Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts

03 February 2020

*Read My Review & ENTER TO WIN* The Mail Order Bride's Secret by Linda Broday

THE MAIL ORDER
BRIDE'S SECRET
Outlaw's Mail Order Bride,
Book Three
by
LINDA BRODAY
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Publication
Date: January 28, 2020
Number of Pages: 352 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
 

When the West was wild and man's law favored the few, these extraordinary women could be found...in the heart of an outlaw.
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity's doorstep, he knows he can't help them―a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can't bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he'd been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers. Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She's rough and tumble...and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she'll have to betray her new husband. There's only one problem―the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister...or the man she loves.



PURCHASE THE BOOK │iBooks │ Amazon │ Indiebound│  │Barnes and Noble│Kobo│ 


PRAISE FOR THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE'S SECRET:
“This is another page-turning period romance from Broday.” Publisher’s Weekly “Broday does a fabulous job of telling a story filled with humor, angst and some candid truths just so we don’t romanticize this period in our history.” Fresh Fiction “This book was absolutely mesmerizing with nonstop action, full of laughter, tears and just a downright good Old fashioned Wild West story as only Linda Broday can do.” Glenda (Goodreads reviewer)


Y’all, I’ve come to suspect something … Kristine is either an evil mastermind or an all-knowing book siren. I’m not sure which one – yet – but, believe you, me, I’ll puzzle this business out as soon as possible.

Why do I say such a thang?

Well, let me tell you why.

I’m over here, minding my own dadgum business, trying hard to finish writing my fourth book (about aliens in Texas, of course), and not bothering a soul. Heck, I’ve even been working like a dog on my day job (though, in all honesty, the only work my dog does is herding me around like a cow. So, I have no idea where that there term comes from.) Y’all didn’t know that I’m also an instructional designer with my own business called Star eLearning, did y’all? Well, wonders never cease!

But I digress.



Look, Kristine had the confounded nerve to put out a call for reviewers for one of my new fave authors, the tantalizing Linda Broday right in the midst of my own personal maelstrom. “How dare she!” I flared my nostrils and internally shouted as I filled out the Google sign up form (all the while drooling over the gorgeosity (I just made up that word – I fancy myself as a modern-day Texas Shakespeare.)

I mean … have you ever seen prettier covers than the ones on her books? (Besides, the title alludes to secrets … and y’all know how I lurve me some secrets!)

*Le Sigh* Kristine – and Ms. Broday – reeled me in like a large mouth bass with this one! (Did I just hear you say “large mouth is about right?”) *Intensifies Glaring*

Alright, alright! I’ll get on with the review. Heck! Y’all have gotten bossy as all git out!

One thing about Broday’s books is this: you can definitely judge her books by their covers. Her writing is just as enthralling as the artwork in which her stories are packaged. I kid you not!



By now, all y’all know I won’t give spoilers. This review is no exception. But I’ll tell ya enough to whet your appetite, I will! This story begins on a Texas Panhandle summer night in 1881. The very first paragraph is a perfect hook that pulls the reader into the story. I immediately felt the chill in the night air that slipped through the window as if, itself, were a character in the story. I heard the gong of the clock down on the town square. Eight gongs, in fact. And just like that *snaps fingers*, I was there, in the past, experiencing a dilemma that will change the course of several lives.

“For good or bad?” You ask, eagerly awaiting my response.

“Well,” I chuckle whilst shaking my head. “You’ll just have to read the story for yourself to find out.”

I see you scowling at me.

Ms. Broday has a way with words and a talent for world building. Her characters are so alive and authentic that I’m beginning to believe she’s a cotton pickin’ time traveler. I was literally addicted to this book from the moment I tore open the envelope in which it arrived.



The only thing that woulda added to my enjoyment of this well-written, enthralling book would be an autograph. Alas, it has none. But maybe she’ll send a signed bookplate? *Looks wistfully at the screen as I type this.* One can only hope.

The point is: if you love a well told story with believable characters and a setting that is as real as the one in which you are currently sitting (or standing, floating, lollygagging, etc.), then Linda Broday is your gal! Grab a copy of this book. Heck! In all honesty, I recommend all her books!



I’ve been needing a vacation, and after reading The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday, I feel as if I’ve just gotten back from the Texas Panhandle (star date 1881).

And that’s why I hereby grant
THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE’S SECRET
By Linda Broday

5 Fabulous Time Traveling 
Tantalizing Texas Brooms!







I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys are still caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide-open spaces. When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I’ve also been accused (quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic unfold on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.

