellent reviews.

More about Tracy, including links to everywhere she lurks online, is here. Look her up and make friends. Trust us: Tracy is a sweetheart, but no one wants the Ozark Belle as an enemy.

To prove just how friendly she can be when not packing iron, Tracy will give a digital copy of Her Christmas Wish to two folks who are brave enough to leave a comment today. Please don’t forget to leave an email address!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GIVEAWAY FROM CHERYL!

Hey everyone! Besides being part of our Christmas in July week, today is my very special day—my birthday! Now, a lot of women stop celebrating their birthdays as they get older, but I don’t. I’m glad to see each and every one of them come along,because it means that I have been blessed to still be walking on this earth. And even though I might not be able to do the “happy dance” for great moments in life as lithely as I once did, I’m still able to shuffle along and do SOME kind of a dance when something wonderful comes my way! (And I'm just praying no one is watching!)


YEP. THIS IS ME, MANY MOONS AGO--WHEN I WAS 3 (THAT WAS BACK IN 1960!)

So today, I want to share with you how excited I am to be a part of Prairie Rose Publications and offer a giveaway of my own of one of my brand new re-releases that came out this week just in time for Christmas in July!


SENIOR PIC--1974 WHEN I WAS 17

Know who else has a July birthday? MIZ JACQUIE ROGERS! Hers is the day before mine, on the 27th! Jacquie’s a special friend of mine, and in her honor, I also want to list our Christmas anthology, WISHING FOR A COWBOY today! Jacquie's story, A GIFT FOR RHODA, appears in WISHING FOR A COWBOY, along with stories by seven other Prairie Roses. This anthology is a real steal of a deal for only $2.99 and is also available in print!

http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Cowboy-Phyliss-Miranda-ebook/dp/B00G9GTWVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406259007&sr=8-1&keywords=Wishing+for+a+Cowboy


HOMECOMING is a short story I wrote a few years ago about a Union officer, Jack Durham, who finds his own special piece of heaven on Christmas. I love "twist" endings, and this definitely has one of those! All of these "single sell" short stories are just .99 each! Or, for a special deal, snap up my single author anthology A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS with four short novellas for only $2.99.

Homecoming https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M28EYT6


MEANT TO BE--Robin Mallory is shocked when she is tackled and captured by a man in a Confederate uniform. A flat tire and a coming snowstorm have stranded her in the middle of a re-enactment – or is it?
Meant To Be https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M28NKI2


A NIGHT FOR MIRACLES--Widow Angela Bentley takes in three children and a wounded gunman one snowy Christmas Eve. Angela determines to keep her distance—until the children drag in a scraggly Christmas tree. Will she find love on this, A NIGHT FOR MIRACLES?a>
A Night For Miracles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M283014


THE GUNFIGHTER'S GIRL--Persuaded by a vendor, Miguel Rivera ~ El Diablo ~ makes a foolish purchase—scarlet ribbons. Will they, and a mysterious meeting, set him on a new path? Can he find his way back to the love he left years before?

http://www.amazon.com/Gunfighters-Girl-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00JSA3BH2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406260019&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Gunfighter%27s+Girl

If you're looking for a bargain, you can get all four of these single sell Christmas stories in my single author anthology, A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS for only $2.99. That will save you a buck!
http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Christmas-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00M282L7S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1406259466&sr=8-4&keywords=A+Hero+For+Christmas


Last but certainly not least is my brand new novella release, OUTLAW'S KISS, taken from the 2013 Christmas anthology from PRP, WISHING FOR A COWBOY. I love this story because in true Christmas fashion, everyone gets their "happily ever after" ending--even the villain!
OUTLAW'S KISS--A long-ago schooldays crush is rekindled by an Outlaw's Kiss that sparks true love, and a new future for Jake Morgan and Talia Delano.
http://www.amazon.com/Outlaws-Kiss-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00M27PX9M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1406260267&sr=8-5&keywords=The+Outlaw%27s+Kiss


Thanks so much for joining me today here at the PRP blog for this segment of CHRISTMAS IN JULY! I'm giving away prizes to two lucky winners today. One person will win a digital copy of OUTLAW'S KISS and another will win a SIGNED PRINT COPY of WISHING FOR A COWBOY! Please leave a comment in the comments section along with your contact info in case you are one of my winners!

VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS IN JULY PAGE HERE: http://s528097299.onlinehome.us/books-2/christmas-in-july-2/

CHRISTMAS IN JULY! by CHERYL PIERSON

What’s better than a slice of cold watermelon on a hot July day? How about CHRISTMAS IN JULY! Yep, here at Prairie Rose Publications, we’re celebrating early and trying to drive off the heat for a spell!

