Anthology Book Review: Lassoing A Mail-Order Bride

Blurb:

A woman would have to be loco to become a mail-order bride...wouldn't she? Leaving everything behind and starting fresh in the untamed west is the answer to a prayer for these ladies! A beautiful socialite needs a husband fast —but her husband wants a bride for life. A pregnant young lady becomes desperate —almost as desperate as her soon-to-be husband, who just inherited his sister's kids. A man is in love with a woman he can’t have —or can he? A woman’s reputation is tarnished and professional career compromised —she runs, but she can't hide. Will they all find love with strangers they've never met who are set on LASSOING A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE?

THESE ROUGH DREAMS—Cheryl Pierson
A pregnant mail order bride. A groom with three orphaned children. Some dreams get a rough start

HER HURRY-UP HUSBAND—Tanya Hanson
A beautiful socialite needs a husband fast —for just one month —but the rancher wants a wife for life!

A PERMANENT WOMAN—Kaye Spencer
He needs a wife to get custody of his grandchildren. She needs a fresh start and a new reputation. Desperate men —and women —sometimes take desperate measures...but can she be A PERMANENT WOMAN?

THE BIG UNEASY—Kathleen Rice Adams
A man in love with a woman he can’t have. A woman engaged to a man she doesn’t love. A secret in common could destroy them all.

My Reviews:

This is a perfect weekend read. All 4 stories are easily read in an hour or two, so you can have time to fit in a full story and get all the feel goods out of it!

These Rough Dreams by Cheryl Pierson
Oh!!! I think I have a new favorite Cheryl Pierson short story!!!! (I say this often! lol) Johnny Rainbolt swept me away just like any worthy hero should.

I adored how Gabby and Johnny found each other, and by taking advantage of the situation given, determined to give each other the best of themselves. Their relationship was an answer to prayer neither even knew to ask for. They were both open and accepting and honest from the start with each other, which allowed for some easy moments before greater trials arrived.

I happy-sighed alot through this story and couldn't have wished for a better way for their dreams to come true.

Her Hurry up Husband by Tanya Hanson
What happens when best laid plans get tossed out the window and a better future is waiting to be claimed? Well, you get to experience Elspeth and Hezekiah's storybook ending.

Elspeth thought she lost her happily ever after and was just hoping for some sort of respectable solution. She had the grit and determination to do what she believed was best. Hezekiah was feeling pressured to start a family of his own, and decided he's gonna do it his way and sent off for a mail order bride. He had such a gentle heart to go with his protective nature.

Both have their own ideas of what the future holds, but maybe there could be something better then they could have ever planned for. Themes of trust, honesty, and acceptance make this a story to enjoy and fall on love with.

A Permanent Woman by Kaye Spencer
I absolutely love A Permanent Woman!! Tessa and Simon both had some unique circumstances they were dealing with and found the ideal solution with each other. Their meeting had me laughing and smiling and falling in love with them. Simon and Tessa quickly figured out how much they needed each other and built a new family together. When the storms came that should have destroyed their world, they instead discovered their love and need for each other could survive the past. I also love that being older characters (in their 40s) brought a refreshing point of view and proves that a happily-ever-after can come at any age.

The Big Uneasy by Kathleen Rice Adams
Secrets, secrets, and more secrets!! Boy did those skeletons rattlin' in everyone's closets make a racket! I loved watching how everything unfolded and the sweet attraction between Amon and Josephine grow into something from sparks to meant-to-be. With the mystery behind Josephine's past so carefully hidden and the Dumont's family secrets quickly unraveling, you're left wondering what's really going to happen. One of my new favorite short stories!!

Even if you're not a fan of anthologies, or even if you just want to read one of these stories and skip the rest (but... they're all beautiful, so hopefully you don't!) you don't want to miss out on this collection of stories!

Purchase Link:

Book review: Innocent Bystander by CA Asbrey

Blurb:

Pinkerton Agent, Abigail MacKay is worried sick. Her wilful sister, Madeleine, has run off to marry a man whose rich wives mysteriously die. No doctor can establish a cause of death, but Abigail is sure they were murdered. The only person who can help her is the charismatic criminal she left in jail at their last meeting.

