Mattie's Pledge, Journey to Pleasant Prairie, Bk 2, by Jan Drexler

About Book

When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie's Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character you'll not soon forget.

ISBN 9780800726577

Publisher: Revell Publishers

Journey to Pleasant Prairie Series

Pub. Date: Sep 2016

pages 384

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bookstore

About Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband of thirty-four years and their two active dogs. She is the author of several novels, including Hannah's Choice.

Goodreads Author Page


My Thoughts

Mattie Schrock is always ready to move further westward to see the image she has created in her head as the her perfect destiny. Her father is moving the family to Indiana to meetup with other families with the desire to maintain their Amish faith.  They will be with friends like Mattie's dearest friend from her youth Jacob Yoder.

After joining Mattie's family and friends Jacob wishes more for him and Mattie which leads to a pledge she makes to not leave her family and Jacob.  But the pull is so strong to leave, especially after meeting a handsome sweet talking Englisher. 

Can Mattie keep her pledge?

I found Mattie to be very naïve of man.  In her case she needed to step back and look at the full picture but she was blinded by scenery. 

Thanks goodness for Godly men and their built in protectiveness of their family and friends.  God is the main character for these young people he knows the path they are to follow but Mattie was not always listening or chose to ignore HIM.

The story was not without hardship or adventure on their trek westward.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Revell/Netgalley for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

About Book

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.I highly A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.An arduous trek toward justice—or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family—even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

Recorded May 10, 2014

About Author

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the Romance Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous other awards and recognitions, Robin is the author of 70 novels/novellas. Her books have been translated into Dutch, French, and Chinese (to name a few).

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She and her husband  their home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon and Pinky the feline terror.

Join her on her Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher).

Website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com/

Twitter: @robinleehatcher

My Thoughts

Silver Matlock draws attention to herself by being a jilted bride. Her groom not only left her at the altar he also robbed her family blind. Now Silver draws even more attention to herself by hiring Jared Newman, a known bounty hunter to get her families money back before her parent's livelyhood is taken away. She makes things complicated for Jared by forcing him to take her along on the hunt to capture her no good groom and retain the money he stole. There was someting about Jared that made her feel much more than just safe. How could she be attracted to such such a man?

Jared had another agenda to attend to first, yet chose to withhold this bit of information from Silver. He could/should have sent her home but he liked having her with him which was a surprise to him. Besides she did pull her own weight under very dangerous conditions and terrain.

I took Silver as a strong willed character with strong views for the future of women.  I was impressed by Jared's character because he was not put off by Silver's views. This was due to the fact she dearly reminded him of his out spoken younger sister.

I enjoyed the fortitude the author created in Silver. We need to hear and read more about the strong women that helped build our country.  These women would not have made it if it weren't for men like Jared who helped women hang on to and speak out about their strong opinions and will.

I can just imagine a little or maybe alot of Robin in Silver's character.  ;)

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley/Zondervan for an honest review.

Stuck Together, Trouble in Texas Series, # 3 by Mary Connealy, Q&A with Author

About Book

When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there's going to be trouble in Texas! 

Now that she's settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel's saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention. 

Vince Yates earned the nickname "Invincible Vince" because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn't know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince's best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn't approve of how he's handling any of them.

With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.

Read Excerpt here.

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com
• 
  

Meet Mary: 

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Bethany House Q & A 

with Mary Connealy

1. Vince Yates is quite a different character from the others in the Trouble in Texas series—

wealthy and from the big city. How did you come up with his character when you usually 

have cowboys?

Vince Yates has money, but he doesn’t really use it for himself, or rather he doesn’t use it to make 

a comfortable life for himself. He mostly spends it to survive and to help anyone who needs it. 

Vince’s growing-up years were so comfortable, and yet because of a tyrannical father and his 

own rebellious streak, nothing about that comfortable, lavish life is a good memory for Vince. 

So he uses his money as a tool to make life better, but he doesn’t want the trappings of wealth 

because he associates that with unhappiness.

2. What is keeping Vince apart from Tina?

Vince has decided he will never marry. He’s got two parents who have caused him no end of 

trouble. His mother, with her society airs and her distant treatment of Vince, felt as though he 

was always doing wrong by her. He learned to be terrified of tears, which his mother could turn 

on like a faucet. And his father is just plain cruel. He wants Vince under his thumb, while Vince, 

who’s a lot like his father in that he’s strong-willed and doesn’t take orders very well, can’t live 

like that. 

