So...what's the best way to see America?

by Tanya Hanson

So...what’s the best way to see America?

Let me know your thoughts in a comment and leave your e-mail addy. I’ll be picking one commenter’s name tomorrow from all of my posts today for the full set of my Hearts Crossing Ranch series. (Five books so far. Eight eventually, from Pelican Book Group www.pelicanbookgroup.com )

Well...I’ve flown lots of places including Boston, NYC, Omaha, Chicago, San Antonio, London, baby. Leaf-peeped throughout New England. Taken a guided tour of the historic sites of the east coast on a fancy bus. Driven Route 66 (well, to Kingman AZ). But one of my best times ever was a wagon train around the Tetons!

Kinda reminds me of Book One in my series from Pelican Book Group.

Here’s the blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch. (I won’t bore you with an excerpt. They take too long to read.)

A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure. Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.

On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/hearts-crossing-ranch

Okay? So what’s your thought on the best way to see America?

Hugs,

~Tanya Hanson

www.tanyahanson.com

www.petticoatsandpistols.com

*****

Worship practice has never been this interesting…

From Carla Rossi and Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing:

This weekend I celebrate the release of the first in my series of inspirational romances about the worship team at fictional Cornerstone Fellowship. Unlikely Praise is the story of talented musicians, dedicated believers, and good friends. But everyone has secrets, and even the most devout followers are creatures of human sin and error. Join Candi and Shade on a journey of discovery as they grow in faith and learn God’s forgiveness and renewal.

Blurb:
A tattooed rocker and an uptight music teacher - who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
Candi Canaberry has been the worship leader at Cornerstone Fellowship since the doors opened. Candi has dedicated her life to praise and worship, so when Cornerstone explodes into mega-church territory, Candi is sure she’ll be the one to take her team to the next level…isn’t she the obvious choice? Apparently not. Church leadership has other ideas. She’s given a partner to share her duties. But a one-time rocker with zero praise and worship experience?

Recently saved Samuel “Shade” Blackledge is new to Cornerstone Fellowship. He’s convinced a strong church family is what will help keep his head above water as he turns from things of the past and builds a new life. Ex-Dead Lizard rock guitarist, Shade is shocked when the pastor suggests he might be just what the worship team needs. But could God really want a tattooed veteran of the club scene? And what about his less-than-Godly lifestyle to this point --not the
least of which is a baby girl he’s never seen? Worship practice has never been this interesting as Candi and Shade work their way toward each other…and Unlikely Praise.

Leave a comment to be entered in my drawing to win an e-copy of Unlikely Praise.
Happy Reading!
Carla Rossi

Finding "Sanctuary"...Book Three, Hearts Crossing Ranch ~Tanya Hanson

I know, I know. It sounds kinda gnarly, a love story between two cancer survivors like I wrote about in Sanctuary, Book Three of the Hearts Crossing Ranch series..but it's got a happy ending, it's full of faith, hope, and love...and I think you might enjoy it.

BLURB :

A beautiful plus-one at a wedding, a hunky cowboy..autumn leaves and rugged horse trails. The perfect setting to unite two healing souls…

Ranch foreman and single dad Hooper Martin is ready to put his health and life back on track after battling cancer…including re-entering ing the dating scene. His little girl sure could use a mother. Falling hard for wedding guest Malia Cameron makes perfect sense to him: she's a survivor, too.

Mallie has put her heart on hold, knowing she will never recover from her brain tumor struggle. She can't promise a future to anybody and vows never to fall in love. Letting Hooper Martin into her life would be a big mistake. But his good looks take her breath away, and his living faith starts to gentle her confusion about Who's really in charge.  

It got a four-star Web Exclusive Review from RT, and the CTRR Award.

"Sanctuary was a spellbinding story. It captivated this reader completely. Just when I thought it could not get any better, Ms. Hanson throws in a curve with the ex-wife. This remarkable read was extremely hard to put down. The refreshing characters of Mallie and Hooper really connect with the reader. They indeed are unforgettable, as well as the secondary players in this marvelous story. It felt like being surrounded by a huge loving family. This extraordinary read is one that I truly recommend to everyone. Tanya Hanson gives the reader promise in her characters."

Hope you try it out sometime. I'll be giving away a PDF copy of my current release, Book Four in the series, Right to Bragg, to one commenter from all of my posts. So don't forget to leave your email address! 