Nat Quinn isn’t happy either. He thought he had a special relationship with Abigail, despite them being on opposite sides of the law. He was the last man to see Madeleine before she disappeared, but he now knows the woman he loves has lied about her marriage.

Nat’s faithful lieutenant, Jake, is equally frustrated. He’s given the job of keeping the beautiful Madeleine out of the way. She doesn’t realize her protector is actually her kidnapper, and not her rescuer. Normally, he’d love to spend time alone with a beautiful woman, but Madeleine brings her own set of unique challenges. Can he resist her charms?

Throw in a set of ruthless journalists who’ll do anything to get the story, Nat’s merciless arch-enemy circling, and we have a mystery which stretches the scientific skills of our best enemies to the very limit.

My Review:

CA Asbrey is on a roll! Continuing in the tradition of the first two books, Innocent Bystander, the third installment in her The Innocents Mysteries series, hooks you from page one and doesn’t let up for a minute. This series has quickly cemented its place permanently on my favorite shelf and the characters own a piece of my heart!

Picking up shortly after Innocent as Sin left off, we’re immediately caught up into family drama and secrets, which orchestrates Abi entering into Nat and Jake’s world. This time though, the rules have changed, and no one is left unaffected. As before, I loved how the dynamics between the three play off the other and watching their relationships grow and bloom. We see a new side to Abi that’s endearing and are reminded that behind the charming smiles lies a formidable outlaw duo. They each play up the strengths of the others and together make an unbelievable team.

Many times I found myself giggling at the antics of the trio. Then I would turn the page and start feeling anxious, or excited, or cautious, or growly, or just flat out freaking out! There might even have been a moment where I sided with Jake on what was (or wouldn’t be…) for supper that night.

I have no idea how it happened, but while there was so much going on, each thread of the story weaved together beautifully and it never felt overwhelming or disorienting. Each piece built upon another, creating an intricate pattern. You can’t help but be amazed at how each thread was necessary to take the story to its fullest potential.

I have been absolutely delighted to find myself lost in this series and adore not only the engrossing story line, but the entertaining mystery and fascinating science (and I’m tickled I managed to retain something from high school science classes and could understand and piece together some of the science as it was being taught). If a historical western based mystery thriller with just the sweetest touch of a love story sounds even the slightest bit interesting to you, you want to invest in The Innocents books. 

Want some good news? There’s more coming….

Purchase Links:

Indian Boarding Schools

By Kristy McCaffrey

During the 1800’s, when many Native Americans were forced onto reservations, the American government agreed to provide money, food, and education for their children. While this exchange proved to be largely detrimental to the Indian population, it was still believed that if they could learn to speak English, become Christian, and farm the land as European Americans did, then they would become successful in life. To this end, Christian churches began to open mission schools on reservations. Later, boarding schools were created with the idea that it would be easier to teach children a new way of life if they were taken from their own families and people. Boarding schools were established in 15 states or territories including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, California and Idaho. Children stayed anywhere from four to ten years.

While some parents readily agreed to send their children, believing they needed to learn English and new job skills, others refused. In many instances, the government forced the children to go. In 1895, a group of Hopi leaders were sent to Alcatraz Island for seven months because they wouldn’t send their children to a boarding school.

New students were stripped of their native clothing and given uniforms. Their hair was usually cut short, and they were given English names. They were punished if they used their native language. Their spiritual traditions were forbidden, replaced instead with church services and the observance of Christian holidays. The schools were often over-crowded and many children became sick, contracting influenza, tuberculosis, and measles.

While overwhelmingly negative for most children, one positive aspect was that many built lasting friendships with Native Americans from other tribes while at school together. It wasn’t until the mid-1900’s that most boarding schools were closed.

* * * * *

In my book, Into the Land of Shadows, a historical western romance set in the Arizona Territory, Ethan Barstow and Kate Kinsella—while searching for Ethan's brother, Charley—find three Hopi children hiding in the desert, on the run from nearby Keams Canyon Boarding School.

