I can’t thank God enough for my hubby’s return to health or for this amazing adventure at White Rose Publishing. When I’m not writing, I love traveling with hubby, hanging out with our three-year old grandson, reading the many books on my new Kindle, and listening to country music. Thanks so much, Carol Ann for inviting me here.
Amidst all the hectic hoopla surrounding our daughter’s August 2008 wedding, I knew I didn’t have the brains to start a new wip all on my own. Although my backlist and future releases are Western sensual historicals, I had decided during my husband’s battle with cancer the spring of 2008 to maybe think about inspirational. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to get one’s faith pounding. When I learned about the “Hearts Crossing Contest” at White Rose Publishing, I knew I had to calm my MOB nerves and keep my brain working. Using the contest template of required elements, I wrote a novella and submitted it.
It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.
Contestants had to use “Hearts Crossing” as the title and match H and H to an already-designed cover. (A beautiful one by Nicola Martinez, both an artist and editor.) From the template, Hero had to be an English teacher with seven siblings, Heroine a landscape architect, an only child.
Well, it didn’t take me but a second to realize Hearts Crossing was a great name for a ranch. My English teacher hero lived on the family ranch and led city slicker wagon-train tours during the summer months. Our heroine, recovering from her father’s tragic death, arrives as a guest for one of the tours. Sparks fly…and both help each other during a crisis of faith.
Well, I might have been sad when the winner of the contest was announced—the wondrous Marianne Evans who has become a close friend-- except I received an e-mail from Nicola almost immediately about her interest in acquiring my story.
God rules! I could hardly believe it.
Hearts Crossing Ranch released In June, and three weeks ago, Pike Martin’s story, Redeeming Daisy, came out. And right after that, I received a contract for six more novellas, one for each of the remaining Martin siblings. Talk about never-ending joy.
I’ve just submitted the story of Hopper Martin, who has survived testicular cancer. Since this is the illness my own personal hero has successful beaten, I knew I had to create a story about another handsome survivor.
Pike, in Redeeming Daisy, is a large-animal vet who tries to guard his heart against the lost-soul Daisy Densmore—who once broke Kenn’s heart.
Here are a couple of blurbs:
Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:
A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.
Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.
On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.
Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.
Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.
Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.
Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.
With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?
