CHRISTMAS IN JULY WITH LIVIA REASONER by Cheryl Pierson

I met Livia when I became a member of the Western Fictioneers professional writing group. At that time, there were not very many women in the ranks, and I was sure glad to have her to ask questions of and to toss ideas out to. When she asked for help with the WF blog, I was more than happy to step up and help as much as I possibly could. As time passed, we became friends—a friendship I cherish. That’s what led to even better things!


We’d talked about starting a publishing company for women only –because, let’s face it, women have the devil’s own time breaking into genres that have always been male gender specific—westerns and science fiction offerings being the two biggest culprits. So, since we both wrote westerns, we decided that was a good place to start. We knew there were a lot of ladies out there who were darn good western writers that just needed a chance to show what they could do—and New York City was certainly not providing that opportunity any more—not even to a lot of the men who wrote westerns, and had done so for years.


Prairie Rose Publications will be one year old next month, as I talked about earlier this week. Livia and I have found that we work very well together, and the business has boomed and expanded so much that we’ve added another company administrator, Kathleen Rice Adams, as our Promotions, Publicity, and Media Coordinator! We can’t even imagine doing this without her help at this point.

Livia’s not one to “toot her own horn” as my mother used to call it, so I want to take this opportunity to show you some of the things that she’s done this year with PRP and our imprint for younger readers, PAINTED PONY BOOKS!

http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Cowboy-Phyliss-Miranda-ebook/dp/B00G9GTWVC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426974&sr=1-1&keywords=Wishing+for+a+Cowboy
Let’s start with CHARLIE’S PIE! This short story first appeared in our very first anthology here at PRP. When Livia entered the anthology with eight stories into the Western Fictioneers Short Fiction category for the Peacemaker Award, something wonderful happened. Charlie’s Pie WON! We are all so proud of Livia’s win—we were in the same anthology, and it was our first venture, so we were all rooting for one another—and she took the prize!

http://www.amazon.com/Charlies-Pie-Livia-J-Washburn-ebook/dp/B00M2766X4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426462&sr=1-1&keywords=Charlie%27s+Pie
One of the first books we published in our PAINTED PONY BOOKS line for our middle-grade reader group was a book by Livia and her husband, James Reasoner, called THE PHANTOM RANGER AND THE SKATEBOARD GANG.

JAMES REASONER, LIVIA'S HUSBAND
This was a book they’d written together, then put aside for a while—until Painted Pony Books became the venue to bring it to life for new middle grade readers!

http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Ranger-Skateboard-Gang-ebook/dp/B00GYAOFU6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426555&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Phantom+Ranger+and+the+Skateboard+Gang
Codi Jackson and her father have been forced to move again. Codi’s getting used to being the “new girl” in her fifth grade class—but that doesn’t mean she has to like it. Can’t life just be normal? With her mother out of the picture and her father working odd shifts as a police officer, friends are important—as long as they’re not the wrong kind.

When Codi and a classmate, Keith Wright, are assigned to work on a history project, Codi has to make some hard decisions about her popularity in her new school.

But everything changes when Codi picks up an old Texas Rangers badge that belonged to one of her ancestors and he appears right before her eyes! Her great-great-great-grandfather says he’s come to help her, but how? And how is she going to explain the ghost of her long-ago Gramps to her history project partner and her father?

Livia and James also penned another middle grade reader book for the younger set about a young Indian girl named Mockingbird that is just wonderful. Here’s a bit about MOCKINGBIRD AND BIG EARL:

They were an unlikely team, the big, gruff circuit court judge and the talkative Blackfoot girl. Together they travel across the Old West solving mysteries and bringing justice. Judge Earl Stark comes to El Paso to try the case of a man accused of a crime, but it's Mockingbird who finds the clues that lead to what really happened. A man's future depends on a missing dog, and it's up to Mockingbird to figure out the truth!
http://www.amazon.com/Mockingbird-Big-Earl-James-Reasoner-ebook/dp/B00K6ETYB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426646&sr=1-1&keywords=mockingbird+and+big+earl
GUARDING HER HEART was the short story Livia penned for HEARTS AND SPURS, our PRP Valentine’s Day anthology. Another winning novella, and if you have not read this entire anthology, you’re in for a very “sweet” surprise—for only $2.99!

