IWSG and Did You Know

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional

 

April 2 question - What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

 

I'm not picky. Either Thor or Iron Man would work for me. ;)

 

March/April Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

DEATH IN THE ABSENCE OF RAIN by Caleb Pirtle III

The fifth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles

This story centers on Graham Huston, the owner of the local newspaper, who has a ghostly visitant while fighting his own ghosts/demons from his past.

The tale is well-written and told in a mystical poetic voice. It will definitely appeal to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicle followers.

Can be read as a standalone.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

BORN AND BRED TEXAN by Jinx Schwartz

This is the ninth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series

So far, I haven’t read a book in the series I haven’t enjoyed and Ms. Schwartz’s offering is no exception. Her main character, Blue, is a feisty widow returning to her home in Magnolia Bluff, hoping to heal from the loss of her husband. She gets more than she bargains for when a dead body is found on her property, followed by several sets of human remains.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, feisty heroines, and story lines with plenty of humor running through them. 

This book can be read as a standalone. 

Available at Amazon

 

SUNFLOWER TANKA by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle

Authors from around the world have offered their renderings of ‘into the light’ using the symbolic sunflower. There was much talent and many different takes. Here are just a few lines that caught my eye:

‘into the light, she emerged

ready for her second chance’ ~ Yvette Calleiro

‘how fast time passes

youngsters—now teens or adults

elders, no longer sprightly’  ~  Robbie Cheadle

‘silent guardian

owl—a speedy feathered wraith’ ~ Colleen Chesebro

‘winter rain sputters

bruised clouds surrender the sky

a spring dawn beckons’   ~ D. Wallace Peach

‘whispers of sunlight

awaken sleeping autumn’ ~  Gwen M. Plano

There is much, much more to read. A treasure for poetry lovers who enjoy beautiful wordage.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Good bud, author D. L. Finn,  is hosting Reuben and me at her place. Denise is a multi-talented author whose writings include middle-grade stories, paranormal reads, inspiring poetry and lately she's opened a Gratitude store where she has many lovely items that display both her photography and her poetry. If you're in the vicinity, please stop by and join us.

 

Available at Amazon

 AND

Did you know, Oscar Wilde  went to prison and did hard labor because of his sexual proclivities?

For more information: 24 Crazy Author Facts You Need to Know — On Book Street

 

Release Day for REUBEN HAYES

 

Tag Line:

The crusty middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman. And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

 

Blurb:

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.
Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s cranky ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

 

 Excerpt:

Cattle lowed. Horses whinnied. Men whooped and lariats slapped against chaps.

The sounds carried on a thick, heavy breeze. Dust rose from hundreds of hooves, making breathing difficult. The scent of scorched fur and hide filled the air as brands came down on heaving flanks before struggling longhorns were let go.

Reuben Hayes rose in the stirrups, cupped his hands and shouted, “Henry, get that loco longhorn that’s headed for the brush.”

A lean cowboy raised a hand in acknowledgement, urged his horse into a gallop and shot off after the steer. Another rider came thundering up. This one young, still in his teens. He reined in his foam-flecked dun mare.

“Soggy wants you back at the house pronto. His words not mine, sir.” He pushed back his hat and wiped his sweating brow, unruly black curls falling over his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” Reuben’s raspy voice came out harsh as tension crawled up his backbone. Soggy would never call him back to the ranch if it weren’t dire.

“There’s a visitor waiting.”

“A visitor?” Thick, dark eyebrows, streaked with gray, rose nearly to his hairline. “Soggy told you to come and get me ‘cause he has a visitor?” He lifted his voice to carry over the bellow of frightened cattle.

“Not him, Boss. You.”

“Thanks for clarifying that, Billy.” Eyebrows that had risen now settled into an aggrieved scowl.

Billy wiped a sweaty hand on his pants and swallowed, his Adam’s apple doing a nervous dance.  “It’s a young lady,” he added helpfully.

“A young lady?” Reuben’s head jerked back and he blinked in surprise.

“Yes, sir.”

“A young lady?” he repeated.

“Yes, sir. Pretty as a picture.”

For a moment a fatuous look settled over the young man’s features, making him look like a moonling calf, Reuben thought in disgust.

“Guess I’m heading back to the ranch.” Curiosity warred with irritation. It was branding time. He didn’t need to be shunting back and forth between the house and the range like a damn fool. He blew out an impatient breath, lifted the reins, then bellowed, “Levi.”

His foreman, a middle-aged man with weathered features and graying hair put heels to his bay and came galloping toward him.

“Yes, Boss?”

“I’m heading back to the house. You’re in charge.”

“Everything okay?” His foreman took off his no-frills, worn cowboy hat, wiped his forehead then settled it back on his head.

“The boss has a visitor. Pretty as a picture,” Billy interjected.

“Oh, yeah?” Levi grinned and spat a wad of tobacco.

“Wipe that smile off your face and take care of the cattle.”

Levi complied though his lips continued to twitch.

Reuben pointed a finger at Billy. “You help him.” He clapped heels to his big Appaloosa and galloped off.

 

Character Facts:

Reuben is as tough as old shoe leather, but he’s fair.

He rides a big Appaloosa.

No one that knows him goes out of their way to mess with him.

 

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Reuben-Hayes-S-Cox-ebook/dp/B0DWQBGT88

 

AND

 

March 31, I am visiting with prehistoric man expert, Jacqui Murray. Jacqui knows more about this era than anyone I know. She takes historical facts and wraps them in a fictional story.  If you haven't tried one of her books yet, you are in for a reading treat. She has two blogs that are always chock full of information for readers, writers and teachers alike. 

If you're in the vicinity, stop by and share a cyber cup of cowboys' coffee.

For more info on the coffee cowboys drank: History – Arbuckle Coffee

 

 

Available at Amazon