Tag: Texas

The Visitor Makes a Retreat

On By Betty OwensIn novella, The Visitor Novellas, Write Integrity Press

Julie B Cosgrove

Releasing Friday, February 10!

I enjoyed this story by one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Read her blogpost and get to know Julie HERE.

About the Book

How do horses, a thunderstorm, and a flowering bush combine to equal attempted murder?

Connie B. Wright is intent on finding out!

Izzy Gutierrez is the strong right hand for her beloved employer, Fanny Henderson. And she’s delighted for the help of Miss Fanny’s niece, Connie Wright, during a weekend retreat that will benefit one of the Wright Foundation’s newest projects.

Miss Fanny arranged the special weekend outing for a few hand-picked guests who might be willing to lend their financial support. Unfortunately, she included an attorney that is apparently well-hated by all the other attendees. So much so that someone is willing to poison him . . .

Match wits with The Visitor as she unravels another unexpected crime and the drama that tends to go with it.

Preorder now!

Buy the Book

Coffee with a Pioneer?

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens2 Comments

Hello, Thursday morning friends! I hope you’re enjoying a successful week.

It’s been an interesting one for me. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a vacation. I haven’t had one of those in a couple of years.

But not yet.

Lately, I’ve been reminiscing here on the blog. There’s a reason for that. I’m working on possible plots for future stories, and wondering which path to take first. I have a couple of ideas and the freedom to choose.

Some of you may have traced your family and found interesting folks and stories along the way. I haven’t done that, but some of my cousins have. My mother’s family traces back to Scotland in the 16th century. They came to Virginia and raised tobacco. Some of them moved west to Missouri. One was a Union sympathizer with a beard down to his waist. I read that he was not a popular guy. But his son dressed like a cowboy. He went to Arkansas and later, to Texas where he settled in the panhandle.

He was my grandpa’s grandfather. His son married and had four sons, but died in his forties. His wife, my great-grandma Christy, married her late sister’s husband. Think about that one. I suppose there were children involved that needed both parents to survive. Or, maybe they were in love.

I always admired my Great-Grandma Christy. She was a pioneer, and pioneers were tough. This time, I do have a picture. That’s Grandpa in the middle. He’s the second-youngest. His two older brothers were twins. Redheads, and don’t they look like trouble?

The Christy Family, circa 1911-1912

Folks didn’t smile for their pictures back then, but sometimes personalities shone through. Just as you can easily read the mischief in the faces of the twins, you can’t miss the hint of a smile on Great-Grandma’s face.

I wonder what it would’ve been like to visit her at home in those days? Would she offer coffee? Not in a Texas summer, I’ll bet. But in winter, she’d have a roaring flame in the cook stove and maybe brew coffee in an enamel pot.

This photo has always fascinated me. The first time I saw it, I wondered how my younger brother Ed could be in such an old photograph. That man on the left, my great-grandfather Christy—looks a lot like my younger brother—even the way he combed his hair.

I may be finished traveling memory lane. I really don’t know what’s up next. I’m reading a really good book. If I finish in time, I may write a review.

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join me on Saturday at the Plainview Barnes and Noble. Here’s an official invitation:

 

Introducing: Patricia Talbert of The Final Ride

On By Betty OwensIn books, Linda W. Yezak3 Comments

I met Patricia Talbert through a mutual friend, Linda Yezak. You could say Linda made Patricia Talbert what she is today. 🙂 So, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you…

Welcome to my blog, Patricia Talbert–one-time high class social coordinator from New York–now a rancher “living the dream” in Texas.

Patricia, when you first arrived on the Circle Bar Ranch, you were a fancy-dressed greenhorn, but you settled in pretty quickly. You were so feminine and ladylike. What on earth made you want to try bull-riding?

CowboyPatricia: At the time, it was the only way I could think of to spend time with Talon. Can you believe that? His ranch work stretched over acres and acres of land, and if I didn’t ask him to teach me to ride, I wouldn’t have seen him from sunup to sundown!

Your background is political. How did you get there and why did you leave?

Patricia: My dad brought me into the outskirts of the political world. He is a US Senator for the State of New York, and when his social coordinator retired, he hired me for the job. It meant hobnobbing with other senators and congressmen, judges, lobbyists, foreign dignitaries—well, you name it, I’ve rubbed elbows with it.

I thought I was happy in that life. Reasonably happy, anyway. I left only because I had to tend to the Texas ranch I inherited from Uncle Jake. After learning more about the faith he and Aunt Loretta had, I wanted it. Then, after learning what real friendship was through the relationships I started developing here, I realized the so-called “friends” back home weren’t friends at all.

But after getting to know Talon and discovering what a Christian man of integrity was like, I knew I’d never find anyone like him in New York or DC. That sealed the deal. I never want to go back, except to visit family.

I can well imagine. What drew you to the oh-so-masculine cowboy, so-not-your-type, Talon Carlson?

Patricia: Let’s start with that oh-so-masculine part and move on from there. One day, I was sitting at my desk in the ranch office, just watching him out the window. He was right across the road, repairing the barn roof in the Texas heat, which meant he had his shirt off. My, oh my . . .

