James

 JAMES

Bachelors and Babies Book 13

by Tracy Garrett

Blurb:

After five years leading the Lord’s flock in King’s Ford, Nebraska, The Reverend James Hathaway is used to the demands on his time. But nothing could prepare him to find a baby in a basket on his front step. He always expected to marry before becoming a father. Then a young widow agrees to help him learn to care for the child and he wonders if he hasn’t found his future.

Widow Esther Travers is still reeling over the loss of her newborn baby girl when she’s asked to help care for another baby. Vowing to get the little one off to a good start, she doesn’t plan to fall for the very handsome preacher, too.

Excerpt:

“Reverend! Reverend Hathaway!”

James heard Tad shouting long before he reached the cabin at the north end of King’s Ford, the town he’d called home for nearly five years now. The seven-year-old ran errands for many folks in town, though most often it was for the doctor. If Doctor Finney was sending for a preacher this early in the morning, it couldn’t be good news. James buttoned his vest and pulled on his frock coat then glanced in the small mirror hung beside the front door to be sure his collar was tucked in properly, then studied his face.

He looked tired. A wagon had creaked and rumbled past his home well before dawn and the noise had dragged him from a sound sleep. He’d been sitting at the table since then, trying to write his Sunday sermon, but inspiration hadn’t gotten out of bed with him. Ah, well. It was only Tuesday.

James glanced around his small home. The parsonage, if you could call the drafty, poorly lit cabin by so lofty a title, sat at the far north end of town. The church sat to the south of the parsonage, which meant the larger building did nothing to block the winter winds that howled down from the Dakota hills thirty or so miles away.

Deciding he wouldn’t scandalize any parishioner he passed, he lifted his hat from the small table under the mirror and opened the door. He was so focused on Tad that he nearly tripped over a basket left on his stoop.

“What on earth?”

“A basket.”

“Yes, Tad, I see that. Who left it here?” He immediately thought of the wagon that had awoken him. “Why didn’t they knock? I’ve been home since nightfall.”

Tad crept closer, lifted a corner of the cloth covering the contents, and jumped back like there was a snake inside. “Baby!” Tad yelled.

“Don’t play games, Tad. Tell me what’s…” James didn’t jump away, though he wanted to. “Merciful heavens, there’s a baby in here.”

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087HVXHG9

Author bio:

Award-winning, multi-published author Tracy Garrett published her first book in 2007. An accomplished musician, she is the Director of the Greater Lake Area Chorale, a group of sixty volunteer singers. Tracy and her husband share their love of the old West through Cowboy Action Shooting as members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). Tracy resides in Missouri with her husband and their fuzzy “kid,” Wrigley.

REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY

Title: Revenge, the Cowboy Way

Author: P.A. Estelle

Publisher: The Rooster & The Pig Publishing

Date of publication: April 14, 2014

Excerpt:

Joanna busied herself by cleaning a big black kettle in the corner. She hung it by the handle and swung it over the fire. Then began the arduous task of filling it, one rain-filled bucket at a time. It was getting later in the day, and the rain still hadn’t let up at all. She was feeding the fire when Brian finally returned.

She jumped up and ran to help him take off his slicker. His hands were like ice and his lips were blue. His teeth were chattering so hard, he couldn’t talk. “Get over here by the fire. We need to get these clothes off right now before you freeze to death!” Her energy was zapped just undressing him. She wrapped blankets around him and laid him by the fire. He was asleep instantly.

He had brought in two burlap bags. Inside one were two rabbits and inside the other were vegetables and coffee. How did he come by these?  Remembering when Brian had shown her how to clean a rabbit, she set to work doing just that. She cut the meat into chunks, dropping them into the water, and then cut up the vegetables. It would take a long time for the rabbit to be eatable, but at least Pappy would have some broth when he woke next. She also found some tin cups and made herself a cup of coffee.

Joanna sat up long into the night, drinking coffee, leaning against the wall by the fireplace. She watched Brian sleep. She finally admitted it. She loved this man. She also knew he would never return her love. Should she leave? Should she stay with Pappy for as long as he would have her? At least she would be able to see Brian. Could she live that way, seeing him with other women—maybe marrying someone else? No, she couldn’t.

And what about Pappy? Since her grandfather had died, this was the one man she could trust completely, and she had come to love this gentle old soul. It was like a stab in her heart to see the two men she loved, lying on the floor, so still and vulnerable. How infinitely sad she felt! Everything in the world she wanted was right here, in this broken down shack, yet nothing was in reach.

“Joanna…”

She never hesitated, just went to Brian, hungry for his embrace, weeping quietly against his shoulder.

* * * *

Buy Links:

Rooster and Pig Publishing -  http://www.roosterandpigpublishing.com/new-releases

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Cowboy-Way-P-Estelle-ebook/dp/B00JPK70QS
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revenge-the-cowboy-way-p-a-estelle/1119235016

Book trailer - http://animoto.com/play/ZBbPWcCUkv9LGle1xtdcVw

Hi everybody!  Revenge, The Cowboy Way was written forty years ago.  I was in my early twenties and a new mother, also.  I read a few steamy romances and figured – “I can do this!”  I used my electric Brothers Typewriter and started in.  Five years later I was done and sure it was the “Great American Novel”.  I sent out a few queries, certain publishing companies would be fighting over my book, but to my surprise I received three, Thanks, but no thanks, responses.  I boxed it up and it has lived in my closet until about a year ago. It was such pathetic writing. LOL. I took it out and did LOTS of editing and polishing.  I was so excited when R&P offered me a contract.

I retired from public school five years ago.  I was the principal’s secretary!  I also write for the tween age kiddos.  How could I not, after gathering material for twenty-one years in the elementary scene?

To find out more about my books and/or me please visit the following links.  I love visitors and comments.

www.pennystales.com

www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://twitter.com/Pennystales

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle

http://www.facebook.com/pennystales

http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=82


If I get a few comments, I will draw a name and send that person a PDF copy of Revenge, The Cowboy Way. Be sure and leave an email address! Thanks for stopping!

MEET MARSHA WARD, AUTHOR OF SPINSTER'S FOLLY

Today I am excited to welcome Marsha Ward, author of the NEW Western family saga Spinster's Folly, now on blog tour.  

I love the title of your new book!  Marsha, please tell us about Spinster's Folly:

Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely than wedded bliss. Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family. Marie's mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers.

This fourth book in the Owen Family Saga is infused with potent heart and intense grit.

We've asked Marsha to interview her character, Marie:

* Way back in 2009, some of my characters began to visit me, and I established a blog entitled The Characters in Marsha’s Head, just so I could publish a record of our encounters.

First, some of the Owen boys came by, having slipped under the rainbow during a storm. We had a nice visit. Then their sister Marie knocked on the door in August, encouraging me to begin the book that would help her move on with her life. That, of course, is my newly-published novel, Spinster's Folly. I guess Marie came by the other day to check on the progress, because even though I've moved since her visit, she found me. It was after nightfall when I heard footsteps outside on the ramp up to my deck, and after a moment or two, I heard a rapping on the door. When I opened it, my security light came on and I knew Marie instantly, but I didn't recognize her clothing. It was nothing like what she'd worn before.

ME (flabbergasted to see her): Darling Marie! Come in, come in!

MARIE (Hiding her eyes from the bright light with her hand, then peering over her shoulder.): I have to hurry. I can't stay long.

ME: Whyever not? Let me just move these books off the chair. Sit down. What can I get you to eat or drink? (I move a pile of Civil War reference books onto the floor.)

MARIE (Moving hesitantly into the room, her hand still in front of her eyes.): I can't be gone long. He'll find out.

ME: Sit down, dear. (I feel my brow furrowing.) Who is "he"? You seem frightened.

(MARIE finally lowers her hand. We're both still standing.): Truth to tell, I am frightened, more than I've ever been.

ME (Gasping as I digest the fact that her face is mottled and colored with bruises.): What happened? Who's been beating you? Not your Pa!

MARIE: No, not Pa. He would never—

ME (Grabbing hold of her arms.): Who did this? He won't get away with it!

MARIE (Face crumpling.): I thought he loved me.

ME (Mumbling strong words under my breath.): I'll get a cold cloth.

MARIE: No. I can bear the pain a tad bit longer, if you'll just finish my book.

ME (Closing my mouth that's fallen open from amazement.): (Silence.)

MARIE: Please. (Her voice quivers, on the verge of losing control.)

ME: I'm-- I'm doing a final edit. It won't take lo—

MARIE: Now! You've got to publish it as soon as may be!

ME (Sinking into my chair.): Or . . . ?

MARIE: I'm obliged to stay in his power until folks can read the words. He won't release me until then. (She collapses into the chair beside mine.)

ME (My mouth is gaping open again. I close it with difficulty, knowing who "he" is, and what she's been through.)

MARIE: Please, Mom! (She's sobbing hysterically.)

ME (Shaken): I had no idea. I— Some folks have read it. At least they've read the first draft. They said lovely things about it.

MARIE (Looking at me through teary eyes.): That must account for how I was able to get away for a spell. (She sniffs, somewhat less bereft.)

ME (Digging out a tissue and handing it to her. On second thought, I give her the entire box.): I'll get a hold of Linda on Monday. Tuesday at the latest.

MARIE: Who is Linda? (She blows her nose and drops the tissue into the waste basket beside her chair.)

ME: She's the very helpful lady who will arrange my words all pretty for the inside of the book. Can you hold out until she's finished with it?

MARIE (Blowing her nose again.): I'll venture to do it, Mom. Ask her to hurry, please.

ME: You hang on! I'll get a hold of Deirdra and we'll figure out what to put on the back cover, too.

MARIE (Brightening a bit.): Some of them lovely things the folks said?

ME: You may be sure of that!

MARIE (Letting out a gusty sigh and dabbing at her eyes.): It won't take long?

ME: Oh sweetie, we'll go as fast as we can! I promise you, as soon as Spinster's Folly is published, he won't be a-worryin' you no more.

MARIE (Slightly chuckling.): You sound like Ma. (Sniffs)

ME: You'll see her soon. It will be a favorable reunion. I promise.

MARIE: It makes my heart glad to hear that. (She suddenly turns her face toward the door.) Did you hear that? I'm obliged to leave! (She gets up and kisses me on the cheek.) Mind you, hurry! (She's out of my arms, out the door, and running off my deck before I can move a muscle.)

ME (My shoulders slump.): Oh my gosh! (I try to get my mind around the idea that characters remain in dire situations until their books are published. I turn to the laptop.) Oh my gosh. (I look at the words swimming before me through my tears.) I promise you won't be in pain very long. (My voice is hushed. I had no idea!)

*This is a work of fiction. I don't really talk to time-traveling characters from my novels. I do like them a lot, though, and am glad they pass under the rainbow from time to time to visit me in my own place and era.

I’m very gratified to announce that Marie has been able to escape her dire situation, due to the release of her story, Spinster’s Folly, on November 10th.

Marsha, please tell us a bit about yourself: 

Marsha Ward is an award-winning poet, writer and editor whose published work includes four novels in The Owen Family Saga: The Man from Shenandoah, Ride to Raton, Trail of Storms, and Spinster’s Folly; and over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She also is a workshop presenter and writing teacher.

Marsha, thanks so much for being here on Actually Alethea today!  Readers can find Spinster's Folly at these locations:

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marshaward

http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-Ward/e/B003RB9P9Q/

Read more about Marsha Ward at: 

Website:  http://marshaward.com  

Author Blog:  http://marshaward.blogspot.com 

Character Blog:  http://charactersinmarshashead.blogspot.com  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authormarshaward 

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/MarshaWard  

Promoting Your Novel — With a Little Help From New Friends

     Wasting time on Facebook while waiting for my next blog post topic to emerge from the murky depths of consciousness, I happened upon the Western Historical Romance Book Club. 

      I had been trying to find new ways to promote Willow Vale.  The effects of the first flush of publicity for the novel seemed to be fading.  I tried Facebook, both personal and author pages, and then Twitter.  I joined two Twitter re-tweet groups, with negligible results.  A few members were faithful re-tweeters of my message; others were beyond casual in their approach.  After they added their Tweet to the main document so that it was sent out every day by the other members of the group, they were never heard from again.  And then there were the writers of erotica, whose explicit messages I felt I could not send out from my account.  And I wondered if I really wanted my message sent out from their accounts: Would it look to people who received their messages that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing – or else that I was so desperate I would try enticing erotica fans to read my Western historical novel? 

      So it was with keen interest I read a post on the Western Historical Romance group’s page.  A new writer wanted to know how to get the word out about his novel, without having to spend a lot of money.  Readers loved his book, and his reviews were good.  But his sales weren’t great and he suspected it was because he was the only one doing any promotion, and he didn’t know what he was doing.

      The answers came from some of genre fiction’s heavy hitters, and it was a revelation to me how generous these writers are with good advice.

      The first answer, from a writer of fifteen novels in three genres, was simply to blog.  Then she offered the man looking for exposure for his novel one of two open spots on her own blog!

      Jacquie Rogers, who writes romance in three sub-genres, recommends the grass roots approach.  She said “just making yourself available to sign will often sell books.”  Besides appearances at organizations where members might be readers of her books, she sold some at McDonalds when her grandson told his friend that she was a writer, and his friend told his mom.  Jacquie has two helpful books on promoting available on Kindle, on building your author platform and growing your audience.

      Meg Mims, Western historical suspense author, recommends Goodreads.  I usually have a giveaway of Willow Vale at least once a month on Goodreads, and just recently joined a few book groups on that site.  I’ve gotten unsolicited 5-star ratings and reviews there, and am happy with the results.

      Kathleen Rice Adams, author of Western historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense, advised writing and speaking “outside the book.”  In other words, besides offering your novel to the usual review sites and bloggers, write for history blogs about what interesting topics your research has uncovered.  She says to speak to historical societies, book clubs, special interest groups related to your book, and libraries — but not to “relentlessly flog the book.”  If potential readers get to know you and trust your research, they’ll buy your book.

      Debra Parmley adds that, ultimately, the book must sell itself.  She says reviews are all well and good, but that she judges a book by its excerpts.  Readers need a “taste of your writing” in order to decide if they like strawberry, butter pecan, or in Debra’s case and mine, Western historical romance.