In Time for Christmas: Right to Bragg...Book Four. Hearts Crossing Ranch and

One of my favorite Christmas songs has long been Amy Grant’s “Grown up Christmas List.” Well, I get weepy easily, but it’s one of those songs that really starts the waterworks.  Mostly—because I have some really wing-nut relatives, I like to change a couple of words so that the lyrics can easily pertain to a family in need.

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown-up now
And still need help somehow.
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream.

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a family (world) in need

[Chorus:]
No more lives torn apart,
That fights (wars) would never start
And time would heal all hearts.
Everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

When I started my latest release Right to Bragg, the fourth book in my Hearts Crossing Ranch series, I knew the heroine Tiffany Vickers is a woman alone, abandoned, dealing with wing-nuts of her own and trying to find her way. Cowboy Bragg Martin uses his own faith to help guide her…even as he struggles with guilt of his own. Then somehow, as the story took off and I plotted all the why’s and wherefore’s, the setting ended up being Christmastime. The time of hope and healing, reunion and peace.

I hope you enjoy Tiffany’s falling both in faith and love during a picture-perfect Christmas on that fictional little ranch, Hearts Crossing, where everybody loves to come home.

BLURB:

Disowned by her family, Tiffany Vickers faces a lonely Christmas and takes great comfort in the baby boy in her care. Her faith in tatters, she guards her heart against the baby's uncle, handsome cowboy Bragg Martin, a man with baggage of his own. While Bragg longs to open his heart and family to the lovely nanny, he doesn't understand her interest in his arch enemy. Saving a man's life and saving Tiffany's faith bring the couple together…and home to Hearts Crossing Ranch. 

EXCERPT:

     Tiffany got up for another cup of coffee, Matty’s eyes watching her every move.

     “He sure notices you,” Bragg remarked as the baby drained the bottle.

     “Yeah. We bonded right off. I’m so glad about it.” As she’d made a snap decision just then, she rushed on. “I left behind my precious nephew. I guess in my psyche somewhere I figured maybe nanny to Matty might help ease that hole in my heart.”  Gently she rubbed her hand over Matty’s head, the edge of her hand tugging at Bragg’s shirt and causing a funny havoc. Mostly though he listened to her pain.

     She sank back down into a kitchen chair, resting her cheek in her hand. “I was with Connor from the moment he was born. Paul and Diana wanted me there. Then things went haywire. It was my fault. You talk about forgiveness, but there isn’t any in this case. And I miss that little boy. Oh, I miss him so. I need him. His love was unconditional, you know. He’s three now. I can’t let him forget me.”

     Bragg’s heart tugged at the agony on her face, and Matty’s little hand flailed. Tiffany took it at once. “It can’t be that bad, can it?”

     “I’ve been disowned, so, yeah, Bragg. It’s that bad.” 


For a chance to win a PDF copy. please comment and leave your e-mail address at any of my posts today. I'll draw one winning name at the end of the party. Thanks so much. 

Faithful Danger...my first suspense. Leave a Comment to win an e-copy

The SITUATION:

Two puppies, a woman in hiding, a mysterious man, and a pair of pink polka dot pumps.

The PHRASE:

“Dead guys don’t usually show up for breakfast,” she said, staring at the very-much-alive man who stood in front of the pastry counter.

What does all this mean? Check out my first-ever suspense novella and find out! It's a fun, fast-paced Labor Day read! http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Faithful-Danger

Watch my series Trailer...enter drawing for an e-book

Howdy! This lovely trailer encapsulates the first three books in my Hearts Crossing Ranch series, tales of romance, love and faith of the eight Martin siblings of Hearts Crossing Ranch, Colorado.

Take two minutes to watch. Leave a comment with your e-mail address for a drawing, and get the e-story of your choice if you're name comes out of the Stetson.

Faithful Danger...my first suspense. Leave a Comment to win an e-copy

No matter, my heroes are always cowboys. Point rider, horse doctor, ranch foreman. Even Rhee Ryland, the hero of my latest release, Faithful Danger, from White Rose Publishing. Yeah, he might be a high -priced private investigator, but he's never forgotten his cowboy roots. Meeting mysterious widow Caffey Matthews in the beautiful ranch country of Santa Ynez, California, starts his pulse racing.

Leave a comment and your e-mail address for a chance to win a copy.

Blurb:

 Frightened and alone, Caffey Matthews leaves behind her wealthy Manhattan life after her husband's financial crimes and suicide…knowing his enemies are in pursuit. Finding succor in remote California ranch land helps her to reclaim her faith and trust in God. But the heart-stopping stranger Rhee Ryland frightens her even as she’s powerless to halt her deepening feelings for him…

Believing she's involved in her late husband's misdeeds, cowboy-turned high-priced private investigator Rhee Ryland arrives in Rancho Lorena on her tail ready to haul her back. Never expecting to fall in love with her, even more surprising is his return to his childhood Lord. 

Excerpt:

Locked in the trunk of the car!

Caffey battled to stay calm, to breathe normally, to hold down panic. To conserve air. The compartment wasn’t air tight, but heat and hyperventilation could kill. Lord, keep me safe, she begged. But even knowing He was at her side, she had to figure out what to do by herself.

 Breathe deep, slow. Breathe deep, slow. Amazingly, she did know what to do. Everett had borne a pathological fear that one day, either one of them might be kidnapped and held to ransom. Now, he was the abductor. Her lip quivered, and she swallowed tears.

            Scrunched into a bundle of bones and hot, tightened skin, she widened her eyes in the darkness to try to detect a glow-in-the-dark-handle. Spirits deflating, she understood the car wasn’t a late model with a required trunk release. Just in case, she groped with her fingers to try for a toggle switch or button.

             Nothing. Her heart flew into her throat, and she concentrated on easing the pain in her cramped shoulders. Maybe, just maybe the backseat would fold down. Doubtful she’d find a release in the trunk, she explored anyway with her fingertips, then unsuccessful, tried to unwind her legs enough to push the seat down. It didn’t give a centimeter.

           Panic started to roil, but she refused to let it. A Psalm of David dashed through her mind. Keep my soul and deliver me, for I put my trust in You. The words had saved her before, too many times to count, and a smidge of relief skittered through her. The Lord wouldn’t let her face this alone.

Available: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Faithful-Danger

Roses, Kisses and Happy-Ever-After

Well Friends, this will be my last post for the weekend. I hope you've enjoyed my previous ones and hope to see you ALL again in the future!

Since this is a Valentine's Day Kickoff and we're discussing romance...let me share with you a funny story about roses, kisses and happy-ever-after.

Recently I went dancing with a couple of friends and met a wonderful gentleman. As the night was drawing to a close, he said... "You're the romance writer, how is this happily ever after? The night is almost over."

My response, "Happily ever after takes a long time."

We laughed and then he told me to pick a rose from the gentleman walking around in the club selling them.

I picked a WHITE one.

Of course, he questioned as to why and I explained the meaning of the colors and said, "I'm not ready for red roses" (by that point in the evening he knew I was widowed).

The next time we saw each other - again out dancing - he bought me a yellow rose and asked what it meant. I reminded him that yellow was for friendship - which was perfect at this point in our relationship. His comment....

"When can I buy you red roses?"

I didn't answer that question.

Am I ready for romance, kisses and happy-ever-after?

Yes, in God's time and very possibly with this wonderful, Gentleman.

But let me tell you friends.....love is giddy...it's thrilling...it's terrifying....Love is sheer madness!

Winter Madness

© 2008

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

ISBN #: n/a – short story

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Winter-Madness

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

http://pamelathibodeaux.com/

http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

Red Roses for Valentine's Day? Maybe Not....

When you hear the word "Valentine's Day" most people think roses....lots and lots of red roses. But did you know that the color of a rose has meaning?

In researching my upcoming women's fiction novel, The Visionary, (due Nov. 2011 from Five Star Expressions) I had the opportunity to research the topic of roses and was amazed at what I found.

Writers for White Rose Publishing understand the symbolism of the White rose is purity (hence white wedding gowns, white baptismal gowns, etc). Peach roses represent sympathy (or loyalty). Yellow roses are given in friendship and Pink signify innocence and sweetness - which is why you see mostly pink & white bouquets given to young girls. Black roses usually embody death or dislike.

But what about all those Red Roses? You guessed it....Red roses are the symbol of love and romance which make them the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your spouse or significant other.

In some cultures roses symbolize the answer to a specific prayer while in others, dreaming of a rose garden means your death will occur in spring. So, the next time you're tempted to give roses as a gift, think about what you appreciate about and want to say to the person receiving them.

