Are you a Cowgirl at Heart?

When I wrote the Kinnison Legacy, it was followed by Jed Kinnison’s dream for his ranch to become a place of healing and second chances, thus was born the Last Hope Ranch series. 

As I wrote, new characters found their way to town, readers wanted to know more about my secondary characters. What were their stories? I realized then that the small, historic mining town had taken on a life of its own and so began the End of the Line series...End of the Line…where romance finds its happily ever after.

I have since drawn up a "bible" of sorts for each family to included children and extended family as well as a map of End of the Line and all its businesses. I can see it perfectly in my mind as I grew up in a similar small town rural setting! It's been great fun to build this world and I hope you'll enjoy visiting End of the Line often!

Today and tomorrow I’ll be sharing a bit about these related stories and how ONCE UPON A DEADWOOD DREAM (included in the Wild Deadwood Tales anthology)  fits into them!!

It all began with the Kinnison brothers, three young teens –two adopted through marriage and one a nephew, taken in after a tragic accident. When Jed Kinnison finds himself alone to raise three teenage boys whose lives have been turned upside down, it’s the hard work and discipline of the ranch that turn them into the dedicated, exceptional men they become—and when he dies, they are left to continue his legacy both in town, and the dreams he had for the ranch.

AMAZON

Rugged Hearts (Book 1, Kinnison Trilogy) features Wyatt Kinnison and Aimee Worth.

Left scarred by betrayal, rugged Wyatt’s focus is only as head of the ranch and his family. Love is NOT in the forecast. But a determined teacher blows in with an unexpected storm and threatens to thaw his frozen heart.

When an accident claims her twin sister, Aimee chooses to live out her sister’s dream of teaching. Unprepared to find Mr. Right--much less in the form of the Grinch--she sets out to melt his heart with the magic that is Christmas.

AMAZON

Rustler’s Heart (Book 2, Kinnison Trilogy) features Rein MacKenzie (Jed’s only nephew) and Liberty Belle Stenapoulas (unknown half-sister to Dalton & Wyatt).

Rein Mackenzie knows pain, but being raised by a benevolent Uncle, he is determined to bring to fruition his goal of making the ranch a haven for the lost. But when Liberty, half-sister to the men he calls his brothers, arrives unexpectedly, she brings with her danger—not only to his heart, but to his family as well!

AMAZON

Renegade Hearts (Book 3, Kinnison trilogy) features Dalton Kinnison and Angelique Greyfeather-Juarez (niece of Michael and Rebecca Greyfeather)

Dalton Kinnison takes pride in his bachelorhood, but his good timin’ ways are about to be challenged when his past waltzes into town, looking more beautiful and less interested than when last they met. Fate offers Angelique a second chance after a horrific experience, but when sparks fly between her and Dalton, they threaten to reveal secrets that could change their lives forever.

 ***Now, as in any small town it has its struggles, its secrets and scandals—some unexpected, some of the characters own making, like when End of the Line’s elementary music teacher decides after a long bout of putting her life on hold, she’d like to have a child. With no prospect of a groom, heck, even a boyfriend and unable to afford traditional means—she decides to scope out a candidate perfect for her purposes and finds it in Clay Saunders, a guest of the Last Hope Ranch, and friend of the Kinnison brothers.***

AMAZON

No Strings Attached (Last Hope Ranch series) features Sally Andersen and Clay Saunders

With friends married and starting families, Sally Anderson’s biological clock is ticking. She wants a family…just not in the conventional way. Recuperating at the Last Hope Ranch from his tour of duty, Clay Saunders is the perfect match for her plan. She wants a baby. No rules. No commitments. NO STRINGS ATTACHED!

COMING 2018

Worth the Wait (Last Hope Ranch series) features Hank Richardson and Julie Saunders-Williams (two sons from previous marriage, Chris & Kyle) Coming 2018

Starting a new life in End of the Line after her brother and his friend, Hank rescue Julie and her sons from a dangerous standoff with her ex-husband, she’s closer to family and so, too, Hank-a hero in her eyes. But does a knight in shining armor have a chance against the new freedom she’s found after an abusive marriage?

Hank hadn’t seen the woman he held a secret crush on in years, but when her brother asked his help, he was there in a heartbeat, even taking bullet to protect Julie and her kids. But will these feelings rekindled be enough to stand the test of time that Julie needs to adjust to her new life and…will Hank decide that it’s worth the wait?

There are more stories to be told in the Last Hope Ranch series with a focus on visitors to the Last Hope Ranch--what they are running away from, what they're hoping to recapture, maybe hoping to start over. 

