Author Spotlight: And … It’s Me!
We have a winner! Jonna Niles your name was randomly selected to receive my Montana goodies box! I’ll be in touch to get your mailing address. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with me! I’ll be all over the place in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes open–there will be other goody boxes to be had!
Hello, mes amis. Today I’m in the Author Spotlight with my new and very first cowboy romance, Forever Cowboy! I’m so excited to share this book with you because it was a big step outside of my comfortable River’s Edge box and into a brand new setting in Marietta, Montana. Whew… even though it seems like it would be easier, it was a challenge to write in a setting that already existed and in a place I’d never been before. As y’all know I fixed that part by taking a trip to Montana in the summer with my pal and best roomie ever, Carol Light. I have a feel for Montana now–the glorious mountains, the ranches and rivers, the crisp mountain air and the huge sky.
This is release day for Forever Cowboy and tomorrow is my birthday! So to celebrate both events, I‘m doing a giveaway, but you’re going to have to work a little for a chance at a prize box that includes a signed copy of Forever Cowboy, a $5 Starbucks gift card, a handmade “forever” bracelet, a Forever Cowboy notebook, and some other assorted Montana swag. Here we go… In the comments below, tell me about a place you’ve been that just amazed you. It can be anywhere, but it has to have left you breathless. And…go…
Forever Cowboy
It was supposed to be just a vacation fling…
43-year-old Beth Dykeman’s life is spiraling—her 20-year marriage is over as is her career in Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce. Now back home in River’s Edge, Indiana, she’s grieving the end of her dream to have a family. Hoping to restart her life, she books a relaxing long weekend at a spa in beautiful Montana. But Beth arrives only to discover she accidentally booked a stay at a working dude ranch in the middle of Marietta’s 87th Copper Mountain Rodeo celebration weekend.
When he’s not competing, 36-year-old bronc rider Del Foster works at the Aspen Springs Ranch. He’s ready to hang up his spurs. This rodeo will be his last competition before he finally settles down and buys his own small spread to train cutting horses.
Their instant chemistry shocks them both, and on her last night, Beth indulges the attraction, knowing she’ll never see Del again. But fate has a way of changing plans and challenging assumptions. Can Beth and Del both have what they never knew they always wanted?
38 Comments
Margie Senechal
New York City. I went in 2005 and I loved that it didn’t matter where we went, we were seeing and doing things we’d never seen or done. And after six days there, we barely scratched the surface–which is probably true anywhere new to you. 🙂
Nan
Hi, Margie! So glad to see you here! I was only in NY City once when I was 18, and then only for a play on Broadway and then back to New Haven where I was staying with a friend. I remember it being so full of people and lights! I wouldn’t mind going back again to see more. Hugs, baby!
Patricia Barraclough
When I finished 3 years in the Peace Corps I planned to do some traveling on the way home. Indonesia was fascinating. I climbed an active volcano and had to duck behind a large rock at the crater edge when it erupted throwing out hot rocks and ash. Borobudur, located in central Java, was impressive. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and built over 1100 years ago. It is massive with nine stacked platforms with nearly 2,500 relief panels and 500 Buddha sculptures. I ended in Bali and it was a world unto itself. At the time (1971), it had not been heavily developed for tourists. I was able to connect with locals and see parts of the culture many outsiders do not. I attended a shadow puppet show at a village school, a teeth filing (at the time something teen girls had done to them), a religious ceremony that finised with several men walking over glowing, hot coals without burnng their feet. One thing I will never forget was what hppened outside my window in the walled yard of where I was staying. As part of their religion, they believe bad demons rule the world from nightfall until midnight when the good spirits force them away. They also believe in curses which will be put on a person or even a family following through generations. An older teen girl of the family in the compound where I was staying was the one in which the curse manifested. At nightfall, she was possed by a demon and started screaming and thrashing around. They tied her to a pallet to control her. Several women sat with her, wiping her brow, as she continued to scream at the top of her lungs. I went out for a bit (it was rather unsettling), but she was still screaming when I returned. I sat on mhy bed watching out the window, looking at my watch. At exactly midnight, she just stopped. There was no clock or watches for them to check and she certainly was unable to check the time. They untied her and they all went inside. The next morning things proceeded as normal with them sitting there making the little floral offerings they did every day for the family shrines. The entire place had a feeling of being out of any time period. Time just sort of stopped and you were in the now. Since then, Bali has become a big tourist destination with many huge resorts and hotels. I am saddened that the atmosphere has very likely changed. It is a cultural loss for the local people and those of us who were lucky enough to experience the real Bali.
Nan
Wow! What a story! How fascinating! Thanks for sharing that with us, Patricia! I’m…floored!
Cherie J
St. Thomas made me feel awestruck when hubby and I went on our honeymoon. I loved it there so much that I was happy to return a year later for our first anniversary. It is a beautiful island with warm and friendly people as well as delicious food.
