Kristy McCaffrey's Blog: Author Kristy McCaffrey - Posts Tagged "patti-sherry-crews"
New Release!! A Cowboy To Keep Anthology.
By Kristy McCaffrey
A Cowboy To Keep is out!!
I'm pleased to be included in this fabulous collection of contemporary western romances, which includes my brand new long novella BLUE SAGE.
Available at Amazon for only 99 cents or free in Kindle Unlimited
Catch a cowboy … Keep a cowboy …
THE LEGEND OF BAD MOON RISING by Carra Copelin
Dinah Horne is in danger of losing herself. Leaving her friends and family for Dallas, Texas, she’s determined to make her mark. Unfortunately, the big city has other ideas. When her money runs out, she returns to her hometown and the man she can’t forget.
Ben Hammond is sheriff of the small community of McTiernan, Texas. Once he’s over the woman who stole his heart and shattered it, he decides to buy the Hard Luck Ranch and settle down. Problem is, odd things are happening that may be tied to the previous owners. As he begins his investigation into the past, he is faced with an even bigger problem—the reappearance of Dinah Horne.
CITY BOY, COUNTRY HEART by Andrea Downing
Rodeo star and rancher Chay Ridgway has left Wyoming to follow his girlfriend, K.C. Daniels, to New York. Leaving behind all he knows for a small bite of the Big Apple, Chay discovers the canyons of city streets may be too claustrophobic for this cowboy, especially when the trauma is compounded by the fact K.C.’s parents dislike him, their housemate is a harridan, friends are few, and the only job he can get is rounding up dinner plates.
As K.C. continues her two years of study for her Master’s degree, can she also keep a rein on Chay’s heart? Will this cowboy become a city boy, or will the wide-open spaces of Wyoming call his country heart home?
BLUE SAGE by Kristy McCaffrey
Braden Delaney has taken over the family cattle business after the death of his father, but faced with difficult financial decisions he contemplates selling a portion of the massive Delaney ranch holdings known as Whisper Rock, a place of unusual occurrences. The sudden appearance of a pretty relic-hunter while he’s collecting his livestock, however, is about to change his mind.
Archaeologist Audrey Driggs arrives in the remote wilderness of Northern Arizona searching for clues to a life-altering experience from her childhood. When she rolls off a mountain and lands at the feet of rugged cowboy Braden Delaney, it’s clear she needs his knowledge of the area to complete her quest. But if she tells him the truth, will he think she’s crazy?
Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.
THE DRIFTER’S KISS by Devon McKay
Addison Reed doesn’t want to believe her foreman and family friend is responsible for her missing stock, but the man isn’t making it easy. Hoping to prove he’s innocent, she follows him into a seedy bar and finds herself in a bigger mess…kissing a complete stranger.
Drifter Sawyer Dawson never settled anywhere for long. In fact, landing a job on a ranch as the new foreman fell into his lap, and he figured Montana was as good a place as any to settle down for a while. Of course, sticking around might have something to do with a sexy blonde with an affinity for kissing cowboys.
HER MAN by Hildie McQueen
When someone is murdered, it's definitely not a normal week in the usually quiet town of Lovely, Montana.
With the sheriff gone, deputy Mark Hunter had planned for another slow week at work, but when the first murder in twenty years happens, his past as a city detective comes to life. It’s no time to fall in love.
The last twenty-four hours have been hell. Between a fight with her ex that left her with a bruised face and now finding a dead man, Eliza Brock can barely keep it together. But despite the mess, she still manages to feel an undeniable attraction to the handsome deputy, and damn if she can’t resist him when he knocks on her door.
BORDER ROMANCE by Hebby Roman
Leticia Villarreal is lonely. Widowed for eight years, she keeps busy with her ranch and charity work, but they don’t fill the empty place in her heart. When she considers establishing a Quarter horse racing stable, her new endeavor reunites her with an old acquaintance and exposes her horses to danger.
John Clay Laidlaw, a handsome, self-assured, millionaire rancher, has been attracted to Leticia since high school. When he was young and first divorced, he tried to get Leticia to date him, but she didn’t like his arrogant and high-handed ways. Separated from his second wife, John Clay offers to help Leticia with her new racing horse. Remembering how he acted when they were young, she doesn’t trust him. But when someone tries to harm her horses and John Clay rushes to her rescue, can she open her heart to him?
PHOENIX HEAT by Patti Sherry-Crews
Harper Donovan thought she had it all when she turned her dream into a reality—opening a restaurant in New York City. But when the venture fails and her fiancé leaves her, Harper has little choice but to return to her family in Arizona.
When she meets handsome firefighter and cowboy Frank Flynn, she decides it’s time to get in the dating game again. Except Flynn shows no interest and dodges her, but not before claiming they’ve met before. Solving the mystery of the complicated Flynn gets under Harper’s skin, making her even more determined to seduce him.
When the two finally come together, the smoldering passion ignites into a heat that rivals the Phoenix desert. Now that Flynn has opened his heart, can Harper handle this wounded cowboy who’s playing for keeps?
READ AN EXCERPT FROM Blue Sage
Northern Arizona
September
The damned calf was stuck in the brambles again.
Braden Delaney swung down from his horse, his spurs jangling, and approached the mewling youngster. The calf thrashed in a mess of bushes beneath a stately juniper tree with shredded, red-colored bark. It reminded Braden of pulled-pork barbecue. It was on the menu tonight if Lewis, wrangler and cook during roundups, had been telling the truth this morning before the five of them had headed out.
It was late in the day and Braden’s stomach rumbled in response.
He’d take care of this problem and then head back to base camp—two airstream trailers and a horse trailer with a built-in bunk for Braden.
Braden knocked the brim of his Stetson up a notch and went to work prying the animal from the tangled jumble of branches. His gloved hands made fast work of the situation, and before long he’d set the calf on all fours. The animal took off at a lope, headed toward a band of larger cows, one of whom was likely his mama.
“You’re welcome,” Braden uttered under his breath.
It was the third rescue he’d performed on the calf in the past two days. The contrary little beast had a knack for wandering and getting into untenable predicaments. He should just usher it to the makeshift corral a few miles to the southeast, but Braden wasn’t quite ready to bring in this cluster of cattle, and he didn’t want to separate the calf from its mother.
Billy Lasco, his range foreman, would be up in a few days with two large semi-trucks to collect the cattle they’d gathered and transport them to the Delaney Ranch fifty miles to the south. Braden would guide the wayward calf and his mama into camp then. His current plan was to simply flush the cows and steers hiding out in the rocky hillside into the open plain below.
As he returned to his horse, a scream and a crash spun him around.
Had a steer just rolled down the slope? Braden circled, searching for an injured critter.
But it was no animal.
A woman lay on her back, grimacing.
Braden moved quickly to her side. “Are you all right, miss?”
She pushed to sit, leaves and sticks in her brown hair, askew in a haphazard ponytail. She wore trail pants, hiking boots and an ivory t-shirt. His eyes jerked back to the shirt, not sure he’d read correctly the word printed on it. Yep, he had. BOOBIES covered the spot where those very things resided, round and nicely shaped. Then he saw the image above the word—two birds with blue feet. Blue-footed boobies. Despite the dire situation, a smile tugged at his mouth.
Copyright © 2017 K. McCaffrey LLC
**********************
Connect with Kristy
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
A Cowboy To Keep is out!!
I'm pleased to be included in this fabulous collection of contemporary western romances, which includes my brand new long novella BLUE SAGE.
Available at Amazon for only 99 cents or free in Kindle Unlimited
Catch a cowboy … Keep a cowboy …
THE LEGEND OF BAD MOON RISING by Carra Copelin
Dinah Horne is in danger of losing herself. Leaving her friends and family for Dallas, Texas, she’s determined to make her mark. Unfortunately, the big city has other ideas. When her money runs out, she returns to her hometown and the man she can’t forget.
Ben Hammond is sheriff of the small community of McTiernan, Texas. Once he’s over the woman who stole his heart and shattered it, he decides to buy the Hard Luck Ranch and settle down. Problem is, odd things are happening that may be tied to the previous owners. As he begins his investigation into the past, he is faced with an even bigger problem—the reappearance of Dinah Horne.
CITY BOY, COUNTRY HEART by Andrea Downing
Rodeo star and rancher Chay Ridgway has left Wyoming to follow his girlfriend, K.C. Daniels, to New York. Leaving behind all he knows for a small bite of the Big Apple, Chay discovers the canyons of city streets may be too claustrophobic for this cowboy, especially when the trauma is compounded by the fact K.C.’s parents dislike him, their housemate is a harridan, friends are few, and the only job he can get is rounding up dinner plates.
As K.C. continues her two years of study for her Master’s degree, can she also keep a rein on Chay’s heart? Will this cowboy become a city boy, or will the wide-open spaces of Wyoming call his country heart home?
BLUE SAGE by Kristy McCaffrey
Braden Delaney has taken over the family cattle business after the death of his father, but faced with difficult financial decisions he contemplates selling a portion of the massive Delaney ranch holdings known as Whisper Rock, a place of unusual occurrences. The sudden appearance of a pretty relic-hunter while he’s collecting his livestock, however, is about to change his mind.
Archaeologist Audrey Driggs arrives in the remote wilderness of Northern Arizona searching for clues to a life-altering experience from her childhood. When she rolls off a mountain and lands at the feet of rugged cowboy Braden Delaney, it’s clear she needs his knowledge of the area to complete her quest. But if she tells him the truth, will he think she’s crazy?
Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.
THE DRIFTER’S KISS by Devon McKay
Addison Reed doesn’t want to believe her foreman and family friend is responsible for her missing stock, but the man isn’t making it easy. Hoping to prove he’s innocent, she follows him into a seedy bar and finds herself in a bigger mess…kissing a complete stranger.
Drifter Sawyer Dawson never settled anywhere for long. In fact, landing a job on a ranch as the new foreman fell into his lap, and he figured Montana was as good a place as any to settle down for a while. Of course, sticking around might have something to do with a sexy blonde with an affinity for kissing cowboys.
HER MAN by Hildie McQueen
When someone is murdered, it's definitely not a normal week in the usually quiet town of Lovely, Montana.
With the sheriff gone, deputy Mark Hunter had planned for another slow week at work, but when the first murder in twenty years happens, his past as a city detective comes to life. It’s no time to fall in love.
The last twenty-four hours have been hell. Between a fight with her ex that left her with a bruised face and now finding a dead man, Eliza Brock can barely keep it together. But despite the mess, she still manages to feel an undeniable attraction to the handsome deputy, and damn if she can’t resist him when he knocks on her door.
BORDER ROMANCE by Hebby Roman
Leticia Villarreal is lonely. Widowed for eight years, she keeps busy with her ranch and charity work, but they don’t fill the empty place in her heart. When she considers establishing a Quarter horse racing stable, her new endeavor reunites her with an old acquaintance and exposes her horses to danger.
John Clay Laidlaw, a handsome, self-assured, millionaire rancher, has been attracted to Leticia since high school. When he was young and first divorced, he tried to get Leticia to date him, but she didn’t like his arrogant and high-handed ways. Separated from his second wife, John Clay offers to help Leticia with her new racing horse. Remembering how he acted when they were young, she doesn’t trust him. But when someone tries to harm her horses and John Clay rushes to her rescue, can she open her heart to him?
PHOENIX HEAT by Patti Sherry-Crews
Harper Donovan thought she had it all when she turned her dream into a reality—opening a restaurant in New York City. But when the venture fails and her fiancé leaves her, Harper has little choice but to return to her family in Arizona.
When she meets handsome firefighter and cowboy Frank Flynn, she decides it’s time to get in the dating game again. Except Flynn shows no interest and dodges her, but not before claiming they’ve met before. Solving the mystery of the complicated Flynn gets under Harper’s skin, making her even more determined to seduce him.
When the two finally come together, the smoldering passion ignites into a heat that rivals the Phoenix desert. Now that Flynn has opened his heart, can Harper handle this wounded cowboy who’s playing for keeps?
READ AN EXCERPT FROM Blue Sage
Northern Arizona
September
The damned calf was stuck in the brambles again.
Braden Delaney swung down from his horse, his spurs jangling, and approached the mewling youngster. The calf thrashed in a mess of bushes beneath a stately juniper tree with shredded, red-colored bark. It reminded Braden of pulled-pork barbecue. It was on the menu tonight if Lewis, wrangler and cook during roundups, had been telling the truth this morning before the five of them had headed out.
It was late in the day and Braden’s stomach rumbled in response.
He’d take care of this problem and then head back to base camp—two airstream trailers and a horse trailer with a built-in bunk for Braden.
Braden knocked the brim of his Stetson up a notch and went to work prying the animal from the tangled jumble of branches. His gloved hands made fast work of the situation, and before long he’d set the calf on all fours. The animal took off at a lope, headed toward a band of larger cows, one of whom was likely his mama.
“You’re welcome,” Braden uttered under his breath.
It was the third rescue he’d performed on the calf in the past two days. The contrary little beast had a knack for wandering and getting into untenable predicaments. He should just usher it to the makeshift corral a few miles to the southeast, but Braden wasn’t quite ready to bring in this cluster of cattle, and he didn’t want to separate the calf from its mother.
Billy Lasco, his range foreman, would be up in a few days with two large semi-trucks to collect the cattle they’d gathered and transport them to the Delaney Ranch fifty miles to the south. Braden would guide the wayward calf and his mama into camp then. His current plan was to simply flush the cows and steers hiding out in the rocky hillside into the open plain below.
As he returned to his horse, a scream and a crash spun him around.
Had a steer just rolled down the slope? Braden circled, searching for an injured critter.
But it was no animal.
A woman lay on her back, grimacing.
Braden moved quickly to her side. “Are you all right, miss?”
She pushed to sit, leaves and sticks in her brown hair, askew in a haphazard ponytail. She wore trail pants, hiking boots and an ivory t-shirt. His eyes jerked back to the shirt, not sure he’d read correctly the word printed on it. Yep, he had. BOOBIES covered the spot where those very things resided, round and nicely shaped. Then he saw the image above the word—two birds with blue feet. Blue-footed boobies. Despite the dire situation, a smile tugged at his mouth.
Copyright © 2017 K. McCaffrey LLC
**********************
Connect with Kristy
Website
Blog ~ Pathways
Newsletter
Guest Post: Writing - The Long and Short Of It by Patti Sherry-Crews
Please welcome author Patti Sherry-Crews today!!
Take it away, Patti.
*****************************************
“When are you going to stop writing for boxed sets and write another novel?”
That was a question my daughter asked me some time ago.
Her implication being that writing novellas for anthologies is a lesser feat than writing a novel. The question did give me pause. My daughter is one of my biggest fans, and I often share my work with her because she’s a careful reader, picking out all the little breadcrumbs I leave along the trail from page one to writing “the end.”
So, why put my energies into novellas? I’ve written nine novels (some yet to be published) and numerous novellas for both my publisher, Prairie Rose Publications, and Indie boxed sets.
There are many reasons I write novellas. I like the companionship, the reduced workload involved in a group effort, and the chance to learn from others. I also like to have a couple of projects going at once. I flip back and forth, letting one rest while I go back to another with a fresh eye. I find if I’m not writing it affects my mood. Sometimes I don’t have a big idea for a novel in mind, and to be able to answer a call for submission or write a story for an anthology ensures I have something on my laptop.
But is a novella really a lesser feat? Not at all. Size doesn’t matter. In fact, I’d argue writing a short piece is more challenging.
When I submit to my publisher they have a word count limit. Indie anthologies differ in that way because I can write a longer piece--in fact it’s encouraged as long as it still comes in as a novella. But still, the word count in one of my novellas is typically a third or less than a full novel. There’s less room to have your story arc or flesh out the characters, which is actually difficult to do. I measure every word to make sure it has the feeling I wish to convey, given that I have fewer words to work with to set the mood. Character has to be fine-tuned and defined in a few pages, opposed to chapters.
Editing is something I actually enjoy. I think of the process as polishing. Image of a rock tumbler running in my head. I polish, polish, polish. Every sentence, every word. The advantage of editing a short piece is that I can run through a novella from beginning to end in a matter of hours rather than days. I think that helps with issues such as continuity or to quickly see I’ve used a word or phrase a few too many times.
The short read is also a place to showcase what I’m capable of. And because I feel a responsibility to the other hard-working authors in an anthology, I put my all into these efforts.
So, Missy, I will continue to write both novels and stories for boxed sets!
Available at AMAZON and Kindle Unlimited
Includes Patti's story - PHOENIX HEAT
After losing her fiancé and her New York City business, Harper Donovan returns to Arizona and meets cowboy Frank Flynn. Will his past and their differences extinguish the heat between them?
An excerpt from PHOENIX HEAT
She switched off the ignition and reached for the bag when she heard the sound she dreaded. The sound of another car approaching. She squeezed her eyelids shut. After taking a second, she swallowed hard and opened her eyes. A pickup, riding a cloud of dust—pulling in behind her. Trapped. The driver turned off the engine and sat still for an agonizing few minutes.
Looking in her rearview mirror, she could see the grimace on his face. At last, Flynn climbed out of his truck. She took in a long, deep breath. Still looking in the rearview mirror, she watched his slow progress toward her. A plain white t-shirt and tight jeans might be the sexiest look on a man, she decided. His broad shoulders, trim waist, and muscular arms swinging at his sides couldn’t show more to advantage in any other clothes—except maybe his birthday suit. She caught herself mentally undressing him and bit down hard on her lower lip. He continued forward in an unhurried pace, a scowl etched on his features. An ache in her lungs alerted her to the fact she’d been holding her breath.
She rolled down her window as he approached and looked back at him over her shoulder. His feet landed in her tire tracks leading him closer, boot prints stamping a new pattern in the dust. Maybe she could hand him the bag and be on her way. He leaned down and put his hands on the driver’s side of her car with his arms spread wide. Oh my. He has a tattoo. Around one muscular bicep ran a band of Celtic design. He had his cheek sucked in like he wasn’t too pleased to see her.
“Hi, I brought you some food from the hotel,” she said, surprised by the slight squeak in her voice when she’d been going for relaxed.
“Rosa have you running her errands?” No squeak in his voice. He spoke in a deep, slow drawl. Very sexy.
“I pass by here on my way to work. It’s not a bother. I work at—”
“I know where you work,” he said in that same slow, deliberate way. That man didn’t do anything fast.
“Oh, right, well, here you go then,” she said, shifting the bag in his direction. “Nice of you to do this. I brought the food yesterday, so I know normally I’m to put the bag on the back porch.”
To her discomfort, he stood there, not reaching for the bag, intense eyes boring into her. She lifted the bag higher. “Well, here you are. I’ll just be on my—”
“Yesterday? You were here?” The muscles in his wide-spread arms bulged, making her feel like prey trapped by a more powerful opponent. His body, radiating heat, blocked her view. His male scent filled the car.
“Yes, I let your dog in too. Poor thing was frantic to get in with the storm coming.”
His face got tight and he narrowed his eyes. “Very kind of you, except I don’t own a dog.”
“Oh, well, I—”
“That dog did some damage.” A vein in his neck twitched and his compressed lips went white.
The scorch of shame flashed over her cheeks. “I’m so sorry! It never occurred to me.... Was it bad?”
“Words fail to describe. Let me show you what I came home to yesterday. Come on,” he said when she continued to sit in the car.
He stood back to let her open her door and step out into the hot sun, pulling the bag after her. She stood face to face with him now. With his hands hooked in his belt loops, elbows out, she was aware of the size of him. Large and imposing, his body held her captive without touching her. She didn’t know what to say, and he seemed to be taking his time raking her over with his eyes. He stood so close to her, she smelled the musky scent of him. The individual stubble of each whisker on his chin, clear to her.
Finally, he walked away, moving to the back of his truck, where he picked up something large and threw it over one shoulder—a fifty-pound bag of dog food.
“I thought you said you don’t have a dog?”
“It appears I do now.”
Patti Sherry-Crews lives in Evanston, IL with her husband, two children, one good cat, and one bad but lovable puggle. She writes historical western and medieval romances for Prairie Rose Publications. She also enjoys writing contemporary romances. When she’s not writing, she’s usually walking the dog or indulging her love of cooking.
Find Patti at
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon
Take it away, Patti.
*****************************************
“When are you going to stop writing for boxed sets and write another novel?”
That was a question my daughter asked me some time ago.
Her implication being that writing novellas for anthologies is a lesser feat than writing a novel. The question did give me pause. My daughter is one of my biggest fans, and I often share my work with her because she’s a careful reader, picking out all the little breadcrumbs I leave along the trail from page one to writing “the end.”
So, why put my energies into novellas? I’ve written nine novels (some yet to be published) and numerous novellas for both my publisher, Prairie Rose Publications, and Indie boxed sets.
There are many reasons I write novellas. I like the companionship, the reduced workload involved in a group effort, and the chance to learn from others. I also like to have a couple of projects going at once. I flip back and forth, letting one rest while I go back to another with a fresh eye. I find if I’m not writing it affects my mood. Sometimes I don’t have a big idea for a novel in mind, and to be able to answer a call for submission or write a story for an anthology ensures I have something on my laptop.
But is a novella really a lesser feat? Not at all. Size doesn’t matter. In fact, I’d argue writing a short piece is more challenging.
When I submit to my publisher they have a word count limit. Indie anthologies differ in that way because I can write a longer piece--in fact it’s encouraged as long as it still comes in as a novella. But still, the word count in one of my novellas is typically a third or less than a full novel. There’s less room to have your story arc or flesh out the characters, which is actually difficult to do. I measure every word to make sure it has the feeling I wish to convey, given that I have fewer words to work with to set the mood. Character has to be fine-tuned and defined in a few pages, opposed to chapters.
Editing is something I actually enjoy. I think of the process as polishing. Image of a rock tumbler running in my head. I polish, polish, polish. Every sentence, every word. The advantage of editing a short piece is that I can run through a novella from beginning to end in a matter of hours rather than days. I think that helps with issues such as continuity or to quickly see I’ve used a word or phrase a few too many times.
The short read is also a place to showcase what I’m capable of. And because I feel a responsibility to the other hard-working authors in an anthology, I put my all into these efforts.
So, Missy, I will continue to write both novels and stories for boxed sets!
Available at AMAZON and Kindle Unlimited
Includes Patti's story - PHOENIX HEAT
After losing her fiancé and her New York City business, Harper Donovan returns to Arizona and meets cowboy Frank Flynn. Will his past and their differences extinguish the heat between them?
An excerpt from PHOENIX HEAT
She switched off the ignition and reached for the bag when she heard the sound she dreaded. The sound of another car approaching. She squeezed her eyelids shut. After taking a second, she swallowed hard and opened her eyes. A pickup, riding a cloud of dust—pulling in behind her. Trapped. The driver turned off the engine and sat still for an agonizing few minutes.
Looking in her rearview mirror, she could see the grimace on his face. At last, Flynn climbed out of his truck. She took in a long, deep breath. Still looking in the rearview mirror, she watched his slow progress toward her. A plain white t-shirt and tight jeans might be the sexiest look on a man, she decided. His broad shoulders, trim waist, and muscular arms swinging at his sides couldn’t show more to advantage in any other clothes—except maybe his birthday suit. She caught herself mentally undressing him and bit down hard on her lower lip. He continued forward in an unhurried pace, a scowl etched on his features. An ache in her lungs alerted her to the fact she’d been holding her breath.
She rolled down her window as he approached and looked back at him over her shoulder. His feet landed in her tire tracks leading him closer, boot prints stamping a new pattern in the dust. Maybe she could hand him the bag and be on her way. He leaned down and put his hands on the driver’s side of her car with his arms spread wide. Oh my. He has a tattoo. Around one muscular bicep ran a band of Celtic design. He had his cheek sucked in like he wasn’t too pleased to see her.
“Hi, I brought you some food from the hotel,” she said, surprised by the slight squeak in her voice when she’d been going for relaxed.
“Rosa have you running her errands?” No squeak in his voice. He spoke in a deep, slow drawl. Very sexy.
“I pass by here on my way to work. It’s not a bother. I work at—”
“I know where you work,” he said in that same slow, deliberate way. That man didn’t do anything fast.
“Oh, right, well, here you go then,” she said, shifting the bag in his direction. “Nice of you to do this. I brought the food yesterday, so I know normally I’m to put the bag on the back porch.”
To her discomfort, he stood there, not reaching for the bag, intense eyes boring into her. She lifted the bag higher. “Well, here you are. I’ll just be on my—”
“Yesterday? You were here?” The muscles in his wide-spread arms bulged, making her feel like prey trapped by a more powerful opponent. His body, radiating heat, blocked her view. His male scent filled the car.
“Yes, I let your dog in too. Poor thing was frantic to get in with the storm coming.”
His face got tight and he narrowed his eyes. “Very kind of you, except I don’t own a dog.”
“Oh, well, I—”
“That dog did some damage.” A vein in his neck twitched and his compressed lips went white.
The scorch of shame flashed over her cheeks. “I’m so sorry! It never occurred to me.... Was it bad?”
“Words fail to describe. Let me show you what I came home to yesterday. Come on,” he said when she continued to sit in the car.
He stood back to let her open her door and step out into the hot sun, pulling the bag after her. She stood face to face with him now. With his hands hooked in his belt loops, elbows out, she was aware of the size of him. Large and imposing, his body held her captive without touching her. She didn’t know what to say, and he seemed to be taking his time raking her over with his eyes. He stood so close to her, she smelled the musky scent of him. The individual stubble of each whisker on his chin, clear to her.
Finally, he walked away, moving to the back of his truck, where he picked up something large and threw it over one shoulder—a fifty-pound bag of dog food.
“I thought you said you don’t have a dog?”
“It appears I do now.”
Patti Sherry-Crews lives in Evanston, IL with her husband, two children, one good cat, and one bad but lovable puggle. She writes historical western and medieval romances for Prairie Rose Publications. She also enjoys writing contemporary romances. When she’s not writing, she’s usually walking the dog or indulging her love of cooking.
Find Patti at
Website
Amazon
Reading Recommendations
All Reviews By Kristy McCaffrey
I've included Amazon links, but most of the books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, as well as print and audio.
The Lost City of Z
By
David Grann
This book is part memoir, part modern-day adventure. Mr. Grann recounts the life of Percy Fawcett, who in the early 1900’s explored the dangerous Amazonian jungle along the Brazil-Bolivia border. Fawcett was in the rarefied company of other extraordinary explorers such as Richard Burton (who searched for the source of the Nile) and Ernest Shackleton (an early explorer of the Antarctic), all members of the Royal Geographical Society in London. Fawcett’s repeated expeditions into the jungle—along with his amazing ability to survive lethal indigenous tribes, starvation, piranhas, and the particularly ghoulish occurrence of maggots under one’s skin—left him convinced that a mythical city (the Spanish conquistadores called it El Dorado) existed somewhere in the area. His preoccupation would eventually lead to his disappearance in 1925. He was never heard from again. Did the lost city of Z exist? Read the book to find out! A gripping and well-written account of the intersection of compulsion and passion within the human spirit.
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
*****
Desert Heat
By
Patti Sherry-Crews
A satisfying short read about single mom Angel Harper trying to run a vacation ranch in Arizona and the cowboy/firefighter who turns her world upside down. Boone Donovan isn't looking for romance but sparks fly the moment he meets Angel. With many obstacles between them, not the least of which is Angel's reluctance to let a man into her and her son's life, this romantic tale will have you rooting for them. And don't miss the follow-up story, Phoenix Heat, about Boone and Angel's daughter Harper. I loved both!
Desert Heat
*****
Bad Boy, Big Heart
By
Andrea Downing
East coast city girl K.C. has come to Wyoming for the summer to work at a ranch. She's warned to stay away from bad boy Chay, but that soon proves difficult to do. Ms. Downing has written a romantic novella with a sexy hero and a smart heroine. Loved it! And don't miss the follow-up story, City Boy, Country Heart.
Bad Boy, Big Heart
*****
Irish Moon
By
Amber Scott
Breanne O’Donnell is training in the druidic arts when her mentor Heremon is murdered. A mysterious knight named Ashlon Sinclair is left behind, ill and unable to recall what happened. Breanne nurses him back to health, but he is English and she is Irish, so she keeps his identity hidden. But Sinclair, a Templar Knight, is in pursuit of a chest that has been stolen from him and he ingratiates himself into Breanne’s clan to locate it. He’s also drawn to Breanne but his nomadic life leaves him conflicted about what he can offer her. She has seen with her second sight the fate that intertwines them and worries for his safety, believing that he must leave her to stay alive. This is an enchanting story filled with magic and Irish lore. Breanne is a strong heroine and Ashlon a compelling and romantic figure, and you won’t be able to stop reading this steamy love story until the satisfying conclusion.
Irish Moon (Moon Magick Series Book 1)
*****
Nearly Departed In Deadwood
By
Ann Charles
Single-mom Violet Parker has got problems. Unless she can sell a house, she’s about to lose her job as a realtor. Her prospects involve a house-sniffing, enigmatic man named Doc (although he’s not an MD) and a handsome Ken-doll client whose efforts to woo her may be too good to be true. Throw in a paranormal mystery involving several missing girls alongside Violet’s ensuing anxiety about the safety of her own two children, and you’ve got a nonstop thrill-ride of a tale, which I dare you not to read in one sitting. This is the first in an ongoing series told from Violet’s point-of-view (Book 8 is soon to be released). Ms. Charles has a flair for dialogue and humor, and you’ll fall in love with Violet and all the quirky side-characters that populate Charles’ version of modern-day Deadwood. But be prepared: this series will grab you and you’ll disappear until you’ve read each and every book.
Nearly Departed In Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 1)
*****
Slade
By
Julie Lence
As part of his incarceration, outlaw Slade Barlow has been placed on work detail at the Prescott farm. Thrown in the calaboose on tenuous charges, he needs to keep his head down and bide his time until he can flee the Widow Prescott and her two daughters, Jillianne and Camille. But he hadn’t counted on his growing feelings for Jill or the fact that someone is stalking their property. As he digs deeper, he comes to realize that he may be more deeply involved in the mystery of Jill’s deceased father and the time the man spent away from the farm than he’d like to be. And, at the end of the day, can he walk away from Jill? This is a solid western romance with great descriptions that will put you right in the time period. Slade is a tormented hero, Jillianne is a kindhearted heroine, and their romance will hold you in its grip until the end. Don’t miss another winner from Ms. Lence!
Slade (Jackson Creek Series Book 1)
*****
Lead Me Into Temptation
By
Devon McKay
In this historical western romance, Violet Webster is looking for her father and her only option is to become a mail-order bride. Garrett Sutherlin, her betrothed’s son, has been sent to escort her, a task that will free him from living under his father’s dictates. Ms. Devlin takes this standard trope and delivers a richly-drawn tale with a likable heroine and a compelling hero. Fans of this genre will love the story! I certainly did.
Lead Me Into Temptation (Gold Dust Brides Book 1)
*****
The Peacemaker
By
Andrew McBride
Calvin “Choctaw” Taylor is a young Indian scout contracted to guide a peace ambassador into the stronghold of the famed Apache leader Cochise. Accompanying them is the man’s adopted Apache daughter Nahlin. Together they enter one of the most dangerous areas in the old west—the Dragoon Mountains. Their journey is one of bold intentions, treacherous encounters with both Indians and white men, and, ultimately, agonizing heartbreak. This is a well-told story of historical fact woven within fiction, of well-crafted and flawed characters, and a plot that will leave you guessing and eager to reach the conclusion. I highly recommend.
The Peacemaker
*****
Daring Greatly
By
Brene Brown
Ms. Brown considers vulnerability in all its many forms, whether it be in the workplace, in schools, or in your own home. Through years of research she’s compiled real-life data and offers practical and stark truths about how to deal with the shame inherent in our culture as a result of being vulnerable.
The simple truth is that “to feel is to be vulnerable.” Brown addresses fallacies of vulnerability: It’s not a weakness and it’s not letting it all hang out. It does require trust and boundaries. She stresses the importance of developing shame-resilience: recognizing shame and understanding its triggers, practicing critical awareness, reaching out, and speaking about it with a trusted someone.
The last part of the book deals with parenting and how we can all do better by simply engaging with our children, developing our own ability to be vulnerable and mirroring that to them, and forgiving ourselves when we’re not perfect. Perfection is a form of shielding and freeing ourselves of our “armor” is an important first step. “I am enough, I’ve had enough, and showing up, taking risks, and letting myself be seen is enough.”
This book is amazing and authentic, and Ms. Brown hasn’t taken the easy road—she digs deep into the subject matter, offering insights that are painful yet ultimately healing.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
*****
Texas Mail Order Bride
By
Linda Broday
Cooper Thorne lives in Battle Creek alongside his adopted brothers, Rand and Brett. They were all raised in an orphanage and now steadfastly guard their independence and freedom, which means no matrimony. They’ve even formed a ‘Bachelor’s Club’. When determined Delta Dandridge arrives in town fully expecting to become Cooper’s mail-order bride, his answer is a swift no. He never sent for her, so refuses to honor a promise he never made. However, Delta decides to remain in Battle Creek and forge a new life for herself, and Cooper can’t seem to avoid the woman. And soon enough, he doesn’t want to. Ms. Broday’s novel is an entertaining western romance with great banter between the leads, wonderful side characters, and a steamy love story. The perfect tale to curl up with before bedtime.
Texas Mail Order Bride (Bachelors of Battle Creek Book 1)
*****
Remanence
By
Jennifer Foehner Wells
In this follow-up to Book 1: Fluency, we find Dr. Jane Holloway and Dr. Alan Bergen on the alien spaceship discovered near earth. They are now headed to the home world of the creatures who mysteriously perished on board. Guiding them is the only survivor, a massively intelligent squid-like creature who controls the ship and is telepathically linked to Jane. Because of this connection, Jane is now the commander. The tale unfolds as they make first contact with a species known as the Sectilius. I really enjoyed this story, especially the relationships between Jane and the entity and the prickly romance between her and Bergen. Thankfully, it comes to a satisfying ending and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3!
Remanence (Confluence Book 2)
*****
The Devil’s Teeth
By
Susan Casey
The Farallon Islands—a rocky and barren chain of jutting, granite peaks—sit just 27 miles from the San Francisco coastline. A handful of biologists reside in this remote outpost to study the bird, pinniped, and shark populations. Every fall, great white sharks arrive to feed on the local seal population and Ms. Casey delves into the research undertaken in the surrounding waters. It’s a story of grit and terror, and a testament to how little we know about these fascinating and monstrous creatures. Casey also recounts the history of the island—at one point, the eggs sold in the Bay area markets were collected from the massive seabird population, nearly depleting their numbers. The main attraction, of course, is the sharks, with personalities as varied as the people who investigate them. By the end of the book, despite a lingering fear of the giant fish, I couldn’t help but gain a healthy respect for the apex predators of the ocean. This is a riveting and enlightening read.
The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks
*****
Love Proof
By
Robin Brande
In Love Proof, lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Brande, a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I definitely lost sleep reading this on vacation.
The romance is hot, the legal proceedings are entwined just enough to give context but not overwhelm the story, and the characters are likable and credible. But not perfect. When the romance is re-ignited, Sarah and Joe face an ethical issue as they work on opposing sides of the same case. How that unfolds, as well as Sarah’s own reservations about Joe, create the obstacles they must overcome. It’s a reminder that despite mistakes made along the way, everyone has the power to become a better version of themselves.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read. You won’t be disappointed.
Love Proof
*****
Deer Hunting in Paris:
A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat
By
Paula Young Lee
In the title of this memoir, author Paula Young Lee refers to both Paris, France, and Paris, Maine. How she connects the two disparate places speaks to the overall theme—you never know where you’ll end up, but chances are, it will be a place that softens the quirky edges and incongruent personality traits that never quite fit together.
Lee is a Korean woman raised in the United States by a father who preached Christianity in rural America—mostly in the backwoods of Maine. Paralyzed from the waist down, his belief in God never wavers, but Lee constantly questions and strives to stretch beyond the dictates of Korean culture.
For a time, she lives in Paris, France. When severe food and other allergies besiege her, she develops a love of meat. Hers isn’t just a cursory fascination; she’s taken it to the next level, trying to understand where cuts of meat originate in an animal and sharing recipes that are hundreds of years old.
A wanderer, she doesn’t desire to be tied down. Then she meets John, a divorced lawyer from Paris, Maine. The bulk of Lee’s story unfolds as she and John spend time with his folks, siblings, and extended family. And they are hunters. Lee expounds on tracking bear and moose. She explains in great detail how to dress a deer in the wild upon its execution. She describes the process of a pig roast with such detail that you’ll smell the succulent meat and your mouth will water.
Deer Hunting in Paris is a love story. John and Lee couldn’t be more different, but on a deeper level their relationship works. Her appreciation for the animals and the process of hunting wins over John’s family, and while many will cringe over the gory descriptions of how an animal is gutted and quartered, there is a sense of the order of nature here. Living close to the land—a skill many of us have lost—isn’t for the faint of heart. Lee has qualms as well, but in the name of love she pushes through. Her forthright and honest prose had me laughing aloud in parts, and her esteem for the natural world and the man she loves make for a unique and compelling read.
Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat (Travelers' Tales Guides)
*****
The Dark Net
By
Benjamin Percy
In this paranormal technological thriller, we meet a diverse crew of characters: Lela, a laser-focused journalist with no life; Mike Juniper, hiding a past as an evangelical minister and owner of a homeless shelter; Sarin, a woman who may be far older than many realize; Cheston, a computer hacker and voyeur; and Hannah, a young blind girl who will play a pivotal role in the storyline. Evil has come to Portland, Oregon, and the pathway is the Dark Net. I don’t want to say too much more because the story unfolds with many interesting twists, and I was quite glued to my e-reader until the end. Mr. Percy offers insights into our digital age that will astound and horrify you, while giving us an edge-of-the-seat terror ride. I highly recommend the novel and I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually turns up in the movie theater.
The Dark Net
I've included Amazon links, but most of the books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, as well as print and audio.
The Lost City of Z
By
David Grann
This book is part memoir, part modern-day adventure. Mr. Grann recounts the life of Percy Fawcett, who in the early 1900’s explored the dangerous Amazonian jungle along the Brazil-Bolivia border. Fawcett was in the rarefied company of other extraordinary explorers such as Richard Burton (who searched for the source of the Nile) and Ernest Shackleton (an early explorer of the Antarctic), all members of the Royal Geographical Society in London. Fawcett’s repeated expeditions into the jungle—along with his amazing ability to survive lethal indigenous tribes, starvation, piranhas, and the particularly ghoulish occurrence of maggots under one’s skin—left him convinced that a mythical city (the Spanish conquistadores called it El Dorado) existed somewhere in the area. His preoccupation would eventually lead to his disappearance in 1925. He was never heard from again. Did the lost city of Z exist? Read the book to find out! A gripping and well-written account of the intersection of compulsion and passion within the human spirit.
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
*****
Desert Heat
By
Patti Sherry-Crews
A satisfying short read about single mom Angel Harper trying to run a vacation ranch in Arizona and the cowboy/firefighter who turns her world upside down. Boone Donovan isn't looking for romance but sparks fly the moment he meets Angel. With many obstacles between them, not the least of which is Angel's reluctance to let a man into her and her son's life, this romantic tale will have you rooting for them. And don't miss the follow-up story, Phoenix Heat, about Boone and Angel's daughter Harper. I loved both!
Desert Heat
*****
Bad Boy, Big Heart
By
Andrea Downing
East coast city girl K.C. has come to Wyoming for the summer to work at a ranch. She's warned to stay away from bad boy Chay, but that soon proves difficult to do. Ms. Downing has written a romantic novella with a sexy hero and a smart heroine. Loved it! And don't miss the follow-up story, City Boy, Country Heart.
Bad Boy, Big Heart
*****
Irish Moon
By
Amber Scott
Breanne O’Donnell is training in the druidic arts when her mentor Heremon is murdered. A mysterious knight named Ashlon Sinclair is left behind, ill and unable to recall what happened. Breanne nurses him back to health, but he is English and she is Irish, so she keeps his identity hidden. But Sinclair, a Templar Knight, is in pursuit of a chest that has been stolen from him and he ingratiates himself into Breanne’s clan to locate it. He’s also drawn to Breanne but his nomadic life leaves him conflicted about what he can offer her. She has seen with her second sight the fate that intertwines them and worries for his safety, believing that he must leave her to stay alive. This is an enchanting story filled with magic and Irish lore. Breanne is a strong heroine and Ashlon a compelling and romantic figure, and you won’t be able to stop reading this steamy love story until the satisfying conclusion.
Irish Moon (Moon Magick Series Book 1)
*****
Nearly Departed In Deadwood
By
Ann Charles
Single-mom Violet Parker has got problems. Unless she can sell a house, she’s about to lose her job as a realtor. Her prospects involve a house-sniffing, enigmatic man named Doc (although he’s not an MD) and a handsome Ken-doll client whose efforts to woo her may be too good to be true. Throw in a paranormal mystery involving several missing girls alongside Violet’s ensuing anxiety about the safety of her own two children, and you’ve got a nonstop thrill-ride of a tale, which I dare you not to read in one sitting. This is the first in an ongoing series told from Violet’s point-of-view (Book 8 is soon to be released). Ms. Charles has a flair for dialogue and humor, and you’ll fall in love with Violet and all the quirky side-characters that populate Charles’ version of modern-day Deadwood. But be prepared: this series will grab you and you’ll disappear until you’ve read each and every book.
Nearly Departed In Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 1)
*****
Slade
By
Julie Lence
As part of his incarceration, outlaw Slade Barlow has been placed on work detail at the Prescott farm. Thrown in the calaboose on tenuous charges, he needs to keep his head down and bide his time until he can flee the Widow Prescott and her two daughters, Jillianne and Camille. But he hadn’t counted on his growing feelings for Jill or the fact that someone is stalking their property. As he digs deeper, he comes to realize that he may be more deeply involved in the mystery of Jill’s deceased father and the time the man spent away from the farm than he’d like to be. And, at the end of the day, can he walk away from Jill? This is a solid western romance with great descriptions that will put you right in the time period. Slade is a tormented hero, Jillianne is a kindhearted heroine, and their romance will hold you in its grip until the end. Don’t miss another winner from Ms. Lence!
Slade (Jackson Creek Series Book 1)
*****
Lead Me Into Temptation
By
Devon McKay
In this historical western romance, Violet Webster is looking for her father and her only option is to become a mail-order bride. Garrett Sutherlin, her betrothed’s son, has been sent to escort her, a task that will free him from living under his father’s dictates. Ms. Devlin takes this standard trope and delivers a richly-drawn tale with a likable heroine and a compelling hero. Fans of this genre will love the story! I certainly did.
Lead Me Into Temptation (Gold Dust Brides Book 1)
*****
The Peacemaker
By
Andrew McBride
Calvin “Choctaw” Taylor is a young Indian scout contracted to guide a peace ambassador into the stronghold of the famed Apache leader Cochise. Accompanying them is the man’s adopted Apache daughter Nahlin. Together they enter one of the most dangerous areas in the old west—the Dragoon Mountains. Their journey is one of bold intentions, treacherous encounters with both Indians and white men, and, ultimately, agonizing heartbreak. This is a well-told story of historical fact woven within fiction, of well-crafted and flawed characters, and a plot that will leave you guessing and eager to reach the conclusion. I highly recommend.
The Peacemaker
*****
Daring Greatly
By
Brene Brown
Ms. Brown considers vulnerability in all its many forms, whether it be in the workplace, in schools, or in your own home. Through years of research she’s compiled real-life data and offers practical and stark truths about how to deal with the shame inherent in our culture as a result of being vulnerable.
The simple truth is that “to feel is to be vulnerable.” Brown addresses fallacies of vulnerability: It’s not a weakness and it’s not letting it all hang out. It does require trust and boundaries. She stresses the importance of developing shame-resilience: recognizing shame and understanding its triggers, practicing critical awareness, reaching out, and speaking about it with a trusted someone.
The last part of the book deals with parenting and how we can all do better by simply engaging with our children, developing our own ability to be vulnerable and mirroring that to them, and forgiving ourselves when we’re not perfect. Perfection is a form of shielding and freeing ourselves of our “armor” is an important first step. “I am enough, I’ve had enough, and showing up, taking risks, and letting myself be seen is enough.”
This book is amazing and authentic, and Ms. Brown hasn’t taken the easy road—she digs deep into the subject matter, offering insights that are painful yet ultimately healing.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
*****
Texas Mail Order Bride
By
Linda Broday
Cooper Thorne lives in Battle Creek alongside his adopted brothers, Rand and Brett. They were all raised in an orphanage and now steadfastly guard their independence and freedom, which means no matrimony. They’ve even formed a ‘Bachelor’s Club’. When determined Delta Dandridge arrives in town fully expecting to become Cooper’s mail-order bride, his answer is a swift no. He never sent for her, so refuses to honor a promise he never made. However, Delta decides to remain in Battle Creek and forge a new life for herself, and Cooper can’t seem to avoid the woman. And soon enough, he doesn’t want to. Ms. Broday’s novel is an entertaining western romance with great banter between the leads, wonderful side characters, and a steamy love story. The perfect tale to curl up with before bedtime.
Texas Mail Order Bride (Bachelors of Battle Creek Book 1)
*****
Remanence
By
Jennifer Foehner Wells
In this follow-up to Book 1: Fluency, we find Dr. Jane Holloway and Dr. Alan Bergen on the alien spaceship discovered near earth. They are now headed to the home world of the creatures who mysteriously perished on board. Guiding them is the only survivor, a massively intelligent squid-like creature who controls the ship and is telepathically linked to Jane. Because of this connection, Jane is now the commander. The tale unfolds as they make first contact with a species known as the Sectilius. I really enjoyed this story, especially the relationships between Jane and the entity and the prickly romance between her and Bergen. Thankfully, it comes to a satisfying ending and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3!
Remanence (Confluence Book 2)
*****
The Devil’s Teeth
By
Susan Casey
The Farallon Islands—a rocky and barren chain of jutting, granite peaks—sit just 27 miles from the San Francisco coastline. A handful of biologists reside in this remote outpost to study the bird, pinniped, and shark populations. Every fall, great white sharks arrive to feed on the local seal population and Ms. Casey delves into the research undertaken in the surrounding waters. It’s a story of grit and terror, and a testament to how little we know about these fascinating and monstrous creatures. Casey also recounts the history of the island—at one point, the eggs sold in the Bay area markets were collected from the massive seabird population, nearly depleting their numbers. The main attraction, of course, is the sharks, with personalities as varied as the people who investigate them. By the end of the book, despite a lingering fear of the giant fish, I couldn’t help but gain a healthy respect for the apex predators of the ocean. This is a riveting and enlightening read.
The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks
*****
Love Proof
By
Robin Brande
In Love Proof, lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Brande, a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I definitely lost sleep reading this on vacation.
The romance is hot, the legal proceedings are entwined just enough to give context but not overwhelm the story, and the characters are likable and credible. But not perfect. When the romance is re-ignited, Sarah and Joe face an ethical issue as they work on opposing sides of the same case. How that unfolds, as well as Sarah’s own reservations about Joe, create the obstacles they must overcome. It’s a reminder that despite mistakes made along the way, everyone has the power to become a better version of themselves.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read. You won’t be disappointed.
Love Proof
*****
Deer Hunting in Paris:
A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat
By
Paula Young Lee
In the title of this memoir, author Paula Young Lee refers to both Paris, France, and Paris, Maine. How she connects the two disparate places speaks to the overall theme—you never know where you’ll end up, but chances are, it will be a place that softens the quirky edges and incongruent personality traits that never quite fit together.
Lee is a Korean woman raised in the United States by a father who preached Christianity in rural America—mostly in the backwoods of Maine. Paralyzed from the waist down, his belief in God never wavers, but Lee constantly questions and strives to stretch beyond the dictates of Korean culture.
For a time, she lives in Paris, France. When severe food and other allergies besiege her, she develops a love of meat. Hers isn’t just a cursory fascination; she’s taken it to the next level, trying to understand where cuts of meat originate in an animal and sharing recipes that are hundreds of years old.
A wanderer, she doesn’t desire to be tied down. Then she meets John, a divorced lawyer from Paris, Maine. The bulk of Lee’s story unfolds as she and John spend time with his folks, siblings, and extended family. And they are hunters. Lee expounds on tracking bear and moose. She explains in great detail how to dress a deer in the wild upon its execution. She describes the process of a pig roast with such detail that you’ll smell the succulent meat and your mouth will water.
Deer Hunting in Paris is a love story. John and Lee couldn’t be more different, but on a deeper level their relationship works. Her appreciation for the animals and the process of hunting wins over John’s family, and while many will cringe over the gory descriptions of how an animal is gutted and quartered, there is a sense of the order of nature here. Living close to the land—a skill many of us have lost—isn’t for the faint of heart. Lee has qualms as well, but in the name of love she pushes through. Her forthright and honest prose had me laughing aloud in parts, and her esteem for the natural world and the man she loves make for a unique and compelling read.
Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat (Travelers' Tales Guides)
*****
The Dark Net
By
Benjamin Percy
In this paranormal technological thriller, we meet a diverse crew of characters: Lela, a laser-focused journalist with no life; Mike Juniper, hiding a past as an evangelical minister and owner of a homeless shelter; Sarin, a woman who may be far older than many realize; Cheston, a computer hacker and voyeur; and Hannah, a young blind girl who will play a pivotal role in the storyline. Evil has come to Portland, Oregon, and the pathway is the Dark Net. I don’t want to say too much more because the story unfolds with many interesting twists, and I was quite glued to my e-reader until the end. Mr. Percy offers insights into our digital age that will astound and horrify you, while giving us an edge-of-the-seat terror ride. I highly recommend the novel and I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually turns up in the movie theater.
The Dark Net
A Brand New Christmas Western Novella!!
I'm so pleased to share my first Christmas-themed story as part of the collection A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP.
The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?
Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep,” which garnered 55 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show headstrong city girl Liberty Ann Hart that a country life in Mistletoe, Texas, is the perfect Christmas gift.
A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson and her son are trying to settle into a new life in Wyoming. Tate Schrugge is trying to ditch his Scrooge and play Santa to the young boy. But will there be a Dickens of a romance by Christmas?
THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
Lawyer Skye Mallory returns home for the holidays due to an unexpected inheritance, and cowboy Joe Carrigan stands in her way.
THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
When Kristen Kelly receives a Christmas kiss from Cole Lawson, she doesn’t believe it means anything. But Cole sets out to make things right with the woman of his heart.
SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
At a small-town Christmas festival sparks fly between Carmen Dias and Detective Jared Bowden, but a dead body and a pesky ex-girlfriend don’t exactly spell romance.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
All Sofia Rossi wants is to re-connect with her estranged son. But can Gar McCulloch, a handsome cowboy who runs a juvenile rehab ranch, be the answer to her problems?
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Wedding planner Melody Evans views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye. Veterinarian Leland Jennings IV thinks Christmas is for kids. Can the holiday spirit bring them together?
Only 99 cents at Amazon or FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.
In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.
Read Chapter One from THE PEPPERMINT TREE here.
Additional Excerpt
“Do you and Mrs. Mallory want to ride with us?” (Joe asked.)
Skye’s dad shook his head. “Nah. You kids head on over. We might want to leave early, and we wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”
“I’ll be careful on the roads,” Joe assured him.
“It stopped snowing two hours ago, and I’m sure the plows are out clearing the way. But if it gets late and the roads seem icy, then stay put. Don’t risk it.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of her.” Joe hesitated. “Is she here? I wasn’t sure if she still wanted to go.”
Mr. Mallory chuckled. “She’s upstairs. Shouldn’t be long now.”
Skye’s mom breezed into the room, wearing a black gown trimmed with red, her graying hair pinned away from her face.
“You look beautiful, Mrs. Mallory,” Joe said.
She giggled and patted his arm. “Thank you. It’s fun to get dressed up. And I love that the event benefits the women’s shelter. You cut quite the figure, Joey.” She added in a low voice, “You and Skye make such a great couple.”
He didn’t know what to say. The attention shifted to the stairs at the sound of heels tapping on wood. Skye entered and halted abruptly.
There was a pregnant pause while everyone froze in their positions.
In high school, Skye had been on the tomboyish side, her frame more athletic than voluptuous, but it was clear that the ensuing years had rounded out those burgeoning curves. She looked stunning in a maroon dress, revealing an ample swell of her breasts. He flicked his eyes back to her face, aware that he’d been staring.
His mouth went dry. It was like he’d never seen a woman before.
“Is there something wrong?” Skye asked.
“Is that your old prom dress?” Mrs. Mallory’s question caused Skye’s face to pinch into a grimace.
“It was all I could find on such short notice.”
Her makeup accentuated her already creamy complexion, and the dark lipstick put Joe in mind of a temptress.
Bewildered, his mind went blank.
“Shall we go?” she prompted.
He cleared his throat, snapping out of his stupor. “Let me start the Bronco,” he said, feeling a little tongue-tied, “so I can get the heat going.” The double innuendo hung in the air as he headed out the door.
Damn. He was in trouble.
Copyright © 2018 K. McCaffrey LLC
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The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?
Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep,” which garnered 55 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show headstrong city girl Liberty Ann Hart that a country life in Mistletoe, Texas, is the perfect Christmas gift.
A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson and her son are trying to settle into a new life in Wyoming. Tate Schrugge is trying to ditch his Scrooge and play Santa to the young boy. But will there be a Dickens of a romance by Christmas?
THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
Lawyer Skye Mallory returns home for the holidays due to an unexpected inheritance, and cowboy Joe Carrigan stands in her way.
THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
When Kristen Kelly receives a Christmas kiss from Cole Lawson, she doesn’t believe it means anything. But Cole sets out to make things right with the woman of his heart.
SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
At a small-town Christmas festival sparks fly between Carmen Dias and Detective Jared Bowden, but a dead body and a pesky ex-girlfriend don’t exactly spell romance.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
All Sofia Rossi wants is to re-connect with her estranged son. But can Gar McCulloch, a handsome cowboy who runs a juvenile rehab ranch, be the answer to her problems?
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Wedding planner Melody Evans views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye. Veterinarian Leland Jennings IV thinks Christmas is for kids. Can the holiday spirit bring them together?
Only 99 cents at Amazon or FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.
In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.
Read Chapter One from THE PEPPERMINT TREE here.
Additional Excerpt
“Do you and Mrs. Mallory want to ride with us?” (Joe asked.)
Skye’s dad shook his head. “Nah. You kids head on over. We might want to leave early, and we wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”
“I’ll be careful on the roads,” Joe assured him.
“It stopped snowing two hours ago, and I’m sure the plows are out clearing the way. But if it gets late and the roads seem icy, then stay put. Don’t risk it.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of her.” Joe hesitated. “Is she here? I wasn’t sure if she still wanted to go.”
Mr. Mallory chuckled. “She’s upstairs. Shouldn’t be long now.”
Skye’s mom breezed into the room, wearing a black gown trimmed with red, her graying hair pinned away from her face.
“You look beautiful, Mrs. Mallory,” Joe said.
She giggled and patted his arm. “Thank you. It’s fun to get dressed up. And I love that the event benefits the women’s shelter. You cut quite the figure, Joey.” She added in a low voice, “You and Skye make such a great couple.”
He didn’t know what to say. The attention shifted to the stairs at the sound of heels tapping on wood. Skye entered and halted abruptly.
There was a pregnant pause while everyone froze in their positions.
In high school, Skye had been on the tomboyish side, her frame more athletic than voluptuous, but it was clear that the ensuing years had rounded out those burgeoning curves. She looked stunning in a maroon dress, revealing an ample swell of her breasts. He flicked his eyes back to her face, aware that he’d been staring.
His mouth went dry. It was like he’d never seen a woman before.
“Is there something wrong?” Skye asked.
“Is that your old prom dress?” Mrs. Mallory’s question caused Skye’s face to pinch into a grimace.
“It was all I could find on such short notice.”
Her makeup accentuated her already creamy complexion, and the dark lipstick put Joe in mind of a temptress.
Bewildered, his mind went blank.
“Shall we go?” she prompted.
He cleared his throat, snapping out of his stupor. “Let me start the Bronco,” he said, feeling a little tongue-tied, “so I can get the heat going.” The double innuendo hung in the air as he headed out the door.
Damn. He was in trouble.
Copyright © 2018 K. McCaffrey LLC
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Guest Post: My Easy-Bake Christmas by Patti Sherry-Crews
Please welcome author Patti Sherry-Crews to my blog today. I had the pleasure of working with Patti on the recently released A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP. Her wonderfully romantic contribution, COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS, features cookie-making. Read more about Patti's inspiration for the story.
By Patti Sherry-Crews
I remember when I was a young mother how excited I was to carry forward all the holiday traditions I’d grown up with. Baking cookies and other treats at Christmas being one of them. And I’d been given all my grandmother’s and mother’s bakeware! I have quite a collection.
I baked and baked and baked, going through more pounds of butter in a month’s time than I did the preceding eleven months of the year. Sadly, I quickly learned nobody was going to eat all those cookies and cakes except for me— valiantly devouring sweets the best I could. Those pounds of butter looked attractive on my derriere.
I stopped baking almost entirely, and that decreased with children moving out, combined with new requests for gluten-free, no-carb, vegan, low-sugar, and dairy free foodstuffs.
But I still have all these wonderful cookie cutters and tins, and even though I didn’t use them to bake anymore, they still are a presence. Just seeing them brings so many memories and people back to me.
So every year they come out. I string the cookie cutters along garlands, make chandelier type arrangements out of evergreen wreaths and dangle the cookie cutters off of them. I make little tableaus of my gingerbread house mold and my Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer jelly mold. I get as much pleasure out of thinking of new ways to display my collection as I do seeing them.
Pieces from my Collection of Holiday Bake Wear on Display, Including Rudolph “Jello Mold” and Gingerbread House Mold
When I wrote my story, Counting Down to Christmas in the set A Christmas Cowboy to Keep, I knew there had to be a cookie decorating scene. And knowing how much these family keepsakes mean to me, I spent time on sites like Pinterest and Etsy trying to track down my own cookie cutters and bakeware, sometimes even finding images of some in their original packaging.
What I found out was that I have a collection spanning back through decades of family history starting with my own additions like my Ugly Christmas Sweater and gigantic snowflake cookie cutters.
1960’s: the copper cookie cutters including Santas, reindeer, and snowmen. Also the mini animals which we always used for shortbread, but as it turns out were actually from a child’s playset called “Little Mothers Cooky Cutters.”
1950’s: The aluminum one-piece angels, etc., the melamine marbleized camel and elephant and other circus characters in salmon pink, and the red transparent gingerbread men.
1930’s: All the cookie cutters with mint green or red painted wooden handles.
A Sampling of the Cookie Cutters Used by my Family
It turns out my Rudolph jello mold was actually once part of an 8-piece cake set from 1939. Robert May, the man who wrote the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, held the copy-write for the set. Incidentally, he lived in my town, and I went to school with his daughter.
The 8 Piece Cake Set. I Found my “Jello” Mold!
Another odd piece I’m fond of displaying is my gingerbread house mold. It’s not a kit like you see nowadays where you piece together flat sections of gingerbread with frosting. My mold makes a solid gingerbread cake. It came out in the year I was born, 1958.
Gingerbread House Mold and the Mini Copper Animals in their Original Packaging
And even though I don’t own this cowboy cookie cutter it has a special place in my story. Read the excerpt below to see how this guy brings out the Christmas spirit in a Christmas Grinch.
One Special Cookie Cutter for One Special Cowboy
An excerpt from Counting Down to Christmas
Leland looked at the racks of cooling cookies set out over the table, along with bowls of colored icing and decorative sprinkles. The women were already at work spreading icing on the cookies and setting them on waxed paper. He grabbed one off the rack nearest to him and sat down.
His mother slapped his hand. “Wait until we decorate them, please. In fact, why don’t you give us a hand?”
“What? You want me to decorate cookies?”
“You used to love to do that.”
“When I was six.”
Melody wrinkled her nose with distaste. He ignored her and picked through the old hat box full of cookie cutters. He pulled out one and his heart leaped with joy.
“Mustang Muldoon!” He cried out before he thought about it.
* * *
The delight in his voice took Melody by surprise. Her hand stilled in the middle of reaching for another cookie to decorate. She looked up at Leland and witnessed a transformation in his face. He held an ancient-looking cookie cutter. His eyes were crinkled and sparkling, a contagious grin spread across his face.
“What is that?” she couldn’t help but ask, pointing to the vaguely humanoid shape in his hand.
He flicked a look of annoyance in her direction. “He’s a cowboy, of course.”
“Oh, you used to love making cowboy cookies!” Alma picked up a cookie and handed it to him. “Why don’t you decorate him for me.”
Melody studied the blob-shaped cookie with a pointed head. “That’s a cowboy? I don’t see it.”
“The cookies do lose some detail when you bake them,” said Alma.
“Doesn’t look like a cowboy...” Leland rolled his eyes. “You have to decorate it the right way, that’s all. Ma, remember how we used to make the fringe on his chaps?”
“We used chocolate jimmies. I think I have some in the pantry.” Alma got up from the table.
Melody studied Leland as he hunched over to spread white frosting on his cookie. His hair had flopped over his forehead and he was biting his bottom lip in concentration. She could see the small boy in him, and a sudden warmth washed over her heart, which she quickly dismissed.
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS
is available in
A Christmas Cowboy To Keep
on
Amazon
About Patti
Patti Sherry-Crews lives in Evanston, Illinois, with her husband, one bad dog, and one good cat. She is a mother of three grown children and about to become a grandmother for the third time this winter. She is an award-winning author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction as well as historical western and medieval romances.
By Patti Sherry-Crews
I remember when I was a young mother how excited I was to carry forward all the holiday traditions I’d grown up with. Baking cookies and other treats at Christmas being one of them. And I’d been given all my grandmother’s and mother’s bakeware! I have quite a collection.
I baked and baked and baked, going through more pounds of butter in a month’s time than I did the preceding eleven months of the year. Sadly, I quickly learned nobody was going to eat all those cookies and cakes except for me— valiantly devouring sweets the best I could. Those pounds of butter looked attractive on my derriere.
I stopped baking almost entirely, and that decreased with children moving out, combined with new requests for gluten-free, no-carb, vegan, low-sugar, and dairy free foodstuffs.
But I still have all these wonderful cookie cutters and tins, and even though I didn’t use them to bake anymore, they still are a presence. Just seeing them brings so many memories and people back to me.
So every year they come out. I string the cookie cutters along garlands, make chandelier type arrangements out of evergreen wreaths and dangle the cookie cutters off of them. I make little tableaus of my gingerbread house mold and my Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer jelly mold. I get as much pleasure out of thinking of new ways to display my collection as I do seeing them.
Pieces from my Collection of Holiday Bake Wear on Display, Including Rudolph “Jello Mold” and Gingerbread House Mold
When I wrote my story, Counting Down to Christmas in the set A Christmas Cowboy to Keep, I knew there had to be a cookie decorating scene. And knowing how much these family keepsakes mean to me, I spent time on sites like Pinterest and Etsy trying to track down my own cookie cutters and bakeware, sometimes even finding images of some in their original packaging.
What I found out was that I have a collection spanning back through decades of family history starting with my own additions like my Ugly Christmas Sweater and gigantic snowflake cookie cutters.
1960’s: the copper cookie cutters including Santas, reindeer, and snowmen. Also the mini animals which we always used for shortbread, but as it turns out were actually from a child’s playset called “Little Mothers Cooky Cutters.”
1950’s: The aluminum one-piece angels, etc., the melamine marbleized camel and elephant and other circus characters in salmon pink, and the red transparent gingerbread men.
1930’s: All the cookie cutters with mint green or red painted wooden handles.
A Sampling of the Cookie Cutters Used by my Family
It turns out my Rudolph jello mold was actually once part of an 8-piece cake set from 1939. Robert May, the man who wrote the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, held the copy-write for the set. Incidentally, he lived in my town, and I went to school with his daughter.
The 8 Piece Cake Set. I Found my “Jello” Mold!
Another odd piece I’m fond of displaying is my gingerbread house mold. It’s not a kit like you see nowadays where you piece together flat sections of gingerbread with frosting. My mold makes a solid gingerbread cake. It came out in the year I was born, 1958.
Gingerbread House Mold and the Mini Copper Animals in their Original Packaging
And even though I don’t own this cowboy cookie cutter it has a special place in my story. Read the excerpt below to see how this guy brings out the Christmas spirit in a Christmas Grinch.
One Special Cookie Cutter for One Special Cowboy
An excerpt from Counting Down to Christmas
Leland looked at the racks of cooling cookies set out over the table, along with bowls of colored icing and decorative sprinkles. The women were already at work spreading icing on the cookies and setting them on waxed paper. He grabbed one off the rack nearest to him and sat down.
His mother slapped his hand. “Wait until we decorate them, please. In fact, why don’t you give us a hand?”
“What? You want me to decorate cookies?”
“You used to love to do that.”
“When I was six.”
Melody wrinkled her nose with distaste. He ignored her and picked through the old hat box full of cookie cutters. He pulled out one and his heart leaped with joy.
“Mustang Muldoon!” He cried out before he thought about it.
* * *
The delight in his voice took Melody by surprise. Her hand stilled in the middle of reaching for another cookie to decorate. She looked up at Leland and witnessed a transformation in his face. He held an ancient-looking cookie cutter. His eyes were crinkled and sparkling, a contagious grin spread across his face.
“What is that?” she couldn’t help but ask, pointing to the vaguely humanoid shape in his hand.
He flicked a look of annoyance in her direction. “He’s a cowboy, of course.”
“Oh, you used to love making cowboy cookies!” Alma picked up a cookie and handed it to him. “Why don’t you decorate him for me.”
Melody studied the blob-shaped cookie with a pointed head. “That’s a cowboy? I don’t see it.”
“The cookies do lose some detail when you bake them,” said Alma.
“Doesn’t look like a cowboy...” Leland rolled his eyes. “You have to decorate it the right way, that’s all. Ma, remember how we used to make the fringe on his chaps?”
“We used chocolate jimmies. I think I have some in the pantry.” Alma got up from the table.
Melody studied Leland as he hunched over to spread white frosting on his cookie. His hair had flopped over his forehead and he was biting his bottom lip in concentration. She could see the small boy in him, and a sudden warmth washed over her heart, which she quickly dismissed.
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS
is available in
A Christmas Cowboy To Keep
on
Amazon
About Patti
Patti Sherry-Crews lives in Evanston, Illinois, with her husband, one bad dog, and one good cat. She is a mother of three grown children and about to become a grandmother for the third time this winter. She is an award-winning author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction as well as historical western and medieval romances.
Christmas in July: A Christmas Cowboy To Keep
Is the heat getting to you? How about escaping to the mountains with a Christmas cowboy?
This collection of long novellas is the perfect summertime escape. Each story is filled with romance, family, and Christmas cheer.
Download it today for only 99 cents!! This collection is also available in Kindle Unlimited.
The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?
Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep.”
CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Nashville event planner, Liberty Ann Hart, tries not to fall for a local carpenter, but his charisma is difficult to ignore, especially at Christmas and in the rustic setting of a Texas town called Mistletoe. Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show the headstrong city woman a country life. Will a Christmas fundraiser spark a lifetime of love?
A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson is happy to start a new life at the Wyoming ranch she has inherited, but her six-year-old son wants to return to New York. As Christmas approaches and his pleas to Santa receive replies, it’s alarm bells not sleigh bells that start ringing. Tate Schrugge is amused by his new neighbor when she jogs over with some mis-delivered mail, but after she calls him Scrooge, she’s definitely not on his Christmas list. If these two can get together, it might be the Dickens of a romance.
THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
When an unexpected inheritance draws lawyer Skye Mallory home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in her Colorado hometown. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart in high school. Joe Carrigan has returned to the community he left years ago, ready to face his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. But this time, he won’t be so chivalrous.
THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
Some things never change. Kristen Kelly’s hometown is still Christmas crazy. Her sister, Laney, will always need to be rescued. And Cole Lawson will never stop pestering her. The handsome cowboy has picked right up where they left off, teasing her without mercy. And though her head tells her to run from Cole as fast as she can, her heart has a mind of its own.
SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
Carmen and Jared can’t avoid the sparks that fly between them at first sight. But when a dead body surfaces at the Christmas festival, she becomes a witness and he becomes a suspect. Not exactly the recipe for a perfect match. Can they find love amidst the mayhem and sleigh bells?
THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
Sofia Rossi and Gar McCulloch meet under challenging circumstances—her estranged son has been admitted to Gar’s ranch rehab-center. Sofia is a successful New York model who had an ill-advised liaison with a wealthy, married member of New York society and lost her son to her ex’s manipulation. Gar is divorced and lost his daughter to a drug overdose. When they bond together to reclaim Sofia’s son, the last thing they expect is to find redemption in each other’s arms, making this their best Christmas… ever.
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Melody Evans, a professional wedding planner, views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye, but she's never lost her childlike enthusiasm for her favorite holiday—Christmas. To veterinarian rancher Leland Jennings IV, Christmas is just for kids. If he could, he'd skip the whole month of December. But he does believe there’s one woman out there for him, and he's holding out for her. Melody revives Leland's Christmas spirit, and he rekindles her heart.
This collection of long novellas is the perfect summertime escape. Each story is filled with romance, family, and Christmas cheer.
Download it today for only 99 cents!! This collection is also available in Kindle Unlimited.
The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?
Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep.”
CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Nashville event planner, Liberty Ann Hart, tries not to fall for a local carpenter, but his charisma is difficult to ignore, especially at Christmas and in the rustic setting of a Texas town called Mistletoe. Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show the headstrong city woman a country life. Will a Christmas fundraiser spark a lifetime of love?
A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson is happy to start a new life at the Wyoming ranch she has inherited, but her six-year-old son wants to return to New York. As Christmas approaches and his pleas to Santa receive replies, it’s alarm bells not sleigh bells that start ringing. Tate Schrugge is amused by his new neighbor when she jogs over with some mis-delivered mail, but after she calls him Scrooge, she’s definitely not on his Christmas list. If these two can get together, it might be the Dickens of a romance.
THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
When an unexpected inheritance draws lawyer Skye Mallory home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in her Colorado hometown. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart in high school. Joe Carrigan has returned to the community he left years ago, ready to face his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. But this time, he won’t be so chivalrous.
THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
Some things never change. Kristen Kelly’s hometown is still Christmas crazy. Her sister, Laney, will always need to be rescued. And Cole Lawson will never stop pestering her. The handsome cowboy has picked right up where they left off, teasing her without mercy. And though her head tells her to run from Cole as fast as she can, her heart has a mind of its own.
SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
Carmen and Jared can’t avoid the sparks that fly between them at first sight. But when a dead body surfaces at the Christmas festival, she becomes a witness and he becomes a suspect. Not exactly the recipe for a perfect match. Can they find love amidst the mayhem and sleigh bells?
THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
Sofia Rossi and Gar McCulloch meet under challenging circumstances—her estranged son has been admitted to Gar’s ranch rehab-center. Sofia is a successful New York model who had an ill-advised liaison with a wealthy, married member of New York society and lost her son to her ex’s manipulation. Gar is divorced and lost his daughter to a drug overdose. When they bond together to reclaim Sofia’s son, the last thing they expect is to find redemption in each other’s arms, making this their best Christmas… ever.
COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Melody Evans, a professional wedding planner, views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye, but she's never lost her childlike enthusiasm for her favorite holiday—Christmas. To veterinarian rancher Leland Jennings IV, Christmas is just for kids. If he could, he'd skip the whole month of December. But he does believe there’s one woman out there for him, and he's holding out for her. Melody revives Leland's Christmas spirit, and he rekindles her heart.
Author Kristy McCaffrey
Kristy McCaffrey writes western historical and contemporary romances. She and her husband live in Arizona with their two dogs. Visit her online at kristymccaffrey.com.
- Kristy McCaffrey's profile
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