Tuesday Wedding Tales–Restoring Love at Christmastime by Bonnie Engstrom

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Bonnie Engstrom, Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, clean romance, excerpt from Restoring Love at Christmastime, Holiday romance, Restoring Love at Christmastime, Sweet romance

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series,

where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

Bonnie Engstrom is today’s guest,

and she’ll be sharing about her story Restoring Love at Christmastime

The Story Within the Story of Restoring Love at Christmastime

 

The old hotel in Restoring Love at Christmastime is, or rather was, real. The inn was filled with childhood memories for me that were fun to recreate and bring up to date. The day before I was scheduled to send the story to my publisher I decided to revisit a few facts online. I was shocked to learn the historic inn had burned to the ground three days before. I was devastated and indecisive. Should I publish the story that featured the hotel as the background for love? I decided to go ahead. It would be a tribute to the rickety old building that had housed guests for over one hundred years.

My many summer visits to Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania had special memories of trail rides on handsome Traveler. Yes, the Traveler in the story is a tribute to a gorgeous chestnut-colored steed, the first horse I’d ever ridden. Jenni stands on the impressive wraparound veranda and borrows books from the hotel’s library – both authentic memories. That’s as far as genuine memory went. I had never seen snow there, but I do have a vague memory of ancient bathroom fixtures, old even fifty years ago.

My publisher retitled the book to add at Christmastime when we both latently remembered the story takes place during the holiday. A colorful new cover adorns it. Just before the new title was revealed the book won a 5 Star Readers Favorite Award. It was a fun story to write, especially the teasing banter between Jenni and Jake and how their old friendship grows. I almost forgot . . . readers will meet a skunk, an owl and a preying hawk. Trail rides can be interesting.

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Restoring Love at Christmastime

By Bonnie Engstrom

Why was Jenni taking this journey back in time during the Christmas holidays? Surely, Jenni didn’t expect to see Jake the stable boy. She had moved on from sneaking kisses in the barn after trail rides. He must have, too. Who on earth would stay in the tiny town of Cambridge Springs?

She planned for a respite from teaching, time to read, take quiet walks and indulge in delicious hotel meals. At least no one knew where to find her, none of her friends, and not even her family.

The internet site for Pleasant Springs Hotel highlighted an annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol that guests sometimes played parts in. That sounded like fun, maybe a minor way to fulfil a fanciful dream, if only for a few minutes. Hopefully some handsome guest would play Scrooge.

Odd the name of the historic hotel had changed. Who would have done that? Maybe new owners. She hoped the rooms were still filled with antique furniture. She wanted to soak up memories, alone. Unless by a Christmas miracle Jake was still there to share them.

Can romance still flourish after fifteen years? Will a teacher and a former stable boy remember their first kiss?

 

Excerpt:

They raised their heads, and their eyes met – brown and blue. Both sets of lips grinned and they dug in. Jenni was glad the kitchen had included a large spoon for her to twirl her pasta on. Her Italian friend Corentina had taught her that when she was growing up. It seemed more civilized than sucking the strands into one’s mouth.

Jake watched her with curiosity. “You always eat spaghetti that way?”

“Yes. It’s the proper way to eat long pasta. You don’t?”

“Naw. I just chop it up.” He proceeded to do so, almost mashing it. He shoved a big forkful in his mouth.

“But, that takes the fun out of it. And, it’s easy to twirl.” She demonstrated. “See!”

“Oh, boy! You gonna make an issue of how I eat?” He put his fork down and glared at her. “If there is any future for our relationship, we shouldn’t squabble over eating habits.”

Squabble? Future? What was he insinuating?

Want to read more? Restoring Love at Christmastime is available in eBook and print at https://amzn.to/2OtSRoW.

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About the Author:

Bonnie Engstrom is a multi-published author who mostly writes romances. She has published fourteen books and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and Christian Writers of the West.

She and her Ph.D. psychologist husband, Dave, reside in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live in Costa Rica on the beach with their father who surfs every day and has taught the boys to surf and skateboard since they were toddlers. Pura Vida!

Bonnie spends a lot of her time, when not writing, helping with the four Arizona grandkids. Dave is a full-time faculty member and faculty advisor at the University of Phoenix, as well as a psychologist at Honor Health Medical Center, Scottsdale, Arizona.

They have been a team for fifty-three years.

Please visit Bonnie at her website to see the grandchildren and figure out who the surfing ones are. Fun fact: The little red-head imp recently got baptized with her.

Follow her on Twitter at @BonnieEngstrom1 and on Facebook

Email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com. Please put BOOK in the subject line so your post doesn’t fly off into cyberspace.

She loves to hear from her readers, and reviews are a special way to say you liked her books.

Tuesday Wedding Tales–Magnolia Mistletoe by Lindsey P. Brackett

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excerpt from Magnolia Mistletoe, Lindsey P. Brackett, Magnolia Mistletoe, Tuesday Wedding Tales, wedding romances

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series,

where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

 

Today’s guest is Lindsey P. Brackett. Lindsey will be telling us about her newest novella, Magnolia Mistletoe. She also has an excerpt from the book and a surprise for readers.

And, of course, there’s a wedding!

 

 

“Take it from the expert in this industry, Cor.

You’re destined for happily ever after.”

 

In my debut novel, Still Waters, Cora Anne Halloway has a history degree—and a plan for avoiding her own past. But after a little matchmaking from her beloved grandmother, and a little scheming from her wedding planner cousin, she learns to live with both the past and her future in mind.

Ever since Still Waters released in September 2017, readers have written and asked me if Tennessee and Cora Anne will get a wedding. Because I write women’s fiction, not romance primarily, I closed Still Waters at the end of Cora Anne’s emotional journey toward forgiveness.

But you readers are persistent with your wants.

