Wednesday, May 28, 2014

WARNING: A RANT ABOUT TO COMMENCE. PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Bullying is everywhere, it seems, but it has more than trickled into the Indie world of publishing. I talked a couple weeks ago about Indie vs. Traditional publishing and the prejudice existing against indies in some circles. But there is another issue, and that's the bullying that takes place WITHIN the indie world. 

A few months ago, I saw the issue first with another indie author who was quitting the publishing world because of bullies who were tearing about her work and talent as an author. At that time, I posted a good long rant on my author FB page, and I was so sad to see this happening. Now another author has brought it out into the light, a friend of mine, T.E. Ridener. You can check out her blog entry here (If profanity offends you, this article does have light cursing in it - just wanted to give you the heads up :) )




I'm a mom, so I'm going to say this in the best mommy voice I have to those doing this: CUT IT OUT! 


Listen, everyone is cool enough to be at this party. As I've mentioned before, the Indie community is a small one, and mostly, a close one. What's happening doesn't help the community out, it hurts it. And that is not cool.

Writers, we are a unique bunch. We are the ones that were picked on in school, we were the ones that didn't hang out in the cool crowds, and we know how that feels to not fit in. So why oh why are we doing it to one another now? Does it accomplish anything at all? 


Readers, please don't get the wrong idea about us indies. For the most part, it is a supportive group, the kind that reaches out to others, gives 'em that little push when the doubts get the better of them, and trust me, doubts get the better of every author. 

And if you are one of those that have been singled out by someone else, don't give up. Don't give in. You have a voice and it is as gifted as anyone else's. And ... 


When phrases like "You should die" are put out there because someone didn't agree with the writing, it's easier said then done to ignore it, but maybe us authors need to look at it another way. We write to evoke emotion, a response, to get people to hear what those voices in our heads are saying. That strong of a reaction, as misguided and just plain mean as it is, is a reaction. So keep writing - don't let the few destroy your creativity for the larger group. Listen to those who have reached out to you in the past with encouragement and support - they are the ones that matter. 

And the rest of this - IT NEEDS TO STOP. I can't say that loud or strong enough. We are better than this, or if not, we should be. Because the thing is, we don't have all agree about the political environment or religious views, or even if your socks are as cool as my socks. I have wonderful writing friends that don't write what I write, or belief what I belief, or come from where I come from. And that's okay. Because without their support and guidance, regardless of these other things, I wouldn't be where I am today. And that's the truth.

So pick your balls back up, and let's get back out there in the field. Play nice, and have fun!

My love to you all :)





Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Ebook vs. Paper

Changes are in the air and have been for a while now. The printed books as slowly being replaced by digital, and is single-handedly changing the landscape of publishing. Bookstore giants, like Barnes & Noble and Borders are struggling to stay in business ... and losing. Where bookstores used to be a staple in places like malls and main street corners, now they are hard to find.



Now, when we want to buy a book, we go online to giants like Amazon and purchase a digital copy, sit with our laptop or Kindle or phone, and read.

Is that a bad thing? Is it good?

That's a tough call for me, personally. I think it's wonderful in some aspects - less trees being cut down for paper, printing costs  cut to the bare minimum of on-demand status, hundreds of books can be stored digitally on one device instead of lining the walls in bookcases. 

And yet ...

I remember, as a child, the excitement of school shopping and the bookstore being a treat to the bore of picking out clothes - being able to go inside and look at all the titles, pick through them, reading the back covers, the smell. It's a special smell bookstores have, isn't it?

In an age where kids spend more time on digital devices (and we adults do too, don't we?) than running around in the backyard and playdates have replaced knocking on the neighbor's door, does reading on a lit screen encourage their dependency on the devices? Or does it really matter - they are reading, at least, right?

For me as a mother, and someone who still likes the feel of holding the book in my hands, this is a tough call. Admittedly, I am published on Kindle, Nook and Kobo, and have, by far, sold more copies digitally than in print. The digital age of books has opened doors to authors like never before, and mostly for the better, I think. But I still don't own a Kindle. I do read some ebooks now, mostly for reviews. But when I want to read for pleasure, I still prefer to turn off the computer I am on so very often, lean against a pillow and hold that printed paper in my hand.

