FRIDAY PHOTO - k9 Veteran's Day

 

Today we celebrate National K9 Veteran's day. These dogs work hard and put themselves in harm's way for the good and protection of their handlers. I don't believe they are recognized enough.  I thnk that is one of the things I enjoyed so much about June Faver's upcoming book DREAMING OF A COWBOY. I know that one of her previous books featured a retired K9 reunited with a Zach in Cowboy Christmas Homecoming. Zach's wife, Stephanie, comes to the rescue once again in the soon-to-be-released book.

I am also introducing a German Shepherd in Book 2 - An Ozarks Soldier's Homecoming. I'm hoping to donate a percentage to a K9 Veteran organization. 

Do you have a K9 in your stories?  I will be featuring another author in the 7-Brides for 7-Soldiers series who loves dogs and it shows in her writing and marketing, so stay tuned!

Question of the Day -

Are you a dog lover and if so, share your favorite breed both here and on social media in honor of these heroes!

All my best

~Angela

TOP 3 3-8-21

 

Good morning, everyone!

After accomplishing very little last week, I'm healthy, energized and ready to work this morning. Let's begin a brand new week with lots of positivity!

First off, I finished the beta reading/ edits for June Faver's future book (2022 ?) ...  DREAMING OF A COWBOY. Excellent book! Probably one of the best in the Garrett family line to date.I fall more and more in love with Big Jim with every book I read. Her most recent book, FOREVER  MY COWBOY, came out in January. I reviewed the book HERE. You'll also find June's social media links on that post.

This week begins a 7-week series for the Author Spotlight and Wednesday Review. We'll be taking a closer look at the seven authors who wrote the 7 BRIDES for 7 SOLDIER'S series. The previous link will take you to Amazon where you can pick up all seven books rather than purchasing individually.

Tomorrow, I'll shine the spotlight on author, Barbara Freethy then Wednesday I'll review the first book in the series, written by Barbara, Ryder.  I'm looking forward to delving in to the entire series and getting to know the authors behind these seven soldier heroes.

In the mean time, here is the list we'll be reading:

Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy

Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire

Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway

Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris

Jack (#5) - Julia London

Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber

Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase

After I finished the edits for June last week, I wound up with a stomach bug that took me out the rest of the week. I'm planning to get back in to Book 2 tonight. To further encourage me (accountability) and so you can see how things are going, I'm going to add a word count widgit to my side bar.  All I have to do is remember to update, which I will probably do on Mondays. That way when you see my week ahead, you'll also be able to see how I did word-count wise on the previous week.

Remember, we also have the Writer Tip Thursdays with our new video series. I don't know how many I can schedule ahead on blogger but I have them lined up for the next several weeks.

One more thing, I am speaking on BLOGGING as an author platform at the 54th Annual Ozark Creative Writers conference October 7, 8, 9 this year. I'll be talking about making the most of a blog (both as opposed to and in conjunction with a website) as well as the social media marketing required to make it viable. If you want more information about the conference just click on the button on the sidebar. I hope you'll join us for this fabulous conference!

All my best!

~Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Forever My Cowboy

 Good morning, friends.

This week I'm sharing my review of FOREVER MY COWBOY, by author June Faver.

This book is as good, if not better than the first book in the Garrett Family Saga. I'm not sure why this is called Book 2 when there have been three other books between Book 1 and this one - all of them featuring those drool-worthy Garrett men. Number in series aside, this book is a keeper.

I find my most opportune time to curl up with a book without trying to multi-task is run a nice soaking tub of water, a little bath salts and I'm good for at least thirty minutes. Not with this book. I read for 90 minutes, long after the water had begun to chill.

In FOREVER MY COWBOY, Cade Garrett is devastated by the death of his sister and her husband. But Garretts step up in a crisis and that's what he plans to do when his very young neice and nephew need a new family to raise them, not realizing his sister's will states otherwise.

Jennifer LaChance is all city girl free-falling on hard times. The death of her ever-supportive brother and sole family member, Jason, leaves her with no family or friends. All she has left is a house in a small Texas town and two children to raise. What she doesn't need is the big cowboy with the surely disposition, but as you'll soon see, sometimes you have to take the hand your dealt and make it work. 

June Faver has a unique way of creating great conflict, using the strength of her supporting characters to help move the story along at a comfortable pace.

You can order your copy of FOREVER MY COWBOY by clicking on the link above.

You'll find June Faver on the following social media streams:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - June Faver

 Once again, I'm shining the spotlight on my friend, June Faver.

FOREVER MY COWBOY, Book 2 in the Garrett Family Saga releases tomorrow!

You will most often find June on Facebook.

TOP 3 - January 25

 Well, not only am I coming in late today but last week was pretty much a wash to the list. Don't get me wrong. I got a lot accomplished but not from the list. This week I've adjusted my Top 3 based on what I must get done... not what I'd like to do.

As you probably saw from here, the blogs just did not get done last week. I'm not sure what the problem was other than trying to go too many different directions at once. This week, the blogs take first place.

I only got three ticklers written for June Faver's challenge. I have a problem coming up with blurbs without names. Sometimes the names come to me then I'm off. We are at Day 25 and I have 12. Hmmm If I can knock out 5 tonight with the girls I'll be thrilled, but I'm not sure that is going to happen.

Now that Bob will be home I want to reschedule the interview with the lady from the bakery in West Plains. I've waited for him to be home so that as soon as I do the interview, while everything is fresh in my brain I can go to my hotel room and scribble scenes while the information is fresh in my brain, not just on the recorder or in my notes. Also, if anything else comes to mind while I"m writing, I can stop back at the bakery for follow-ups.

Of course, right now a  lot depends on weather when it comes to travel, and a dependable vehicle. 

The thing that put me behind today was lack of sleep. I love a good thunderstorm and was awakened by one around 3 a.m.  About the time the storm hit hard, i discovered not one but two leaks in my bedroom ceiling... right over my head!

I spent the next 2 hours, stripping the bed and moving the mattresses to a safe spot then putting pans in place to catch the drips. The drips only lasted about twenty minutes though it's still raining as I write this (almost 12 hours later!) We've had over 3" of rain - the majority of that in a 4 hour time span. I moved to the recliner for the rest of the night - or should I say mornign - so am working on very little sleep.

Words will be slow today but I'm making myself charge through and be productive!

What do you do to 'carry on' in spite of life's bumps? I'd love to hear. Inspire me!

All my best 

~Angela

TOP 3 - October 12, 2020

 Good morning, everyone!

Busy week here in the studio. Bob leaves tomorrow morning so I'm not doing much today other than get the blog posts for the week scheduled.

The rest of the week (through Friday) is dedicated to finishing two baby albums for shower gifts (Saturday) Then the weekend is all about catching up on Plannerthon videos. They're only live til the 20th or so and I've not watched any since Bob got home. Maybe by then my hard copy of the 2021 PlannerThon Planner will have arrived. (positive vibes to the postal service appreciated)

So here's my week:

I still need to read and post a review of Jodi Thomas' new Christmas book but Netflix and Kindle are not playing nice so I can get my review copy. I've already pre-ordered my print copy. I believe the release is this week.

The holiday books are hitting the shelves. My print copy of June Faver's THE BEST COWBOY CHRISTMAS EVER released on the 29th. This is the first of two books added to the Garret Family saga we've come to love. 

What are you reading? 

All my best

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Hot Target Cowboy

HOT TARGET COWBOY is Book 2 in the Dark Horse Cowboys series by June Faver.  If there is one thing June knows, it's cowboys. She is from Texas, after all.

BLURB:

His loyalty is to his family.
But his heart belongs to her.

Eldest son Colt Garrett is the biggest, strongest and steadiest of the Garrett brothers. Colt accepts his responsibilities, knowing his future is tied to the land. Colt has stayed centered-but when he falls in love, he falls hard. He is mesmerized by Misty Dalton, the younger sister of one of his brother's friends.

Misty Dalton has held together a family plagued with problems since her mother passed away. But when the threats to her family turn deadly, Misty turns to Colt. If anybody wants to hurt Misty, they're going to have to go through the toughest of the Garrett boys first.

June Faver is one of my 'favorite' authors. Not only has she been a good friend and mentor for over thirteen years, but the woman can write! Proven through her multi-book contract with Sourcebooks in the Casablanca line as well as through the many workshops she has held at SavvyAuthors.  She is always up on trends in the industry and shares her finds with others so we are right up there with her.

But you're here about the book, HOT TARGET COWBOY.

I have to be honest, when she first told me the title, I was skeptical. I'm still not sure the title fits but once you get beyond that and into the story, you are once again carried away to Texas and the Garret compound. A ranch grown from grief and from love, forming a tight bond between the brothers as well as Big Jim, the father they love and respect. The Garrets are all about family... their own and others who might need a little help.

With that in mind, I was not surprised to see Colt, the oldest of the three Garrets, jump in to rescue Misty Dalton. He began by connecting with her younger brother, Mark. As soon as he made friends with the boy, I knew here was a hero I would want in my corner. He knew from the get-go Misty and Mark were part of a package... one he wanted to cherish. 

Through the twists and turns of the usual murders and suspense found in June's books, I found myself in love with Colt, just like I fell for Tyler in book one. 

Returning characters from Book 1 (Do Or Die Cowboy) include Leah. Leah married Tyler in Book 1 and is still showing her spitfire gumption when she stands up for Misty against Big Jim. You'll find not many stand up to that man without a bit of backfire. 

While you don't have to read the books in order, I recommend picking them both up. While you're at it, follow June Faver on the social media sights listed below so you will know when Book 3 - Full Throttle Cowboy - releases. 

I'm giving this book 5 quills not because June is a dear friend but because I LOVED the book... and I think you will too. 

Please visit/ follow June Faver on the links below

WEBSITE         FB          TWITTER          PINTEREST          GOODREADS          AMAZON

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS COMING SOON!

I will be bringing the author spotlight back, probably in a couple of weeks. The return will be based on when I can get Q & A back from authors. I didn't want to interrupt anyone's holiday season with office stuff. I'm contacting a couple of people today and will get the ball rolling.

In the mean time, I hope you'll come back tomorrow to check out my review of HOT TARGET COWBOY by June Faver. This is the second in her Garret family series.

WRITER TIP THURSDAY - June Faver

Here is my sage advice to all writers:

To become a better writer you must WRITE!

Over 8 years ago, I was in a miserable job wherein I drove an hour each way in Houston traffic and worked 4-10 hour days.  When I got to my 3 day weekend, I was a zombie and it took at least a day to recover and even find the place in the current story where I had left off the previous weekend. My solution was to try to write a mere 100 words when I got home after work, just to try and stay in the story. The result is that I am now on day 3,113 of daily writing. My goal for the past few years has been to write at least 1,000 words per day. If you want to be a writer, you must write. 

GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY! 

Here is your opportunity to win your very own copy of Do Or Die Cowboy!

Over the next 3 days, you have the opportunity to win just by leaving a comment below. You MUST leave a comment to be entered. 

June is giving not one but THREE copies away. So I'm going give you the chance to win EVERY day. On Friday I will draw a name from Today, one from Tomorrow and one from Thursday. So make sure you come back every day and leave a comment. You can only win once, so if you your name is drawn for Today, then I'll draw another name for Wednesday/ Thursday.

BEST NEWS!   BEST NEWS!    BEST NEWS!   

If you are in the United States, you win a PRINT COPY!  International comments will be eligible for an eBook copy. So EVERYONE has the opportunity to WIN!

Once you've read Do Or Die Cowboy, you can keep up with June Faver on the following Social Media sights:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Do Or Die Cowboy + Giveaway

Okay, normally I would post a review of the book by our Spotlight Author but today I have something a bit different. A Character Interview.

DO OR DIE COWBOY hero, Tyler Garrett, has been kind enough to answer a few questions. Feel free to drool a bit when you look into his eyes. He's getting used to the attention.

Thank you for joining me today, Tyler.  Let’s get started.

Regarding the simple pleasures of life, what are some of the little things that make your day better? Spending time with the woman I love, and her daughter. Singing and playing my guitar for them and just making them smile. We like to go for a ride around the ranch. Seeing everything through Gracie’s eyes  is like seeing it for the first time. 

Who was your biggest supporter growing up?

My mom was the one who encouraged me to sing. We sang gospel songs in church, and she entered me in talent contests. My dad thought I had talent, but he just never saw me doing anything except ranching.

What are some of the events in your life that have made you who you are?

Growing up on the ranch was always positive. My brothers and I learned the value of hard work and to respect the land. Music has always been in my heart, so when my mom encouraged me to enter talent contests, I did my best to make her proud of me.

What risks are worth taking?

There are risks you can back away from and risks you have to take. If someone I love is at risk, I would always step up. No matter what.

What’s the first thing you noticed about Leah when you saw her?

First of all, I noticed how beautiful she was, and also how scared she looked. Her big brown eyes reminded me of a frightened fawn.

You and Big Jim had problems but home is home. What is special about the place you grew up?

My dad was a lot easier to get along with when mom was alive. After she passed, it was as though he realized how fragile life is, and he wanted to squeeze the most out of every day. I know it was his intention to gather as much land as possible because he has three sons to leave it to. He wants to ensure that each of us has a good life, and for him, that means life on the Garrett ranch.

They say children and animals have an innate ability to recognize the good in a person. What do you think Gracie saw in you that made her feel safe?

After everything Gracie and Leah had been through, I’m so glad Gracie was able to accept me as a positive person in her life and that she had nothing to fear from me. She knows I would lay down my life for her.

What is it about music that speaks to you?

Everything. I’ve always heard music in my head. It surprised me that no one else could hear it.

Leah had a rough patch in her life. What drew you to wanting to protect her?

She looked so frightened. Of course, she’s  beautiful but something just reached right into my heart. She was wound so tight I had to do whatever I could to keep her and Gracie safe.

What would be a perfect first date?

In our town, going to the Eagle’s Hall on a Friday night, is a lot of fun. They have a live band on weekends, so a lot of townspeople turn out to have a beer and take a turn around the dance floor.

Life seems to be on its own time table. Do you believe in fate?

Of course. Too many things in my life have just fallen into place. It had to be fate, that I met Leah when I was on my way to Dallas. We could so easily have missed each other.

What was the most influential turning point in your life?

Meeting Leah and Gracie. I thought my singing career was the most important thing in my life, but I was wrong.

What is the one thing you want to do differently from your parents?

For my mom and dad, the whole world was right on our ranch and in the nearby small town of Langston, Texas.  I’ve been on tour and I want to see more of the world, and take Leah with me.

What is your favorite season or holiday? And do the two coincide?

My favorite season is the fall. I love when it cools off and the leaves turn colors. I love all the holidays that bring my family together. The Garretts are a tight clan, but the holidays are a celebration of family.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Luckiest man alive.

If you could do one thing to surprise Leah, what do you think it would be?

I think she deserves a real honeymoon. I’d love to surprise her with a cruise or vacation to some tropical island where we can just relax and be with each other.

Author, June Faver, has introduced us to an incredible family in the Garretts. I look forward to introducing you to his brothers in the future. In the mean time, you can pick up your copy on 

AMAZON

GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY! 

Here is your opportunity to win your very own copy of Do Or Die Cowboy!

Over the next 3 days, you have the opportunity to win just by leaving a comment below. You MUST leave a comment to be entered. 

June is giving not one but THREE copies away. So I'm going give you the chance to win EVERY day. On Friday I will draw a name from Today, one from Tomorrow and one from Thursday. So make sure you come back every day and leave a comment. You can only win once, so if you your name is drawn for Today, then I'll draw another name for Wednesday/ Thursday.

BEST NEWS!   BEST NEWS!    BEST NEWS!   

If you are in the United States, you win a PRINT COPY!  International comments will be eligible for an eBook copy. So EVERYONE has the opportunity to WIN!

Once you've read Do Or Die Cowboy, you can keep up with June Faver on the following Social Media sights:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - June Faver + Giveaway!

I first 'met' June Faver on line almost twelve years ago through Candace Havens' yahoo group. We were in a sprint group together. Since then we have become good friends. She was kind enough to offer me a place to sleep during one of my trips to Texas.

June is a superb writer, having Indie-published multiple books before signing with Source Books. Her Dark Horse series is an amazing collection. You'll want them all, trust me! Be sure to read all the way through to learn more about the goodies June is offering today.

So let me introduce you to June Faver

BIO:

June/J.D. Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.

Thank you for joining me today in The Writers’ Studio. Let’s get started!

Here are my Top 5:

I’ve always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?

I have no idea where the seed of a story idea comes from, but once I become obsessed with it, I sometimes even dream the story. I’ve had to jump out of bed to make notes before. Generally, the current book is always working in my brain. As I get to know the characters better, they reveal their personalities, strengths and weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. 

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?

I wish I could tell you that I have some kind of formula for writing, but that’s not the case.  I’m never at a loss for story ideas. I do have a bulging file of WIPs (Works in Progress). Some will never be finished, while burst forth into fruition. Once I got a story idea from a news story about border immigration and another time someone said the phrase, “throw-away babies” and I totally freaked out, but it sparked a story.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?

I think I’m most like Chloe Solis in my South Padre Island series> Bad Medicine is the first. She always leads with her heart. She is fiercely loyal and shares many of my human frailties.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?

I love to write and would be writing even if my words never got published, but the most thrilling part of writing is when someone reads and ‘gets it’. It’s the ultimate validation.

Self-care seems to be a trend these days. What do you do to pamper yourself?

My days start with a simple ritual of greeting the new day. I have Minx, a precious small rescue dog (Rat Terrier/Chihuahua) and we go out early to perform our ritual. Hers involves patrolling her domain to make sure there are no squirrels or deer around. Yes, she will fiercely chase deer from our part of the woods. After she ensures that we are safe, she comes to lie beside me on the porch, her ears perked up and alert for danger. My part of the ritual involves sitting in my big wicker chair, breathing, admiring the colors of the sky and listening to the incredible bird songs, and most of all...finding my center. Just being thankful. I water the growing things and make sure both bird baths are filled. Yes, it’s a year round thing. Love to sit out in the rain. Minx, not so much... 

June's Top 3:

How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

My second grade teacher, Sister Anastasia, let me write, cast, direct, and act in the 3-Act Plays I wrote. She gave me a box of colored chalk so I could draw the sets on the 3 blackboards. She was my patron saint and gave a portal for those stories to come tumbling out. Yes, I was 7 years old. 

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

LOTS!!! It just creeps in. I find myself writing in things that have happened to me or someone I know...and I sometimes write a character with mannerisms I’ve observed in others. No one is exempt.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to travel?

Anywhere with a white sand beach, gentle offshore breezes and lots of seafood and fresh produce. Oh, and a sail boat. Heavenly.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a bit. Now let's talk about the book! I have been in love with this series from the beginning

BLURB:

Putting it all on the line for love...
Cowboy musician Tyler Garrett has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put aside his rough-and-tumble rancher's lifestyle and realize his dream. He's on the road to Dallas to record a demo when that dream gets kicked sideways by a beautiful woman on the run.

Leah Benson will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. But when her dangerous past catches up with her, she needs a hero—and luckily for her, Tyler Garrett was born and bred for the role.

Dark Horse Cowboys Series:
Do or Die Cowboy (Book 1)

EXCEPRT:

The dog began to lap noisily. Leah knelt down beside him to run her hand over the silky fur. “Good boy” she whispered and rose from her crouch. When she turned, she ran smack into a brick wall. A warm muscled brick wall with arms. She stifled a scream as she pushed off the wall and was gathered into a rough embrace.

“Easy, Leah.”

“Oh, Ty! You scared me.” Swallowing hard, she braced her hands against his powerful bare chest. The sensation sent her heart into a flutter. Longing surged through her. Longing for what, she wasn’t quite certain, but longing nonetheless.

“Sorry,” he murmured, his voice deep and raspy. “I thought Lucky was getting into something.” He held her firmly against his warm torso.

She swallowed again. “N—No, I’m sorry I woke you.” Gazing up, she couldn’t read his expression in the darkness.

He expelled a breath, staring down at her moon-washed face. “You are just too pretty for my own good.” 

Released August 28th, you will find your copy of DO OR DIE COWBOY on Amazon

Want to find out more about forthcoming books in the Dark Horse series? Check out June's Project Page

GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY! 

Here is your opportunity to win your very own copy of Do Or Die Cowboy!

Over the next 3 days, you have the opportunity to win just by leaving a comment below. You MUST leave a comment to be entered. 

June is giving not one but THREE copies away. So I'm going give you the chance to win EVERY day. On Friday I will draw a name from Today, one from Tomorrow and one from Thursday. So make sure you come back every day and leave a comment. You can only win once, so if you your name is drawn for Today, then I'll draw another name for Wednesday/ Thursday.

BEST NEWS!   BEST NEWS!    BEST NEWS!   

If you are in the United States, you win a PRINT COPY!  International comments will be eligible for an eBook copy. So EVERYONE has the opportunity to WIN!

Once you've read Do Or Die Cowboy, you can keep up with June Faver on the following Social Media sights:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Hello everyone!

I'm enjoying a fabulous week in Eureka Springs Arkansas at the Inn of the Ozarks. This hotel is the only one I'll stay. The rooms are always clean, the staff amazing to work with. Great food at their restaurant, Myrtie May's....

I could go on, but I brought you here today to introduce you to a special little friend. Her name is Minx. She owns my author buddy, June Faver. June will be dropping by September 4, 5 and 6th to show off her first traditional-published release, Do or Die Cowboy.  Man, wait til you meet Tyler Garret. Y'all are going to fall in head over cowboy boots for this one.

Okay, back to Minx. June's neighbor took this video of her little dog and June didn't have any way to view it so asked if I would help her out.

June says: This is Minx, my Rat Terrier/Chihuahua rescue girl. She's been my constant companion for 9 years. I didn't even know I needed a dog until I brought this little sweetie home.

June, this one's for you!