A steamy historical western romance set in 1893 Arizona Territory.

Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award Finalist

Amazon | Print

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

“…as if ‘Romancing The Stone’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ and ‘Dances With Wolves’ got together and had a kid.” ~ Armenia, Reading Alley Reviewer

“Into the Land of Shadows is a must read. Kristy McCaffrey tells a story that is engaging and edge-of-the-seat gripping. Her vivid descriptions and great cast of characters, with exceptional dialogue, bring this story to life.”

            ~ Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance & More

Excerpt

Frustrated from enduring Kate’s close proximity for hours, Ethan decided it was high time he broke Brandy of her overwhelming fondness for her mama. How was he supposed to keep his distance if Kate rode so close to him all day? It was his own damn fault, of course, for not being stricter with his favorite mare. Ethan had a soft spot for Whiskey and honestly saw no problem allowing her to dote on her offspring. But it was a problem now. Kate Kinsella was a problem.

Movement off to the right caught his eye. An object flew toward him and he jerked forward in reflex as Kate screamed.

Ethan turned to see the rock smack her in the face and push her from Brandy. He struggled with Whiskey’s reins as the horse snorted and stepped backward. She wanted to bolt, but Ethan held her steady with one hand while pulling his gun with the other.

He shot in the direction of the hidden attacker. Or attackers? It couldn’t be the three bastards who wanted their donkey back. If it was, they were damn persistent. Ethan decided he would pay for the damn animal and be done with it.

He slid off Whiskey’s back and crouched low. He shot three more times as he rounded Brandy’s backside, hoping she wouldn’t kick him in the head.

As he reached Kate’s side Whiskey and Brandy bolted, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake and Ethan and Kate without cover. Fred was nowhere to be seen. There was no return gunfire so Ethan scooped Kate into his arms and ran quickly behind a rocky outcrop, keeping his gun pointed and ready. As he released her to the ground he saw blood oozing between her fingers where her hand covered her left eye.

“Jesus, Kate, are you all right?”

“What was that?” She looked dazed.

“I think it was a rock,” Ethan replied. “Move your hand and let me have a look.” She complied and Ethan saw an open gash but luckily it had missed her eye. Still, it was nasty and needed immediate attention.

“You’re gonna be fine,” he said soothingly. She was going to have a humdinger of a scar, especially if he didn’t get it stitched up, but he didn’t really want to break that news to her yet.

“I’m bleeding a lot,” she said, staring at her bloodied hand.

“I know.” Ethan reloaded his gun. “Face wounds do that. I’m gonna take care of these sonsofbitches,” he said, anger filling his thoughts. “Stay here. I’ll get you cleaned up in no time.”

“Ethan—” He ignored Kate’s plea, stood and advanced on their attackers.

“You worthless scumbags!” he yelled. “Come on out and show yourselves.”

With his arm stretched long, he fixed his gun on the last known location of the rock thrower. No more shots in the legs or shoulders. If they didn’t surrender this time, he would kill them. Kate’s safety demanded it.

He heard the scuffle of rocks and dirt as someone, or several men, started to retreat. Ethan made a wide arc and moved quickly to the assailant's hideout.

“I’ll shoot,” he warned, his finger resting on the trigger and close to doing just that. He stopped short at the faces that stared back at him, wide-eyed and innocent.

The attackers were three young Indian children.

Connect with Kristy

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Walking in the footsteps of our medieval counterparts

Medieval Adventures and Modern Pilgrimages meet in Spain

Metal sculptures representing pilgrims through the ages.

Throughout most of human history, travel has been an expensive and dangerous undertaking. In our modern world of planes, trains and luxury automobiles, we've forgotten the dangers and discomforts of shipwrecks, illness, blistered feet, bad weather, and bandits.

But we are a species that loves to travel. Our medieval counterparts often used pilgrimages as an excuse to travel, embracing a spiritual adventure while satisfying the physical need to see something new.

During the Middle Ages, the three great pilgrim sites were Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela.

