Category Archives: Christmas Hearts of the West
The Measure of a Man–His Heart & Soul Plus an Exclusive Excerpt!
by Heather Frey
To Love and to Honor—Why a story about an amputee?
Last year I stumbled across a newspaper article about photographer Michael Stokes. He was snapping sexy pics of veterans who had lost limbs in combat. I was stunned both by the soldiers’ mind-blowing good looks, and the extent of their injuries.
The thought haunted me how these devastatingly handsome, rugged men were dealing with the scars, the prosthetics, the missing limbs. I thought also of evangelist Dave Roever. Horribly disfigured in Vietnam, he’d watched as a fellow soldier’s wife had taken one look at her gravely burned husband and walked out of the room. Fortunately, Dave’s wife had the opposite reaction and the two are still married to this day.
But based on the junk you see coming out of Hollywood, one would believe our culture values physical perfection far above inner beauty. It seems the shallow masses give a pass to monstrous inner ugliness if the package comes wrapped in a big bust or washboard abs.
I feel for the wounded vets in a society like this and wanted to write something for them—a story that clearly focuses on the real measure of a man—his heart and soul, not his number of fingers or toes.
I hope you enjoy it and all the other stories in the special collection It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas! ON SALE NOW or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! I’ve included an excerpt at the bottom!
If you are so inclined, you can read an article on Michael Stokes photography here— http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3165402/Photographer-captures-amputee-war-veterans-posing-naked-proudly-revealing-injuries-powerful-picture-series.html, but WARNING: adult content. Privates are covered… BARELY! 
An excerpt from To Love and to Honor–
Someone knocked at the door. “Señor, Señora” a voice called. “We have the water for a bath.”
Joel’s bath. “Yes, come in.”
Four ranch hands, one right after the other, trailed into the room, each with a steaming bucket of water. In short order, the portable copper tub was full and they excused themselves.
Joel stared at the bath with a tight expression, as if he was afraid of it.
Slowly, Angela rose and crossed the room to stand in front of him. He looked up with an expression of surprise that quickly transformed to desire. Hope flickered in his deep, blue eyes. She knelt in front of him and gently laid a hand on his knee. “You need a bath.” She swallowed, and fought to control her breathing. “I’ll help you.”
His eyes widened. “You—you can’t.”
She reached for his boot heel and started tugging. “I’m the only one who can.” The boot came free and she reached for the other.
Joel clutched her hand. “No.”
She didn’t meet his gaze, but she could feel it, like a gentle touch on her cheek.
“I mean, I don’t want you to see…”
Was he afraid his wound, his missing limb, would be too grotesque for her? She couldn’t imagine anything about this man being repulsive. She gave him a slow, reassuring smile. “I don’t mind.”
She pushed his pant leg up above his knee and realized his boot had been sewn on to the prosthetic. She didn’t know what to do.
“It’s cinched around my thigh.” Joel’s voice sounded strained.
Hearts of the West #BookGiveaway #LadiesInDefiance
Please check the top of my sidebar for the other giveaways going on right now! ——–>
Two, Four, Six, Eight…. Who do I appreciate?
You! You!
YOU!
Five authors. Five stories of Western romance. Just for you!
Click here to start reading a free sample of Hang Your Heart on Christmas right now!
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas By Patricia PacJac Carroll
Come on in to the town of Bluebonnet, TX, where romance blooms with a little help from friends.
Nettie has matchmaking plans while her husband Reed already has his hands full with a troubled misfit named Yancy. Sally’s past haunts her with fears of having to go back to the saloon. Wilbur “Wills” Williams is coming to Bluebonnet to atone for his past. Amelia and Sheriff Justin Wellesley are in love, but her parents are against their marriage, while Yancy has other plans for Amelia. And Cornelia “Cornie” Eustus is intent on sharing her misery.
Whiter Than Snow By Leah Atwood
Tallie Duncan hasn’t known love since she was a young child, but a position as a nanny to two rambunctious boys fills a void left by a life of tragedy. When their mother discovers Tallie’s secret, though, her position is immediately terminated. She finds herself on the streets, in a strange town in a strange land.
Jeremiah Scott returns to Weatherton, Wyoming after a six-year absence, with plans to renew the family ranch he’d left after his father’s death. The train ride from Chicago to Cheyenne reminds him how lonely winters in the West can be without someone to share them. While in Cheyenne, making purchases for his ranch, he decides to find an impromptu bride. But when the bride is more than he bargains for, will his rash decision destroy their plans for marriage?