What are your thoughts?

Monday, May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day!

Good morning everyone and Happy Memorial Day! If you live here in the United States, it is a day off of work, and school, a day of barbecues and celebrating the unofficial start to summer.

And should be a day of a least a moment of reflection to remember all the men and women in various branches of the armed forces. To remember all those who have fallen.

Whether you agree with wars they have fought, let's not take away from the role they play. They fight because they love their county, they fight for freedoms many don't enjoy, and they fight for the safety of others.

This is not a day to take a political stand, but to say "thank you", for their sacrifices and the sacrifices made by their families.

So Happy Memorial Day! And THANK YOU!


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Deal Saturday

It's Saturday again, and if you are here in the US, it's also a long weekend. So what better time to stock up on a couple new books to read? Here's a couple deals on Amazon today:




ONLY $0.99 on Amazon!
Loyalty's Web
by Joyce DiPastena



Heléne de Laurant has not forgotten how the Earl of Gunthar destroyed her father’s castle during Henry II’s war with his sons. Apparently neither have her family and friends, for when someone tries to murder Gunthar, every sign points in their direction. Heléne realizes the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. 

As Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor, fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction. Heléne must race against time, and dark secrets of the past, to unmask the would-be killer before the kingdom plunges back into war and takes the life of the man she has unexpectedly learned to love.



ONLY $0.99 on Amazon!
Illuminations of the Heart
by Joyce DiPastena

Siri de Calendri was trained in the art of illumination in her brother’s workshop in 12th century Venice, but when her brother dies his will sends her far from home. Siri travels to the faraway county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Triston de Brielle. Once settled, she hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop— until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss. 

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife's shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri's face, all he sees is Clothilde. 

Then Triston's past returns to threaten them both. Trapped between the rivalry of the king's sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint, but can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone? 

"Illuminations of the Heart" continues the story of Triston de Brielle from "Loyalty's Web."


ENJOY, and Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Traditional vs. Indie - Does it really matter?

I'm afraid I'm going to find my soap box here for a moment, but I hope you understand.

A conversation I see a bit too much on the web is the one that pits traditional writers against indies. Which one deserves the title of "author"?

An article I read not too long ago stated that too many people are tacking the "author" title onto their names. The article nearly compared (and this was my take on it) including the title of author without being traditionally published was akin to buying a PhD as opposed to earning it.

All I can say is ... really?

I admit, most of the authors I read are traditionally published authors - Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, Nelson DeMille. But this isn't a reflection on my thoughts about indie authors. After all, I'm one of them. And since becoming a published author, I've been blessed to meet many others. They are wonderful, talented people. Authors who I would have never found had I not started this journey. And I've learned a few things.

I'll share these with you.

One - Indies are VERY serious about their craft. The majority of them, myself included, spend countless hours writing, revising, editing, proofing their work. They are not people who type out a certain number of words and click the "publish" button. At least, not most of them. There might be some out there so careless, but honestly, I haven't met one yet.

Two - They are not in the business of cheapening fiction. This is not what they want to do. These people are creative, talented, unique individuals who have a voice, and should you listen, you may be surprised just how beautiful that voice is.

Three - Like traditionally published authors,each indie has a different strength. Think of those traditionally published authors I mentioned. Stephen King - he's fabulous with long descriptions and masters the art of thrilling the reader like few others. Even if you don't like his work, there is no denying the man is a true master of his art. Danielle Steel - she is a master of the love story, taking you on a journey of two people falling in love, and focusing on that love story. Danielle Steel can't write what Stephen King does, and Stephen King can't write what Danielle Steel does. Different strengths. It's the same within the indie community.

Four: Like traditionally published authors, what I like in an indie may not be what you like. And that's okay. As large as an audience Nicholas Sparks has, he is not everyone's cup of tea. Just check out the reviews. Even his blockbusters (thinking The Notebook here) received a wide range of 1 to 5 star reviews. It's the same with indies. Why should it be different?

