The Best Kind of Research

Thanks, Roy, Hopalong, Gene, etc.

 Before I wrote my first historical romance I told everyone who would listen that I didn't like to study history (even though I had a minor in it from college) and I wasn't interested in the least in westerns and such. Then my agent asked me to try my hand at an historical. Her timing was good because I had just fallen madly in love with LaVyrle Spencer's books and she wrote both contemporary and historical romances -- but her historicals are fabulous. "Hummingbird," "The Gamble," and "Vows" were wonderful and had me wondering if I might have one of these types of stories inside me.

Taking up the challenge, I launched into my first attempt which I called "Wildcat" and the publisher ended up changing the title to "Blazing Embers," a title I never liked. Reminded me too much of "Blazing Saddles." Nevertheless, I was hooked.
But what was truly astonishing was that I didn't have to conduct as much research as I had thought because -- from somewhere -- facts about the west and living off the land came to me. How did I know these things?
I traced this unearthed knowledge to two sources: my parents' stories of living the farm life in Missouri and my childhood Saturday morning TV fixation with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Hopalong Cassidy.
My dad loved westerns and we always watched what Daddy wanted to watch on TV. So we spent our evenings watching Gunsmoke; Paladin; The Big Valley; Bonanza, Have Gun, Will Travel; The High Chaparral; Wanted: Dead or Alive; The Rifleman; Maverick; Bat Masterson; Wagon Train; Cheyenne; Death Valley Days; Laramie; The Lone Ranger; Rawhide; and Sugarfoot. I grew up in a time when westerns were the most popular genre on TV. Is it any wonder my mind sopped it all up and stored it for future use?
I'm reminded of Margaret Mitchell telling of sitting on the porch and listening to her old relatives relate their personal tales of the Civil War. Little did she know at that time that she would use all of their stories in a novel called "Gone with the Wind."
So it was with my parents. I listened to their tales of picking cotton, training mules, fixing plows, digging outhouses and wells, making soap, butchering pigs and chickens, putting up meat and canned vegetables, and sleeping six or seven kids to a bed. It all came back to me when I began writing historical romances.
If you haven't read LaVyrle Spencer's books, then you have a treat ahead of you. Hers are some of the few books that I have shed tears as I read sentimental and touching passages. She retired from writing in 1997 or thereabout and I don't know why. Her books are wonderful and hold up well.
Please feel free to read my historicals, too. My personal favorites are "Primrose"
and "Cheyenne's Shadow" originally published by Avon Books and now available on Amazon.

"Amos" - a new story in the Kiowa Wells saga

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Photo (C) Doris McCraw

In my post for Sweet Americana Sweethearts, I wrote about how I accidentally created a town. That town was Kiowa Wells, a place somewhere out on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. I've populated that town with stories I've written. 

The town appeared in the novel "Josie's Dream", continued in "Chasing a Chance", and "The Outlaw's Letter". The latest installment is the book, "Amos" which will be released as an ebook on December 22, 2023.

This story continues the saga of Amos Krieder and Mary Jane Pierson, who were minor characters in "Josie's Dream". I little realized when I finished that story and wrote the others that I would one day return to the story of these two people. Seems they had other ideas.

Oh, they've been leading me on a merry chase with star-crossed love, bad guys who don't seem to be, and a lovely chance to talk about the other characters from earlier books. 

Never fear, this is a stand-alone story that does not require reading the other books. It's more of 'I remember them' if you had read the others.

There are still some finer points these characters are asking me to address, so this post will be short. I mustn't disappoint these two.

The book is available for pre-order now. I hope to release a print version later in 2024. In the meantime, keep reading. There are some great stories out there by some amazing writers that make great gifts.

Pre-order Amazon

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy. 

Doris

I have a new audio book! by Jan Scarbrough

 My book Darby: Ghost Mountain Ranch is now on Audible and Apple AudioBooks.

 

I never thought I’d have an audio book. Let’s face it, it’s expensive! But this very nice narrator Traci Odom contacted me via email. For some reason, I responded. Then, my sweet husband Bill said, “Let’s go for it.” He funded the project. And it couldn’t have been easier. Traci took care of the leg work. She told us what we needed to do. We signed contracts and arranged to pay the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan a percentage and the rest to Traci.

 

I couldn’t believe it when Bill and I heard the fifteen-minute trial audio. Had I written that book? It sounded so good! So professional! Traci voiced my heroine Darby and her leading man Hank. She also narrated the old father and other characters at the ranch. Wow! I was impressed. We approved it, and soon the audio book was finished, paid for, and it recently appeared at Audible and Apple.

 

So, if you are like Bill and “read” audio books, you can try one of mine! We’ll eventually produce the other two books in the mystery part of the series. In 2024 look for Slade and Kelsey in your audio bookstore! 