Next summer, my stand-alone sequel, The Bridge Between releases. It’s a love story—of marriage and separation, of divide and reconciliation. I wanted to explore the small things we let wash away the bridges built between us and the ones we love.

Spoiler alert: there’s a wedding.

But before I could cross the bridge of that story, I had to explore another first. Cora Anne’s cousin, wedding industry expert and curator of happily ever after is Hannah Calhoun. She’s a southern wedding planner, a girl who knows her way around in high heels, and a woman who’s more than a little bit concerned with image.

Hannah knows what she wants, but before she can become a full-fledged partner in her mother’s business, she has to first prove she can handle her own shortcomings. Benjamin Townsend is an entrepreneur always looking out for the next big thing—and if hosting weddings on Edisto is it, he’s all in. Even if that does mean a lot of time with Hannah, whose world is full of way more happily ever after than his.

Magnolia Mistletoe is a bridge itself—a novella that spans the time between where Still Waters ends and the sequel begins. The best part is, if you sign up for my newsletter, Magnolia Mistletoe will arrive free in your inbox before Thanksgiving!

I had so much fun writing this little story and interviewing my sister, who plans weddings and events at the swanky Atlanta Athletic Club. She’s full of anecdotes about collapsing cakes, missing groomsmen, and why an outdoor ceremony in July is never a good idea.

But most Saturday nights she fills our group chat with pictures of fairy tales—of dreams come true and a happily ever after well on its way. Like Hannah, she always errs on the side of hope and the belief: love conquers all.

 

Excerpt from Magnolia Mistletoe:

 

She strode toward the gazebo housing the band. Cutting across the lawn, she wouldn’t have to sidestep guests along the path that, conveniently for them, would keep their shoes dry. But just as she reached her destination, the heel of her favorite black pumps sank into the soft mud and seemed determined to stay there.

Disaster. Of course.

“Need a hand?” A familiar voice, laughter underscoring its tone, came out of the garden shadows. Benjamin Townsend, roguishly handsome as ever in a sport coat and tie, emerged from an arbor.

Surely the day’s stress had caused her to hallucinate. She’d memorized the guest list, and he wasn’t on it.

He slipped a hand under her elbow. “How are you, Hannah?”

She smoothed her dress and forced a smile, still subtly wiggling her trapped heel. “I’m wonderful, Ben. How are you?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you so wonderful you want me to leave you stuck right here?”

She sighed. “If you’ll just—”

He lifted her by the waist and twirled her back onto the path. Balancing on one foot—and fighting her quivering stomach—Hannah waited for him to retrieve her shoe. When he did, he bent and slipped it onto her foot. “Now you can be wonderful again.”

“Thank you.” She ducked her head to adjust the heel—and hide her flushed cheeks.

“So this is one of your shindigs, huh?” He waved to indicate the festivities. Twinkling lights, magnolia garlands, and poinsettia centerpieces set the Christmas wedding ambiance.

She straightened her spine. “Shindig, no. A Carolina Calhoun wedding is a well-oiled machine.”

“Point taken.”

Between him and the rain and her mother’s tight smiles, Hannah wanted to explode. But she forced a smile, as if glad to see him. Which she didn’t want to be.

 

About the Author:

Lindsey P. Brackett writes southern fiction infused with her rural Georgia upbringing and Lowcountry roots. Her debut novel, Still Waters, inspired by family summers at Edisto Beach, released in 2017. Called “a brilliant debut” with “exquisite writing,” Still Waters received 4-stars from Romantic Times, shortlisted for the INSPY Award, and was named 2018 Selah Book of the Year. Connect with Lindsey and get her free newsletter at lindseypbrackett.com or on Instagram and Facebook: @lindseypbrackett.

 

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–Carolina Mercy by Regina Rudd Merrick

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Carolina Mercy, Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Excerpt from Carolina Mercy, Inspriational romance, Regina Rudd Merrick, Southern Breeze Series, wedding stories

 

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series,  where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

Today’s guest is Regina Rudd Merrick, who will be talking about her book Carolina Mercy.

Welcome, Regina!

 

Weddings. Ah, the mere thought brings forth thoughts of white satin and organza, romantic music, flowers, wedding cake, and LOVE.

As a musician, I have played for my fair share of weddings. Some have gone off without a hitch, and some have been fraught with disaster. Like the time I was supposed to play “Somewhere, My Love” for the parents to enter, and after playing it for twenty minutes learning that the father of the bride was LATE, and they wanted me to play that song until time for the Bridal Chorus – another ten minutes. Oy. I haven’t played that song since that night.

Those experiences, plus hours on Pinterest and binge-watching “Say Yes to the Dress,” make me look forward to the opportunity to plan my daughters’ weddings, but it hasn’t happened yet. The next best thing? Writing about it.

Carolina Mercy, book 2 in the “Southern Breeze Series,”is written from the perspective, for the most part, of Maid-of-Honor Lucy Dixon and Best Man Tom Livingston. They take on most of the wedding planning for their best friends, Sarah and Jared (introduced in book 1, Carolina Dream) in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Lucy is a ball of fire whose motto is “very organized people have time to be spontaneous,” and Tom is a neat-freak whose attention to detail has probably scared off more women than have enticed them.

Both Lucy and Tom learn a lot in the course of events that lead up to their friends’ wedding — about weddings, about their relationship with God, and about marriage. They find out that it’s not about having the perfect wedding, the perfect house, or the perfect situation, but about trusting God and being thankful for His mercy and grace.

Here’s an excerpt, from Tom’s point of view:

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Lucy coming down the aisle toward them was a sight to behold. Her dress swirled around her feet, and the sparkling shoes on her tiny feet peeked out with each step. She was as beautiful as the bride, in his opinion. After giving her a wink, he smiled as she blushed. It was like having a super power, to be able to make a woman blush like that.