The big lesson of The Way: No matter what, keep on walking.

Of the three, the way to Santiago--also called the Camino de Santiago, or more simply, The Way--is still popular. More than 200,000 people walk across northern Spain each year to visit the resting place of St. James.

I walked much of the route in 2012. The walk changed me in many ways, but one of the profound was the realization that's it's not just the journey that's important. The destination is of equal importance.

The Journey's End, whether it's physical, spiritual, or emotional, is what keeps you moving forward when your feet ache, your heart hurts, and nothing is right in the world.

Because I am recovering from hand surgery, I'm sharing lots of photos today rather than words. Enjoy.

Pilgrims built this spiral by a rock when they pass.

Almost everywhere you go, people wish you a good walk.

If you saw the movie, The Way, this is where our pilgrims meet Jack from Ireland.

No I did not dress up. I stuck my head in a cardboard cutout for this photo. I was outside the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which keeps two chickens in residence because of a miracle performed by Santo Domingo.

About 2/3s of the way there in Portomarinin Galicia

The Destination: Cathedral of Santiago.

Keena Kincaid writes historical romances in which passion, magic and treachery collide to create unforgettable stories. You can find out more about her books at: http://prairierosepublications.com

The Calling coming April 2014

Hi everyone! Thanks for having me back to the blog :-)

I wanted to talk a little bit about my forthcoming Christian western titled THE CALLING.

Esau Fitzpatrick is bad at being good and even worse at being bad. While he waits for his sweetheart, Ella Allen, inside the little white church in Paisley Settlement, Texas, Esau has no idea that the events about to transpire will forever shape his life on this earth . . . and beyond. Upon hearing tale that Ella and her parents are late to services due to a stuck wagon, Esau fingers the golden wedding band in his pocket and decides to brave the brewing storm in order to help the woman he loves – and whom he plans to propose that very day. Before he can exit the church, the storm erupts and lightning strikes, setting the church aflame. Ella and her parents pull Esau from the fire, but not before his parents succumb to the blazing inferno.

Thank you Livia for the beautiful cover

Angry at God and distrustful of His plan, Esau flees Paisley Settlement and all he holds dear only to fall in with the first group of people he meets -- notorious Covington-Jones Gang. To them, stickup’s, bank robberies, and parlor houses aren't sins, they’re a way of life. As he journeys down the path that leads only to destruction,  Esau is forced to relive the hellish fire in his nightmares for nights on end, driving him deeper into darkness.

Meanwhile, Ella is left clinging to the golden ring that should have been her engagement band and the prayer that Esau will find his way back to a godly path – and to her. However Ella learns that it is always hard to wait, even when it’s God’s own will, especially with her parents and society pressuring  her to move on to a more appropriate partner. With Esau gone and her world falling to pieces, Ella must lean on God in a way she’s never had to before as she follows her heart against everyone’s wishes.

When Esau’s tumultuous  way of life comes to a head during an epic cattle rustle, he is forced to choose between eternal hell fire and the rocky path of the Lord, without knowing if Ella will still be there waiting for him or not. God reaches out to Esau again in the form of lightening, but will it be too late – or just in time?

***

Not only have I been a fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood since I was a youngster, but Marty Robbins has played a significant role in my upbringing as well. My good ole dad bought me the cd Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs when I was 13 . . . then there was no going back. 

After all, I was already a die-hard Lonesome Dove fan who had done her 6th grade book report on Larry McMurtry's epic novel and who preferred to play shoot-out at pretend wanted posters sketched with a likeness of Blue Duck in the backyard more than just about anything else. But as much as I liked the song The Master's Call, I found myself skipping over it more than listening to it. It gave me chills and that was unnerving. 

It wasn't until my four beautiful babies were born that I opened the window of our home in Oklahoma one morning and something was different on the breeze. It was early summer, the wind was whistling along some of the most historic land of the United States . . . the coffee was hot and it was time to get ready for the day. But there was one thing I had to do first, and I put on my Marty Robbins' cd. I changed the track to The Master's Call and listened to it with my four precious children -- and my entire heart. Here, if you didn't catch it up above, here it is again. 

As we went on about our day, I had my spiral and pen in hand and began work on my novel inspired by the song . . .The Calling. That was almost three years ago. Finally, this April, The Calling is destined to come to life, from my heart to yours.


I hope you enjoy The Calling when it releases April 1st. I have certainly enjoyed writing it for you. It's been a lifetime in the making.

Thanks for stopping by! Comment telling us of a song that has been inspiring for YOU for your chance to win a digital copy of your choice of my books. A selection is available on my website at www.sarabarnardbooks.com 

Stories Come From Some Unexpected Places

RULES AND REGULATIONS, BY WHICH TO CONDUCT WAGON TRAINS. (DRAWN BY OXEN ON THE PLAINS) by TOM C. CRANMER

Likewise setting forth the Duties of Wagon Master, Assistant Wagon Master, Mounted Extra-Hand, Teamsters, Night Herders, Caviyard Driver, &c., &c.

The short pamphlet by the above name was first published in 1866. It was endorsed by fourteen gentlemen who knew Mr. Cranmer “to have had sufficient experience to render him capable of forming The Regulations…”

I found a reprint at the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, Missouri. My dh and I happened upon the museum quite by accident. We were spending the weekend in Kansas City, and since we love to turn every opportunity into a research trip, we traveled to nearby Independence. A quick search showed a restored train depot, which we enjoyed. But as we were driving away, the Frontier Trails Museum caught our eye. And what a find!

Recreations of frontier settings, wagons, general stores, lists of supplies recommended for a family undertaking the journey west, a pictorial timeline of westward travel… It was a treasure trove of information. We even topped off our visit with a ride in a covered wagon, pulled by a pair of silky-eared mules.

This little pamphlet gave me the idea for Coming Home, my story in the Hearts and Spurs anthology. While I took the liberty of adding a security guard as one of the train’s company, Mr. Cranmer provides some amazing details for writers like me who love all this history.

The Calling - Christian Western - Coming from PRP April 1, 2014

Hello everyone!

Well my name is Sara Barnard and I have been writing for publication since my husband's last deployment to Afghanistan in 2009-2010. During that time, I relied on my BA in history and wrote my debut novel -- A Heart on Hold.

Top 3 Finalist for the 2012 Best of American Historical Fiction RONE award
Bestseller

I began this book in Texas, wrote on it through our PCS to Fort Carson, Colorado, and finally finished it when we arrived at our last duty station in Fort Sill, OK. Now, he is out of the military we live back in Odessa, Texas with our four beautiful, smart, silly children ... with our slew of rescue animals. As we navigated the Army lifestyle, we adopted two dogs from the pound in Italy, one from a high-kill shelter in Texas, then another adopted us this Christmas here in Odessa. Our cat, Belle, we adopted from a military family who was tired of her in Colorado and Tom, a stray Oklahoma tomcat, adopted us at Fort Sill.

Contender for the 2013 Best of American Historical Fiction RONE award

As we were acquiring all of our animals and babies, A Heart on Hold turned into book 1 of An Everlasting Heart series from 5 Prince Publishing. Since then, A Heart Broken and A Heart at Home(books 2 and 3) have been published and book 4, A Heart Forever Wild, will release April 2.

Reader's Choice Medalist

In addition to writing historical military romance books, I have an Amish Romance available, too.Rebekah's Quilt was "born" in November 2013.

Bestseller
Contender for Best of 2013 Inspirational Fiction RONE award

Reader's Choice Medalist

I also write for children. Two of my children books are published through 5 Prince Kids -- Chunky Sugars and Little Spoon. Chunky Sugars was written at a stoplight for my youngest, and chunkiest, son, Lil' Bit. Little Spoon was written for my oldest son, Logan, who wants to be a chef and an Indian when he grows up.

