Friday, July 10, 2026

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

Day two of the RSJ conference. Great session yesterday on copyright and free-use given by attorney Desarie Green. Also, great tips on self-publishing from a woman who's well-versed on the subject and has won multiple awards; Saharra Sandu. When I purchased the early bird package last July, I opted in for the recordings. I can go back and listen as long as RSJ lives.

This week is all about Summer!


Courtesy of  jade0626-beach-420173_640 on Pixabay
All my best!
~ Angela


Wednesday, July 8, 2026

RSJ ROMANCE WRITERS'S CONFERENCE

Good morning, friends.

I had the realization yesterday I'd not chosen Spotlight Authors or books for this week; the whole month actually.


I will be in the RSJ Romance Writers' conference all this week. In preparation for the event, everything else just fell by the way. I will get the Friday Photos scheduled for your inspiration as well as the rest of the Thoughtful Monday posts. Spotlight Authors and Reviews will resume next week. 

All my best!

~ Angela

Monday, July 6, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

As we celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday, please be safe.


All my best!
~Angela


Thursday, July 2, 2026

RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 5

Good morning, friends.

I'm taking a step away from the Korean War history to bring you a special 4th of July Tribute.

The video below posted to YouTube nine years ago. After learning the process of bringing  Pfc. Chance Russell Phelps home was properly done, the details precise (not a Hollywood make believe), I knew things I needed to look for and include in An Ozarks Homecoming.

The story of Pfc. Phelps' return home is documented in the film, 'Taking Chance' staring Kevin Bacon. The emotional thread runs through the movie like a trip-wire. Strong, powerful, tugging at every conceivable emotion regarding the loss of life but more importantly the sacrifice our men and women are ready to make to insure our freedom. 


You can rent or purchase a copy of the full movie HERE.

All my best
~Angela

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Alanna

 Good morning, everyone!

Can you believe we just stepped in to July? Crazy!

I'm choosing the books for this month. Here's a tip - they're going to be Christmas related. Hallmark is releasing new movies this month as well. I'll be showcasing them each week.



BLURB:
Overall of the three-book series premise.

An unforgettable collection of Sweet Historical Western Romances set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West. Each story is a unique journey of faith, love, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Alanna

She has nowhere to go, but he doesn’t trust her. Can love bloom amid suspicion?

Donald Dill has heard every excuse in the book from would-be brides. Now jaded and skeptical, he’s ready to send his new mail-order bride back. Alanna Foley, however, is determined to stay. With her niece in tow after her sister’s death, Alanna has no other options. She’s strong and resilient, but Donald’s lack of trust stings deeply.

Amid the perils of land grabbers, dangerous wildlife, and another woman’s shocking claim to Alanna’s niece, love quietly takes root. But can they overcome their fears and listen to their hearts before it’s too late?


My first thought was, how many men and women, went through the lack of trust from a mail order companion only to find they weren't the right fit? How many stuck it out anyway and found their happy ever after in the end?

After more than one unhappy potential alliance, Donald is very wary and is determined to send her back because he doesn't trust her reasoning for having a child in her arms. But Alanna sees something in him he doesn't recognize on his own. His life may have been all about order and preciseness prior to her arrival but she soon helps him understand that things need to shift when a child is involved. Baby Winnie sees something in Donald as only a child can. When she first grasps his finger, he is lost, even if he won't admit it. He'll do anything for that infant and he proves it when she develops milk poisoning. 

I wanted to smack the traveling preacher who was supposed to join Donald and Alanna in marriage, or as Donald intended initially, send her back with him. When the preacher sets his mind on marrying Alanna himself, things don't sit right. The the man of the cloth brings an uppity potential bride for Donald in Alanna's place. I didn't know trading brides was an option. Apparently the Padre thought so.

You'll find the boxed set by clicking on the link below the picture.


I loved this story. Kathleen Ball has a way with taking you on a smooth ride, then throw in a curve to beat all curves. I hope to feature her again soon.
In the mean time, Alanna is the first story in the three-book novella series, Brides of Pine Crossing. I'll be reading the remaining two before sending this book back to KU.
I'm giving ALANNA - Bride of Pine Crossing...


All my best!
~ Angela

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Kathleen Ball

Good morning, friends!

We are closing out June with another Western Romance author. I hope you've enjoyed the bridal series.


Let's learn more about Kathleen Ball.

USA Today Best-Selling Author of Heartfelt Western Romance 

Kathleen Ball is a celebrated USA Today Best-Selling Author and Amazon Kindle All-Star, renowned for her deeply emotional and unforgettable storytelling. With a unique talent for weaving tales that capture the rugged beauty of the West and the enduring strength of the human spirit, Kathleen has become a beloved name in both Historical and Contemporary Western Romance.

Her novels transport readers to a time of simplicity, courage, and unwavering values, where love triumphs over adversity and faith carries characters through their darkest hours. Each book delivers a heart-stirring journey that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately rejoice as love conquers all.

Whether set on a sun-drenched ranch or amidst the untamed frontier, Kathleen’s stories are rich with vivid imagery, compelling characters, and the hope of a happy ending. Her heartfelt narratives resonate with readers who cherish tales of redemption, second chances, and unbreakable bonds.

When you pick up a Kathleen Ball novel, prepare for a page-turning experience that will leave you inspired and longing for more. Explore her works today and discover why she is one of the most celebrated voices in Western Romance.


Her website lists seventy-nine books to her credit. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing one of the stories from her three-book box set - Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing.  In the mean time, click on any of the links below to learn more about this week's author.


All my best!
~ Angela


 

Monday, June 29, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

We have officially moved into Summer. What are your plans? 


All my best!
~ Angela