Did y’all know that the National Day of the American Cowboy is a legally observed day now here in the good ol’ US of A? Well, it might just be one day that’s legally observed, but here at PRP, we think it deserves a whole week! And we’re celebrating with our Christmas stories, combined to make one doozy of a holiday sale—CHRISTMAS IN JULY! If you’re curious, here’s what the resolution has to say about it. Take a look and then we’ll talk about how WE’RE celebrating!

This resolution recognizes the important role that the cowboy has played in the American West and calls on people to celebrate the cowboy’s influence on our history and culture.

Designating July 26, 2014, as ‘‘National Day of the American Cowboy’’.

Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as ‘‘cowboys’’, helped to establish the American West; Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism; Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense; Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations; Whereas the cowboy, who lives off the land and works to protect and enhance the environment, is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures; Whereas cowboy traditions have been a part of American culture for generations; Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy through the work of many thousands of ranchers across the United States who contribute to the economic well-being of every State;

Whereas millions of fans watch professional and working ranch rodeo events annually, making rodeo one of the most-watched sports in the United States; Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of cowboys span every generation and transcend race and gender; Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music and occupies a central place in the public imagination; Whereas the cowboy is an American icon; and Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and encouraged: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates July 26, 2014, as ‘‘National Day of the American Cowboy’’; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

WHEW! Well dang it, we already knew all that, since we write so much about cowboys in our stories, didn’t we? Still, it’s good to know that our lawmakers got SOMETHING right! And here’s what we’re doing for our part! Only we’re not celebrating for just one DAY—we’re carrying on for the entire WEEK! Because we know how y’all love cowboys, and one day just isn’t enough to do them justice.
We’ve got lots of great promotions this week at our website. Not only do we have our first Christmas anthology, WISHING FOR A COWBOY for sale (with eight wonderful, delicious cowboy stories in it!) we also have released each of these stories as “single sell” short stories for only .99 each!

You’ve read WISHING FOR A COWBOY? Well, how about some new stories you might not have tried? We’ve got those, too, both in single sell and anthology form, from Cheryl Pierson! Take a look at A NIGHT FOR MIRACLES, HOMECOMING, THE GUNFIGHTER'S GIRL, and MEANT TO BE!

We’ve got a new release from LOIS CARROLL, WITNESS ON THE RUN. And what about another new author you might not have tried, ANGELA RAINES? Her new release is called HOME FOR HIS HEART, and if you’re looking for a swoon-worthy cowboy, you’ll find one in both of these tales.

LIVIA REASONER has a full-length novel, MENDING FENCES for only .99 that you can snap up and add to your digital reading (also available in print).

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got giveaways going on every day during this week, and a grand prize that we’re giving away on Friday, August 1, to one lucky commenter. We’ll be drawing a name from everyone who commented during the week! Be sure to stop by every day and see what’s going on.

Our giveaway today is a "double whammy"! One lucky commenter will receive HOME FOR HIS HEART by Angela Raines, and another will receive WITNESS ON THE RUN by Lois Carroll! These are both brand new releases and though they are not Christmas stories, they're bound to warm your heart just like the cheery glow of a welcoming fire on a cold winter's night! Be sure to leave your contact information in your comment in case YOU are one of the winners!

If you just can't stand the suspense, you can head over to Amazon and pick up any of these reads at some great prices. Also, check out our new website to see what other stories might tempt you!

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE HERE: http://s528097299.onlinehome.us/books-2/christmas-in-july-2/

IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? IT IS AT PRP! by Cheryl Pierson

IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? It is here at Prairie Rose Publications! Just look at what we’ve got in store for you for our first annual CHRISTMAS IN JULY sale!
Now, these aren’t all Christmas stories, but a good many of them are, and that's what I'm starting with today--but there'll be more to follow each day! And they’re ALL Christmas-sale priced—so it’s time to stock up on some wonderful holiday reading!

CHARLIE’S PIE—Livia Reasoner Charlie’s Pie was included in PRP’s first anthology ever, WISHING FOR A COWBOY! And guess what? It won the 2013 Western Fictioneers’ Peacemaker Award for Short Fiction! This is a story you won’t want to miss.

A wounded man, a desperate woman, a gang of ruthless outlaws...and the best pecan pie in Parker County!


OUTLAW’S KISS—Cheryl Pierson Outlaw’s Kiss was one of the stories in WISHING FOR A COWBOY, as well. This is one of my favorite stories I’ve ever written, because it has such an unexpected happy ending for everyone—the outlaw, and the lady—and even the villain!

A long-ago schooldays crush is rekindled by an Outlaw*s Kiss that sparks true love, and a new future for Jake Morgan and Talia Delano.


PEACHES—Kathleen Rice Adams Peaches is the story of a hard-bitten rancher who is determined not to let a pretty young mother of three turn his head, but it proves impossible. How will a simple fruit affect their relationship? Read and find out!

When a strong-willed schoolteacher invades an irascible rancher’s Texas range, not even the spirit of Christmas may be able to prevent all-out war.