Nan
Oh, Cheri, what a treat! I’ve never been to the Caribbean before, but I think I’d like to see it. The pictures of the sea are amazing. Thanks for stopping by!
Kimberly Field
Congratulations on your new release! There has been a couple places I have visited that took my breath away. One that really stands out was the first time I went to Co Springs, before I moved there. It was night time when we landed, so the mountains were hidden. The next morning when I woke and looked out side, they were huge and majestic and I understood the line purple mountains majesty. Later that day I got to go to the top of Pike’s Peak and it was snowing, even though it was the th of July.
Nan
Thank you, Kimberly! How amazing to see the Rockies in their glory! I love flying into Denver for that very reason! Haven’t done Pike’s Peak yet, but I’d love to, although I do suffer from altitude sickness when you take me out of the flat prairies of the Midwest. Sigh. Hugs, honey!
Glenda M
FIrst off Happy Birthday and Happy Book Birthday!! I’ve bene lucky enough to be a few places that took my breath away: Rome; Pompeii; parts of London, Bath, and the English country side; Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands; the Isle of Skye; The Blue Mountains in Australia, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park, and so many other national and state parks. Cities that have been around for so many years more that the US existed as a country have such amazing historic architecture. And there are so many amazing and gorgeous natural areas. How could I not have my breath taken away – even if I’ve seen them before like some of the National Parks?
Nan
Thanks for the happy, Glenda! YOu’ve been so many places–I’m envious! And yes, we are a young country comparatively speaking and it was amazing to see Ireland and castles and Paris and all the old streets and buildings there. But our own national parks are also quiate breathtaking. I developing a very long bucket list!
Sue Farmer
Maui is the place that leaves me breathless. I love the beautiful sunsets and tropical setting. The Mai Tais are so enjoyable as is the super fresh macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi and the Kona coffee. This past March we enjoyed a sunset dinner cruise and whale watching, a tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm, the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm and the Estate Chocolate company for a pairing with wine during our 2 week stay.
Nan
Sounds like you had a great time in Hawaii, Sue! We did, too, when I went over with Son a couple of years ago. Had my very first MaiTai at a luau in Honolulu–it was delish! I also discovered Longboard beer and it’s pretty available everywhere. All the sights we saw were simply fab! Thanks for stopping by!
bn100
beach in Hawaii
Nan
Hiya, BN100. Yup, Hawaii is pretty spectacular!
Debra Pruss
The place that takes my breath away is the area of Thomas, Davis, Canaan Valley in West Virginia. My breath was taken away everytime we would visit. The beauty of the mountains, the wild animals, and Blackwater Falls is just a few things in the area that is fresh and beauty everlasting. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you. Happy birthday. Happy book birthday.
Nan
Hey, Deb, hi! Thanks for all the happy! I had friends from West Virigina who said it is definitely “almost heaven.” I’d love to see it!
Melissa
Congratulations on your new book! Your premise sounds great and I bet you’ll be a great addition to Marietta, Montana:)
Tahiti blew me away. I’ve never seen so many beautiful, bright colors, and the mountains were more majestic and lush than I ever expected.
Nan
Thanks, Melissa! I hope so! Tahiti has always looked so idyllic to me, but I never knew there were mountains! How cool!
Shari B
Our cruise to Alaska. Loved all of wildlife and scenery, it was all just breathtaking. Loved being at the glaciers and seeing them break apart. Enjoyed coffee on my balcony looking at waterfalls. The best part was our whale trip, will never forget.
Nan
So many folks I know loved their Alaska cruises. I’ve never been, but Alaska sound wild and wonderful! And whales! Wow! Thanks for sharing, Shari!
Denise
Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca, Spain. A harrowing drive up one of the most dangerous roads in the world–we didn’t know. Sunset over the Mediterranean. Breathtaking.
Nan
Oh, wow! Another place that is on my bucket list! Son and DIL have been to Spain and really loved it. I’m glad the sunset over the sea was worth the scary drive! Hugs and thanks for stopping by!
Mary Degler
So many places have left me breathless just because my parents made sure that we saw a lot of the United States while we were growing up. I’m blessed that my son has continued that tradition of keeping me breathless with our trips together. The one trip that is in the forefront was our trip to Hawaii while he was in the Marines. We met there while he was on leave and the different scenery I saw there was amazing. Fell in love with all the waterfalls, gardens, lava fields, coffee plantations, pineapple fields, black sand beaches.
Nan
Oh, Mary, yes! Hawaii is grand! I went with Son about three years ago and it was just spectacular. I loved every moment! Thanks for stopping by!
Sinclair
A place that left me breathless I visited last summer. Our son Kiran is studying for a masters in Atmospheric Science at the Uni in Helsinki, and we visited him for a few days in Helsinki, which I absolutely loved –so livable, walkable, beautiful, quiet, practical with so much nature surrounding. BUT what left me breathless is when we took the overnight ferry to Stockholm and in the early morning we started through all the hundreds or archipeligios towards the massive harbor, and I have never seen so many small, cute islands with a huge blue sky dotted with clouds, shifting shapes and then some of the small island had colorful homes (many vacation homes) on them, and I had so much fun imagining the life style there–so much nature and quite and space to be and to think.
Nan
What an amazing trip, Sinclair! I’ve never been to Helsinki, but your description makes me want to go. All the islands in the harbor have to be a fantastic sight. Thanks for sharing this! Hugs!
Joannie Sico
I have to say Maine and I am in a unique position where I can say it happened as a kid and an adult. We lived in the city in South Florida since I was an infant so we visited Maine in the summers to see our grandparents and other relatives. Seeing all the stars in the country and also the fireflies/lightning bugs for the first time it was priceless and magical. They gave us one night of awe. The second night, they were handing us mason jars and telling us to go catch them because there were some cousins there and that’s what they were doing.
Now I live in western Maine and it is still just as beautiful to me and every season. Summer, I am amazed at all the beautiful greenery I see when the whole state is in a drought and of course the fireflies are still shining bright. In the spring, there is just so much color from all the flowers that everyone plants and from all the wildflowers too. Waking up to the birds singing and watching them eat and on occasion being real lucky to watch them in a nest out the window feeding their babies that took my breath away. In the fall, when the leaves are all colorful & I live in the country in the mountains so it really is a sight. I was an adult the first time I experienced fall, but I also got to see it through my daughters’ eyes who gasped like it was the fourth of July & wouldn’t thank me enough for us moving like they did each season & new animal we saw. I may be biased with winter but every time I see snow falling it takes my breath away. I find it so pretty & peaceful as they fall, when they land on the trees, branches, leaves, etc… I also never tire of the animals. I love watching for wildlife and am always excited when I see them. I do think the mama & baby moose took my breath away because I didn’t expect to see them.
Nan
Maine is on my bucket list. We have fireflies in Indiana (lightning bugs!) and I remember Grandboy’s first time to see them–he was born in California. He was so thrilled when Poppy made him a jar to catch them. Their delight is always ours, isn’t it? Hugs, Joannie!
Faye Peters
I go to the beach and when sitting watching the sunset I feel how awesome our God is. To have created this beautiful view.
Nan
It is always gorgeous and breathtaking at the beach at sunset. I love watching the sun set from the western coast of Michigan… it just drops into the lake. Amazing!
Jonna Niles
Happy Forever Cowboy release day & a fabulous birthday tomorrow Nan!! Ten years ago on Labor Day weekend, we went to Trillium Lake Campground with my 2 older kids and grandkids, where my Daddy was a camp host. It was an unexpected chilly & rainy weekend (85 degrees & sunny the entire week prior!) but made the best of it with a little fishing, lots of stories by the campfire & of course s’mores! My Daddy had told us how beautiful it was and that Mt. Hood was a perfect backdrop, so all of the kids kept asking Papa Jon where the mountain was because it was too foggy to see it. On Labor Day morning all the kids sadly packed up to head home, and my husband asks if I’d like to take a walk before heading out. We took the path around the lake, watched fishing boats floating through the fog and then the sun started perking through just as we were getting to the end of the path. As we came around the corner and looked out over the water, we could see snow capped Mt Hood reflecting perfectly over Trillium Lake, and it took my breath away!! We couldn’t believe how perfect it was and snapped some pics to share with my Daddy & the kids. When I sent it to them, they were awestruck but sad that they missed seeing it in person. I’ll say it was one of the messiest camping trips we’ve been on, but the memories we made are now extra special after losing my amazing Daddy a year ago.
Kate Sparks
Seeing the Grand Canyon in person. Any picture of it doesn’t do it justice. You need to experience it in person.
Nan
I’ll bet! It’s on my bucket list. My kids are going out next month! Hugs, Kate!
Kate Sparks
I’ll be interested in your impression of the aftermath of the fire damage. I was there In the late 60s camping with my parents and we met up with 3 other families that we knew. Hiked with most of the kids and a couple of dad’s to the bottom and back. At that time there was a mule (?) ride to a place half way and back…
Doris Lankford
The place that I visited that left me breathless was Vermont in the Springtime. It was so beautiful and green and lush. There were creeks running beside every road and covered bridges to walk under. I have only been to Vermont twice but I enjoyed myself and would love to see it covered with snow.
Happy Release Day and Happy Birthday!
Nan
I adored Vermont when we went there when I was kid. I’d love to go back! Thanks for the good wishes and the birthday wishes! Hugs!
Liz Flaherty
Good luck with the release and congratulations on your writing sojourn in Marietta, Montana!
Nan
Merci, mon ami! Book 3 in the series will be my focus when we’re on retreat next month. Hugs galore!