http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Spurs-Linda-Broday-ebook/dp/B00HU5SCYE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426709&sr=1-1&keywords=Hearts+and+Spurs
Take a look at MENDING FENCES, Livia’s full-length western historical romance novel that is guaranteed to steal your heart and your imagination! Right now, you can snap it up for only .99! Yep, that’s normally what you’d pay for a novella or short story! And with this gorgeous new cover, you can’t go wrong on what’s inside.

http://www.amazon.com/Mending-Fences-Livia-Reasoner-ebook/dp/B0057OE74O/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426770&sr=1-4&keywords=mending+Fences
Livia’s latest novella, THE BRIDE AND THE BADGE, was written for one of the summer anthologies that PRP produced in May. If you’re looking for suspense, action and romance all mixed together, give THE BRIDE AND THE BADGE a read, as well as the other stories inside this collection!

Was Emily just bait for an outlaw trap—or did she mean more than that to the handsome Texas Ranger?


http://www.amazon.com/Lassoing-Bride-Gail-L-Jenner-ebook/dp/B00KFFFJ6K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406426835&sr=1-1&keywords=Lassoing+a+bride
LIVIA WILL BE GIVING AWAY A COPY OF CHARLIE'S PIE TO ONE COMMENTER AND MENDING FENCES (DIGITAL) TO ANOTHER! BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR CONTACT INFO IN YOUR COMMENT IN CASE YOU WIN!

For these and all the other PRP books, visit our website here:
http://s528097299.onlinehome.us/books-2/christmas-in-july-2/

For all of LIVIA'S BOOKS, visit her AUTHOR PAGE:http://www.amazon.com/Livia-J.-Washburn/e/B001ILMB84/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_5

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/

PRP New Release -- Mending Fences By Livia J Washburn

Dime novelist Brianna Stark finds more than she expected in the small frontier town of Zephyr, Texas: not only a ready-made family in the form of six adorable orphaned children, but also a challenge in ruggedly handsome rancher Seth Van Dale, whose violent past may return to haunt him when tensions rise and the threat of a range war looms over everyone in Brown County. Based on actual historical events, MENDING FENCES 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.
Excerpt:

   BRIANNA STARK HAD heard the phrase "the middle of nowhere" many times in her life. She had even used it occasionally. But as she stepped down from the railroad car that had stopped in Zephyr, Texas, she realized that for the first time, she was actually looking at "the middle of nowhere."

     And it was not a pretty sight.

    Despair welled up inside Brianna. What had ever possessed her to come to such a place? There had been a sense of duty, of course, and a devotion to family, plus a practicality that was a strong part of her nature. Someone had to take care of those poor children, and since she was their only living relative, it made sense that the job would fall to her.

    But there was more than that, and as she looked deep inside herself, she knew what it was. Leaving Baltimore and coming out here to the wild frontier of Texas had been an idea full of the lure of adventure, something that had been sadly lacking in her life.

    Unfortunately, as she stood there next to the siding where the train had stopped, she could see no towering snow-capped peaks, no stretches of cactus-dotted desert, no endless herds of buffalo. 

    Noble redmen in buckskins and eagle feathers were nowhere to be seen, nor were there any cowboys wearing chaps and high-crowned hats and six-shooters, men such as the ones who populated the dime novels she had been writing successfully for the past several years.

    Instead she saw gently rolling hills, dotted with timber, which rose gradually to the southwest into terrain that was a bit more rugged but hardly spectacular. She turned her head and looked up at the sign nailed over the door of the small, brick station building, just to make sure she was in the right place. Sure enough, the word ZEPHYR was painted on the sign. But where was the town? Brianna saw nothing but open country behind the depot and a large building a little farther up the tracks that she recognized as a cotton gin. Was that all there was to Zephyr?

    As if someone had read her mind, she heard a man clear his throat and then say, "Excuse me, ma'am, but the settlements on the other side of the tracks."

    Brianna turned around and saw the conductor standing on the platform between the car from which she had climbed down and the next one in line. He grinned and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. 

    Brianna began to feel warmth spread over her face.

    "You mean I disembarked from the wrong side of the train?" she asked.

    "I'm afraid so, ma'am." The conductor leaned down to offer her his hand. "Here, let me help you . . ."

    "No, thank you. I can manage just fine." The words came out sharp and stubborn, the way they always did when she was embarrassed.