Once a successful cattle ranch, the Kinnison Last Hope Ranch is an equine rescue and human sanctuary where acceptance, hope, and love is found through hard work and nature, and where second chances are come true.

Tomorrow, we'll visit END OF THE LINE, next in the continuing series where romance finds its happily ever afters.

 In a few weeks I'll be visiting Deadwood, South Dakota to attend my second Wild Deadwood Reads conference!! While there, the 17 authors of the Wild Deadwood Tales anthology will be signing at both the PBR rodeo (Friday June 8 and Saturday June 9) as well as at the WDR book fair on Saturday June 9 (10 am-2 pm)

HERE'S A CHANCE TO WIN A VERY SPECIAL PRIZE! 

TELL ME WHY YOU THINK YOU'RE A "COWGIRL at HEART"

LEAVE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS AND ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN ON MAY 12!! 

 (*signed book will be delivered after June 10)  

*Intercontinental entrants only this time, please.

PJ Fiala's ... FORD

I'd like to share a couple of chapters of my brand new release, Ford with you.  I just love this book and can't wait for you to read it.  Let me know your thoughts, won't you?

Chapter 1

Pulling his pickup truck into a parking spot at the edge of the lot, Ford inhaled deeply as he looked at the majestic brick building which had stood longer than any other building in Lynyrd Station.

A tornado had swept through town twelve years ago and wiped out most of the town. Few buildings were left fully standing, the courthouse being one of them. Others were partially destroyed and now had new additions added on to the formerly standing walls. So, the courthouse was revered in a special way as indestructible.

Today, he only hoped it ended this black chapter in his life.

 Spotting his sister, Emmy Lou, and his brother, Dawson, waiting for him at the top of the steps in front of the entrance, he pulled his keys from the ignition and exited his truck. Swallowing the lump in his throat as he neared them, the somber looks on their faces told his story. They were scared, worried, and sick to have to be here today but eager to get on with life. Their new life.

 His boots made soft thumping sounds as he ascended the steps to greet his siblings. The sun beat down, already creating a bead of sweat on his temple, and he could feel moisture gather at his back. Another scorcher today.

He hugged Emmy first. Her long, dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail at her nape, her dark eyes so much like his held the emotions of a hundred people in them. He wrapped his arms around her tighter and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "We'll be okay. We can do this."

 "I know. I'm not used to being on this side of the courtroom, and I'm nervous as hell."

 "’Bout time you see what some of your clients have to go through. It'll make you a better lawyer for them."

 She scoffed and slapped at his shoulder, but the weak smile she gave him said it all. She thought so too. She was a damned good lawyer, though she often found herself working for the worst clients. Drug dealers and pedophiles—as a defense lawyer, she got them all. But she always believed a fair trial kept these scumbags from getting an appeal and kept them in jail where they belonged. Good thing they didn't know she felt that way.

 Turning to Dawson, Ford wrapped him in a warm embrace. "Love you, man. It's going to be all right."

 "I know, Ford. We're finally going to see this piece of shit go to jail for killing Mom and Dad. I haven't been able to sleep, thinking we'd finally be getting justice for them."

 "It's all I've been able to think about for the past four years."

"Yeah, I get that." Dawson, the youngest of the three of them and the most emotional, blinked away the wetness gathering in his eyes. Dawson's sandy brown hair and blue eyes were just like their mom's, and Ford had to swallow the lump that had grown in his throat at the thought. Their parents had been killed in a fire set by Bobby Ray June just over four years ago; he'd been tracking Bobby Ray ever since. Then, Bobby Ray was a suspect in the fires that burned through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Ford had been so damned mad that he hadn't gotten to him. He stepped up his efforts which required him to be away from home for five months and finally brought him in eight months ago. Getting to this trial had seemed like an eternity, and his heart was heavy that he hadn't been able to get justice for his parents. That is, until now.

Finally. Stepping back, he inhaled deeply and asked, "Shall we head inside?"

 They turned to enter the old brick building, the sun still high in the sky. The cloudless day seemed a good omen for them.

"Ford! Hey, wait up."

 He turned to see Detective Rory Richards briskly walking toward them. Leaning forward to shake hands with his high school friend, Ford could see the trouble in his eyes.

"Hey, I hate to be the one to tell you this, and I'm so sorry." He cleared his throat. "Bobby Ray June escaped as he was being transported to court this morning."