Reader's Choice Medalist

Bestseller
#1 Nature Book for Kids
Reader's Choice Medalist

#1 Wolf Book for Kids
Bestseller
Reader's Choice Medalist

Back before I was a wife and a mommy and an author, I volunteered my summers with the Park Service and Forest Service through the Student Conservation Association. In doing this, I was privileged enough to live in some of the most beautiful places in the country ... I cut trail through northern New Mexico; counted bats, tracked mountain lions, and relocated rattlesnakes in Carlsbad, New Mexico; and learned to fly small planes in Eagle River, Alaska. A wonderful way to combine a love of the outdoors with parenthood, at least for me, is to write about it. So I began writing a nonfiction series of books for children, designed to get them out from in front of the TV and discovering nature. So, after I partnered with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for the photos and my ABC's of America's Plants books were born. (My love of wolves inspired my Big Bad Wolf book.)

Bestseller
#1 Plant and Flower Book for Kids
Reader's Choice Medalist

Some of my forthcoming works include: 

Rebekah's Dress (Rebekah's Saga, #2) from 5 Prince Publishing

The Calling (Christian Western) from Prairie Rose Publications, April 1

Desperado from 5 Prince Publishing

The ABC's of Arkansas Plants

The ABC's of Really Cool Dinosaurs

 

I am working toward my Masters of Arts in Medieval European History and am 12 hours in. I also work as an editor for 5 Prince Publishing. It's nice to meet you!! Leave a comment for  a chance to win an autographed copy of my bestselling Amish romance, Rebekah's Quilt!

PRESS RELEASE—PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS

Welcome to PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS (PRP), a fast-rising publishing company devoted to publishing westerns, western romances, and historical romances written by women. (GUYS, don’t stop reading here! There is something for you in their other imprints listed below.)

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS was opened in August, 2013, by LIVIA WASHBURN REASONER and CHERYL PIERSON, two authors who saw a need for such an imprint.  Usually, when people think “westerns” they think of male authors and male readers—but that’s not true in today’s world. Many women are just as interested in reading—and writing—western and historical novels as their male counterparts; and of course, western and historical romance has always been popular among the ladies!

Their guidelines for submission are easy to follow. They’re looking for well-written stories that will make readers want to come back for more. They will be looking for well-drawn characters, plots that unfold deliciously as you’re telling your story, and endings that take place when the tale is over—not when the word count is up. No erotica. Pretty simple, huh?

Because of that, PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS will be publishing writing projects of all lengths.  Digital format as well as print copies WILL be available for projects that are novel and novella length. Short stories will be available in digital format, only. The exception to that will be short story anthologies that are published by PRP, and those will be available in both formats.

Short stories, novellas and novels will all be available at PRP for readers to enjoy—and for you authors to decide which length best suits each of your writing styles.

Everyone listen up, because these next three imprints are open to anyone to submit to!

When the opening for Prairie Rose Publications was announced, immediately people asked about a line for the younger readers. Because of those many requests, PAINTED PONY BOOKS was born. Painted Pony Books is an imprint specifically for westerns and historical works for Middle Grade readers (ages 9-12), Young Adult (ages 13-17), and New Adult (ages 18-24) categories. Our website is still under construction but we are accepting submissions for Painted Pony Books at the e-mail addresses below.

If you thought it couldn’t get any better, it can—and does. For those who write contemporary and futuristic offerings, PRP has an imprint for MG, YA, and NA—TORNADO ALLEY PUBLICATIONS; and for adults, FIRE STAR PRESS. With this up-and-coming publisher, you’re covered.

Prairie Rose Publications looks to provide excellent, entertaining stories for those readers who enjoy tales of the historical past and Old West days, whether there’s a bit of romance, none at all, or a whole lot of it! Painted Pony Books and Tornado Alley Publications, for the younger reader, open up many possibilities to all writers of stories for the Middle Grade, Young Adult and New Adult age groups, no matter the time period. Fire Star Press is a quality imprint for all authors to submit any contemporary or futuristic story to for publication.

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS WEBSITE:  www.prairierosepublications.com
If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail Cheryl or Livia at the e-mail addys below. They look forward to working with you and taking a look at your submissions.

SUBMIT TO PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS HERE:

prairierosepublications@yahoo.com