Walking past the flower-laden pews, the three little girls strewed flower petals along the aisle. Yeah, somebody would have to clean that up, but he wouldn’t think about that, now. Jared’s nephew, Alex, named after Alex Crawford, had done a good job of ushering in the greats and grands.

As the girls got to the altar, finishing up their task and taking their places next to their mothers, Tom turned to smile at Lucy before Sarah came in.

What he saw scared him to death.

She was staring at him, her face looking like she’d seen a ghost. What was wrong? Had he forgotten his tie? He reached up to his hair. Had he messed it up after she’d fixed it?

Carolina Mercy

By Regina Rudd Merrick

She’s always gotten everything she’s wanted. He thinks he has to give up everything.

Her best friend’s wedding is foremost on Lucy Dixon’s radar. Her biggest concern is once again meeting Tom Livingston, who has ignored her since an idyllic date on the boardwalk of Myrtle Beach the previous summer.

At least, it is her biggest concern until tragedy strikes. Where is her loving, merciful God, now?

When Tom Livingston meets Lucy, the attraction is instant. Soon after, his mother is diagnosed with an untreatable illness and his personal life is pushed aside. His work with the sheriff’s department, his family – they are more important. He knows about the love of God, but circumstances make him feel as if God’s mercy is for everyone else, not him.

Can a wedding and a hurricane – blessing and tragedy – bring them together?

Buy links: Carolina Dream Carolina Mercy

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About the Author:

Regina Merrick began reading romance and thinking of book ideas as early as her teenage years when she attempted a happily-ever-after sequel to “Gone With the Wind.” That love of fiction parlayed into a career as both a school and public librarian, and more recently, as a full-time author. Married for nearly 35 years and active in their local church, Regina and her retired-teacher husband have two grown daughters who share her love of music, writing, and the arts. She resides in a 100-year-old house in Marion, KY with her husband and their dog, Cedric, whose late litter-mate, Oliver, was the model for Sarah’s Schnauzer-mix.

Connect with Regina at:

Facebook: Twitter: Website:

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–The Handyman’s Heart by Katie Clark

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Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Katie Clark, romance, Securing the Handyman's Heart, the story behind the story of Securing the Handyman's Heart

 

Welcome to the Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

 Today’s guest is Katie Clark and she’ll be talking about her book Securing the Handyman’s Heart. Welcome, Katie!

 

The Story Behind The Story:

Securing the Handyman’s Heart

One morning I woke up from a dream, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The dream was about a girl, and she had a boyfriend whom she had been with for years. Yet, they weren’t married. In my dream, she was so frustrated with him because he hadn’t ever proposed.

I kept thinking of this gal, and how this scenario happens all the time. I kept thinking of romance stories, and how much we all love them—yet, a lot of times in life things just don’t work that way. I started thinking how, in spite of our lives not following a set pattern, they’re no less special and romantic and fantastic.

My mind went to work from there, and I began putting together elements of Securing the Handyman’s Heart. I thought it would be fun to get to push the hero into finally making a decision (hee hee!). And I wanted to showcase that life is special regardless of the path it takes.

I like how Securing the Handyman’s Heart isn’t the typical “head over heels” romance (though there’s definitely lots of romance!), because sometimes in real life things just don’t work that way. We don’t always get our happy endings exactly the way we’d thought they would happen, you know?

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ABOUT THE STORY:

Local cupcake queen Kayla Dobbs is feeling the heat—just as her bakery is finally taking off, her retired parents start pressuring her to move to Florida. Determined to prove her success, she takes on extra work at the bakery and fibs a little about the depth of her love life. When her mother announces an upcoming visit to meet the lucky guy, Kayla makes a pact with her friends to get a proposal from George Marks, town handyman extraordinaire. The problem is, George seems totally indifferent.

George Marks has enough on his plate with running his business, taking care of an ailing but feisty grandmother, and the possibility of a new business venture on the horizon. But when bumping into Kayla becomes a strangely routine thing, he’s surprised to realize it has also become the highlight of his days. As business spirals out of control and Granny takes a turn for the worse, he’s sure he made one too many commitments.

With a dash of matchmaking granny and a pinch of secret cupcake recipe, Kayla and George find themselves in one messy kitchen. But will they find themselves in love?

EXCERPT:

Kayla Dobbs studied the handyman leaning into her commercial oven. “Can you fix it?” she asked. The stupid thing wouldn’t come on this morning when she’d arrived at 4:00 a.m.

George jiggled a few pieces back into place, grunted, and hauled all six-foot two of himself out of his crouched position. His white T-shirt was slightly too small—not that she was noticing—and his brown hair now hung slightly down his forehead. He brushed it aside before answering. “Heating element’s bad. I have one in the truck.”

“You just happen to have one on hand?” She eyed him, suspicious. She’d hoped to score a few hours with George out of this broken oven mess. An emergency fix was the only time she got to see him, and she did like seeing him.

He shrugged one shoulder. “I figured what it was when you called, so I stopped by the warehouse before I came.” He wiped his hands on a towel and tossed it into her sink.

Kayla sighed and leaned against the counter as he strode outside to his truck.

The broken oven was an inconvenience—she’d had to bake all of her goodies for the bakery this morning in a single oven, which had taken twice as long—but she’d been excited to see George. It’d been two months since they’d last gone out, though they’d gone on a handful of dates over the last few years. She liked his easy smile and bright green eyes, the warmth of his hand holding hers, and even his smell—sawdust and glue. He obviously didn’t return the sentiments, or he would have asked her out again.

George returned, his dark hair shimmering with sweat. “It’s a hundred degrees out there.”

“Hot summer,” Kayla said. She leaned her elbows on the counter, facing him as he worked. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Mostly work.” He leaned into the oven again.

Kayla waited for more, but it didn’t come. “Don’t you ever take a break?”

“Not lately.”