 

More about Traci Odom from her website:

I just have to laugh, as after many years as an on-camera actor, I have stumbled gracefully into the creative career of my dreams as an audiobook narrator and voice-artist.  As a veteran of stage, film and television, I have played everything from a tree to an Irish Setter to a lawyer, but as a narrator of more than 320 audiobooks I have expanded that repertoire to include dragons, trolls, witches and devilishly handsome humans.  Welcome to my world of romance, witchcraft, devilry and often a tempting bite of vampirism.

 

The Ghost Mountain Ranch Series

Will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future? The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a blend of mystery and romance.

 

DARBY: What is the truth behind the death of Darby’s mother? When the past once again intrudes on the present, will Darby do what she’s always done—what her mother did—and run away? Grief and secrets had torn Darby and Hank apart once. Given a second chance at love, will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?

 

SLADE: Someone knows the truth about the part Ghost Mountain Ranch played in Laurie’s life, and the terrible consequences of that past. But when the ghosts of the past threaten the lives of the living, will their growing attraction be enough to protect Slade and Laurie?

 

KELSEY: But something dark is happening at Ghost Mountain Ranch, where the past is reaching out in dangerous ways to haunt the living. Max is not only stirring up old feelings in Kelsey, but old secrets of the ranch’s inhabitants. Secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?

 

"Kudos to Jan Scarbrough for keeping the characters interesting and the plot twists intriguing from the first book to the last."

 

The Ghost Mountain Ranch Series on Kindle

 

The Paperback Version of Ghost Mountain Ranch

The Christmas Tree Ornament ~ Julie Lence

         

German-way.com

 Many of today’s Christmas tree ornaments are made from blown glass. The process to create blown glass originated in the 12^th century in the Thuringia region of Germany. Within that region was Lauscha, a small town located in a river valley that was rich in the elements needed to produce blown glass; timber for firing the glass ovens and sand. Lauscha began creating blown glass ornaments in the later part of the 16^th century, but before that the area was known to create drinking glasses, glass bowls and glass beads. They even created glass eyes in 1835.   

 

courtesy of Etsy

Christoph Muller and Hans Greiner are credited with establishing Lauscha’s glass production circa 1597. Fast forward to 1847 when Greiner’s descendent, also named Hans Greiner, began creating glass-blown ornaments in the shape of fruits and nuts. These fruit-shaped ornaments were created by a unique process that involved using molds, with the inside of the ornament appearing silvery. The process of making the inside look silvery began by using mercury or lead. Later special compounds of silver nitrate and sugar water were used. Greiner and his sons and grandsons continued manufacturing glass blown Christmas tree ornaments, often called baubles, and even created glass marbles.

 

courtesy of Pottery Barn

Greiner’s baubles were soon exported to parts of Europe. By the 1870’s, they were being exported to Britain, which had become very popular in the region after Queen Victoria’s Christmas tree was shown in the London paper circa 1846. F.W. Woolworth, the dime store millionaire from the United States, happened upon the baubles when he visited Germany and quickly began importing them to the U.S., selling more than $25 million worth of the baubles in the 1890’s. Following Greiner and the town of Lauscha’s success, other countries such as Japan began manufacturing and selling their own glass ornaments. Over the years, the bauble Christmas tree ornament has become very popular, paving the way for Hallmark to introduce their Keepsake Ornaments line in 1973. Today’s ornaments are manufactured in several different ways. Some are woven, some are still blown glass, and others are molded from porcelain or metal, all created to last for many years.  

 

Tricking Christmas

 

Don't you just love the holidays. Cozy fires. Hot chocolate. Rodeo finals. Cowboys!

My new release Tricking Christmas has got you covered for all kinds of cowboy and holiday fun!

Will an innocent offer of help lead two obstinate hearts along the road to love?

Truitt Lucas is the guy who brings laughter wherever he goes and refuses to take life too seriously. Beneath his carefree exterior, though, he yearns for more adventure and excitement than he’ll find working on the family ranch alongside his cousin and grandmother. When the opportunity arises to assist a trick rider, Truitt eagerly lends a hand. However, he soon finds himself drawn to the perplexing woman who barely tolerates him.

Jolee Judson is living her dream as a trick rider on the rodeo circuit, using her lifelong passion for horses and gymnastics to wow the crowds. But when her partner unexpectedly abandons her, Jolee is just desperate enough to accept a good-natured cowboy’s offer to help. Fascinated and infuriated by Truitt and his shenanigans, Jolee struggles against her growing feelings for him. Falling for Truitt could spell disaster for her future and derail everything she’s worked for.