Hang Your Heart on Christmas By Heather Blanton
U.S. Marshal Robert “Dent” Hernandez has a gift, if you call specializing in death a gift. Under the auspices of his badge, he arrests some of the worst criminals Wyoming Territory can spit out. For Dent, though, the line between vengeance and justice has never been clear. He is determined to find and hang his father’s killer. When a prisoner transfer goes awry in his hometown of Evergreen, Wyoming, and Dent’s good friend is killed, he is forced to serve as interim sheriff. But Dent should be out on the trail hunting down murderers, not scolding candy thieves and escorting the very pretty, but jittery, schoolteacher around. What is she so afraid of? Turns out, a lot of people in Evergreen are keeping secrets.
Mail Order Bride: Husband of the Bride By Susette Williams
Widowed for years, Ma has been the matriarch of the family, facing the challenges of raising four boys into men. With the arrival of her first grandchild imminent, Ma finds herself face-to-face with the town doctor who has very differing views from hers.
Doc is opinionated, and believes it is time for Ma to look out for her own needs–and desires. He’s old enough to know you can’t live in the past; you need to move on to have a future. But can he convince a stubborn, determined woman he’s worth settling with? Will Ma be able to keep up with her four sons and their new brides and survive the holidays, or will her family grow even larger–in more ways than one?
A Mountain Man’s Redemption By Christi Corbett
Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant–overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent–abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak. Hopeless, he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.
Everything changes when he discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from their ruthless abuser. Seventy miles of mountains and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?
BTW- Hearts of the West is only 99 cents right now on Kindle and FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Load up your reader for Spring is what I say!
The Giveaway
The giveaway of Hearts of the West is open internationally and the winner will receive an e-book. Enter through the Rafflecopter below:
If you’d like to find other blogs offering book giveaways, below is the list, so start “hopping!”
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
Hearts of the West BOOK #Giveaway #ShareTheLove #LadiesInDefiance
Please check the top of my sidebar for the other giveaways going on right now! ——–>
It’s time for our annual Share the Love giveaway hop! This hop is a little different and all about sharing our favorite bloggers and authors with you! There’s a giveaway at every blog so visit them all and find out who all we just adore.
Why do I love these gals you may ask?????
Different styles, intriguing stories, lovable characters — these ladies are some of the best western romance ladies you’ll come across!
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas By Patricia PacJac Carroll
Come on in to the town of Bluebonnet, TX, where romance blooms with a little help from friends.
Nettie has matchmaking plans while her husband Reed already has his hands full with a troubled misfit named Yancy. Sally’s past haunts her with fears of having to go back to the saloon. Wilbur “Wills” Williams is coming to Bluebonnet to atone for his past. Amelia and Sheriff Justin Wellesley are in love, but her parents are against their marriage, while Yancy has other plans for Amelia. And Cornelia “Cornie” Eustus is intent on sharing her misery.
Whiter Than Snow By Leah Atwood
Tallie Duncan hasn’t known love since she was a young child, but a position as a nanny to two rambunctious boys fills a void left by a life of tragedy. When their mother discovers Tallie’s secret, though, her position is immediately terminated. She finds herself on the streets, in a strange town in a strange land.
Jeremiah Scott returns to Weatherton, Wyoming after a six-year absence, with plans to renew the family ranch he’d left after his father’s death. The train ride from Chicago to Cheyenne reminds him how lonely winters in the West can be without someone to share them. While in Cheyenne, making purchases for his ranch, he decides to find an impromptu bride. But when the bride is more than he bargains for, will his rash decision destroy their plans for marriage?
Hang Your Heart on Christmas By Heather Blanton
U.S. Marshal Robert “Dent” Hernandez has a gift, if you call specializing in death a gift. Under the auspices of his badge, he arrests some of the worst criminals Wyoming Territory can spit out. For Dent, though, the line between vengeance and justice has never been clear. He is determined to find and hang his father’s killer. When a prisoner transfer goes awry in his hometown of Evergreen, Wyoming, and Dent’s good friend is killed, he is forced to serve as interim sheriff. But Dent should be out on the trail hunting down murderers, not scolding candy thieves and escorting the very pretty, but jittery, schoolteacher around. What is she so afraid of? Turns out, a lot of people in Evergreen are keeping secrets.
