Good morning, friends!
As we celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday, please be safe.
All my best!
~Angela
Monday, July 6, 2026
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.
Monday, June 29, 2026
THOUGHTFUL MONDAY
Good morning, friends!
We have officially moved into Summer. What are your plans?
All my best!
~ Angela
Thursday, June 25, 2026
RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 4
Do you know how the Korean War began?
The inspiration for An Ozarks Homecoming began when I stood along side the road and watched the procession bringing CPL Donald Eugene Matney home to Seymour MO. I'd never seen support such as CPL Matney received on his journey. Even his Uncle commented in a presentation he gave at the Broomfield Veterans Museum in April of 2017 how the state of Missouri did his nephew (his wife's nephew) proud.
From what I understand, nearly every overpass from St. Louis to Seymour had people lined up with flags and saluting as he passed below. I didn't realize at the time the importance of that motorcade, only that a serviceman was coming home. Here's a news clip from one of our local new stations KY3 (Springfield MO)
You only need to see the first 6 minutes or so.
By the time I'd driven the ninety minutes back home (I was on my way home from Springfield) I had a story idea in my head. My brain always goes to the 'What If... " when something catches my attention.
So, how did the Korean War begin?
Here's what I found from (historycrunch.com *) websight as well as (Wikipedia **)
The main reason the United States got involved in Korea was the purpose of doing everything possible to keep communism from spreading around world. *
United Nations Security Council Resolution 82 was a measure adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 25, 1950. The resolution demanded North Korea immediately end its invasion of South Korea **
The resolution called on the North to immediately halt its invasion and to move its troops back to the 38th parallel. Seen as a diplomatic victory for the United States, the resolution was completely ignored by North Korea. This brought the UN and the US to take further action, setting the state for massive international involvement and the expansion of the Korean War.
The Korean Conflict was not suppose to be an all-out war. We were to be a police action... at least that's what the government told our boys.
In my research I learned so much about the Korean War and how our boys coming home failed to receive the welcome they should have. Very little is said about WW1. We hear about the economy boosts after WWII and what a political fiasco the Vietnam War was - the deplorable conditions for our soldiers, yet the Korean War truly has become 'the forgotten war'. After doing my research, I won't ever forget what our boys went through only to be treated as if their sacrifice didn't matter.
The following video is actually in regards to a WWII veteran but I wanted to share - This Old Army Hat by Bill Anderson.
We'll continue this next Wednesday...
All my best
~Angela
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Doctor's Distracting Bride
Good morning, friends!
Already been a week and it's only Wednesday! Thankfully, I had a story to distract me.
BLURB:
Dr. Stephen Ambrose likes
his world orderly. His medical instruments are labeled, his routines timed, and
his patients cared for with quiet efficiency. What he never expected from Miss
Mabel’s matchmaking service was a whirlwind bride who brings more laughter than
silence and more peppermint lozenges than medical charts.
Della Tate has spent years volunteering in San Francisco’s free infirmary, learning every trick of nursing without ever earning a certificate. She’s cheerful, determined, and convinced that God has called her to help others, even if her new husband would prefer she sweep floors and keep quiet. But the people of Hickory Creek adore her, even as she turns Stephen’s carefully controlled life upside down.
When a mother and child nearly lose their lives in childbirth, the resulting controversy summons Stephen and Della before the Texas Medical Board. The hearing could cost him his license and her the chance to serve beside him. As uncertainty looms, both must decide whether love and faith are strong enough to withstand the weight of doubt—and whether God’s plan for them is larger than their fears.
With humor, heart, and a touch of Miss Mabel’s divine mischief, The Doctor’s Distracting Bride is a Christian Western romance about courage, calling, and discovering that sometimes God’s best prescriptions come wrapped in laughter and love.
They ask for quiet, obedient brides. Mabel sends them the ones with fire.
The Doctor's Distracting Bride is Book 6 in the Bride's of Miss Mabel's Registry.
London James has an interesting voice with her books. First off, Miss Mabel doesn't connect couples necessarily what they ask for. She has an innate ability to read between the lines to make the perfect match.
She also uses a unique trope. Rather than the 'Cinderella', 'Enemies to Lovers', etc, she uses stories from the Bible. For this one, she called on the Book of Ruth. Definitely a unique way to tell a contemporary (or in this case Historical romance) love story. I found her way of getting the couple's attention to their own predicament refreshing.
While she tells a great story, I did find a couple of editing issues, including an entire paragraph duplicated, one right after the other on a page. There were a couple minor editing issues as well. For the editing only, I'm giving a slightly lower quill rating this week.
I'm giving The Doctor's Distracting Bride...
. 8
All my best!
~ Angela
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