Can the two of them find common ground where trust is earned and love becomes a cherished gift?

A sweet holiday novel full of the magic of Christmas, Tricking Christmas brims with small-town humor, heartwarming moments, and wholesome romance.

Obviously insulted, two twin lines created furrows between his eyebrows. “I’m not doing this for the money, Jolee.” He scoffed at her and swirled the ice around in his tea glass.

“Then, why are you offering to save my bacon, so to speak, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Truitt shrugged. “Because you’re a good person, Jolee Judson, and you’ve worked hard to establish your act with a sterling reputation. You’ve always been the driving force behind it. Amy even said as much. It’s not fair that you’ve been put into a bind because your partner quit without any notice.”

“Amy had a good reason. She needs to be with her family.”

“She does, but I got the idea she’s had one foot out the door for a while. She mentioned last time we spoke about going back to school to become a veterinarian.”

Shock widened Jolee’s eyes. “I had no idea she was considering it. I think she’ll do great in that field, though. She loves animals.”

“She does.” Truitt took the last bacon tot from the bag. “Dibs on the last one.” He popped it in his mouth, drained his glass, and stood. Once again, the trailer felt cramped by his presence.

Jolee wondered if it was his large personality as much as his muscular physique that made the space seem smaller.

“I better get going. I promised Troy I’d help him with a few farrier jobs he’s got lined up. Do you want me to try to perform with you tonight or during this rodeo?”

“No. Let’s leave things as they are this week, although I wouldn’t mind if you had time to help set out props.”

“Sure. Troy and I are scheduled to rope in the slack tomorrow afternoon, but I can help you out during your performances. Just let me know what you need, honey.”

Jolee bristled as Truitt opened the door and stepped outside. When he turned to face her, his smile melted faster than the ice cream cone she’d attempted to eat the previous afternoon. She’d heard Truitt call babies in diapers, old women with walkers, and females of every size, shape, color, and age in between “honey.” And she didn’t like it. Not one bit.

“You will not ever, under any circumstance, call me ‘honey,’” she commanded in a tone dripping frost despite the heat already surging outside. “Understood?”

“Yes, ho—Yes, ma’am.” Truitt ducked his head, but she caught the hint of his smile.

Merry Christmas!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads

It's A Small-Town Christmas Romance

By Kristy McCaffrey

My Christmas novella, A MIRTHFUL WISH, is coming December 14, 2023!! 

Liam Adler has returned to Reindeer Pass to take over the family business after the sudden death of his father, but coming face-to-face with Ellie Thatcher stops him cold in his tracks. For generations their families have feuded, but he’d always thought her a sweet and funny girl. Now she’s all grown-up and strikingly beautiful, and his adversary for an important piece of land. He can’t fall in love with her …

Wishing for Love is a heartwarming series about Christmas wishes of love coming true for those who have the purest of hearts. If you're looking for a feel-good read this holiday season, pick up A MIRTHFUL WISH to meet the authors of this heartwarming holiday romance series and find your next happy ever after.

Excerpt

"I’m afraid I have to go,” Ellie said.

“I know.”

“Dinner was delicious. You should box it all up and take it home.”

“I’d rather eat it with you.”

Without warning, she kissed him, bold and hungry. Wrapping his arms around her, he shifted her out of sight. There was nothing soft and chaste about them finally coming together, the contact escalating quickly to a heat level Liam was unprepared for.

He’d anticipated this going differently—slower and more private—but nothing with Ellie ever seemed to go to plan.

Ellie broke contact first, her breath fast and hot against his lips. A lingering taste of marinara sauce and sexy Ellie remained.

He didn’t know what to say.

“There was mistletoe,” she whispered, looking as stunned as he felt.

Her eyes flicked upward. A green sprig hung from a hook above their table.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, then left him standing alone in the nook, too shocked to speak, a cold wave engulfing him after the loss of her heat.

Liam scrubbed a hand down his face, waiting for his heartbeat to slow to a reasonable rate.

When Ryan joined him, his brother frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I think I’ve underestimated Ellie Thatcher.”

Pre-order Now!!

Amazon US

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Nook

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Google Play and Print coming

Keeping you up-to-date with me ~ Raine Rochelle

         

  Hello,

The last time I wrote a post for the Cowboy Kisses blog, it was just before I took a trip down south. Unfortunately, on that trip my car was hit by a large lorry. I ended up in hospital with injuries to my back, neck and right leg and my car was written off. The other driver and his vehicle were fine. It’s made it nearly impossible for me to sit at the desk and write for a while, but I’m much better now, thank goodness.

After writing this, I’m about to make the same journey I made back then, so wish me luck!