My short story Choices takes place on Valentine's Day and has references to roses symbolizing the answer to prayer.

Best-selling novelist and songwriter, Camie Rogers has penned numerous accounts of the secret love she holds in her heart. Country-Music Superstar Kip Allen has changed from the shy, humble boy, to the epitome of “star.” Can the two rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour? 

Choices is available now from White Rose Publishing for only $1.00 and Kindle for only $.99!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

http://pamelathibodeaux.com/
http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/

Fake Engagement - Real Attraction

Hi! My name is Kara Lynn Russell and I've written a series of lighthearted contemporary romances set in the fictional small town of Orchard Hill, Wisconsin. The plot of the series centers around a contest between to matchmakers to see who can make the most matches in one year's time. Each story is a bout a couple that one of the matchmakers brings together. You can find out more about the series here.

When Goddess Fish asked for a "first kiss" excerpt I thought of David and Sarah from Accepting Charity. Sarah has agreed to a fake engagement to help David keep unsuitable relatives from gaining custody of his orphaned niece Charity. Along the way they discover the perils of a pretend romance. 

David knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. “Maybe we should practice?”

“Practice?”

“Yeah. I think we should try a practice kiss, so the first time we have to kiss in public, it won’t be so awkward.”

“Why would we have to kiss in public?”

“Because that’s what people who are in love do, Sarah.  I’m not saying we have to put on an exhibition, but we should at least kiss each other hello and good-bye.”

Sarah looked doubtful. “I suppose.”

“So I think we should practice.”

“When?”

“How about right here, right now.”

“Are you serious?”

“Totally. Trust me, this is the best thing to do. We’ll just get it over with and then the next time won’t be so awkward.”

Sarah considered. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I am. He reached across the seat and took Sarah in his arms.

She giggled nervously. “This is ridiculous.”

“Usually I get to kiss a girl before she laughs at me.”

“I’m not laughing at you. Just the situation.”

“Enough talk. How about some action?” he teased. 

David’s only intention had been to steal a simple kiss, but the moment his lips touched hers, he knew nothing would ever be simple between them. Instead of letting go, he pulled her even closer. She felt perfect in his arms.

The world faded away, and he was aware of nothing but Sarah. He felt her heart beating against his chest, her form filling his arms, her lips moving against his. The word ‘home’ drifted into his mind.

From what seemed like a long way away, there was a sharp knocking sound. Suddenly Sarah shoved him away. Confused by the abrupt shift back to reality, David blinked and the world swam back into focus. Sarah’s  friend Hope was knocking at the window.

“Come on, you two,” she shouted. “You’ll have plenty of time for that later. I’m starving.  Let’s go eat.”

Sarah opened the door a crack and said  “We’ll be right there.”

No way,” Hope insisted. “If we leave, you’ll just go back to what you were doing.”

Oliver stepped in and pulled Hope away. “We’ll be inside,” he called back.

Sarah turned back to David and speared him with a sizzling glare. “Got any more bright ideas?”

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt and will consider a future visit to Orchard Hill, where no heart is safe.

Lonely Widow's First Kiss

Valentine's Day ~ the day for lovers. But how would you feel about that first kiss after being widowed for more than a year?

I can tell you from experience, the event is both thrilling and terrifying!

Heroine, Rebecca Sinclair's response to the first kiss from her hero, Ray Jacoby may surprise you......

She lowered her gaze, and he lifted her chin with his finger and waited until she looked at him again. “I want to kiss you, Becca, here in the midst of Paradise,” he whispered, his lips covering hers with devastating tenderness.

Rebecca heard his primitive grunt of satisfaction when he let go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. An answering purr escaped her as tiny pinpoints of pleasure bathed her senses with light and color. Never in her life had she felt so alive, so consumed with sensations.

Whether a moment or an eternity, she had no idea how long they stood there, his mouth in sweet possession of hers. All she knew was that when the kiss was over she was plastered against his hard body, her breathing was sharp almost painful and her fists were clenched in his thick, sandy-colored hair. Appalled at her wanton response and the needy way in which she clung, Rebecca flung away with a startled cry of distress, and began to run.

Find out more about Rebecca and Ray's story in my novel, The Inheritance, available now from White Rose Publishing in Ebook and Print!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)
http://pamelathibodeaux.com/
http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/