You know what the real difference is between indies and traditionally published authors is? Indies are out there alone, not only writing (which is a solitary experience anyway), but marketing, networking, connecting without any help whatsoever (unless they have a rich uncle  - I venture to guess most don't). Indies don't have the help of agents, publishing houses or anyone else working hard to get the books out there. No paid advertising, no editor waiting on the sidelines. Every thing the indie does, comes out of their pocket, their time, their efforts. Every single dime spent in effort to get the business side of publishing, they have to spend up front to make the book get to the audience.

That does deserve some respect.

But don't be fooled, because as tides turn, traditional published authors are having to do some of the same things. Marketing is falling into the author's lap, no matter what path they decide to take, unless they are well known. And indies are dominating the Amazon boards. That accounts for a lot, in my humble opinion.

So don't disregard those indies. They are a special group of people, and yes, they very much deserve the title of "author". Not every book may be a bestseller, no, but then, most authors can't lay claim to that. And every author, rather their name is Nora Roberts or, someone around the corner from you, learns to be better with every book they write.

Simply enjoy them all. They deserve the support :)

Monday, May 19, 2014

Featured Book and a Service Announcement

Good morning all, and hope you had a great weekend! We have a new featured book today, Aundry by Shanna Hatfield. Hope you head over to the Feature Book page to check her out.



Oh, and that service announcement? Well, it's exciting new thing we'll be doing here soon.


Starting in June, Sweetly Clean Romances will also be having blog tours. For you non-authors out there, this means that new releases will have a home here. You'll have a chance to see what's coming out by who, and even have a chance to win giveaways. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Deal Saturday 5/17/2014

It's Deal Saturday here, which means I'm sharing some great deals on romantic reads so you can stock up for the weekend. Here's what I have to share today:

Hope's Watch

by Donna Weaver
***FREE on Amazon***
http://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Watch-Safe-Harbors-Story-ebook/dp/B00HOUC29Q/

Elle Reinhardt loves people and has a gift for turning groups of strangers into friends. When she talks her best friend Lyn into taking a month-long Pacific cruise, Elle is in her element, gathering fellow passengers to her. But things go horribly wrong when a ship excursion ends in death and disaster at the hands of modern-day pirates.

Filled with her own emotional wounds from the experience, Elle tries desperately to buoy up the grieving loved ones as they wait for news on those lost at sea. Malcolm Armstrong, friend of one of the missing men, arrives to act as family spokesman. Elle knows it’s unreasonable, but she resents his presence. When Mal offers the strength she so desperately needs, will she be able to let go of her animosity and accept his support?

This ebook-exclusive short story includes special excerpts from both A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas (coming June 16, 2014).


Friday, May 16, 2014

Excerpt Friday

On Fridays, I share excerpts from Clean Authors. Today, the excerpt is from Jo Grafford's Breaking Ties:

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"You want my help." 'Twas an accusation.

"Aye."

His eyes darkened. "I save your life. I give gifts. I offer marriage." He closed the remaining distance between us, his eyes burning into mine.

I stumbled back.

"You give nothing in return," he snarled. "You only ask for more."

"I would had I something to offer," I whispered. "But I have nothing. I am nothing."

"Then what use are you to me?" He wheeled away.

I sagged against the door, eyes stinging. I blinked rapidly and pressed a hand to my stomach. Nausea rolled at the thought of informing the others of my failure.

Manteo circled the cabin like a hawk stalking its prey. 'Twas a fine room with ornately carved shelves lining one wall. Bunks were built into the next wall. A generous desk jutted from the third, overflowing with maps and navigational devices. I recognized the compass and hourglass but could not identify the other instruments. I jerked in surprise when Manteo swooped down upon me.

"I know our location." His arms shot out and slapped the wall on either side of me, hemming me to the door. "I could swim ashore from here."

"Then why do ye stay if ye can leave and save yourself?"

"Governor White gave his word to deliver me home."

"We are going to starve, Manteo. 'Tis only a matter of days now."

"Nay. You alone starve. The others eat."

"I have no appetite."

"You act as one already dead."

I straightened my back. "I accept what I cannot change."