So Vince is haunted by the idea that any child of his will grow up to be like his parents. He 

knows they were never happily married and were never very nice to him, and he can only see a 

marriage of his own that ends up the same way. He refuses to risk it.

3. What is keeping Tina apart from Vince?

Tina Cahill is a reformer. She’s chosen a mission field that is exactly twenty feet long—walking 

a picket line in front of the town’s saloon. She’s grown up with no parents, a critical aunt, and 

a brother who abandoned her. She’s as lonely as anyone in the world and almost desperate for 

love. The first time Vince looks deep in Tina’s eyes, kisses her, and then apologizes and runs, it 

crushes the longing heart she disguises with her mission—and her sense that she’s unloved, 

because the righteous are always persecuted. It’s like having blinders ripped away. She sees 

herself as being unloved her whole life and decides it has to be because of something in her. 

Having Vince reject her after one kiss is devastating, and she won’t risk giving him another 

chance.

4. How did you select the Palo Duro Canyon for your novel?

Mainly I needed a canyon. I wanted the book to be set in Texas just because Texas and Westerns 

go so perfectly together. I hadn’t done one there in a while, so it was time. But I wanted a canyon 

as the setting for Luke’s ranch—Luke Stone, the hero of Swept Away. I started looking for 

mountains in Texas, and there aren’t any really, so then I looked for rough land. I found this 

beautiful canyon and then discovered one of the biggest ranches in Texas was set right on top 

of it. The JA Ranch, owned by Charles Goodnight, who discovered the Goodnight-Loving Trail. 

Well, if Goodnight could run a ranch there, then so could I. I knew I’d found my setting.

5. What gave you the idea for the men who are the heroes of this series?

I was doing research for The Kincaid Brides series because the hero of Over the Edge, Seth 

Kincaid, had spent time in Andersonville Prison. While reading about the prison I found a 

group called the Regulators, a police force inside the prison. The more I read, the more 

fascinated I was by that place as I wondered about the men who’d survived it, and, even more so, 

the men who’d formed the Regulators and kept peace inside that wretched prison. Out of that 

curiosity, the Trouble in Texas heroes were born.

My Thoughts

Vince Yates has his hands full with his uncaring father coming to town with Vince's mother and sister in tow. He is also busy corralling the local firecracker Tina Cahill as she creates chaos in the view of the whole town. Now she insists on sticking her pretty little nose into his personal affairs.  He has begun to have these weird thoughts that if she wasn't always busy looking for trouble she might make someone, maybe even himself, a good wife. What could he be thinking, getting stuck with Tina? Could be a real adventure!

When you read one of Mary Connealy's books I gua-ran-tee there will be plenty action, romance and laughter. This book has all that and more. There are some very serious characters like Vince and Tina when put together they manage to turn into a couple like Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. Lethal yet hilarious.

They both have a powerful dedication to friends and family.  They believe in what is right and just. In all this is the makings of a solid foundation.

King James Bible, Mark 10:9

 "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley/Bethany House for an honest review.

Threads of Change, A Quilting Story, Book1 by Jodie Barrows

About Book

In 1856, the political unrest is growing in the South. Lucas Mailly gathers his granddaughters and sends them west by wagon with a handful of men to lead them.  He must stay behind to sell their beloved Riverton home and timber mill. The recently widowed Elizabeth Bromont doesn't want to disappoint her grandfather and pushes her own emotions aside to do what is expected. She takes charge of this band of women on their adventure across the frontier.

With every turn along the wagon trail, these cousins, filled with city social graces and charm must learn how to handle the hardships and heartaches they face. Elizabeth finds herself with an unexpected suitor-her deceased husband's best friend. Her sister, Megan, encourages her, while keeping a secret of her own. Abby and Emma, the Mississippi cousins that have journeyed west, peel away the emotional layers put there by their heavy-handed plantation owner father and mother.

On the road west, through wagon accidents, total exhaustion, raging storms and wild animals the small band of travelers learn about survival on the prairie and the individuals they need to become to survive.

Relieved to finally arrive at the abandoned military post at Fort Worth, Texas they begin the hard work of establishing a home.  The cousins help build schools and churches, and try to civilize the community with manners. Friendships are mended together around the quilting frame. But, they soon realize it that heartache has followed them. When their strength is put to the biggest test of all, they become true warriors of their heart, mind, and souls.

Published by: Moody Publisher
ISBN: 978-0-8024-0937-9
Publish date: June, 2013
Page Count: 224

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

Check out Threads of Home (A Quilting Story #2)

About Author

JODI BARROWS has spoken to quilting audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. The unique method that she teaches is called Square in a Square. Jodi has written twenty-four books, produced four tools, two video/dvds, five teacher books, and several fabric lines. Jodi has been commissioned to compose quilts for many state and national organizations as well as working with the Kansas Historical Society. Jodi was raised in southwest Kansas, has two grown sons, a granddaughter, and is married to Steve, her high school sweetheart. 

Visit  her blog/website http://squareinasquare.danemcoweb.com/blog/

My Thoughts

Lucas Mailly has made the the decision to sell his home and business in Louisiana in anticipation of the war between the North and the South.  He is making the move to Fort Worth. Texas.  Four of his granddaughters will be heading out ahead of him on a wagon train. Along with the girls will be some of his most trust worthy hired hands to protect his family and their belongings.  

The journey is not easy there are many dangers and mishaps including some bad weather before they reach there destination. What makes these women think they are ready for such a dangerous adventure into the Texas frontier. One of Lucas's granddaughters, Liz is recently a widow and the other three are single.  These young women are brave with a fortitude that amazes not only the hired hands but surprisingly themselves. They each are looking forward to building a new life which includes a mercantile, a dress shop and maybe even a husband.  

This was a real page turner for me.  There was lots and lots of action packed in this one book. I had to keep running my family out of the room so I could read.  I definitely enjoyed reading this story. The author gave these women some major backbones for sure. The love of family for this grandfather and his trust in God to protect his granddaughters was heartfelt.  This is what it took to settle in the Texas frontier. It was as if the author had been an eyewitness on this journey.  In this story is romance, adventure and so much more.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from MP Newsroom/Moody Publishers/River North for review.

A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by MELISSA JAGEARS

About Book

Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.

Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?

PDF Download here

• Where to purchase:  
• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com
• 
  

Meet Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. A Bride for Keeps is her first novel. 

Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.

My Thoughts

Everett Cline has been tricked by his close friend and neighbor.   His friend has sent for a mail order bride but his neighbor is married.  The bride evidently is for Everett.  This is not Everett's first attempt to marry a mail order bride and had no desire to try again.  But his friend thought otherwise and arranged for a mail order bride for Everett.  

Julia Lockwood had no idea her groom to be knew nothing about her or her arrival.  But when all comes to the surface Julia is determined to prove to Everett she was more than a pretty face. She would work hard and show him what a good, if not perfect, helpmate she could be for him. 

I enjoyed this story immensely and it's characters.  Everett and his lack of faith in actually claiming a bride. Julia was so determined and learned things she never believed she would ever have done in life.  Oh, how special it was to have such loyal and caring friends as their neighbors.
  
This was a  journey leading to a beautiful romance which grew in faith with God and his path for their future together. They learned to not only trust in each other but in God.  

The cover image caught my attention. Especially the expression on Julia's face.  I could not wait to read the book.  I was not disappointed. .

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.

Litfuse Tour ~ Swept Away ~ Trouble in Texas ~ Book 1, by Mary Connealy

About Swept Away

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

Where to buy: http://ow.ly/iwbMo  

Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/mconnealy 

About Mary

  

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

My Thoughts

After Ruthy MacNeil's parents died she was taken in by a neighboring family.  Since then she had become little more than a slave and had to learn to keep her distant from the family's son whom is now her brother and she has been promised to him in marriage.  Even at a young age she knew this was not right.  Now in her teens it is even harder for her to stay away her brother's advances and the iron rule and abuse from his parents.  They have decided to leave her home and theirs to move Westward.  As they cross a swift river that is swollen from rain the wagon she is driving is swept away along with her family.  She is found barely alive by Luke Stone and he takes her to the town nearest his ranch.  But keeps her with him at a friends home in town.

Luke has been away from his ranch for a long time.  His father is now deceased and Luke has come to claim his inheritance.  But there is a problem, his ranch has been taken over by a land grabbing rancher.  Several of Luke's friends have come to town to assist him in getting the ranch back.  

In the plans to take the ranch back they end up including Ruthy since she is just as handy with a gun and tracking as the he and his friends.  He finds himself wanting to protect her, especially from her own rash decisions.  Even though she sees herself as unattractive and undesirable to men Luke proves to her different, because he is very attracted to her.  Could there be love in the future for her and Luke?

 "Swept Away" is one those books you can't put down. The colorful characters, fast pace action adventure with romance, intrigue and let's not forget the author's great sense of humor will hold your attention until the very end of the book and have yearning for more.  I am so looking forward to reading "FIRED UP", the next book in this series to be released in September 2013.  I was glad to see this new series was related in a way to the author's series The Kincaid Brides. I always know that when I pick up a book by Mary Connealy I am going to be entertained beyond my expectations. 

The Kincaid Brides series

I highly recommend this book. 

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Betrayal ~ Where the Heart Lives #2 by Robin Lee Hatcher

About Book

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

Published by Zondervan
Publication Date: November 12, 2012
ISBN 13: 9780310258094

Where to buy:  Zondervan, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Robin

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. 

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

My Thoughts

Julia Grace was pushed into a marriage that was suppose to remove her from the disreputable occupation at which her mother worked .  Her mother wanted a respectable life for her daughter and so much more.  Julia's husband showed her no respect and often abused her even during her pregnancy.  She prayed for God's protection.  Then one day husband became ill and died unexpectedly.  This left her to run a cattle ranch by herself.
Her brother-in-law keeps  trying to convince her to sell him the ranch and for her to take the money and move on.  He even hired her ranch hands to work on his ranch leaving her without any help working her ranch.  But Julia is determined to keep the ranch.  It is the only real home she has ever had and it was rightfully hers.  

About a year after her husband's death, a stranger stops shows up at ranch wanting water for his injured horse and possibly a place to rest the horse until it has healed.  Hugh Brennan offered the beautiful young widow to work on the ranch in exchange for meals and a place to bunk in the barn.  He was a hard worker and saw what needed to be done and got busy getting it done.  If thought if he stayed busy hopefully it would keep his mind off Julia.  He knew she was keeping her distance from him.

The author kept my attention with this story of two broken souls that have more than God in common.  She also writes of secrets, betrayal, and a need for love and trust in oneself but most of all God.

This was a quick read mainly because I did not want to put the book down.  I just love when a book can grab me the way this book did.  My heart ached for all the trials and tribulations these two people had to endure to get to God's greater plan for their lives.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

A Texan's Honor (Heart of a Hero #2) by Shelley Gray Q&A, Review and Giveawy

About Shelley

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

Website: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Q&A with Shelley


What made you choose to write the series in this particular era?


I used to watch those old black and white western movies with my dad. I loved the good guys/the bad guys, and the heroines who were always in trouble! Since I grew up in Texas, writing historical westerns is a good fit for me, too. I live in Ohio now, so any chance I can get to go back to Texas makes me happy!

Why did you choose Christian Historical Fiction over Fantasy, Science Fiction or other genres?

Though I read just about any genre, I am a romance writer. That’s my favorite genre, and it’s the one I’m most comfortable in. I enjoy writing about my faith as well. For a Texan’s Honor, where so many of the characters had done lots of dangerous and ‘bad’ things, I loved showing how God’s word can help each of us.

Can you tell just a little about the next book in this series and when will it be published?


The next book, after A Texan’s Honor, is the last book in the trilogy, A Texan’s Choice. It’s Scout Proffitt’s story. Scout is a secondary character in A Texan’s Honor, and the younger, ‘missing’ brother of Clayton Proffitt, my very honorable hero from A Texan’s Promise. In A Texan’s Choice, Scout arrives at a ranch he won in a poker game to find Rosalie living on it. She’s got absolutely no where to go, and Scout is forced to offer her shelter. On the ranch, Scout is given a taste of what his life could be like if he dares to put his past behind him. But since he’s a notorious outlaw, it’s a difficult thing to do. I believe A Texan’s Choice will be out this fall.


JUST FOR FUN

Tell us something about yourself we might not know.


Well, one thing most people are surprised to find out about me is that I’m a pretty terrible housekeeper. I’d always rather be writing, or cooking. Or shopping…watching tv. I also have a little dachshund named Suzy that I’m very fond of. I keep threatening to go get a couple more wiener dogs…I’d like my own little barking herd. 