    Her trunks had not yet been unloaded, so all she had in her hands was the small carpetbag she had kept with her in the car during the long journey from Baltimore. Awkwardly, she made the long reach with her right foot to the bottom step of the platform. She should have known she was getting off the train on the wrong side, she told herself. If she had waited, the conductor would have been along to position his portable steps so that climbing down would be much easier.

    She had just been in such a hurry to see the place that was going to be her new home. Still, this was quite an inauspicious beginning, she thought, and she wished there were some way to do it over. That was one area in which fiction writers such as herself had an advantage over other people. Mistakes could simply be crossed out.

    Brianna brushed that thought from her mind as the conductor took her arm and escorted her across the platform. She wanted to pull away from the man, but she reminded herself there was no need to be rude. As she stepped down from the train and looked to the east, she saw that there was indeed a town here, but it was not much more impressive than the view to the west had been.

    A single row of buildings was laid out along the railroad tracks, the most impressive of which was Wilson's General Mercantile and Post Office. Brianna also saw a drugstore, a grocery and hardware store, a blacksmith shop, a lumberyard, a barbershop, and a church, along with several other buildings. 

    There was no school as far as she could see. At the north end of town she spotted the barns and corrals of a stockyard. She had been told in the letter she received from the lawyer representing her sister's estate that the ranchers in the area drove their cattle to Zephyr to be shipped out on the Santa Fe Railroad. If not for the ranches, 

    Zephyr probably would not exist, though farming was also beginning to spread into this part of Texas from the east. Brianna had studied the area as thoroughly as she could before leaving Baltimore, the same way she approached any new undertaking.

    "Was somebody supposed to meet you, ma'am?" the conductor asked from the platform behind her.

    Brianna hesitated, and then looked back at him. "I . . . I don't know," she said, not liking one little bit the uncertainty she felt. "I wrote a letter to an attorney in Brownwood, and he was supposed to notify my family that I was coming."

    "Oh, you've got kinfolks here. Then you'll be all right." The conductor called down to a porter who was taking several small trunks and a large crate with holes in it from the baggage car and putting them on a cart. "Bring Miss Stark's things up here, Jim." The man touched a finger to the bill of his cap.     "We'll be moving on now, ma'am. Enjoy your stay."

    The porter rolled the cart carrying Brianna's bags along the train until he reached her and unloaded them. He smiled and nodded to her, then headed back to the baggage car, where he swung up through the open door. The conductor had already disappeared into one of the cars, and a moment later with a shriek of its steam whistle, the locomotive lurched forward. Brianna stepped back as the train began to roll away.

    She felt an unaccountable sense of loss and desertion. Coming to Texas might well turn out to be the worst mistake she had ever made in her life.

    Zephyr, Texas, is a real town, and the fence-cutting war described in this novel actually took place in Brown County in the 1880s. However, for the purpose of this story, several minor changes were made in the geography and history of the settlement. The battle between the fence-cutters and the Texas Rangers, acting together with several local ranchers, was moved to the Zephyr area from its actual location on the ranch of W. M. Baugh, northwest of Lake Brownwood. Fence-cutting did occur in the area around Zephyr, and some of the fences that were cut were repaired and are still standing and in use today.

Zephyr's other claim to fame is the Zephyr Cyclone, a massive tornado that struck the town on the evening of May 29, 1909, killing thirty-four people and destroying practically the entire settlement. In terms of lives lost and damage done, the Zephyr Cyclone was one of the deadliest, most violent storms of its time. But with the same spirit that moved the pioneers to settle Zephyr in the first place, the town was rebuilt and life went on.

    My father-in-law, Marion Reasoner, was raised in and around Zephyr. I was indebted to him for his assistance in the researching of this novel, as well as to my husband, James Reasoner, who first told me of the area's colorful past.  

 MENDING FENCES was originally published by Berkley books, and this was the original cover. Sporting it's new cover, the book is on sale this month. The ebook is only 99¢ for a full length novel. 

Livia will be giving away a digital copy of MENDING FENCES to one lucky commenter today! Be sure to leave your contact information in your comment--it may be your lucky day! If you just can't wait to see if you won, here are the links where you can find MENDING FENCES in print and digital formats.

Amazon Trade Paperback     Amazon Kindle     B&N Nook     Smashwords