She bit her lip, racking her brain for something to say. It shouldn’t be this hard to talk to him. Seriously. They’d known each other for three years, ever since George had installed the very first ovens in The Cupcakery. Conversation should be easy by now.

“I have a big order tonight, so I’m glad you could get to this so fast.” And she was. Baking everything in one oven for tonight would have been a nightmare. The kitchen of The Cupcakery was large and airy. It was perfect, really, but working with one oven when you were making a few hundred cupcakes was no easy task.

He pulled his head out of the oven long enough to grin at her. “I had to postpone some jobs, but it was worth it.”

Warmth crept through her belly. Maybe he wasn’t totally indifferent.

Want to read more? *Buy it now on Amazon

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About the Author:

KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes inspirational romance as well as young adult speculative fiction, including her YA supernatural novel, Shadowed Eden, as well as The Enslaved Series. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–One Choice by Ginger Solomon

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Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Christian romance, excerpt from One Choice, Ginger Solomon, One Choice, Wedding Themed Romances

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series,

where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

 

Today’s guest is Ginger Solomon. Ginger will be talking about her book One Choice, which has a very interesting concept in it—a forced Bridal March. I’ll let Ginger tell you all about her book. Welcome, Ginger!

 

Thanks, Catherine. I’m going to start off talking about Mercies in Disguise and then introduce your readers to my book.

The other day I heard the song “Blessings” by Laura Story. It’s been around for a while, but for some reason this time something about the lyrics struck me. It’s like reading that same Scripture over and over and then one day it comes to life in your heart.

I can relate to these words in so many ways. I know that blessings can come through raindrops – the first date I had with my husband it was raining. I know that healing can come through tears – I have cried to the Lord and felt a physical hug from Him that healed the broken places in my heart. I have doubted His goodness and His love, and I have spent countless nights awake and wondering what the next day would bring. And yet, through it all He has loved me WAY too much to let me stay in a place of comfort too long.

Through the greatest disappointments in my life I know God has been beside me. I may not have felt like it at the time, but feelings are fickle creatures and should not be trusted. It reminds me of the Footprints in the Sand picture. Sometimes when we least feel God it’s because He’s carrying us rather than walking beside us.

James 1:2-3(NKJV) says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” This verse doesn’t say IF, but WHEN. We’ve all had trials, and we’re likely to have a few more before our time here on earth is complete.

In One Choice, my heroine, Cahri, is angry at God because her parents were killed in the country where they were missionaries. She felt God had abandoned her. Then she was summoned to participate in the Bridal March. She once again felt as if He had forsaken her. We all know God is always with us and will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5), but how often do we forget it when we’re in the dark places? Cahri feels God’s presence at various times throughout the book, and finally remembers how much He loves her later in the book – three long years after the death of her parents.

Will we allow God to turn our raindrops into blessings and our tears into healing? Will the sleepless nights send us to our knees crying out to God? How long will it take us to remember that God always wants the very best things for us?♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

One Choice

By Ginger Solomon

Cahri Michaels is American by birth, but Belikarian by choice. Being selected to participate in the Bridal March forces her to give up the independent life she’s created for herself. She’s not ready to be anyone’s wife, much less to a man she doesn’t know.

Prince Josiah Vallis despises the centuries old tradition—the Bridal March—that is forcing him to choose a wife from fifty women. Why does it matter that he’s twenty-five and still single?

When Cahri and Josiah meet, passion ignites. Will it spark a godly love that can see them through or will they be burned, never to be the same?

 

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

15 miles northeast

Sehirgrada, Belikara

One week later

Cahri Michaels trudged through the market, tired from a week of pressures and schedule changes at work. So many people crowded the aisles, just getting to the fruit and vegetable section proved difficult. A few apples, a small eggplant, and salad ingredients were all she needed from this section. Dodging other shoppers, she plucked a few cans of broth from a shelf and then headed for the cereal aisle to grab oatmeal.

With her basket in her hand, she rounded the corner and collided with a solid wall of muscle covered in a blue cotton shirt. Strong hands kept her from falling, but she lost her grip on the basket. It plunged to the floor, scattering her groceries.

“Ozur dilerim.” She lowered her eyes as she excused herself. He released her arms. A sudden chill replaced the warmth where his hands had rested. A hand to her favorite white wool cloche made sure it remained in place and hid how much the contact affected her.

“Hicbir sorun.” The deep, velvety voiced reply of “no problem” caused goose bumps to raise the hairs on her arms. She glanced at the stranger. Tall and good-looking. Incredibly good-looking.

Embarrassed, Cahri lowered her eyes again and bent to retrieve her groceries. At the same moment, he also bent over and their heads collided.

“Oh!” Her exclamation joined his grunt. “How clumsy can a person be?” she murmured under her breath. She took a deep breath and his scent, masculine with a hint of musk, inundated her senses. It was familiar, but why?

A foreboding fell on her spirit even as her heart was drawn to him.

“Excuse me? Did you call me clumsy?” The sudden chill in his voice sent ice through her veins.

What happened to the velvety tone? Then it hit her. He understood her words. He spoke English.

She gasped and heat burned its way up her neck and into her cheeks as she glanced at his face. He had the most breath-taking pair of chocolate-brown eyes she’d ever seen, which said a lot in a country full of brown-eyed people. His gaze bore into hers, and he lifted an eyebrow, waiting for her response. Her cheeks burned, and she shifted on her feet, looking away from his scrutiny.

“No! I….” She paused and took a steadying breath. “I was talking to myself. I didn’t think… few people here understand me when I mumble to myself. Please forgive me.” Her voice grew quieter as her face grew warmer. She’d come so close to insulting him. A shudder rippled through her body at the trouble it would have caused—an American insulting a native, and if his attire meant anything—a prominent, rich man.