Do you have a muse?   Any special place that helps to get your writing juices flowing?

I am so thankful to have several contracts, which means that I’m almost constantly on deadlines. That seems to do the trick! I also have an office in our basement. It has no windows. I go down there every morning, and don’t stop writing until I get my page count done for the day.

What is choice of drink iced tea, hot tea, coffee black or w/cream, soda, etc.?

For most of the day, I drink coffee with creamer. But I am very fond of Diet Coke in a glass with ice. 

Are you more into blogging, tweeting or into Facebook?

Good question! I haven’t started ‘tweeting’ yet. I guess I like blogging the best, though I do enjoy Facebook. But all of that always comes after writing. I’d rather write than do just about anything else.

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: March 1st 2012 by Abingdon Press
ISBN 1426714637 (ISBN13: 9781426714634)
series Heart of a Hero #2


About book:

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang. But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if his cover is blown. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back.

My Thoughts

Will McMillan jumps a train with the Walton Gang with the intent to rob the train. They emptied the train of it's passengers with the exception of a few men and one woman. They normally would not have held a woman hostage but it was too late to set her free. Will did not like the idea of keeping the woman. She was being man handled by one of the gang when Will stepped in and removed her to another car out of harms way. The young woman was frightened almost to the point of hysterics. Things go wrong with the hold up and the gang start killing the men hostages. Will decided he needed to get this woman off the train and away from the gang.

There is another character in this book whom seems like a Billy the Kid type. He shows that even though he is a hired killer he has a tenderness about him. He does what he can to help Will get the woman off the train. 

This is an adventurous story with secrets, love, faith and honor. Will's character is quite the gentleman bandit. The young woman puts her trust in this stranger in hopes of staying alive. She later can't seem to help the fact that she is developing feelings for Will. 

When is it lie not a lie?  How would that hamper ones budding relationship?  You will have to read the book to find out.

I highly recommend this book.

I have rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I was provided a digital copy of this book from Abingdon Press via Netgalley.
 I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Giveaway 2/29-3/6:


Winner will be announce 3/7/2012.


Shelley has provided a copy of A Texan's Honor to giveaway.  


All you need to do is make a comment about the Q&A and the book.  Also with this comment leave your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner.


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GOOD LUCK!

Review: A Texan's Promise (Heart of a Hero #1) by Shelley Gray

About Shelley Gray:

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

Website:  http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com
Genre:  Religion & Spirituality, Romance, Literature & Fiction

About Book:

Past promises will be tested as new ones are given...

When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant crying in the barn late one night, he first thinks she’s gotten herself into another scrape. But when he spies the marks on her back and hears about her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must spirit Vanessa away to safety.
As they make their way west, it becomes apparent that there’s something special between Vanessa and Clayton— far more significant than mere friendship or his sense of duty. Unfortunately, also heading west are Vanessa’s brother Miles and her stepfather Price Venture. Price wants Vanessa back for obvious reasons; Miles wants to earn his stepfather’s respect. Eventually, unexpected confrontations reach a harrowing conclusion. As their family begins to heal, their journey and trials they've faced helps them realize their future is in God's guiding hands.

Same author as Shelley Shepard Gray.

To Read Chapter One Click Here


My Review:
Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, finds eighteen year old Vanessa Grant in the barn crying. After he gets a closer look at her he notices she has bruises and blood on her. She confides in him that the injuries were caused by her stepfather, Price Venture. In fear of Vanessa's well being Clayton convinces her it would be best if he take her away from her stepfather and her home to find a safe haven at his sister's home. Clayton is very aware that Price will not give up searching for her.

Clayton's character is definitely a hero and he is a take charge kind of man. I loved how protective he was over Vanessa and was a gentleman at all times. Clayton seems to be able to calm a situation that has gone out of control. He shares his love and belief in God to all who were willing listen.

Vanessa's character was needy and very naive. She had a crush on Clayton since he began working on the ranch when her father was still alive. Yet she had no one to protect her after her father died. Her mother and her older brother, Miles had their own problems with Price. But Vanessa was unaware that Clayton had made a promise to her father to protect her. She agreed to go away with Clayton to hide away from her stepfather. While on the trail to their destination there were trials they had to endure. In her journey she matures from a girl to a young woman falling in love with her hero. But does he just see her as a young girl?

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I purchased a copy of this book for my own personal use. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

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