by Shanna Hatfield
I love creating characters for my stories, and sometimes I have the most fun creating non-human characters.
My latest sweet historical western romance features plenty of odd animals.
There's a loony chicken out for blood named Napoleon. A crazy mule named Steve think he's a dog. And then there's a beautiful horse named Mud.
She needs an adventure —
He needs the warmth of her smile…
Bertie
Hawkins survived a traumatic ordeal that stripped away her sunny
outlook on life and left her afraid of every shadow. Terrorized and
tired of reliving the past, she accepts an offer to change her
situation. Although she only intends to work through the summer, the
peace she finds at Nash’s Folly keeps her there every bit as much as her
interest in a mysterious new ranch hand.
Desperate
to escape his memories, Riley Walsh buys a run-down farm in Pendleton,
Oregon. To pay for the many necessary repairs, he goes to work for his
neighbor, never intending to fall in love with the effervescent girl who
helps around the house.
Riley
isn’t the only one enchanted with Bertie. His own crazy mule and the
neighbor’s son both share his infatuation, driving him past the brink of
jealousy.
A
sweet romance that embraces the trials and triumphs of yesteryear,
Bertie blends laugh-out-loud adventures with heartwarming moments.
Order your copy today on Amazon — http://amzn.to/1LbOdJV
Aundy, Book 1 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for free Kindle downloads April 7.Make sure you grab your copy!
Desperate to better her situation, Aundy Thorsen agrees to leave behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer’s request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon. When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, even if it means her stubborn determination to succeed upsets a few of the neighbors.
Born and raised at Nash's Folly, the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton as the 20th century approaches. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett takes on the role of her protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. He just needs to convince the strong-willed woman to give love another chance.
Aundy (Book 1) - One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.
Caterina (Book 2) - Frantic to escape a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town's deputy sheriff.
Ilsa (Book 3) - Tired of relying on others to guide and protect her, Ilsa finally finds the strength and courage to take control of her life. Unfortunately, her independence drives a wedge between her and the man she's come to love.
Marnie (Book 4) - After giving up on her dreams for a future, Marnie finds her hope rekindled by one caring, compassionate man and the orphans who need her.
Lacy (Book 5) – Bound by tradition and responsibilities, Lacy has to choose between the ties that bind her to the past and the unexpected love that will carry her into the future.
Invite your friends to the party, and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift card. Go to the Petticoat Ball Party page, click on the "invite" button, invite your friends, then post how many you invited. One randomly drawn person will win! The winner will be announced prior to the start of the party April 7! http://tinyurl.com/petticoatball2
To enter the drawing for a $50 Amazon
gift card, autographed books, digital books, an adorable apron, a tote
bag, vintage picture frame, old-fashioned candy and more, fill out this form.
Here's a little excerpt from Bertie:
~*~
“I, um…” Bertie stopped a few feet away and scuffed the toe of her
shoe in the dirt, stirring up little puffs of dust. “I owe you an
apology, Mr. Walsh.”
Riley stopped fussing with Mud’s saddle and turned to stare at Bertie. “For what?”
“It was completely inappropriate for me to throw eggs at you
yesterday. In addition, I failed to thank you for coming to my rescue.
Left to my own defenses, I might still be sitting in the pen, surrounded
by demented chickens intent on inflicting harm.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I think you would have been just
fine without my help.” His eyes trailed over her from head to toe then
settled on her face. “I’m sorry I laughed, Miss Hawkins. I didn’t mean
to hurt your feelings.”
Bertie didn’t know what to say to his sincere apology. She could tell
it was earnest by the humble look on his face and the kindness in his
eyes. “You’re forgiven, this time.” Bertie smiled and held out a square
of fabric to him. “Unless I’m mistaken, this belongs to you.”
As he took his neckerchief from her hand, his fingers brushed across
her open palm. They both drew in a startled breath at the jolt the touch
created. Bertie raised her gaze to his. Her eyes were wide and luminous
as surprise and something Riley refused to acknowledge shined in their
depths.
Hastily, he stuffed the square into his pocket and nodded his head. “Thank you for returning it. Did you find the flowers?”
“I did. Daisies are my favorite.” Bertie took a step back, too aware
of her interest in Riley Walsh. Too unsettled by what his handsome
features and resonant voice did to her sensibilities. Around him, she
felt like a tongue-tied ninny. Yet, at the same time, her thoughts
lingered on how much she’d like to be held in his arms, taste his
kisses. It was positively… indecent how frequently he’d invaded her
thoughts in the last week.
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, USA Today
best-selling author Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story
at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor
and heart-pumping moments with relatable characters.
When this hopeless romantic isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent
chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain
Cavedweller.
Find Shanna’s books at:
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:
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