Mail Order Bride: Husband of the Bride By Susette Williams
Widowed for years, Ma has been the matriarch of the family, facing the challenges of raising four boys into men. With the arrival of her first grandchild imminent, Ma finds herself face-to-face with the town doctor who has very differing views from hers.
Doc is opinionated, and believes it is time for Ma to look out for her own needs–and desires. He’s old enough to know you can’t live in the past; you need to move on to have a future. But can he convince a stubborn, determined woman he’s worth settling with? Will Ma be able to keep up with her four sons and their new brides and survive the holidays, or will her family grow even larger–in more ways than one?
A Mountain Man’s Redemption By Christi Corbett
Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant–overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent–abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak. Hopeless, he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.
Everything changes when he discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from their ruthless abuser. Seventy miles of mountains and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?
BTW- Hearts of the West is only 99 cents right now on Kindle and FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Load up your reader for winter is what I say!
The Giveaway
The giveaway of Hearts of the West is open internationally and the winner will receive an e-book. Enter through the Rafflecopter below:
If you’d like to find other blogs offering book giveaways, below is the list, so start “hopping!”
Hearts of the West BOOK #Giveaway #LadiesInDefiance
A five in one book giveaway of favorites to keep you warm this winter!
A rancher, a doctor, a lawyer, a mountain man, and a lawman–all looking for love this Christmas! Curl up with the newest collection of historical western romances from five best-selling and award-winning Christian authors. A mix of short stories & novellas, these tales are a yuletide trip back to the Wild West!
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas By Patricia PacJac Carroll
Come on in to the town of Bluebonnet, TX, where romance blooms with a little help from friends.
Nettie has matchmaking plans while her husband Reed already has his hands full with a troubled misfit named Yancy. Sally’s past haunts her with fears of having to go back to the saloon. Wilbur “Wills” Williams is coming to Bluebonnet to atone for his past. Amelia and Sheriff Justin Wellesley are in love, but her parents are against their marriage, while Yancy has other plans for Amelia. And Cornelia “Cornie” Eustus is intent on sharing her misery.
Whiter Than Snow By Leah Atwood
Tallie Duncan hasn’t known love since she was a young child, but a position as a nanny to two rambunctious boys fills a void left by a life of tragedy. When their mother discovers Tallie’s secret, though, her position is immediately terminated. She finds herself on the streets, in a strange town in a strange land.
Jeremiah Scott returns to Weatherton, Wyoming after a six-year absence, with plans to renew the family ranch he’d left after his father’s death. The train ride from Chicago to Cheyenne reminds him how lonely winters in the West can be without someone to share them. While in Cheyenne, making purchases for his ranch, he decides to find an impromptu bride. But when the bride is more than he bargains for, will his rash decision destroy their plans for marriage?
Hang Your Heart on Christmas By Heather Blanton
U.S. Marshal Robert “Dent” Hernandez has a gift, if you call specializing in death a gift. Under the auspices of his badge, he arrests some of the worst criminals Wyoming Territory can spit out. For Dent, though, the line between vengeance and justice has never been clear. He is determined to find and hang his father’s killer. When a prisoner transfer goes awry in his hometown of Evergreen, Wyoming, and Dent’s good friend is killed, he is forced to serve as interim sheriff. But Dent should be out on the trail hunting down murderers, not scolding candy thieves and escorting the very pretty, but jittery, schoolteacher around. What is she so afraid of? Turns out, a lot of people in Evergreen are keeping secrets.
Mail Order Bride: Husband of the Bride By Susette Williams
Widowed for years, Ma has been the matriarch of the family, facing the challenges of raising four boys into men. With the arrival of her first grandchild imminent, Ma finds herself face-to-face with the town doctor who has very differing views from hers.
Doc is opinionated, and believes it is time for Ma to look out for her own needs–and desires. He’s old enough to know you can’t live in the past; you need to move on to have a future. But can he convince a stubborn, determined woman he’s worth settling with? Will Ma be able to keep up with her four sons and their new brides and survive the holidays, or will her family grow even larger–in more ways than one?
A Mountain Man’s Redemption By Christi Corbett
Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant–overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent–abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak. Hopeless, he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.
Everything changes when he discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from their ruthless abuser. Seventy miles of mountains and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?