I didn’t realize he was exactly my type until I got to know him. After being married to my late husband, Kent Talbert, I learned not to trust, not to believe, not to take a man’s word on anything. Kent made it difficult for me to love again, so I wasn’t quick to fall for Talon. I watched how others treated him with respect. Saw how deeply his friends loved him, and how his ranch family rallied around him. I experienced for myself his sense of humor, his affection, and, yes, his respect for me.

I admit to taking things slow with Talon, but believe me, I have no doubt where this is going.

Ha ha! Yes, I can well imagine.  Your versatility and strength (Talon called it spunk) brought you through the first installment of the Circle Bar Ranch novels. But your adventurous spirit kind of took a nosedive in the sequel. What caused this turnaround?

Patricia: If you’re talking about my bull riding, believe me, nothing will knock the adventure out of you like waking up with a face full of muck. When Mostro bucked me into the mud and muck of the holding pen, I figured I’d had my fill of riding.

cattle-640985_1280But I still feel adventurous, and I’m totally ready to see what life on the ranch has to offer. And what I have to offer it. Can you imagine, me on a ranch? My best assets are my diplomacy and my Park Avenue wardrobe. If this isn’t adventurous, I don’t know what is!

I think dealing with New York politicians and socialites might be the more difficult of the two. So, other than Talon…who’s your hero, and why?

Patricia: On the ranch, it’s definitely Frank Simmons. He’s like a surrogate father to me. His quiet guidance and gentle humor are invaluable. He assured me of God’s love for me. Of course, I had to prove it to myself, but Frank was right. He usually is.

He’s definitely one of my favorite characters in both books. In Book 2, there are big changes in store for the ranch and its inhabitants. Is there anything you can comment on? Without a spoiler, of course.

Patricia: Oh, you must be referring to Aunt Adele. She’s on a mission to lure me back to New York. You wouldn’t believe the things she’s doing to try to make me homesick. I’d be willing to bet my mother put her up to this. Aunt Adele is my favorite of all my mother’s sisters, but right now, she’s really testing my patience. Not to mention Consuela’s patience. And you know Consuela has a short fuse.  I’m doing all I can to keep the peace around here, but it’s getting more and more challenging.

You don’t want to lose Consuela! Who would do the cooking? 🙂 How do you see yourself in ten years?

cowgirl-419084_1280Patricia: I love dreaming about the future! In ten years, I hope to see my kids and my friend Marie’s kids growing big and strong like their fathers. By then, I hope to know my way around the ranch better—I may even have a school to teach city kids how to ride English and Western saddle, maybe even have a show-jumping school for the kids from the surrounding ranches.

In other words, in ten years, I see myself surrounded by Talon and friends and kids!

That’s a dream I hope you realize, Patricia. Finally, just for fun–what’s in your fridge?

­­­Patricia: Since I’m still learning how to cook, I hope whatever’s in there is something Consuela made—preferably her beef enchiladas or maybe a carne asada. Her culinary skills aren’t limited to Tex-Mex, but that’s definitely my favorite.

Sounds yummy. Perhaps I can visit sometime soon–

13316940_10206565887042896_1503291551972684209_oWith her duties for her best friend’s wedding finally behind her, Patricia Talbert looks forward to discovering what “normal” will look like at her new home in Texas. She owns a ranch now, is in love with its foreman, and is ready to assume her duties. Discovering what those duties entail isn’t an easy feat for a displaced socialite from Manhattan.

But when her aunt Adele arrives on a mission to bring her back to New York by hook or by crook, Patricia’s primary duty is to deflect the bumbling and bullish attempts–until one of Adele’s tricks takes her by surprise.

All of Talon Carlson’s dreams for the Circle Bar Ranch are coming true, along with another dream he never expected to be fulfilled–a chance to love again. Patricia is everything he ever wanted and more, but he made a promise to her not to ride bulls again, a promise he may have to break.

His desire for a better end to his riding career is intensified by vicious rumors about why he quit. If he rides again, he may provide the ammunition Adele needs to make Patricia leave. If he doesn’t, he’ll prove the gossips right.

Patricia or Talon. Which one will take The Final Ride?

A word about Patricia’s creator, Linda W. Yezak:

Linda Yezak

Over twenty-five years ago, after a decade of life as a “single-again,” author Linda W. Yezak rediscovered God’s love and forgiveness when He allowed her a second chance at marital happiness. She is now living her greatest romance with her husband in a forest in East Texas. After such an amazing blessing, she chooses to trumpet God’s gift of second chances in the books she writes. Linda’s novels are heart-warming hallmarks of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

      You’ll find Linda at the following locations:     

Facebook Fan Page:  http://dld.bz/LWYFacebookPage

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyezak/

Twitter: @LindaYezak

 Amazon Page: http://dld.bz/LWYAmazonPage

Goodreads: http://dld.bz/dSPmg

777 Peppermint Place: http://lindayezak.com

Newsletter: http://dld.bz/CoffeewithLinda

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