This has meant that I’m still working on Heartbeat, The Johnsons of Junova book 2, which is the 8^th book in The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series. I’m hoping to release it early in the New Year if I possibly can.

Here’s the blurb from the book, as well as an excerpt – with a pic of Sam Johnson because, hey, who doesn’t like a bit of eye candy: ;)

 

Blurb for Heartbeat

Sam Johnson is the drummer of the band. He likes to keep a steady rhythm both in his playing and his outlook on life. But his heart beats a little quicker when he gets closer to Lydia Felton, the beautiful girl he met at the hospital when his father suffered a heart attack.

But Lydia’s heart has problems of its own. A sufferer of arrhythmia, she has to live her life on an even keel, as any sudden change in her heart’s activity can cause it to accelerate or slow down considerably. It doesn’t stop her falling for Sam, though, despite her family’s concerns.

Despite a catalogue of mishaps and misunderstandings threatening to keep them apart, Sam is determined to win Lydia’s heart. However, when her heart falls into an irregular sequence, will Sam’s love be enough to put her back together?

Excerpt from Heartbeat

Sam checked his phone again as he returned to the paddock, but there was still no news from Lydia. His heart raced knowing that he’d see her in just a couple of hours, and he was desperate to get on his way over to Brightside.

“It won’t be long now, son.” Ron nodded at the phone in Sam’s hand, and he quickly stuffed it into his pocket.

“I was just checking for an update on the train time,” he explained, going straight over to help with the next horse they were working with. “I can’t be late.”

“I’m sure she’ll ring you when she knows something,” Ron replied. “Now, how about climbing on this one? Take him into a steady canter, then I want to see him gallop. His posture was all wrong last time we tried, if you recall?”

Sam nodded. The last time he’d ridden this particular horse it had reared before taking off like a rocket. He sure hoped the beast was in a better mood today.

He mounted the horse and tried to start with a slow trot. Unfortunately, the horse had other ideas. It was very skittish, and threatened to rear up again. Sam kept control and calmed it a little. Then it bucked, causing Sam to hold on for dear life, before it stamped heavily and then raced off around the paddock.

All Sam could do was hold on tight and try to calm the massive beast as it ran around the training field.

“That’s it,” Ron called out to him. “Just ride it out. He’ll get tired and start to behave soon.”

Sam didn’t find his words much of a comfort. How soon was soon? Usually he loved being on a horse, but this animal was bucking and rearing all over the place, making for a very uncomfortable ride.

“Whoa, come on, buddy, settle down.” He kept his tone calm as he continually coaxed the horse to slow down, and eventually it paid off.

He could feel when the beast started to relax a little, and he stroked its mane to pacify him. The horse had given him a good run for his money, there was no denying it, but Sam was relieved when it slowed to a canter, before he could finally get it to stop.

Ron grinned, hurrying over to them. “I think you might have to try that all over again, son. That animal needs showing who the boss is around here, and it sure ain’t him.”

Sam gaped at him before realizing he was just kidding. He closed his eyes with a huge sigh of relief. “Man, you really had me going there for a second.”

“Not as fast as he had you going, son.” Ron chuckled. “He sure is a feisty one. You did well to hold on.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew if I fell at that speed I’d do myself some serious damage, not to mention run the risk of getting trampled. This boy sure has an attitude on him.”

He climbed down, still holding onto the reins.

“That’s all you’d need today, to wind up at the dang hospital.” Ron grimaced. “What about that poor girl of yours?”

“That’s what worried me,” Sam admitted. She hadn’t been far from his mind all day, and he was determined he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of him picking her up from the station later. He’d already ordered a beautiful bouquet from the florist in Brightside, which he’d collect on his way.

At that thought, he reached for his back pocket. His blood ran cold as he quickly checked the other, not finding his phone in either.

“My cell phone.”

Ron frowned. “I saw you put it into your right-hand pocket earlier.”

“It’s gone. It must have happened when the horse reared.”

“I’ll take him back. You have a good look around. It has to be here somewhere.”

Sam felt his heart hammering as he hurried back to where he’d started, scouring the field on his way. Then he saw it. Or, at least, part of it. Lying in the muddy snow. As he’d feared, it must have slipped out of his pocket while he’d been grappling with the horse.

He picked up the remains and stared at the state of it. Ruined. Just like his chances of seeing Lydia again.

*  *  *

I hope you enjoyed a little preview into the new book. There’s still time to catch up on the rest of the series before its release, if you haven’t already read them.

Until next time, thank you for all your support.

Take Care,

Raine  x

LIST OF LINKS – Raine Rochelle

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaineRochelle/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/raine-rochelle

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20913677.Raine_Rochelle

Newsletter:   https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ghw7shi5rz

The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NCHVJGQ