BTW- Hearts of the West is only 99 cents right now on Kindle and FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Load up your reader for winter is what I say!
The Giveaway
The giveaway of Hearts of the West is open internationally and the winner will receive an e-book. Enter through the Rafflecopter below:
If you’d like to find other blogs offering book giveaways, below is the list, so start “hopping!”
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
Hearts of the West $25 Amazon/Paypal Gift Card Giveaway! #LadiesInDefiance
Welcome to the BMN Loves Giveaways Hop, hosted by Lindsey Blogs and Viva Veltoro. We’re celebrating the upcoming holiday with something everyone loves… giveaways! Be sure to hop around to all the bloggers involved in the Hop, including the two Grand Prize giveaways, in the linky below!
Just wanna brag a little bit here…. I was honored to be a part of this special book collection last year.
Why do I love these gals you may ask?????
Different styles, intriguing stories, lovable characters — these ladies are some of the best western romance ladies you’ll come across!
A rancher, a doctor, a lawyer, a mountain man, and a lawman–all looking for love this Christmas! Curl up with the newest collection of historical western romances from five best-selling and award-winning Christian authors. A mix of short stories & novellas, these tales are a yuletide trip back to the Wild West!
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas By Patricia PacJac Carroll
Come on in to the town of Bluebonnet, TX, where romance blooms with a little help from friends.
Nettie has matchmaking plans while her husband Reed already has his hands full with a troubled misfit named Yancy. Sally’s past haunts her with fears of having to go back to the saloon. Wilbur “Wills” Williams is coming to Bluebonnet to atone for his past. Amelia and Sheriff Justin Wellesley are in love, but her parents are against their marriage, while Yancy has other plans for Amelia. And Cornelia “Cornie” Eustus is intent on sharing her misery.
Whiter Than Snow By Leah Atwood
Tallie Duncan hasn’t known love since she was a young child, but a position as a nanny to two rambunctious boys fills a void left by a life of tragedy. When their mother discovers Tallie’s secret, though, her position is immediately terminated. She finds herself on the streets, in a strange town in a strange land.
Jeremiah Scott returns to Weatherton, Wyoming after a six-year absence, with plans to renew the family ranch he’d left after his father’s death. The train ride from Chicago to Cheyenne reminds him how lonely winters in the West can be without someone to share them. While in Cheyenne, making purchases for his ranch, he decides to find an impromptu bride. But when the bride is more than he bargains for, will his rash decision destroy their plans for marriage?
Hang Your Heart on Christmas By Heather Blanton
U.S. Marshal Robert “Dent” Hernandez has a gift, if you call specializing in death a gift. Under the auspices of his badge, he arrests some of the worst criminals Wyoming Territory can spit out. For Dent, though, the line between vengeance and justice has never been clear. He is determined to find and hang his father’s killer. When a prisoner transfer goes awry in his hometown of Evergreen, Wyoming, and Dent’s good friend is killed, he is forced to serve as interim sheriff. But Dent should be out on the trail hunting down murderers, not scolding candy thieves and escorting the very pretty, but jittery, schoolteacher around. What is she so afraid of? Turns out, a lot of people in Evergreen are keeping secrets.
Mail Order Bride: Husband of the Bride By Susette Williams
Widowed for years, Ma has been the matriarch of the family, facing the challenges of raising four boys into men. With the arrival of her first grandchild imminent, Ma finds herself face-to-face with the town doctor who has very differing views from hers.
Doc is opinionated, and believes it is time for Ma to look out for her own needs–and desires. He’s old enough to know you can’t live in the past; you need to move on to have a future. But can he convince a stubborn, determined woman he’s worth settling with? Will Ma be able to keep up with her four sons and their new brides and survive the holidays, or will her family grow even larger–in more ways than one?
A Mountain Man’s Redemption By Christi Corbett
Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant–overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent–abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak. Hopeless, he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.
Everything changes when he discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from their ruthless abuser. Seventy miles of mountains and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?
BTW- Hearts of the West is only 99 cents right now on Kindle! Load up your reader for winter is what I say!
The Giveaway
The giveaway of Hearts of the West is open internationally and the winner will receive their choice of a $25 Amazon or Paypal gift card. Enter through the Rafflecopter below:
If you’d like to find other blogs offering great giveaways, below is the list, so start “hopping!”
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and the BMN Loves Giveaways participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.
Ladies in Defiance 