A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE—Phyliss Miranda Do you believe in Christmas miracles? You will when you read Phyliss’s wonderful tale of how a new doctor and a young woman forge a special bond over a sick child that brings an entire town to an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.

Acceptance comes not through frosty eyes, but from the warmth of loving hearts.


HER CHRISTMAS WISH—Tracy Garrett Looking for a swoon-worthy hero? Well, here he is! Tracy Garrett has a way of making us fall in love with her heroes and admire her heroines, and this story is no exception! Take a look.

Her only wish for Christmas was the man who left her behind.


A HUSBAND FOR CHRISTMAS—Sarah J. McNeal If you have not read any of Sarah J. McNeal’s stories in her Wilding series, you are missing out! This is a short story about Jane Pierpont who lost her husband on the Titanic. She finds herself falling in love with someone she never dreamed possible—but it just might work out!

A haunting night of horror and a wish for a new life.


COVENANT—Tanya Hanson She was a mail-order bride, sent for as a mother to his child. What happens when the child is taken from them far too soon? Can they still find the love they were meant to share? The vows they shared were a covenant of sorts, and the springerle cookie roller is a keepsake that means everything—to both of them.

Can a Christmas blizzard ignite love gone cold?


HERE ARE THE AMAZON LINKS FOR THESE WONDERFUL STORIES!

Outlaw's Kiss http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M27PX9M



A Christmas Miracle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M27PDD8



A Husband for Christmas http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M282QV4

Her Christmas Wish http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2829GQ


Peaches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M28EHKC


Covenant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2A98JU

Charlie's Pie http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2766X4

For our first day of CHRISTMAS IN JULY, we will be giving away one copy EACH of Covenant by Tanya Hanson and A Christmas Miracle by Phyliss Miranda! Be sure to leave your contact info in your comment in case your name is drawn!

For more great CHRISTMAS IN JULY bargains, visit our website at: http://s528097299.onlinehome.us/books-2/christmas-in-july-2/

GIVEAWAY AND COMING ATTRACTIONS FROM PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS! by Cheryl Pierson

Just this past week, Prairie Rose Publications published two new sweet/sensual anthologies of some of the best, most entertaining western romance reading you’ll find anywhere, and we’ve got two more headed your way in June! Lassoing a Bride and Lassoing a Groom are up for grabs today! All you have to do is leave your contact information in your comment to be entered for the drawing--we'll be giving away one copy of each!

Lassoing a Groom and Lassoing a Bride came out with a bang and have already started garnering some wonderful reviews! Priced at $2.99 each, you can’t go wrong!


Author Richard Prosch just had his new story, WAITING FOR A COMET, released as a single sell short story with our PAINTED PONY BOOKS line. This story is such a great crossover story, we also included it in the anthology from TORNADO ALLEY PUBLICATIONS, THIS SUMMER STORM! This is one you do not want to miss! For only .99, it's a steal--and is for all ages!



Livia Reasoner just re-released one of her western historical romances, MENDING FENCES--and if you have not read it, PLEASE add it to your TBR list. I can't say enough what a fantastic book this is, and you surely do not want to miss it--especially with this rockin' new cover she made for it! Right now you can pick it up for Kindle for only .99!



http://www.amazon.com/Mending-Fences-Livia-Reasoner-ebook/dp/B0057OE74O/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401340842&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Mending+Fences+by+Livia+Reasoner


Coming in June! From our TORNADO ALLEY PUBLICATIONS imprint for younger readers, we have a new anthology, THIS SUMMER STORM, coming your way on June 5th! This anthology has 7 stories in it for Young Adult ages, 13-17, and we are just thrilled to bring this debut anthology your way! These stories take place in different times and locations, with one thing in common: they are all some of the best tales you’ll find out there for this age group!



Also coming in June, two more anthologies from Prairie Rose Publications. Lassoing a Mail-Order Bride will be released on June 5, and we are thrilled to offer this wonderful collection of stories about mail-order brides taking a circuitous “route” to the love of their lives by answering one little ad that changes everything for each of them. AND, on June 12, our spicy anthology, COWBOY CRAVINGS, will make its debut for your reading pleasure! With four spicy-hot stories of love in the old west, this is one collection you will not want to be without!




Also in July, we have a real treat coming from FIRE STAR PRESS for those of you who enjoy retro historical reads. The Viet Nam War era was a turbulent time in our nation’s history, and also in the lives of the many young people who were faced with going to fight overseas, and the loved ones they left behind. Author B.J. Betts has authored a love story, ECHOES IN THE NIGHT, that takes place during this time and will leave you wanting more—and in August, she delivers, with SAIGON MOON!





Join us at the end of July, as well, for our PRP CHRISTMAS IN JULY sale, when we’ll be offering many titles, old and new, for several days at special low prices! Stop by our websites and see all of our wonderful offerings! We’d love to have you come visit.

www.prairierosepublications.com