Her parents had reminded her every day as she grew up about how to behave around native men, to always show them deference. “It’s not like America,” they would say, “where women are considered equals. Many Belikarian men are willing to give more freedoms to women, but others are quite strict in their philosophies. You must be careful unless you know to whom you speak, you could cause undue trouble.”

Which kind of man was he?

She picked up the last can and stood. As he handed her the basket, their hands touched and an unexpected awareness filled her. Her breath caught. She released the pent-up air with deliberate care.

“Thank you.” The earlier mistake was forefront in her thoughts, so she kept her eyes averted and her words few to avoid another incident.

“You’re welcome. Do you need further assistance?” The velvety voice again. A tingle ran down her spine.

 

Want to read more? You can find One Choice at Amazon

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About the Author:

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre, and if she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, books are on her mind. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.

Connect with Ginger at:

Author Links:

Website : Inspy Romance Blog:  Facebook Author Page :  Twitter @GingerS219

Amazon Author Page

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–Counting on the Cowboy by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Tags

Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Counting on the Cowboy, cowboy romance, excerpt from Counting on the Cowboy, inspy romance, Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series,

where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

 Today’s guest is award-winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter who writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance. Who doesn’t love a guy in a cowboy hat and boots? I know I do. Shannon will be talking about her newest Inspirational Contemporary Romance book, Counting on the Cowboy.

She’s also offering a chance to win one of ten copies which will be split among names drawn during her blog tour from March 13 – April 10. Leave a comment on her post to be entered in the giveaway. Today she’s not only on Tuesday Wedding Tales, but at http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/ and http://www.gingersolomon.com/ More details about the giveaway are at the end of the post, so be sure to read through for that as well as a great excerpt. So, without further ado, here’s Shannon!

 Thanks, Catherine.

Devree Malone is a sought after Dallas wedding planner in my latest book, Counting on the Cowboy. At twelve years old, she attended her cousin’s nuptials and decided she wanted to spend her life creating stunning weddings. Her goal has been to put together perfect days for brides without breaking the bank.

Until six months before the book begins, when she met with a potential client bride only to discover her boyfriend was the potential groom. Soured on weddings, she decides to take her business in a new direction with event planning.

She ends up at a dude ranch in Bandera Texas owned by her sister and brother-in-law. With her sister in the last month of a high risk pregnancy, Devree agrees to stay and keep an eye on her. While at the ranch, she has to plan one last wedding booked there. The wedding is for a high-profile client and Devree hopes if she aces the ceremony, the bride’s father will hire her to plan his company retreat. But she doesn’t plan on having to count on the cowboy.

Brock McBride shows up at the dude ranch to apply for a job as the handyman. His dad was the handyman there when he was a kid and Brock was childhood friends with Devree’s brother-in-law. He moved away after his dad’s death when he was eight. With experience in building resort cabins, Brock gets hired to help with cabins being built on the dude ranch. But when he discovers someone from his past working at the ranch, he turns down the job. Until Devree begs him to stay so the cabins will get finished and her sister will remain stress-free.

She’s all city—afraid of fish hooks, doesn’t like getting dirty, isn’t outdoorsy, and isn’t fond of farm animals. She can’t wait to get this one last wedding over and for her sister to have a healthy baby so she can get back to her life in Dallas. Brock hates the city, loves everything country, and never wants to live anywhere else. But he’s just as anxious to get away from the dude ranch and that painful reminder from his past I mentioned.

In the midst of wedding planning, she’s tasked with readying an old cabin for the bride and groom’s honeymoon cottage. With Brock on hand to make repairs, they end up working in close proximity. Despite a growing attraction, they’re still on separate paths. Will Devree realize Brock’s a cowboy she can count on?

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Counting on the Cowboy

By Shannon Taylor Vannatter

 Ranching is his whole life… until he meets one special city girl
Texas Cowboy

Brock McBride knows better than to fall for a city girl. She’ll leave and break his heart—just like his ex-fiancée did. But his job at Chasing Eden Dude Ranch requires working alongside Dallas wedding planner Devree Malone. And despite fierce resistance, he’s falling hard. Yet with Devree’s business back in the city, can he convince her she’s found her home…with him?

Excerpt:

Devree was cutting it close with her wedding party arriving today and the rehearsal tonight. She wound tulle around the pillars on each side of the stage, draping it just so. She’d done it so many times, she could almost do it in her sleep. Next, the ivy-and-pearl garland.

The door to the chapel opened. “Heard you could use a hand.” Brock strode up the aisle.

“I thought you were busy with Chase and Landry’s house.”

“I did too. But Landry doesn’t want you climbing the ladder in here alone.”

“Well, you’re too late, I’ve already been up there and I’m none the worse for wear. She’s a worrier, but I’m fine.” Finished with the pillars, she started to move the ladder to the lattice archway behind where the preacher would stand.

His hands landed on hers. “I’ll get that.”

Warmth moved up her arms. Reluctantly, she pulled away. “Over here, then. Underneath the archway.”

He placed the ladder for her as she grabbed more tulle from a plastic bin and started up the rungs.

“I can do the climbing if you’ll tell me what to do.”

“I’m fine. And you don’t seem like a decorating guru.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Guess I’ll stand here and make sure you don’t fall, then.”

She climbed the ladder, wound the tulle through the lattice. “Can you hand me the ivy-and-pearl garland.”

“This?” He held up the greenery.

She took it from him, wound it among the tulle, then started down the ladder to do the sides. But her foot slipped. “Oh!” She teetered, lost her balance. Strong arms caught her, lowered her safely to her feet but didn’t let go.

“What are you thinking climbing a ladder barefoot?”

“It was either that or my heels.”

“Why do you always wear those ridiculous stilts?”

“The wedding party is arriving today. I wanted to look the part.”

His gaze held hers prisoner, then lowered to her mouth as he dipped his head.

Her breath hitched as his lips neared hers.