"What?" Emmy yelled. "Honest to God, didn't you have that animal chained up in every way possible?" Tears instantly raced down her cheeks as she looked to Ford for their next move. His jaw clenched, and his heart dropped to the bottom of his stomach, threatening to spill the meager contents inside.

"He had help. We're thinking Waylon June." Rory's fingers shook as he handed the grainy pictures to him. "We'd like you on this, Ford—if you think you want to track this asshole down again."

 It was hard to make out distinct features, but the resemblance was certainly the mark of family. Sliding each picture off to Emmy and Dawson as he looked them over, the last one was a gut punch. Both Bobby Ray and Waylon giving the camera on the prison escort van the finger and wearing smiles on their disgusting pudgy faces. Emmy gasped as she saw the last picture. Dawson swore and choked back a sob.

Emmy grabbed Ford’s arm and turned him toward her. "You have to go. You have to go and get that motherfucker again."

Chapter 2

"Good morning!" she cheerfully said to no one in particular but to all who were within earshot. 

"Morning, Megan. I've got your breakfast all ready. It's chicken day, so you're gonna be busy, need to eat to build up your strength." Nila's deep, gravelly voice could be heard over the clatter of dishes and frying foods. A large woman in her early sixties, Nila had hired Megan when she needed a job, and they'd been together for the past four years. Everyone in town loved Nila's broasted chicken and her apple pies. Megan loved that Nila took care of her, and she returned the favor. It wasn't uncommon for Nila to forget to eat herself—especially on chicken day.

 "Thank you. I'll just do a quick sweep of the dining room with the coffeepot before I sit."

 Tying her spring green apron around her waist, she breezed through the double swinging saloon doors to the dining room and quickly assessed the capacity. About half full now. It wouldn't be long before it would be impossible to hear herself think as it filled with customers, all chatting, laughing, and enjoying the atmosphere. Small town meets southern charm meets the best deal in town—and the best food too. It was a business gold mine.

 "Morning, Ralph. Ed. More coffee?" She filled their cups without waiting for them to respond. They always wanted more coffee. Regulars came in at six in the morning and sat through the better part of breakfast, gossiping about who was where and when they came and went. Gossip central right here.

Edging her way through the tables set for four, the red and white upholstered chairs in shiny vinyl and chrome legs resembled a fifties diner. She continued chatting and pouring until she came to a booth in the corner. Stopping short of the table, her stomach plummeted as her eyes caught those of the occupant. Lazar blue eyes trapped her, causing her throat to go dry as her heart sped. Not again. This was the fifth day in a row. Why wouldn't he believe her and go harass someone else?

 "Marcus. I don't suppose I could hope that you're actually here for the food today?"

 Slowly pushing his cup to the edge of the table, she gritted her teeth as she concentrated on filling it but fantasied about dumping the whole pot over his head. 

"I think we both know why I'm here."

Lifting her eyes to his, she slowly inhaled and held her breath for a moment before exhaling.

 "I don't know where Waylon is. We're divorced. Have been for over six damned years. He doesn't check in. He doesn't call. He doesn't write. He doesn't visit. And I like it that way. I want nothing to do with him or you or any of your cohorts. Now, if I need to call the police about the harassment, I certainly will."

 A smile spread across his face in a slow slither, as if he were a snake—which was the perfect way to describe him. He was a drug runner, and unfortunately for her, so was Waylon. Also, unfortunately for her, Waylon seemed to have stolen a very valuable something from Marcus, and he wanted it back.

"I think you're blowing this all out of proportion. I'm sitting here drinking coffee, not unlike those gentlemen over there you chatted so nicely with, and I simply ask you a couple of questions about a mutual friend. Don't think the cops are going to be too interested in that story."

 She clenched her jaw tightly as her breathing increased.

 "Plus, with your record, I don't think the police are going to believe you over me. I don't have a police record."

 "Yet," she spat out.

 He shrugged.

 Turning abruptly, she hustled back to the kitchen, more to get away from him than anything else, but also … well, to get away from him. Ramming her fists into her apron pockets to hide the shaking from Nila, she walked past the table set with her plate and a fresh glass of orange juice, intending to use the restroom.

 "Hey girl, you need to eat," Nila called after her.

 Giving a quick wave of her hand and a glance over her shoulder, she replied, "Just gotta use the bathroom. Be back."