║ WEBSITE  ║  FACEBOOK  ║  PINTEREST
TWITTER  ║   GOODREADS  ║   LINKEDIN  ║   BOOKBUB
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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

Three Winners
1st: $25 Amazon Gift Card; 2nd: Autographed Set of All 3 Books in the Series; 3rd: Autographed Copy of The Mail Order Bride’s Secret.
January 28-February 7, 2020
(US Addresses Only)

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VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:


1/28/20
Notable Quotable
1/28/20
BONUS Post
1/29/20
Excerpt
1/30/20
Review
1/31/20
Review
2/1/20
Character Interview
2/2/20
Top Ten List
2/3/20
Review
2/4/20
Series Spotlight
2/5/20
Review
2/6/20
Review


  
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05 June 2019

*REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!* Hitchin' Post by Julie Barker

HITCHIN' POST 
and the Tornado Twistin' 4th of July Celebration
by
JULIE BARKER 
illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children's Picture Book / Western / Fantasy
Publisher: BookBaby
Date of Publication: September 28, 2018
Number of Pages: 50

Scroll down for giveaway!


Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs'Ranch. 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs' 4th of July celebration will go on! 
This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!


PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS



Howdy, y’all! Guess who’s makin’ another appearance on the B & B Ranch? That’s right! None other than good ole Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy rabbit who works the 6 B Ranch! Now, I’m sure you’re scratchin’ your noggin’ and thinkin’ that the name “Hitchin’ Post” sounds mighty familiar. And you’d be right! Ole Hitch stopped by a while back, and you can click right here to read my review of HITCHIN’ POST by Julie Barker .

Now, I know what you’re thinkin’— Why am I readin’ and reviewin’ children’s picture books here on Books & Broomsticks? Am I right? I knew it! Whelp, it’s like this … I’m a nerd, and I love me some picture books, that’s why! They are (almost) always magical, and they have big ole colorful pictures in them. And those aren’t the only reasons. I especially like Barker’s picture books, because they are woven together with some good ole fashioned ethics and morals that are missing in a lot of today’s children’s books. What do I mean by this?

Read on, and find out, cowpoke!


In Barker’s HITCHIN’ POST and the TORNADO TWISTIN’ 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION (whew, that’s a mouthful!), good ole Hitch has got his work cut out for him. Independence Day is just hours away, and he’s gotta see to it that the barn is ready for the big celebration. Now, I’m not gonna give away the storyline (I don’t know why y’all keep expecting me to), but I will say that there’s a whole lotta hurdles a’gittin’ in the way of Hitch’s plan for a blow out celebration. Including, dare I say, a danged ole twister?! Heck fire, y’all!

“Okay, but what about them morals and ethics you mentioned above?” you ask.

“Well, heck! Give a cowgirl a chance, dangit!” I reply.


My favorite things about this gorgeously illustrated children’s book are these things:
  1.   This book is written in rhyme, and I think that’s awesome!
  2.   Hitch and his crew are proud to be Americans.
  3.  Hitch and his crew are proud Texas who are proud to celebrate Independence Day.
  4.   Hitch believes that hard work pays off in the end.
  5.   Hitch is a family man. He is so happy when his brothers surprise him with a visit.
  6.  With teamwork, anything is possible.
  7.  Last but not least: sometimes the smallest person (or rabbit) can save the day.


There. Are y’all happy now?

Good.

All joking aside, I’ve gotta tell y’all that this book is gorgeous. It’s a nice, big picture book and the colors are vivid, the materials it is printed on are high quality, and this book would be a fantastic gift for any kid … even those of us that don’t (legally) qualify as kids anymore. 
Carolyn Altman's illustrations are rich and enchanting! This book is sure to become a treasure in any child’s personal library.

Barker filled this enchanting book with some good old fashioned American and Texan standards. We need more children's books like this!


And that’s why I give good ole Hitchin’ Post
5 Texas Sized Brooms!


Scroll down for your chance to ENTER TO WIN a copy of this lovely book!

What are you waiting for, y'all?





Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin' Post, her debut children's storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children's author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin' Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin' Post and the Tornado Twistin' 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.





WEBSITE  ┃  FACEBOOK   ┃  GOODREADS 

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come. 

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art. 

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life -- her faith. 

WEBSITE  ┃  INSTAGRAM  ┃  ETSY
TWITTER  ┃  PINTEREST  ┃  FACEBOOK 
-----------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

GRAND PRIZE:
Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin' Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration + $50 gift certificate to CarolynAltmanArt.com; 
TWO WINNERS:  Signed Copy of the Book.
May 29-June 7, 2019
(U.S. Only)

CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
5/29/19
Sneak Peek
5/29/19
BONUS Post
5/30/19
Review
5/31/19
Review
6/1/19
Review
6/2/19
Review
6/3/19
Playlist
6/4/19
Review
6/5/19
Review
6/6/19
Review
6/7/19
Review

  
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