The chapel door opened and they sprang apart.

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Want to read more? You can find Shannon’s book here.

 Now Shannon has a question for the readers: Have you ever changed careers?

About the Author:

Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does.

She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad, and she married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.

Social Media: Shannon’s Website            Shannon’s Blog           Shannon’s Facebook

 

Giveaway details:

 

Comment to enter the drawing for a copy of Counting on the Cowboy. Ten copies will be split among names drawn during the blog tour from March 13 – April 10. One winner will get to pick the theme for a custom made memory board personally crafted by the author. Deadline April 20. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on April 21. Go to my website http://shannontaylorvannatter.com/ and sign up for my newsletter to enter more giveaways and get a free book download.

 

Follow my blog tour for more chances to win Counting on the Cowboy:

 

• March 13 – http://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/
• March 14 – http://theresalynnhall.com/blog
• March 15 – http://www.castlegatepress.com/blog/
• March 16 – http://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/
• March 19 – http://sarahruut.com/category/interviews/
• March 20 – http://http://brendaandersonbooks.com/blog/
• March 26 – https://kimberlysmusings.wordpress.com/
• March 30 – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-to-books/id1245507117?mt=2
• April 2 – http://www.inspyromance.com/
• April 10 – http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/
• April 10 – https://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com
• April 10 – http://www.gingersolomon.com/

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–The Christmas Bride by Jenna Brandt

Tags

Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Christian fiction, Jenna Brandt, The Christmas Bride, western historical romance

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding-themed stories are the fare.

 

Today’s guest is Jenna Brandt, author of Christian Historical Romances. She’ll be telling us about her western historical The Christmas Bride. So, without any further ado, here’s Jenna!

The Christmas Bride is the first novella in my series, Window to the Heart Saga, and focuses on the courtship and wedding of two of the supporting characters from the previous book, The Oregon Pursuit. Lucy was only supposed to be a character to give a contrast to my main heroine in the that book, but I fell in love with writing her, I ended up giving her a bigger part and setting her up at the end of that book to have her own story. The Christmas Bride originally appeared in the Christmas anthology, Under the Mistletoe, which I co-created with fellow author, Lorana Hoopes. We invited 6 other authors to join us in the anthology full of HEA novellas. A few weeks after the release of the anthology, I released The Christmas Bride independently.

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The Christmas Bride

By Jenna Brandt

Lucy Rogers traveled west, running from a troubled past. As a new Christian, she meets and forms a relationship with Matthew McCoy, the son of the local pastor. Lucy runs the Trail’s End Saloon while Matthew works for the local saw mill. As they plan their Christmas wedding, Lucy’s past comes back to haunt her. Will her past allow them to build a future together? A heartfelt, sweet read full of romance, sure to warm your heart this holiday season.

Excerpt:

Matthew placed his arm around Lucy’s shoulders as he gathered her in against his side. He leaned his head down, allowing the side of his face to rest on the top of her head. Just as the last few candles glowed, flurries of snow fell from the sky. Not enough to put out the candles but just enough to make the moment perfect.

“What do you think?” Matthew inquired.

“It’s magnificent,” Lucy murmured.

“I told you this Christmas would be better. Am I keeping my word?”

Lucy angled her head up to view Matthew. “And then some.”

Bonus Short Story, The White Wedding is included. The prequel to The Christmas Bride.

Want to read more? You can find Jenna’s book at Amazon

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About the Author:

Jenna Brandt is a Christian historical romance author and she is branching into contemporary romance in 2018. Her books span from Victorian to Western to WWI eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith. Her debut series, the Window to the Heart Saga, has become a bestseller and her newest venture is the multi-author series, The Lawkeepers. She is also an author in the First Street Church kindle world.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites. She is a contributor and curator for the website, Novel PASTimes, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers Association (RWA) Associations.

Writing is her passion, but she also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, engaging in social media and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com/

Social media: Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

 

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–The Reluctant Groom by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Tags

Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Kimberly Rose Johnson, marriage of convenience novel, The Reluctant Groom, The Reluctant Groom book excerpt

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding themed stories are the fare.

 

Today’s guest is Kimberly Rose Johnson. I had the chance to read Kimberly’s book The Reluctant Groom and found it to be a delightful read. So, without any further ado, here’s Kimberly!

 

I am excited to be on Catherine’s blog with you today to tell you about my latest adventure in writing. Weddings happen to be pretty important to romance writers, and in the case of The Reluctant Groom the wedding takes on a whole new meaning.

 

I’ve always enjoyed reading books with a marriage of convenience theme, but being a contemporary writer, I didn’t think I could pull it off. All that changed one night as I was lying in bed, and the inkling of a story idea began to formulate out of the blue. I was chewing on something in my mind and asked myself what would happen if I took an old-fashioned situation—marry by a certain age or lose everything, and put a modern-day spin on it.

Ray is a very eligible bachelor to Katie Fairchild’s thinking, so the idea that he was stuck in this predicament seemed nuts. She couldn’t imagine how a successful business owner didn’t have women lining up to marry him. She’d marry him in a heartbeat and accidentally blurted that out to Ray. She never dreamed a simple night out with friends would change the course of her life.

The story takes place in Seattle where Ray O’Brien owns an athletic club with a boxing ring in the basement. He never imagined the historical boxing ring would become the site of his wedding or that he’d say his vows in the ring. But that’s exactly what happened, for better or for worse.

Here’s the back cover blurb.

When everything goes wrong, can two friends discover true love?

When Ray O’Brien’s world is turned upside down, Katie Fairchild wants to help, but the personal cost is high. Neither desires a marriage of convenience, but when Katie blurts the first thing that comes to her mind Ray can’t dismiss her offer of marriage. It would solve all his problems except for one thing—they aren’t in love.

Can these two friends team up for the greater good and perhaps find love along the way, or are their expectations impossible?

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Here’s a sneak peak at their wedding.

Ray nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” They stepped out of the locker room into the gym. Two rows of folding chairs were set up facing the boxing ring. As promised, Rusty had the ropes removed from one side and added centered stairs. The ring had been transformed into a stage.

Hailey and her friends had done the impossible. They’d turned this gym into something beautiful. A white arbor with vines woven through it stood in the center of the ring. A white runner went down the center between the rows of chairs and up the stairs all the way to the arbor. A violinist and a cellist sat off to the side playing classical music.

He walked up the stairs to where the minister waited.

“You ready for this?”

Ray nodded. “I think so. Have you seen Katie?”

“Yes, and your bride looks lovely. Here she comes.”

Katie walked up the stairs. His eyes took her in from head to toe. The overhead lights caught on his bride’s sparkly headpiece. He sucked in a breath. The white dress was perfect. She held a simple bouquet of red roses. He let his eyes roam further and noted her fancy white sneakers. He held in a chuckle, afraid she’d bolt if he laughed.

Katie stopped beside him. Her lipstick stood out on her pale face. Had she suddenly become sick?

He slipped his hand around her ice-cold hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You okay?” he whispered.

“Yes.” A wobbly smile tipped her lips.

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I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek! It’s been quite a few years since I last attended a wedding. One of the things that stuck out to me from that wedding was the arbor on the stage. When was the last time you attended a wedding? Did anything besides the bride grab your attention?

Thanks for having me on your blog, Catherine!

 

It was my pleasure, Kimberly. If you’d like to read more of Kimberly’s book check it out at Amazon

 

About the Author:

Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Finalist, Kimberly Rose Johnson, married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website. Her book may be purchased at Amazon. Kimberly loves to connect with readers on Facebook.

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–Cindy’s Perfect Dance by Bonnie Engstrom

Tags

Bonnie Engstrom, Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Cindy's Perfect Dance, clean romance, Inspirational romance, Sweet romance, The Candy Cane Girls series

 

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding themed stories are the fare.

 

 

Today’s guest is Bonnie Engstrom. She’ll be talking about Cindy’s Perfect Dance, one of the books in her Candy Cane Girls Series. Bonnie is giving a way a copy of Cindy’s Perfect Dance, either ebook or a print copy, to one lucky commentor. To be entered in the drawing, just leave a comment on her post. Welcome, Bonnie.

 

 

 

Thanks, Catherine.

What if your best friend is getting married to a gorgeous hunk who is rich? And you are the Maid of Honor? And his brother is the Best Man?

Cindy never planned to be attracted to Rob, but because he felt it was protocol he insisted they dance together. Neither really expected to feel the chemistry between them. And, dancing in the parking lot? What was that all about?

Cindy and Rob’s story of love captured my heart. It was so surprising, especially with all the problems attached to it. Rob’s alcoholism and his commitment to AA, as well as his physical problems seemed monumental . . . at first. Cindy believes she can overcome those, until Emily confronts Rob saying she believed he loved her.

Cindy is a strong woman, but her love for Rob is stronger.

This story grew out of the first of The Candy Cane Girls Series. The six girls have a strong bond formed in a former high school swim team. They stick together in prayer and support.

I started to write this series before I realized it could become a series. Suddenly, it became close to my heart. I hope you will explore the series, now in its sixth book, Melanie’s Blue Skirt. In Cindy you will see all my grandchildren and a beautiful wedding on the beach of Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. I think it will make you want to follow the Candy Cane Girls to learn what Noelle, Candy and Connie and Natalie and Melanie have in their future. Oops, Doreen, too. But her story may be last. She’s in love with the most gorgeous man of all, an international model.

All the Candy Cane Girls stories are set in Newport Beach. I use many actual places in each story. Cindy and Rob shop for her engagement ring in Fashion Island outdoor mall. I wanted them to finally purchase it at Traditional Jewelers for several reasons; the owner attended my church (Mariners, which is also the church that sponsors the couple to mission in Costa Rica) and he and his family lived in my community. I had the scene where Rob goes to pick up the ring all set up, then he learns the owner suddenly died a few days ago. That is what actually happened, so I wrote it into the book.

I had also been searching for a way to include my grandchildren in a book. Since our son and his two boys live in Costa Rica I decided to have Cindy and Rob’s wedding take place there on the beach. (Costa Rica is also the mission assignment for the couple). The Arizona grandchildren flew there to share a wedding adventure with their cousins. It was a fun scene to write, including Lucy the Costa Rican French bull dog.

 

Cindy’s Perfect Dance

By Bonnie Engstrom

 

The Candy Canes are a tight-knit group; the six girls are like sisters. They share everything from successes to secrets. Even marriage doesn’t keep them apart. Then …

Cindy caught the bridal bouquet, and Rob caught the blue garter. Neither of them believed in fate or tradition. But, something happened when she stepped on his toes dancing.

When Rob agreed to help his brother by working in the Love In Bloom Floral Shop while Braydon was on his honeymoon, he asked Cindy to join him. He didn’t know what to expect, especially over Christmas break. Would she take over with her promotional ideas and anger his mother, the owner?

Would their relationship flower? Could Cindy accept Rob’s secrets? How would that change her love for him? And, what about Emily, the woman who claimed Rob loved her?

Cindy has decisions to make. She is supposed to receive her unique engagement ring on Valentine’s Day. Should she accept it, or say no to Rob because of the secrets he recently shared? If she accepts, they will have a lifelong commitment. Is she strong enough to go through with the plan, or should she back out and be safe?

 

EXCERPT

“Ouch!”

“What?”

“You stepped on my toes.”

He said it so matter of factly that Cindy wondered if he was kidding. She looked down at his black patent shoes. Aw, oh. A scuff on the right one. Guess Rob was right. Question was … his fault for not being a good leader or hers for being a bad follower?

“Sorry.”

“S’okay.” He pulled her closer and she felt her body melt into the warmth of his.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a free copy, either ebook or print, of Bonnie’s book Cindy’s Perfect Dance. Winners will be chosen next Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

 

About the Author:

My husband Dave and I were blessed to raise our three children in Newport Beach, California. When our first grandchild, Miss Mookie, was born twelve years ago in Arizona we moved to Scottsdale to be near to her. Since then she has acquired three siblings, a younger sister, and twins, a boy and a girl. We don’t miss Newport at all, except for our wonderful friends and neighbors, and Bible study fellowships. Now, we spend many afternoons picking kids up after school and taking them to gymnastics, doctor appointments and chess tournaments. It’s a different life we thrive on.

We both thought we would retire. Didn’t happen. I am especially blessed to be multi-published by Forget Me Not Romances, a dream come true. You can see almost all my books at http://amzn.to/2Ish792. Dave quips he is the oldest new hire in the U.S. by accepting the position as a Core Counseling Faculty member at the University of Phoenix, for which he also teaches many online classes. He is on the staff at Honor Health Hospital in Scottsdale where he teaches pre-op and post-op classes for bariatric surgery. Honor Health is recognized in several of my books. Not a surprise!

Our grandparenting and our situations keep us busy.

To meet all of our grandchildren read Cindy’s Perfect Dance. They all play a part in Cindy and Rob’s wedding on the beach in Costa Rica. Or, visit my website at http://www.bonnieengstrom.com/ to see Dave and me with the crew. You can also sign up for my newsletter there and a chance to win great prizes. In the last contest I gave away a Kindle Fire!

I love connecting with my readers, so I hope you will write to me at bengstrom@hotmail.com and especially tell me what you want to see happen to Cindy and Rob in the future. Will they be successful in their church planting mission? Your ideas inspire me. I feed on them.

Thank you for reading my books. Writing them for you is a privilege and a blessing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–A Heart’s Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley

Tags

A Heart's Gift, A Heart’s Gift. The book is the winner of the 2017 Faith, Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, Christian Historical, historical romance, Lena Nelson Dooley, marriage of convenience novel

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding themed stories are the fare.

Today’s guest is multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley, who will be telling us about her historical Christian romance  book, A Heart’s Gift. The book is the winner of the 2017 Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award for Long Historicals.

Welcome, Lena.

Thanks, Catherine,

A Heart’s Gift is marriage-of-convenience novel set near the continental divide in Colorado in the 1890’s. Both the Franklin Vine and the Lorinda Sullivan have legitimate reasons for not wanting to allow another person into their hearts—deep hurts from the past. They were thrown together in the same house, complete with a housekeeper, and the household runs smoothly for quite a while.

A marriage in-name-only looks like the perfect solution for both of them. He wants an heir; she has a baby from her first marriage. She wonders how she’ll provide for her child; he owns a large successful ranch, so she’ll never have to worry about that again.

What could go wrong?

They don’t want anyone else to know the situation of their relationship, so they keep it a secret. Something happens at the wedding that puts each of them in a sudden and dramatic downturn … Or is it an upturn?

You, as the reader will need to decide for yourself. Events spiral out of their control until someone from the heroes past reappears in their lives and puts the heroine in mortal danger. The event from the wedding becomes the one thing both of them cling to in their minds and hearts.

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A Heart’s Gift

By Lena Nelson Dooley

Because of an earlier betrayal, Franklin vows never to open his heart to another woman. But he desires an heir.

When Lorinda is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she will never allow a man to control her again. But how can she provide for her infant son?

A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, until two people from Franklin’s past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? And how will this affect the way they feel about each other?

Excerpt:

Flames danced on the opposite side of the room from the cold black stove sitting on a slab of rock. The smoke didn’t come from the pot-belly. Flames? Her heart jumped into her throat and thrashed like a bird caught in a snare. She stared, fascinated at the macabre dance before her. The fire leapt, eating its way through the log wall and wooden floor. Wavering tongues of light took a bite from her curtains then raced up the fabric, consuming everything in their way.

Panic rose like a specter in her mind. The fear stole her breath away. She had to get out of here. Lorinda took a deep breath and held it. She quickly turned around and thrust her feet into the men’s boots beside her bed. Her breath swooshed out. She leaned over for a moment, light-headed. She’d never make it across the burning room if she couldn’t hold her breath any longer than that.

Her agitation reached the baby, and it squirmed and thumped inside her. She grabbed a handkerchief from the top drawer of the chest and held it tight over her nose before plunging into the mounting inferno. She pulled her garments close, trying to keep the flames from grabbing them as well.

Lorinda lumbered across the dwindling floor to the front door. The door stuck. Panic screamed inside her. The metal handle was almost too hot to hold. Using the hem of the robe, she grasped it again. She put her whole weight into wrenching the heavy door open and stumbled away from the intense heat melting an ever-widening circle in the dwindling snow. Tongues of fire burst after her, and she was barely able to stay out of their reach.

When the flames no longer scorched her, Lorinda stopped and took several deep breaths, trying to cleanse her lungs from the choking smoke, but the hacking coughs continued. She felt woozy, swaying a moment before straightening her spine. She walked around the log cabin, watching the fire that consumed everything she owned. Her hands clutched the hard pokes in her pockets. Everything, except the gold.

Want to read more? You can find A Heart’s Gift at Amazon.

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About the Author:

Multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 875,000 copies of her books sold. She is a member of ACFW and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

She has been on the ECPA and CBA Bestseller lists, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and several Amazon Bestseller lists as well as a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011. She has won a dozen awards.

She hosts “The Lena Nelson Dooley Show” on the Along Came a Writer blog radio network.

Connect with Lena at her

Website:  Official Fan Page