 Locking the wooden door behind her, she leaned against it, wrapping her hands around her stomach, hoping to quell the roiling. He was right in that he didn't actually do anything to her other than ask questions, but she knew for a fact that he'd followed her home yesterday and the day before. He watched her house most of the night too. She'd gone onto her front porch to water all of her flowers, and there he was, not even hiding the fact that he was watching her. In the middle of the night, she could have sworn she heard footsteps on the porch. Her heart beat so fast, she thought it'd take off and fly away. Listening for the jiggle of the door handle or the rattle of one of her old windows, she was finally able to relax after about an hour when no such sounds reached her ears. She didn't mention it today because she wanted to pretend it wasn't happening, and he wasn't getting bolder. She was probably being stupid. These weren't people you messed with. If she knew where that jackass ex-husband of hers was, she'd turn him over in a heartbeat.

  "Megan, honey, time to get rolling. You okay in there?" Nila knocked softly.

 "Yes. I'll be right out, Nila." Washing her hands, she breathed in and out a couple times and told herself it would be all right.

Leaving the bathroom, she smoothed down her apron, shoulders back, head high and forced herself to be brave. Then she heard Chad, the busboy, say, "Huh, never seen that guy before.”

Three bonus chapters written for this story are only available on PJ's eStore or in paperback.  

PJ's eStore:  https://payhip.com/b/YEtx
Amazon: http://pjfiala.com/Books/Ford-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://pjfiala.com/Books/Ford-B&N
iBooks:  http://pjfiala.com/Books/Ford-iBooks 
Kobo:  http://pjfiala.com/Books/Ford-Kobo

Meet Chandler County Author Traci Wooden-Carlisle

I’m so excited to introduce you all to Traci Wooden-Carlisle, who's here today to tell you about her new Chandler County series book Missing Us. It’s been a joy for me to get to know Traci as part of the Chandler County authors group. Each week since the end of October, a brand new story in the CC series has been released—and they’re all delightful. Traci’s book Missing Us (the sixth of eight) is no exception. You can see a list of the others below.

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing poetry and short stories as soon as she was able to form words on paper. She used that as a way to creating worlds, as well as, to communicate with God. A native of Los Angeles, California, she grew up attending United Methodist Church under the leadership of a pastor whose heart was for youth. Once she finished college at she found herself at a loss. She felt caught in the transition between childhood and adulthood. She surrounded herself with saints and volunteered her services as a graphic artist. Through the early-morning prayer, all night Friday prayer and 3-day shut-ins she started on her journey toward her most desired gift, an intimate relationship with God. 
Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, David Carlisle. When she isn’t writing she teaches fitness classes and runs a jewelry and craft business.

HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT MISSING US

Dr. Atherton Nathan, Terry, never imagined that the pact he made four decades ago would cost him what he treasured most – his family. Though he survived the slow disintegration of his marriage, he held fast to the hope that he could win back the only woman he ever loved.

His youngest daughter now has a life and love he has always wanted for her and their relationship has healed enough for her to allow him to give her away during her wedding.  He hopes the weeks he will spend in Chandler County to ensure her transition from her life and career in Chicago to Chandlerville before the nuptials will be enough to convince his wife…ex-wife of his love for her and hers for him.

Reina Fellows Nathan can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Her youngest daughter’s life is out of danger and Shauna is carving out her own path towards happiness. All Reina has to do is get through the weeks it will take to help her daughter plan her wedding and avoid her ex-husband. He nearly destroyed her once and despite some of the changes he’s recently made she dare not trust her heart to him.

Each day brings new challenges that work against her resolve to remain unaffected by her ex- husband’s attempts to court her again, but secrets, lies and a long-held pact that comes to light may make it impossible for a true reconciliation.

EXCERPT

Reina was pulled from her thoughts by the ringing of the phone. She let it ring, slightly shaken by her thoughts. She was sure one of the others would get it. She was straightening her paperwork when Meredith’s voice came over the conference line.

“Reina, you have a call on line 2. It’s your husband?” Meredith’s voice rose at the end making what could have been a statement, a question. Terry had a way of doing that to people.

“Thank you, Meredith.” She responded before pressing the button that would open the line to her ex-husband.

“Reina.” His mellow voice reached through the line and caressed her senses.

“Terry.” She said trying to infuse as much coolness as possible into her tone.

“I need to see you.” No greeting. No small talk, no beating around the bush.

“No.” She hung up the phone.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon

Barnes& Noble

Kobo

TRACI'S SUPER-FUN Q&A

LIZ: What was your favorite book as a child?

TRACI: Island of the Blue Dolphins. It was otherworldly to me. The imagery and detail truly allowed me to feel like I was there, and my second-grade teacher was a great reader.

LIZ: How did you come up with the idea for Missing Us? 

TRACI: I thought about the story for this book near the beginning of my first book in the Chandler County Series MissingDestiny. Dr. Atherton ‘Terry’ Nathan is the father of Dr. Shauna Nathan, the main character of Missing Destiny.  I knew he was a piece of work, but I needed to see if he was redeemable.

LIZ: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

TRACI: Creating jewelry is very therapeutic so I’ve made it a business. I am a freelance graphic artist and do personal fitness training.

LIZ: If you described your book in three words, which would you choose?

TRACI: Emotional, Inspiring, romantic

LIZ: If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?

TRACI: Boy, that would be a dinner to remember. Sometimes it’s like they are with me because they whisper in my ear if it takes me too long to get back to them. Does that happen to you?

In my book ‘My Beauty for Your Ashes’ there is Dominy, a gentleman who is kind of like the comic relief, but he really just tells it like it is in an obvious and slightly sarcastic way. I would normally want to dine with Paige, the main female character of that series, but she is going through some things right now and wouldn’t be much fun. Then there is Maddison from both Missing Destiny and Missing Us. She is Shauna’s co-worker and best friend, who is a fashionable, lively, unapologetic piece of work. I would probably pick her brain on fashion because I don’t have much when it comes to clothing and sit back to watch her interact with Dominy.

The third would be Ryan Grambling who is referred to in Missing Destiny and makes an appearance in Missing Us. He is dreamy, you know, the strong silent type. I would sit back and watch him for a moment and see how he got along with Maddison (who he may have a thing for) and Dominy. Then I would play 20-Questions with him because I really want to get to know him better.

LIZ: I just want to add that this was the best answer ever to this question! I do have my characters start bugging me if I don’t pay attention to them—but I love how there are exact questions you have in mind for your characters!

LIZ: If your house was on fire and you only had time to save three objects, what would you save?

TRACI: My bible, my laptop, and purse with my phone in it.

LIZ: You’ve been granted one superpower for one week. Which power would you choose, and what would you do with it?

TRACI: If it is for one week, I would like to be able to see in the future one month ahead and hope that I’m not going die in that time. I would like to have fun giving and making things easier for those I love through this power. I don’t want to see my death.

LIZ: Couldn’t agree more. The idea of seeing my own death gives me the shivers.

LIZ: Write us a haiku about your book or one of your characters!

TRACI: 

He wants his wife back.

She’s content where she is now. 

Who will win this time?

LIZ: Time for a mini blitz!

a) Favorite color? Song? Movie?

b) Summer or winter?

c) Morning or night?

d) Rain or shine?

e) Sweet or salty?

TRACI: a) In winter, blue. In summer, green. Today, James Taylor’s version of ‘Up On the Roof’. 2009 version of Pride and Prejudice

b) winter

c) Night

d) Shine

e) Salty

LIZ: Do you have any favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?

TRACI: Dee Henderson is one of my favorite authors because she delivers the message of God in her books in a subtle yet poignant way.

   

LIZ: Where is your favorite place to write?

TRACI: Bedroom

LIZ: What’s on your bucket list for this year?

TRACI: Taking my parents on a train ride up to Vancouver, BC and a cruise back from Vancouver to Los Angeles

LIZ HAS GOTTA ASK: What’s the most personal thing you’ve ever put in one of your books?

TRACI: Though ‘My Beauty for Your Ashes’ was fiction the main character and I shared some very tumultuous moments in our lives. We also share the fact that our relationship with Jesus has helped us let go of the anger and unforgiveness so we could be healthier in mind, body and spirit.

TRACI’S QUESTION FOR YOU: 

How many books in a series is a good number for you?

I am offering the e-copy of both Missing Destiny and Missing Us to one commenter. (It’s more entertaining to read Missing Us after you’ve read Missing Destiny.)

CONTACT TRACI:

E-mail:   authortraci@gmail.com

Website:   www.tawcarlisle.com

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/traciwoodencarlisle

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/traciwcarlisle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Author_TraciWCarlisle

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tawcarlisle

Blogs: www.tawcarlisle.com/blog

WHAT’S COMING NEXT ?

My next release will be early 2018. It is a First Street Church KW book titled Loves Bittersweet Beginning. I will also be releasing My Garment of Praise for Your Spirit of Heaviness, the third book in my Promise to Zion Series.

CHECK OUT SOME OF TRACI'S PREVIOUS RELEASES:

Amazon









Amazon

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Amazon