"And I change what I cannot accept." He shifted his weight to the wall, one arm propped over my head. He drew his fingertips down the side of my face in a feather-light caress.

I closed my eyes against the rush of unbearable sweetness. He made me long for things forbidden. "'Tis within your power to help us. I am begging you."

"Very well."

My eyes flew open. "Ye will do this for us."

"For you." His voice was silken, his features as hard as granite.

I smiled tremulously. "I thank thee, Manteo. Chief Manteo, that is." The new title felt strange on my lips. I beheld him with a mixture of awe and pride.

"I have yet to name my price."

I stared, confused.

He grunted in disgust. "You refuse me as both husband and lover, so you are left with the hiring of my services."

I worried my lower lip between my teeth. At least he was willing to negotiate. His eyes flashed with lust as he followed my movements.

"I will entreat the Dares for payment."

"Nay. You are the one in my debt."

I raised and dropped my hands helplessly.

"You serve this company, no? You can serve my people, too."

"Ye would hire me as clerk?" Hope leaped in my chest at the possibilities. I would not have to part from him so soon.

"My people have no clerks." His eyes narrowed. "We have slaves."

My breath hitched. "Ye wish to punish me, humiliate me?"

"Nay, I only wish to marry you."

I briefly closed my eyes against the pain. He already knew the reason for my refusal.

"Rose."

"Say no more. I will do it. 'Twill be punishment enough to see you so often and—“ I clamped my lips.

Exultation flickered briefly across his face. "You would give up your freedom to save your friends?"

"Without question."

"Swear it," he said grimly.

"I swear it."

His eyes flared with emotion. He bent slowly 'til his breath stirred my lips. My eyelids fluttered closed. Heaven help me, for I had no will left to resist him.

"Now you will eat," Manteo commanded hoarsely. He stepped back, surveying me from head to feet.

"Eat?"

"I have no slaves so thin and weak. Go. Collect your rations." He turned from me and bent to pore over a map on the table.

I reached for the door handle, disbelieving at the curt dismissal.

"And send for Anthony. I have need of him."

I glared at his back. Faith, should I press my face to the floor as well? "Aye, master." I bit the words out and fled.

We have another excerpt from Mary Ball's Stone of Destiny:


The sun shined through the lace curtains hanging in the guest room. Taylor woke to the sound of the door chimes clanging throughout the house. “It’s too early!” she complained, groaning. Sitting up in bed, she rubbed her face, and reality hit. It must be seven o’clock. Taylor gritted her teeth and tossed the comforter off her body.
On her way out of the room, she grabbed her purple robe and slipped it on, complaining to herself, “The most big-headed contractor around.” The day hasn’t even started, and I have to deal with the likes of him.
Brent waited, fingers tapping impatiently on the frame, as she swung the door open. His vision boldly traveled the length of her legs and lingered on the clumsy tie holding her satin robe together.
Taylor bit her lower lip. The gall of this man!
Quickly, she chastised herself. Tomorrow morning I will be up and dressed before he arrives.
“Well, I see you’re on time. I’ll dress and leave you to your plans.”
Brent tossed his head sideways. He made an exaggerated point of looking her body up and down once more. “Don’t hurry on my account.” He stifled a grin. “I’ve always found silk appealing on a lady, and you wear it very well, Ms. Harrison.”
Taylor’s pulse raced. Her mouth flew open to speak.
The thought of her grandmother stopped her. The words she wanted to express—about the kind of man she believed him to be—would wait. She needed to put on some clothes.
If only she could tell him to leave and never come back. Determined to convince her grandmother to hire someone else, she whirled around and trudged toward the guest room.


I hope you enjoyed them both! 

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Looking for Kindle Deals?

If you are looking for Kindle Deals - and hey, discounted and free books, who doesn't want that? - I know of some great sites where you can find them:

Of course, our very own sister site, Love Romantic Reads. The sign up form is in the left column to receive the newsletters, or you can simply go to the site here. Love Romantic Reads features romantic stories, mostly clean or inspirational, occasionally a book that is a little spicer without being graphic.

If you are looking for all kinds of romance, in every subgenre with all kinds of heat levels, you can go to Book Worms. They have two great homes on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/theloveofagoodbook



https://www.facebook.com/book.worms.583?fref=ts&ref=br_tf




And, if you are looking to take a break from romance, you can just about anything else at Stalking the Bookshelves: 

https://www.facebook.com/StalkingtheBookshelves

Hope this helps you - there's no such thing as ever having too many books to read, we just have to find them, right? ;)

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

The Olive Branch

This week's blog article for authors, mostly. Sorry about that, but I wanted to share :)

Back a few years ago, when I was still reader and not a publicized author, I never would have imagined how tight-knit the writing community is. I never would have thought authors support one another, help one another, try to find sales for one another.

Being an ex-business owner, I would have thought there was competition - you know, the kind that says, "I have to sell more than you."

It's not like that. At least not in indie circles. 

The thing is, if you are a budding author, you NEED the support of authors in every stage of their career. You need the authors that are in the same stages you are in, so you can grow together and challenge one another. You need the ones that have already found success in writing, so you can learn from them, aspire to the success they've had. Not because you HAVE to reach it, but because those goals, they keep you typing on the bad days. You need the ones just starting, so you can reach back and pay it forward. 

You need them because they understand you, the writing part of you, better than anyone else possibly can. To them, you don't sound crazy when you talk about characters like they are real people, or when you cry because you have to kill one of them for the sake of the story. 

Reaching out the olive branch, to start with, may seem difficult. But there's a great place to start, the place I started, and recommend to everyone who asks. 

If you are looking for a place to go, a place to get answers for questions, chat with authors and learn? You want to visit AgentQueryConnect.com

For me, I met my critique partner there, who later became my editor and friend, and partner in writing things. I learned how to start out, got a good base underneath me to move forward. Do I go there anymore? No, not much. Not because I don't want to, but because time is limited. But I still tell everyone, start your journey there. You won't regret it!


Monday, May 12, 2014

Newsletter Launched!

Good morning everyone! It's an exciting Monday here - our sister site, Love Romantic Reads, launched the first Kindle Bargain Book Newsletter. Admittedly, it's a small start, but every journey begins with the first step, and so it is.


If you haven't signed up for the mailing list, you can always do so. I included the sign up form here just a couple days ago, and will work later today in getting it posted on the sidebars so you can always find it easily. You can also always visit the site, and some of the deals I will also be sharing on our Facebook page, so make sure you follow that as well. 

Thank you for coming on board, for being patient through the growing pains and showing your support to all the awesome authors who join us. 

I have to cut this short today for a day of appointments and other things, but I'll be back tomorrow for Article Tuesday, and more featured books, and a review, will be posted this week. 

Have an awesome Monday!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day and Featured Book

Good morning everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there. Hope your weekend is looking something like this:


On Sundays, it's Inspirational Romance day around here, and today I'm featuring a book by Heather Gray, Just Dessert, so make sure to head over to the Featured Book tab and learn more!

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Daily Kindle Deals - Coming to you from Love Romantic Reads!

Starting Monday, 5/12/2014, our sister site, Love Romantic Reads, will be posting Kindle bargain and free books. While it is still in the beta stages, some books are already scheduled for Monday. That's right! Kindle deals for the kind of romantic reads you love are going to be coming daily! You can even sign up to receive the deals in your inbox:



Subscribe to our mailing list

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I hope you are as excited about this as I am!

Today's Featured and Giveaway book

Today's Feature book is Darcy Flynn's "Rogue's Son". (Hint: Go over to our Facebook page and enter the giveaway at the top for your chance to win it!)


Here's what it's about: 

Tough, driven Kit Kendall has replaced her frills and dresses with no nonsense haircuts and wranglers, years ago. As owner of Sage Brush, the once thriving west Texas bed and breakfast ranch, she now struggles daily to keep her business afloat. Since McCabe Resort Lodge reopened next door as a multi-million dollar hotel, her financial difficulties compound, as she suffers one cancellation after another.

Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, Kit’s childhood sweetheart turned nemesis returns as the new owner of the resort that’s now putting her out of business, resurrecting memories she thought she’d buried long ago.

Cowboy, entrepreneur Sam Dawson has returned to Sugar Creek, Texas after six years of exile with a secret that could destroy Kit’s happiness. He left town because of it and for the past two years has secretly tried to make it right. Having failed, he now returns to make one last attempt to undo the tangled web created by his father.

Set in motion by his father’s Last Will and Testament and with the clock ticking, Sam has only weeks to convince Kit to sell him her ranch or reveal the truth that will break her heart.

Head over to the feature page to read an excerpt and catch all of Darcy Flynn's links.

And then go to the FB page and enter to win!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Hope for Dreams

I was reading an article in the Huffington Post about a woman who, after a terrible accident, spent a good deal of time in the hospital. Reading some books and about the authors who wrote them, the woman realized she, too, could write and publish a novel. Now, she's a bestselling author. 

You're mind is starting to see you a little like this, isn't it?



My confession? My story is similar. No major accidents or long hospital stays for me. But I was writing the upcoming novel, Veil of Secrecy, when I read about authors who were stay at home moms and on the brink of homelessness when they hit it big. And not that I was trying to "hit it big" (although it would be okay if I did LOL!), but I realized, these are regular, everyday woman (and men - don't want to exclude the guys here) who were finding their voices and connecting with an audience to tell the stories within. 

That doesn't mean it's easy. 

When I first started shopping MS's, I'll admit - and hang my head in shame - that I expected everyone would love my story as much I did and "The Call" would come quickly. Not only did it not come quickly, but it didn't come at all. Oh, I had a couple of agents request fulls, but "The Call" never came. And here's my other confession: As I now prepare that same MS for indie release, I understand why. It's tellie (cool made up word, isn't it?) and wordy. Thank goodness for the editing and revision process, and break, so I can now see why I never heard from an agent. 

The truth is, the road to publication is long and hard. Most authors spend more than the average full time work week writing, polishing, and re-polishing their work. After that, there's the marketing, which you need to read as "business" side of publishing. Very few just punch out a few words and hit the publish button (I'll touch on this more on next Tuesday Article). Being an author takes dedication, a strong work ethic, patience and a thick skin. Trust me, the thick skin is a necessity. But if you can do all this, and have a good story in your head that you're willing to take advice on how to make it even better (the editing and revision process in a nutshell), then you, too, can see those writing dreams become a reality. 

Then, you'll be this: 


To read the article in the Huffington Post, go here






Sunday, May 4, 2014

Yep, we're there too!

You may have noticed that we are on Facebook. We have lots of fun there, with book news, more tidbits about featured authors and books, and more! Come by, give a like and keep in touch with us all. Would love to have you!



Sweetly Clean Romances is now also on Twitter:

And, the Youtube Channel is built waiting it's first post. More to come about that very, VERY soon!

Until then, keep in touch everywhere we are, and thank you for joining us!



Today's Giveaway and Yesterday's Winners

Today's giveaway is for a copy of the book "Someone Always Loved Me" by Brooke Williams. I reviewed this book about a week ago, and it's definitely one you want to read. You can check out my review for it here.



Yesterday's giveaway was for a copy of RM Alexander's Matter of Choice, which was won by Kathy Heare Watts. Congratulations to her!

Matter of Choice is the feature book for today, and you can learn more about it here

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Today's Winner and the Next Giveaway

Congratulations to Jessica Watts for winning Woman of Honor by Nicole Zoltack!

Today's drawing is for Christi Corbett's Along the Way Home, an historical romance. Here's a little bit about it:


Along the Way Home
By Christi Corbett

Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father's mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia's elite society. 

Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he's eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation--he is in complete control. 

Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother's heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs--even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match. 

Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm.





Thursday, May 1, 2014

Winner of First Ebook Drawing and Giveaway for 5/1/2014

Congratulations to Sarah and Tim Albertson for winning our first day of giveaways! She won an ebook copy of Patricia Kiyono's The Samurai's Garden!


Today's giveaway is for a copy of Nicole Zoltack's Bloodlust. You can enter on the FB page: