Month: August 2022

Curse of Wolf Falls #Pre-Order #NewRelease @brendawhitesid2

Published on by Jan Sikes42 Comments

I am happy to share an upcoming new book release from a fellow author, Brenda Whiteside! I’ll let her tell you about it, but isn’t this a gorgeous cover?

PURCHASE LINK

Thank you, Jan, for hosting me on your blog today, so I can talk about my new upcoming release! Much appreciated!

The 1960s and 70s left an indelible mark on my soul. The age of experimentation of the mind and body embraced all things the universe had to offer, whether we could explain it or not, such as aura reading, empathic revelations, crystals, and out-of-body experiences, to name a few.

In my series, The MacKenzie Chronicles, I wrote the next generation—the siblings who were raised by parents of the sixties living in Joshua, Arizona—an 1800s mining community-turned-ghost-town, reborn hippie haven, and now tourist town clinging to the side of Spirit Mountain—hiding treacherous secrets only the MacKenzie’s can reveal.

The fictitious town of Joshua is modeled after Jerome, Arizona, a real-life tourist destination. If you ever visit Arizona, it’s a must-stop on your tour. The town had died down to just over one hundred residents when the hippies discovered it in the sixties. Now, it’s a thriving art community with wine tasting and haunted hotels. I take a day trip to Joshua, er, Jerome every chance I get.

KODAK Digital Still Camera JEROME, ARIZONA

Although the theme of my stories isn’t paranormal, some of that sixties mentality is an important thread. After all, I’ve seen orbs, experienced déjà vu, and met a few people I’ve known in some other place and time. Oh, and we all know Moms have eyes in the backs of their heads…or is it some other unexplainable talent they possess?

I’ll leave you with one example. Many years ago, when my son played hockey, we hosted an international tournament for boys aged 12-15. Our team was designated to house the Austrian boys. Waiting for our assigned boy, I looked across the room. A cutie with big blue eyes was staring at me. When I gazed into those eyes, I felt like I knew him. I silently hoped he would be assigned to stay the week with us. Well, yeah, you guessed it. He was. And we hit it off immediately. He’s been my good friend ever since…even if from afar. He’s visited us several times over the years, and we’ve visited him once in Austria. So, not a universe-shaking experience, but those little occurrences in life, if you’ll allow your mind to accept them, are awesome, unexplained adventures.

Have you had any similar experiences?

PURCHASE LINK

Blurb:

Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy.  

Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can’t return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She’s spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center.  

Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he’s back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he’ll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won’t give up may be the death of them both.  

With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there’s nowhere the couple can hide.

Purchase Link (preorder sale price until 9/5): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B663MY1D

Review copies are available until 9/5 (be certain you can leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads, and BookBub before you download, it’s a commitment)

https://storyoriginapp.com/reviewcopies/c6432934-0842-11ed-abd0-239675f1672d

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/z6nqom3s4y

Excerpt:

He frowned. “That’s a heavy secret.”

“Yeah. Boyd found out, or at least suspected. He was there when Cam died. The cave isn’t impossible to find, but the wealth in the cave lies at the end of several twisty paths which we stored the coordinates for on Cam’s phone. I’m sure someday, someone will discover it. If we did, others can too. But we didn’t want to be the ones to endanger a centuries-old sacred site and disrupt a culture. Cam’s last words to me were to guard the phone and don’t trust anyone. Boyd must have figured out what Cam meant. Boyd’s the one who trashed the apartment, and when he didn’t find the phone, came back to… I’m guessing…make me give it to him.”

Julien’s arms and legs tensed. “Now Marty is here to pick up where Boyd left off?”

“Marty possibly has skeletons in his closet.” She hesitated. She didn’t want her empathic ways to come between her and Julien again, but… Hell. It’s who I am—I embrace it, you embrace it. “He does. I can read that much about him. I have no doubt he isn’t an honest person, but I can’t believe he had anything to do with Boyd’s actions. His heart isn’t black.”

“But?”

“I don’t know. He thinks someone who works for him has information on how to find the Mescalero Myth. I think he came here fishing to see if I might be the source. Since I left so abruptly, he suspects me. I guess.”

“Mon dieu, Ellie, you’re in danger! Where’s the phone?”

“I don’t have it. I took out the SIM card and threw the phone away. Marty wants to find the burial grounds, but I don’t think he’s the type to do much more than he has—come here and pump me for info. If I didn’t convince him that I know nothing, I at least put doubt in his mind. He had to leave today and get back to the dig.”

He cupped her face in his hands. “Ellie, you have me worried.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brenda Whiteside in Jerome

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense and romance. She’s penned a couple of historicals and straight romances, but she’s found villains and danger make a good story that much better. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart, so won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Visit Brenda: https://www.brendawhiteside.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

Twitter:

She blogs and has guests:

https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Whiteside/e/B003V15WF8/

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation – #TarotReading – #DragonOracleCard

Published on by Jan Sikes44 Comments

Good morning! It’s the beginning of the last week of August. We are on the downhill slide for summer and I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to fall!

Created in Canva

This meditation brought me such a wonderful feeling! I hope it does for you, too.

The Tarot Reading today seems to be far-reaching—not for one person, but for a collective.

Photo by Jan Sikes

When I first looked at this spread, what came to mind is how everyone in the world is interconnected in some way. And the critical distress our planet is in causes grief and heavy worry. But the outcome is joyous with a collective of souls. Then I looked deeper.

The World card invites you to reflect on your journey, honor your achievements, and tune into your spiritual lessons. Celebrate your successes and bask in the joy of having brought your goals to fruition. All the triumphs and tribulations along your path have made you into the strong, wise, more experienced person you are now. Express gratitude for what you have created and harvested. Finally, make sure you don’t rush into the next big project—celebrating your journey will set you up for success when you are ready for your next challenge. This card reinforces Universal understanding and global awareness, and you will find a new appreciation for people and cultures from across the world.

The Nine of Swords suggests that dark thoughts and disturbing feelings are weighing you down (and keeping you up at night). You are worrying excessively about a situation, and your negative thoughts are getting the better of you, leaving you stressed and anxious. The more you associate with your fears, the more they will rule your life. As you obsess over what’s not working, the more anxious you become and the more you will worry. It becomes a negative cycle where one awful thought leads to another, and another, and another until they overwhelm you. Just as the nine swords are stacked upon each other on the wall, so too are your negative thoughts. Be careful because the fear and worry in the Nine of Swords can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you obsess over what may go wrong, you are more likely to manifest your worst-case scenario because you are inadvertently acting in ways that support your negative thoughts. This card reminds you that much of the fear and worry you are experiencing is in your head and not necessarily an accurate reflection of what is happening around you. You may make things worse for yourself by over-thinking or obsessing over the worst-case scenarios. It is time to examine your situation from a new perspective. Instead of looking for evidence of what is going wrong, put your attention on what is going right.

When the Three of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you are encouraged to gather with your closest friends and have a good time together, talking, laughing, sharing and creating. Together, you give and receive the love, support and compassion each of you needs from one another. You may be inspired to host a girls’ night out, a weekend away, or start a women’s circle so you can join forces with like-minded people. The energy is high, and you’re here to do amazing things together. This card also invites you to collaborate with others on a creative project and inspire one another to reach new heights. Collectively, you are working towards a common goal for the greater good of others, and by reaching out to others and banding together, you can achieve a great deal by sharing your positive energy and passion with the wider community. 

MY TAKEAWAY:

Don’t shy away from celebrating what you’ve accomplished. Not in a braggart sort of way, but genuine joy and gratitude for each accomplishment, no matter how small. Don’t let worry bog you down. Change what you can and put the rest out to the Universe to take care of. It’s not your job to save the world, only your little corner of it. And even though things may look bleak, find little things to celebrate with your loved ones, regardless if it’s family and/or friends. When we look we can always find something to be thankful for.

Each time I pull a dragon card, I think it’s the most gorgeous one, but seriously, this one is so beautiful! And what a great message!

Rainbow Dragon. Brings the leap of joy that opens new doors. Have trust. Rediscover wisdom. Expect miracles. Accept opportunities.

Friday Free-For-All! #2

Published on by Jan Sikes39 Comments

Hi, everyone. I hope you’ve had a good week and looking forward to the weekend. It’s time for another Free-For-All!

Created in Canva

I’ve been thinking about things that have influenced me throughout life, and the list is long. Of course, my parents influenced me, as did school. But the one single biggest influence that goes as far back as I can remember is Music!

Growing up in a holy-roller, free-holiness church, music was a big part of every worship service. The piano, guitars, tambourines, accordions, and even a trumpet would stir my soul ten times more than whatever message the preacher brought. Because I could FEEL it.

The strict religion forbade listening to “worldly” music, but I was allowed to attend gospel music concerts. The Stamps Quartet, Blackwood Brothers, and The Happy Goodman Family are some of the most memorable. And, oh my, they could sing. Their harmonies blended like finely tuned instruments. Again, it stirred something deep and primal in me.

Then, as a teenager, I got a transistor radio one year for Christmas. It came with earbuds. Mine looked exactly like this.

Courtesy Canva Photos

The entire world opened up to me! I could get KOMA out of Oklahoma City and Wolfman Jack on XERF out of Del Rio, Texas. And I fell in love!

I fell in love with Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Odis Redding, and all the greats who were creating fabulous music in the sixties. I would imagine myself standing on the hood of a car, singing “Venus” or Helen Reddy’s “Angie Baby.” Then the kids at school would accept me, and I’d finally be a part of something. Yes, I know. It was the crazy imagination and dreaming of a lonely teenager. But some part of me saw music as my window to the world.

I begged Mom and Dad for a piano. We were poor, and I know it was selfish of me, as it would be near to impossible for them, but they managed to find one somewhere and brought it home. I loved to pound away on it. They couldn’t afford lessons, so I’d pick out songs by ear. Then, several summers in a row, The Stamps School of Music came to Hobbs and offered free classes. So, my sister and I were allowed to go. I learned to read the notes but never got it down to the point I could look at a piece of music and know instantly what the notes were. I’d have to count the lines and spaces. 🙂

So, time went on, and I turned eighteen. I could legally leave home. I was chomping at the bit to get out and experience the world, to try all of the things that had been forbidden by the church and my parents. And experiencing live music was at the top of that list.

I was too young to get into the nightclubs, but one club in Abilene (where I had moved) had lost their liquor license for serving alcohol to minors, and they had live music on the weekends. That became my second home. And it was where I met Rick Sikes.

I often question myself as to whether or not I would have been as attracted to him if he hadn’t been a regional singing star. Who knows, and it doesn’t matter. He was, and I was. I loved traveling up and down the roads of Texas with him and his band. I finally found a place where I fit, where I was a part of something that I loved.

Rick Sikes And The Rhythm Rebels 1965

As life will often do, it threw me a curve ball, and instead of catching it, I let it knock me down. Rick’s music career and our love affair came to an abrupt end when he was arrested and convicted on two counts of bank robbery.

Now what? I’d still go out and listen to bands every chance I got, but it was never the same. And yet, I never lost my love for music. I fell in love with Jethro Tull and would sit with headphones on and listen to his Aqualung album over and over. I’d do the same with Janis Joplin’s Pearl album.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and I am now married to Rick Sikes. After a long hiatus, he’s started back writing and singing. Only this time, I am along for the full ride as his music partner. I learned to play guitar and loved sitting with him and co-writing songs or playing a new one for him that I’d written. His first public appearance was at Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas for Roxy Gordon’s wake in 2000. From that point, he never stopped until he got too sick to hold a guitar.

Rick and Jan Sikes Kerrville, Tx. 2003
Kerrville, Tx 2003

After Rick passed away and I moved to the Dallas area, I searched for a way to stay plugged into the music world I loved so much. I started volunteering at music festivals in 2010. At first, I was the outsider again. These people had a long history together. But I kept suiting up and showing up and working hard, and now the folks who still do this with me are like an extended family.

Then, when I had the opportunity to go to work for Buddy Magazine, I loved interviewing music artists and helping promote their new records. COVID took the magazine down, but a man has taken it over and trying to revive it.

In the meantime, I attend every live music event I possibly can. Music feeds and satisfies some primal need in me. It has indeed been my biggest influencer in life, and I have a feeling it will be until I am no longer on this earth. This sign hangs on my office door.

A gift from Marlena Smith Burris

Sorry for the long blog post. I normally avoid that, but this one seemed to require it. I’d love to hear from you. What has been the biggest singular influence in your life?

For the final birthday month giveaway, my short story, Brazos Wind is FREE for the next four days! I’d be honored if you’d download it!

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonOracleCard

Published on by Jan Sikes40 Comments

As of yesterday, I have completed another full trip around the sun. I began my day with a guided birthday meditation, then celebrated with family and friends. It was a wonderful day. I am also celebrating a win for JAGGED FEATHERS in the book award contest at the North Texas Book Festival! I couldn’t have asked for a better gift!

Created in Canva

This is a short but powerful meditation. I hope you enjoy it!

The tarot reading is a little different this week, as two cards came out together. So, instead of three, we have four. 🙂 I love how the Universe works!

Photo by Jan Sikes

I felt like these cards were just for me, but hopefully, someone else will relate to them as well.

The Knight of Wands indicates energy, passion, motivation, and enthusiasm. You are bold and courageous and willing to venture into unknown territories to further your mission and your dreams. You don’t really care if danger lies ahead – in fact, if it does, then it becomes all the more exciting and thrilling for you. Adventures like this light you up because you know growth and expansion are waiting on the other side. Be a pioneer and take calculated risks to reach new heights. Be mindful that the Knight of Wands can express himself as an ‘act first, think later’ type of person. In your pursuit of action, you may be impulsive and impatient, expecting everything to be done yesterday. While you are bursting with energy, you have a tendency to rush into things with little consideration for the consequences of your actions. This card is SO indicative of how I have lived my life and how interesting it sits in the past position in the reading.

The Fool is another card that I resonate with on a deep level, and it is from the Major Arcana, so affects the overall deeper persona. He stands on the edge of the cliff, oblivious to any danger, carefree and dreaming. Even though you don’t know exactly where you are going, you are being called to commit yourself and follow your heart, no matter how crazy this leap of faith might seem to you. Now is a time when you need to trust where the Universe is taking you. Yep. This is another eerily accurate depiction of how I’ve lived my life.

The Strength card. There is my Leo the Lion. 🙂 I have always loved this card, and it inspires me! The Strength card represents strength, determination, and power. It speaks to the inner strength and the human spirit’s ability to overcome any obstacle. Strength is about knowing you can endure life’s obstacles. Honestly, I never knew the strength I possessed until I faced the lengthy illness Rick endured until his passing. Times like that cause you to draw on every ounce of strength. This card urges you to ‘tame’ your animal instincts, gut reactions, and raw emotions and channel these initial responses constructively. It’s normal for feelings such as anger, rage, sadness, guilt, or shame to arise in certain situations. However, it’s what you do with these emotions that makes all the difference. Now is a time when you need to be conscious of your instinctual urges and bring them into balance with the greater good.

The Ten of Cups embodies happiness, joy, and emotional contentment, particularly in your relationships and family. It is the ‘happy family’ card, suggesting that your family relationships are harmonious and loving right now. No one is fighting or causing any tension; all family members are getting along with each other and sharing in the love and happiness that surrounds you. This card may appear in a reading when you are spending more time with family, perhaps on a holiday, reunion, or event, where you can rest and relax together, creating fun and happy family memories and strong bonds. How appropriate since I spent my birthday celebrating with family.

MY TAKEAWAY:

It’s great to experience unbridled passion and energy! In fact, there is nothing like it. But be mindful of your responsibility to that energy and channel it in a way that works for the higher good of all. I believe we all have strength and determination that goes to depths perhaps yet unknown. Situations in life can bring that out in you, along with strong emotions that need to be channeled in a productive way. It is important to celebrate with your loved ones and any occasion to do that only increases your bonds.

What a gorgeous dragon card this week with a wonderful message. The key inside the flame would make a great book cover image!

Silver Dragon. Illuminates your potential with higher light. Access untapped resources. Look into your soul. See higher possibilities.

Friday Free-For-All! #NewSeries

Published on by Jan Sikes39 Comments

Hi, everyone. I’m starting a new series that will run through the fall and winter. I’m calling it a Friday Free-For-All.

Created in Canva

I found this definition for a Free-For-all: A disorganized or unrestricted situation or event in which everyone may take part, especially a fight, discussion, or trading market.

I’m not quite sure what a trading market might be. But in other words, pretty much anything goes. I may talk about anything from books and writing to music, family, mysticism, UFOs, life experiences, and all points in between. It’s going to be FUN!

Two things I will not discuss – Religion and politics. Unless it is to say how each has affected my life in some personal way. I will not get into discussions that involve opinions about either. As my seven-year-old granddaughter likes to say with a hand on her hip, “Period.” 🙂

Samantha aka Sammy

I am open to having guests, so if you feel like having a Free-For-All, contact me, and we’ll talk about it.

I’m going to start this by sharing a recent travel debacle. Well, actually, it’s not so recent as it goes all the way back to May when I traveled to Missouri to do research for my current WIP, but it’s been ongoing for months.

I booked hotel reservations through Travelocity. Easy peasy, all done in one place. Wrong!

When my friend Judy and I arrived for our first hotel stay in McAlester, Oklahoma, we quickly discovered what a big mistake I’d made. I walked inside the office of the Oyo Motel with my printed and confirmed reservation in hand.

The man who finally appeared through a back door, somewhat glassy-eyed, gave me a confused look. It took a minute for him to find words. He glanced at the reservation, back up at me, back at the paper, then back at me. You get the idea.

Finally, he said, “Ain’t got no rooms.”

“What? But I’ve already paid for a room, and here’s my confirmation.”

More looking back and forth between me and the paper. Then he repeated. “Ain’t got no rooms.”

I said, “I tried to call you several times today to let you know we’d be a late arrival, but I could never reach you.”

He glanced toward the phone sitting on the desk, then back at me before he said. “Phone’s broke.”

Okay, a man of few words. Or at least the few words he could pull out of his drug-fogged brain.

I won’t bore you with the back-and-forth confused dialogue. The bottom line—we did not have a bed for the night.

When I got back in the car, I immediately called Travelocity and explained the dilemma. They transferred me to a representative who they said could help. After several attempts at trying to understand a woman who spoke rapidly with a thick foreign accent, I finally said, “Please speak more slowly. I cannot understand what you are saying.” I’m sure she cringed at my Texas drawl. Anyway, she hung up on me.

At that point, it was obvious we needed to find a hotel room for the night and deal with the fallout later. When I returned home, I began the attempt to get my money back for the Oyo Motel room that didn’t exist. After months of fighting with Travelocity, I had to reconcile with the fact they were NOT going to refund my money. Thankfully, it was only $46. But it was the principle of being charged for something I didn’t get.

Conclusion: I will NEVER EVER book through Travelocity again and highly recommend to everyone else they don’t either. Maybe this was an isolated incident, but they should have refunded my money, and they didn’t.

How about you? Any travel nightmares you’d like to share?

The Flower Enigma #BookBlitz @1rburkey @LoneStarLit #NewRelease #Mystery

Published on by Jan Sikes20 Comments

It’s always a GREAT pleasure to host fellow local authors. Rox Burkey and Charles Breakfield live near me, and are a talented, dynamic duo writing team. I’m thrilled to tell you about their latest!

 
THE FLOWER ENIGMA
Magnolia Bluff Crime
Chronicles, Book 5
by
CHARLES BREAKFIELD
& ROX BURKEY

Small Town Mystery / Suspense / Amateur Sleuths

Publisher: ICABOD Press

Pages: 198 pages

Publication Date: August 20, 2022

 
Scroll down for giveaway!
 
 

Imagine a romantic getaway in the Texas Hill Country

JJ, a cyber guru, whisks his girlfriend, Jo, away for a vacation. No paparazzi. Magnolia Bluff is the perfect destination. Flower B&B is prettier than the pictures on the website.

The evangelizing podcast creators are demanding answers about the town’s newest resident, Mateo Hernandez. The enormous wall he erected has convinced the ladies he’s hiding nefarious activities behind a dubious attorney. Local authorities don’t believe laws are broken and discount the women as meddling gossips.

When the couple checks into Flower, the podcast show-in-progress is interrupted by a cyberattack. JJ, the techno-geek, can’t resist helping. At each subsequent event in the series, he uncovers more serious issues than cyberwarfare.

JJ and Jo can’t avoid this roving series maelstrom. It gets personal when they’re attacked and warned to leave town. No one can conceive the depth of the crimes
behind Mateo’s walls.

CLICK TO PURCHASE FOR $0.99!

 
 
 
 
 
Breakfield is a technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles is a fan of wine tastings, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking.
 
Burkey is a technology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments. She works with customers all over the world, focusing on optimized customer experiences. Rox writes white papers and documentation but found she has a marked preference for writing fiction.
 
Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, as well as young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff.
 
 
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
TWO WINNERS!
Autographed copy of The Flower Enigma
(US only, ends midnight, CDT, 8/25/22.)
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

CLICK
TO VISIT THE THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE

FOR PARTICIPATING BLOGS.

blog services provided by

 

Fancy – #NewRelease @LBroday @LoneStarLit #Novella

Published on by Jan Sikes37 Comments

It’s no secret how excited I get when my sister releases a new book. And, Fancy is no exception! This is a short story packed full of great characters with a gripping storyline!

FANCY

Love Train Multi-Author Series, #10

by

LINDA BRODAY

Western Romance /Sweet Romance/ American Historical Romance

Pages:          190 pages

Publisher:      Kindle Unlimited

Publication Date:     August 15, 2022

SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!

A stolen baby
An orphan child
A bargain struck
Told her baby died in childbirth, Fancy Dalton grieves for her son. But in the midst of a raging storm, a shadowy figure appears and tells her that he’s alive and well! He was stolen! Now she has an address and a name. From despair comes hope.
One thought drives her—finding and getting him back. Selling everything she owns, Fancy buys a one-way train ticket to Denver. Nothing and no one will stop her. In a mad dash to board the train, she collides with Jack Coltrain. As fate would have it, the rugged cowboy, on a mission of his own, sits next to her. Experience has taught her to be wary of men. But when her bag is stolen, he gets it back and earns a small piece of her trust.
As the iron wheels roll, taking her closer to her two-year-old son, Fancy and Jack discover an orphan girl who needs their help and open their arms to her. Ten hours from their goal, Fancy and Jack strike a deal—her help for his. Desperate times for both call for creative solutions…but marriage, even in name only? However, nothing is off the table. She’ll do whatever she must to save the orphan and get her child back. Still, giving Jack her heart…that’s not part of the bargain.
Click to purchase!

PRAISE FOR FANCY:

“I have loved every Linda Broday book I have read, but I must say this one touched my heart.” Cricket (Goodreads)

“Linda Broday waved her magic wand when her turn came and gave us one of her most profound heroines she’s ever written. Fancy wrapped her tragic story around my heart and transported me into the late 1800s.” Tonya (Goodreads)

“Linda Broday has always been able to weave her characters together like a mix-match patch quilt, but the end results are amazing.” Rose Ann (Goodreads)

“…Her ability to convey the goodness of their souls will leave the reader wanting more.” Sally (Goodreads)
I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and early cowboys once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’s rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys still remain caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide-open spaces. I combine those men with the love of family in all my stories and hope to continue to give readers books that entertain and fulfill.

Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

FOUR WINNERS!

One winner:
$25 Amazon gift card plus Kindle copy of Fancy
Three winners:
Kindle copies of Fancy
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 8/19/2022.)
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY,
or visit the blogs directly:

8/9/22

Excerpt

Forgotten Winds

8/9/22

BONUS
Promo

Hall
Ways

8/10/22

Review

Librariel Book Adventures

8/10/22

BONUS
Promo

LSBBT
Blog

8/11/22

Character
Spotlight

Chapter Break Book Blog

8/12/22

Review

StoreyBook Reviews

8/13/22

Notable
Quotables

Shelf Life Blog

8/14/22

Character
Interview

All the Ups and Downs

8/15/22

Review

Carpe Diem Chronicles

8/16/22

Sneak
Peek

Stories Under Starlight

8/17/22

Review

Boys’ Mom Reads

8/18/22

Review

Writing and Music
blog tour services
provided by


MY REVIEW:

This novella has every aspect of a full-size novel. The characters are three-dimensional, the plot is gripping, and the setting is vivid.
Broday has a special talent for writing stories set in a time when luxuries consisted of a hot bath now and then and an occasional decent meal. They are a step back into another world when time moved slower and where a man’s handshake was as good as an ironclad contract.
In this story, the struggles run deep for all of the characters. Fancy is on a mission to reclaim a baby stolen from her at birth. The lie she’s believed all these years, the grief she’s lived with, and the joy of discovering the truth all culminate to begin this tale. It only gets better from there.
Running into the handsome rancher, Jack Coltrain, as she boards the train for Denver to find her baby changes her entire future.
But it takes a heroic action from him to win her trust and confidence. When her bag is taken soon after boarding, he chases the thief and gets it back. Everything after that helps to build a budding trust.
Then, when Fancy discovers a grieving orphan, who refuses to leave her mother’s casket in the baggage car of the train, a triangle is formed between Jack, Fancy, and Piper. It’s three against the world.
And while Jack has his own troubles to deal with, he strikes a deal with Fancy that will help them both. The way this story unfolds one delicious layer at a time kept me turning pages with anticipation. Will Jack and Fancy fall in love? Will Piper ever have a home, someone to care? And what about the baby Fancy is determined to reclaim? So many questions are answered in the pages of this story. All I can say is, “read it!” You will close the book with a satisfied sigh.

Birthday Month – Free Short Story – Radio Interview – Book Award Finalist

Published on by Jan Sikes34 Comments

August is my birthday month, and to help celebrate, I’ve made Voodoo Or Destiny: You Decide free until Friday! I’d love it if you’d pick up a copy to help me observe another trip around the sun. There will be another free short story next week!

FREEBIE LINK

I have been asked to be a guest on a streamed radio show Wednesday, August 17th at 10 am CST, and I would be thrilled if you could tune in! I will be talking about my writing journey with Friendlee Buffington. And I’m looking forward to it!

Streaming Link

Here’s the link to the show: https://www.facebook.com/friendleenews/

Also, I am super thrilled to learn that Jagged Feathers has made the finalist list for the North Texas Book Festival Book Awards!! The winners will be announced Saturday, August 20th, before the book festival begins. I’m on pins and needles! Cross your fingers for a win for this book!

If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, the Amazon price has been reduced.

PURCHASE LINK

Saddled Hearts is still available for pre-order with a release date of October 19, 2022.

That’s it for now. More to come!

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #TarotReading #DragonOracleCard

Published on by Jan Sikes42 Comments

This month is already flying by as we hit the halfway mark. I know of no way to slow time down. My mom used to say the older she got, the faster time went. I am starting to believe it.

Created in Canva

I found this meditation with wonderful affirmations.

And now for the message from the Tarot for our week.

Photo by Jan Sikes

When the Eight of Cups shows up in a Tarot reading, you may feel compelled to walk away from a situation. It suggests you sense that something is missing, particularly on an emotional or spiritual level, and instead of waiting around for things to get better, you know you need to leave that unfulfilling situation. It may not make sense to others because, on the face, it looks as if you have everything you had wished for – but, deep down, you know it’s not serving your Highest Good, and it’s time for you to let it go and move on. The Eight of Cups invites you to ask yourself what brings you joy, contentment, and fulfillment on a deeper level. Without it, you might pursue goals that fail to give you the satisfaction you’re seeking.

The Nine of Pentacles indicates financial independence or basking in the fruits of your labors. You’ve worked hard, and now is the time to enjoy the rewards. Thanks to your independent efforts, self-confidence, and discipline, you attained a well-deserved success and created a stable foundation for your life. You have achieved so much, and while you may not be at the finish line just yet, this is your opportunity to acknowledge your achievements and re-energize yourself for the final phase.

The Sun card is fitting for the hot summer month of August. It represents success, radiance, and abundance. The Sun gives you strength and tells you that no matter where you go or what you do, your positive and radiant energy will follow you and bring you happiness and joy. If you are going through a difficult time, The Sun brings you the message you have been waiting for: that things will get better, a lot better! Through the challenges along your path, you discovered who you are and why you’re here. The Sun connects you to your power base – not fear-driven, egotistical power, but the abundant, inner energy radiating through you right now. You’ll sense it in your Solar Plexus chakra, calling you to express yourself authentically and be fully present in the world around you.

MY TAKEAWAY:

There are times in life when we have to turn our backs on a situation that no longer serves us. It could be something small, like a craving for unhealthy foods, or it could be larger and on a more emotional level. But the cards following indicate joy, abundance, and success is to be had by taking the initiative to walk away and move toward the joyous energy of the sun!

This is a card I don’t think I’ve ever drawn before, but how amazing that it follows the Sun card!

Magenta Dragon Enables you to bring forward your soul wisdom. Awaken your soul memories and higher spiritual understanding. Prepare for accelerated ascension!

Firestorm by @97_taylormoore @WmMorrowBooks @customhousebks #NetGalley

Published on by Jan Sikes15 Comments

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and William Morrow Books. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

PURCHASE LINK

Riveting from start to finish! That’s the only way I know to describe Taylor Moore’s second book in the Garrett Kohl series. The story opens in the midst of a gripping confrontation with a deadly cartel boss in which bullets are flying, and bodies are falling. Folks, that’s just the first chapter, and it only escalates from there.

From the drug lord takedown in the first chapter to Russian espionage in the final chapters, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Talon, a large international energy consortium, has moved into the Texas panhandle, where Garrett Kohl owns a ranch, and they possess the mineral rights to his land. That’s where the trouble starts.
This book is filled with pedal-to-the-metal, heart-stopping danger and action involving the CIA, DEA, and high-level governments across the globe.

There are a good many characters and different points of view in this story, but each was necessary and vital to keep it moving. Knowing what each character was thinking and feeling added depth to the story without turning into head-hopping.

I love how Moore interjects such strong Texas sayings and influences. For example, “Among the many things to be learned since his arrival in Texas was the cowboy code. The rules weren’t written or spoken but rather lived out during everyday life.”
And this: “Whether it was the rusted pumpjacks to the south or the windswept ranches and farmland to the north, it was a place with a deep soul and tough-as-leather exterior.”

Moore’s knowledge of and love for this rugged land shines through in his writing. Family loyalty, respect for and love for the godforsaken plains of Northwest Texas, and realistic, unforgettable characters are what place this pulse-pounding tale a head and shoulders above the rest.

The author put in just enough backstory that any reader won’t be lost by starting the series with this book. However, I do highly recommend reading “Down Range” first, simply because you don’t want to miss out on any part of this series!

If you are a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this series is for you!

Want to keep up with what this ambitious author is doing? Psssst…rumor has it that Down Range is being made into a movie. Congrats to Taylor!

Follow Taylor Moore:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram