Return to Autumn House - A Halloween Serial - Chapter Three - Lacy Williams

Welcome to the third installment of the Halloween serial, "Return to Autumn House." Today Lacy Williams is your hostess (and author):


Kane Cornelison sat up in the rocky flowerbed in front of Autumn House and clutched his head with both hands, hoping that would stop the pounding in his temples.

It didn’t.

Hallie—sweet, beautiful Hallie!—was here. Wet hanks of her honey-blonde hair fell into her caramel eyes as she bent over him. Rain dripped from her elbow onto his already-soaked trousers. She touched his shoulder. He could see her lips moving, but the roaring in his head made it hard to hear anything. Or maybe that was the thunder booming overhead?

What had happened?

He remembered Hallie. Remembered how outgoing and funny she’d been back in high school. How she kissed—innocent and sweet like melting chocolate. He remembered the full docket he’d worked through yesterday, the bagel and scrambled eggs he’d had for breakfast this morning.

But the last ten minutes were a black hole. Had he fallen? Been hit over the head?

And why did he have this urgent sense of foreboding?

"Are you okay?” He read her lips. He didn’t know how to answer her. Something deep inside told him to get her out of here. But his legs felt like licorice whips and his head still spun. He couldn’t remember if he’d driven up the long winding drive or parked down at the mailbox and walked up.

Hallie’s eyes were tearing up. Then something bumped his elbow.

“Cowardly.” He looked down on the Hulk-sized golden retriever. Huh. One of those loops hulaing around his brain remembered the dog’s presence.

“Cowardly?” Now that his head was clearing—it was, wasn’t it?—Hallie’s soft question hit him in the solar plexus.

“Cowardly Lion,” he grunted.

“Cute. Yours?” He nodded and followed her gaze down to the beast now showing his belly, practically begging to be scratched. He had so much heart, but a single knock on the front door would send him scurrying under the bed.

Hallie sneezed. And his focus shifted to the bright-red tip of her nose. Allergies.

She wasn’t upset about seeing him again. Or reacting to the mysterious bump on his head. Her eyes were watering because she was allergic.

Stupid, voices from the past whispered to him. You’re an idiot.

“Can you stand?” Hallie asked. “I think you need to see a doctor. You might be concussed.”

He allowed her to steady him with a hand beneath his elbow as he lurched to his feet. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to wake up crotchety Doc Snicks at this time of night, but getting Hallie away from Autumn House was a winner in his book.

Cowardly whined and crowded against his shins, upsetting his balance. Hallie’s arm came around his waist at the same time his breath caught.

A pair of headlights flickered through the skeletal tree limbs, coming up the drive.


Read more tomorrow on the blog!


And don't miss Lacy's October release, Her Cowboy Deputy, from Love Inspired Historical.

Up Close and Personal - by Lacy Williams

Lacy Williams here, excited to talk to you about my new release, Her Cowboy Deputy, the next book in the Wyoming Legacy series with Love Inspired Historical.

In this book, sheriff’s deputy Matty White gets caught in a flooded creek (there’s a bad storm!) and injured. He wakes up and finds himself in bed with a broken collarbone and stuck in a small soddy (also known as a dugout). And he’s not alone. Catherine Poole lives on the homestead with her grandfather and helps take care of Matty while he’s injured.

So I had a lot of fun researching this book and imagining Matty stuck in that little one-room house. (Especially because Matty is one of the more sociable of the White brothers!). I know many families lived in this kind of home while they built a more permanent home.

I’ve had a similar experience over the past week as my family has been on vacation. It’s been five of us in one hotel room for the last seven days. At night, I’ve been whacked, kicked, snuggled, and overheated. During the day, my four-year-old starts bouncing off the walls (I can’t imagine doing it during the winter when he’d be stuck inside all the time!).

So Matty and Catherine are stuck in this small dugout together. For weeks. It’s no wonder that they start getting on each others’ nerves—and then forming a friendship. I hope you’ll check out the book!

What about you? Let’s talk today. Do you have vacation memories or other memories about being up close and personal with your family or maybe even friends? Leave a comment!


About Her Cowboy Deputy

Stranded! 

Bear Creek sheriff’s deputy Matt White is used to being the rescuer, not the rescued. But now the hurt lawman’s marooned on Catherine Poole’s remote homestead. The little girl he’d known briefly as a child is all grown up—and tugging at his heart.

Isolated from the world around her, Catherine’s spent her whole life caring for her ailing grandfather. The last thing she needs is a cowboy stranded in her home. Let alone the memories he dredges up of a past she’s tried to put behind her. But can this deputy be her chance to finally move forward and find true happiness?


About the author

Grab one of Lacy’s books free at her website www.lacywilliams.net
USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams works in a hostile environment (read: three kids age 5 and under). In spite of this, she has somehow managed to be a hybrid author since 2011, publishing 22 books & novellas. Lacy’s books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Awards (2012, 2013, & 2014), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc.

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Wrangler's Wife by Lacy Williams

With no family to watch over them, it's up to Fran Morris to take care of her younger sister, even if it means marrying a total stranger. Gruff, strong and silent, her new husband is a cowboy down to the bone. He wed Fran to

With no family to watch over them, it's up to Fran Morris to take care of her younger sister, even if it means marrying a total stranger. Gruff, strong and silent, her new husband is a cowboy down to the bone. He wed Fran to protect her, not to love her, but her heart has never felt so vulnerable. 

Trail boss Edgar White already has all the responsibility he needs at his family's ranch in Bear Creek, Wyoming. He had intended to remain a bachelor forever, but he can't leave Fran and her sister in danger. And as they work on the trail together, Edgar starts to soften toward his unwanted wife. He already gave Fran his name…can he trust her with his heart? protect her, not to love her, but her heart has never felt so vulnerable. 

Trail boss Edgar White already has all the responsibility he needs at his family's ranch in Bear Creek, Wyoming. He had intended to remain a bachelor forever, but he can't leave Fran and her sister in danger. And as they work on the trail together, Edgar starts to soften toward his unwanted wife. He already gave Fran his name…can he trust her with his heart?

INTERVIEW: 

How exciting to have Seb White, a character from The Wrangler’s Inconvenient Wife written by Lacy Williams an August 2014 release from Love Inspired Historical.

1.  Seb, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

Prob’ly the most interesting is that I’m not the hero of this book. Nope, I’m his brother. I’m eighteen, not ready for marriage or anything like that! I met Fran and Emma Morris at the same time Edgar did and I’m taking over this interview for my brother.

2.  What does Edgar do for fun?

Edgar used to be buckets of fun. Always playing tricks and pranks on our brothers—there’s seven of us adopted by our pa, plus our adopted sister Breanna—but since Oscar and Maxwell both got hitched, he’s become all responsible… stodgy, even. He ain’t no fun anymore! I’m hoping that meeting Fran will loosen him up, but so far… well, he’s bein’ his stubborn self, that’s for sure.

3.  What does Edgar put off doing because he dreads doing it?

That would definitely be personal hygiene. Ed’s been avoiding women since he hit puberty—he’s got trust issues left over from his childhood. I don’t really know why, he don’t talk about that time in his life, but basically he don’t like women, don’t want to court no women—don’t even want to talk to them. So if his hair’s a little shaggy and that crazy-long beard of his help keep ‘em away, well, he ain’t shaved in ages.

4.  What is Edgar most afraid of?

Didn’t ya see my notes above about women? He’s afraid of trusting someone and getting hurt, has bristles like a porcupine.

5.  What does Edgar want out of life?

That old grump… who knows what he wants out of life? He likes staying on the family homestead. Don’t want to travel, don’t want a wife… He just wants thing to stay the same. And we all know that ain’t gonna happen.

6.  What is the most important thing to Edgar?

This one’s easy. He don’t want to let our pa down. Pa took all us boys in as orphans, back when he was in his twenties, just a young pup hisself. All of us owe him for saving us from our bad situations, but Edgar takes it especially seriously—he feels like he owes Pa some debt or something. Which is ridiculous. Pa loves him, loves all of us. He don’t expect nothing, but Edgar takes his family loyalty real serious.

7.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

We live on a working ranch, so we’ve got more working animals than pets. Our sister Breanna has this little white rat of a dog that follows us boys around. It’s a pest sometimes, but we can’t get rid of it ‘cause Breanna would hate us.

8. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about Edgar?

Well, I prob’ly shouldn’t say this but… I’ll tattle on big brother anyway. He ain’t as immune to Fran as he wants everyone to think. I see how he watches her when he thinks no one is payin’ attention. He’s infatuated, even if he pretends like he ain’t. And it’s gonna be fun to watch!

What We're Reading

Deb Kastner

What I just finished reading: Gray Girl by Susan I. Spieth  

An interesting look at the inner workings of West Point from a female cadet's point of view.

What I am reading now: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon  

Actually, I'm listening to this one when I'm cleaning the house or washing dishes. I've read her whole series before, but that was many years ago.

What I plan to read next: For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Kate Nolan

I haven't finished anything lately. I

What I’m reading: Susanna Kearsley's The Rose Garden

Marta Perry's Where Secrets Sleep

Linda Castillo's The Dead Will Tell

Alison Stone's High Risk Homecoming

Jon Keller's Of Sea and Cloud

Next up - Heather Woodhaven's Surviving the Storm

Pamela Tracy

What I just finished reading:  The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin.  It was the fictionalized account of Anne Lindbergh’s life.

What I am reading now:  Safe in the Fireman’s Arms by Tina Radcliff.  I’m busy writing a Love Inspired.  I have sticky notes on my computer reminding me IT’S A ROMANCE.  I decided I needed to read a great LI to inspire me.  This one is working :)

What I plan to read next:  I’m thinking For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Linda Goodnight

What I just finished reading: Nightingale by Kristan Hannah, a story of the French Resistance in WW2.

What I am reading now:  Nothing :(((  Too busy with revisions

What I plan to read next: Probably:  Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

Dana Mentink

I just finished reading Hiding in the Light by Rifqua Bary. 

I am reading Decieved, by Irene Hannon. 

I plan to read Finding Faith in the Dark, by Laurie Short. 

Christine Johnson

What I just finished reading: The Wedding Dress by Rachael Hauck

   This has been on my TBR pile for ages, waiting for me to meet writing deadlines. What a great treat to devour once those deadlines were met!

What I'm reading now: Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf

   This is pretty scientifically dense for this non-scientist, but I'm always looking for ways to exercise and strengthen the mind, especially since dementia lurks in the family history.

What I plan to read next: Not sure. There's this huge TBR pile. Whatever strikes my interest at the moment will be the book of choice.

Rhonda Gibson

I just finished reading, Ravenspell book 1 of Mice and Magic,                          The Three Heaven's by John Hagee, and Mrs. Jefferies and the One who Got Away by Emily Brightwell

I am reading, Good health, good life by Joyce Meyer. The Iron Trail by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.  And, Frontier Engagement by Regina Scott

  

I plan to read, A Daddy for Christmas by Linda Ford, The Everyday Visionary by Jesse Duplantis, and The Other of One book 1 by Brain Burke

Yes I like to read three books at once :) Most of the time they are all different and from different genres.

Janet Lee Barton 

What I just finished reading: Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

What I am reading now: Nothing—working on deadline

What I plan to read next: The Marriage Agreement by Renee Ryan

Debby Giusti 

What I just finished reading: NO, MAMA, I DIDN'T DIE, My Life as a Stolen Baby, by Devereaux R. Bruch, a self-pubbed memoir about being a black market baby taken from her unwed birth mother in the 1930s. The mother was told her infant had died at birth. Much later, the author would learn that she had been a victim of the Tennessee Childrens Home Society's illegal baby-mill operation run by Georgia Tann.

What I am reading now: Getting ready to start the next book...

What I plan to read next: My book club selection for the upcoming month is MY MOTHER'S RING, by Dana Fitzwater Cornell, a WWII Holocaust story set in Poland. After visiting Wasaw, the site of the Jewish Ghetto, and Auschwitz this spring, I'm eager to start this story.

Lacy Williams
What I just finished reading: The Jack of Souls by Stephen Merino (fantasy) & Love on a Deadline by Kathryn Springer.

What I am reading now: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

What I plan to read next: The Boy Next Door - an anthology coming out in late October from Lenora Worth, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Gayle Roper, Susan Crawford and Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay.

A summertime Christmas

Lacy Williams here today talking about my new novel, Her Convenient Cowboy. That’s right, I had a May release and a June release this year. Let’s just say there was a lot of writing going on last year. :):)

HCC is Davy’s story and takes place concurrently with Ricky’s story (A Cowboy for Christmas). So basically brother Ricky left town, abandoned the family and no one knows where he is. And it’s hitting Davy particularly hard. See, Davy and Ricky met up during their childhoods while they were both orphans and they’ve stuck together ever since. Until now.

Davy’s smarting from his brother’s absence and resigned to spending the winter isolated in the line shack at the edge of the family ranch, watching over the herd that will provide important funds for the family.

But when he arrives with a blizzard on his heels, he finds someone has already taken up residence in the line shack. A young widow who found herself abandoned in the wilderness. And she’s nine months pregnant.

Stuck together in a blizzard, Davy discovers that Rose has nowhere to go, no family to turn to. And she’s scared of just about everything he does.

The more he finds out about her, the more he likes her. But he’s made a commitment to his family to get these cattle through the winter…

Rose wants to trust the cowboy who has helped her from day one (when he really didn’t have to), but after the men in her life have taught her they can’t be trusted, she’s nervous.

And with a baby on the way, she has to be careful about the choices she makes. But the more she gets to know Davy, the more she falls.

Can Davy earn Rose’s trust before Christmas comes?

About the book

Do You Take This Cowboy?

A blizzard traps rancher Davy White in his family’s secluded cabin with Rose Evans…and she’s nine months pregnant! Help is miles away, and Davy must work to keep them both alive. As the storm rages outside, he comes to care for the vulnerable widow. Enough that he’s willing to offer her his name-against his family’s objections.

Rose will do anything for her baby, but she’s recently widowed. She doesn’t know if she can trust the feelings she has toward Davy. And she refuses to come between him and his family. But the more time they spend together, the less she can resist the comforting, caring cowboy.

Available at:

Amazon

iBooks

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams

Do You Take This Cowboy? 

A blizzard traps rancher Davy White in his family's secluded cabin with Rose Evans…and she's nine months pregnant! Help is miles away, and Davy must work to keep them both alive. As the storm rages outside, he comes to care for the vulnerable widow. Enough that he's willing to offer her his name—against his family's objections. 

Rose will do anything for her baby, but she's recently widowed. She doesn't know if she can trust the feelings she has toward Davy. And she refuses to come between him and his family. But the more time they spend together, the less she can resist the comforting, caring cowboy. 

Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love 

 INTERVIEW:

How exciting to have Davy White the hero from Her Convenient Cowboy written by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams a June 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance set in 1902 rural Wyoming…

1.  Davy, tell us a little about you:

I’m one of eight adopted children of Jonas and Penny White. And now Jonas and Penny have three biological children, and three of my brothers have married—our family is growing by leaps and bounds. We manage a family ranch in the wilds of Wyoming. Nearest town is several miles away, but we’ve become pretty self-sufficient. I’m right in the middle—two older adopted brothers, and four younger. I’m a peacemaker. Sometimes a loner. But I love my family deeply.

2.  What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Spending time with family. Living off the land. Knowing that everyone I love is provided for and happy.

3.  Which is your favorite season, and why?

There’s things to like about all of them. In spring, when the first buds start greening up and the creek melts enough to go fishing… Summertime, when the rush of calves being born is over and the planting is done and a body can find a lazy afternoon. Autumn when there’s the feeling of triumph after we’ve finished the harvest and put up enough hay and grain to bring the animals through the winter.

I guess if I had to pick, I’d choose winter. Sure, a cowboy like me has to battle the elements to keep the animals alive, but there’s also the early nights when the family gets shut in together by darkness and snow—and our family in particular likes to play games and talk and just be together.

4.  Have you ever been in love?

Can’t say that I have. My brother Ricky is the one who’s good with women—he always knows the right thing to say. (Maybe a little too good). It’s not that I’m shy, exactly, just that I put my boot in it more often than not. But someday… I’d like to be. 

5.  What is your perfect wife like?

She’d have to be patient to put up with my ornery brothers. Have a little fight in her, if she wanted to make her home out here on the plains. Someone who’ll stick. It doesn’t matter so much if she doesn’t know much about ranching—as long as she’s willing to learn.

Somebody who loves me for me.

6.  Do you like being part of a big family?

I love my brothers and sisters. Sometimes I need my space. Usually a quiet camping trip or even an afternoon sitting next to the creek with a pole in hand is enough to make me start missing their noise and pranks. Ricky and I have been close since our childhoods, and after him, Breanna is probably the one I’m next closest to.

7.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

Little ball of white fluff—a dog—that belongs to my sister Breanna. She feeds the thing, cares for it, but it follows us boys around too much for its own good. One nice thing—Rose seems to like it.

8.  What is your greatest regret?

Not realizing how deep Ricky’s pain was before he left home. We haven’t heard from him in months and I… I really miss him. I knew he had some darkness in his past, though he never shared all of it with me. I just didn’t know it was still eating away at him. I can only pray he’ll come home. And soon.

9.  What do you think of Rose?

Rose? She’s something, all right. Even scared and distrustful as she was when I first found her up in the cabin, I could sense how special of a woman she was. And those peach tarts she bakes… a man could be ensnared by those.

About the book:

A blizzard traps rancher Davy White in his family's secluded cabin with Rose Evans…and she's nine months pregnant! Help is miles away, and Davy must work to keep them both alive. As the storm rages outside, he comes to care for the vulnerable widow. Enough that he's willing to offer her his name—against his family's objections. 

Rose will do anything for her baby, but she's recently widowed. She doesn't know if she can trust the feelings she has toward Davy. And she refuses to come between him and his family. But the more time they spend together, the less she can resist the comforting, caring cowboy. 

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams works in a hostile environment (read: three kids age 5 and under). In spite of this, she has somehow managed to be a hybrid author since 2011, publishing 17 books & novellas. Lacy is also the Managing Editor for Redbud Press, an inspirational romance publisher. Lacy’s books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Awards (2012, 2013, & 2014), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. If you haven’t already, visit Lacy’s website (www.lacywilliams.net) for a free contemporary cowboy novella.

Revisiting the Oregon Trail with Lacy Williams

Hi, readers! Lacy Williams here today to talk about wagon trains and the Oregon Trail.

I was surprised and delighted when my editor asked me to take part in the 2015 multi-author continuity (series) about couples finding love on the Oregon Trail. This series includes WAGON TRAIN REUNION by Linda Ford (April) and WAGON TRAIN PROPOSAL by Renee Ryan (June). The series follows siblings Ben, Emma (my heroine!) and Rachel as they travel west and fall in love along the way.

I had a lot of fun researching for this story. According to the Oregon-California Trails Association (www.octa-trails.org), it’s estimated that about 500,000 people followed the cross-country trails to California, Utah and the Pacific Northwest.

wikipedia.org

Does anyone else remember the old video game from the ‘90s, “The Oregon Trail”? I used to play it for hours, traveling with my fictional family to try and beat the computer… Yeah, good times.

I spoke with a reader recently who said, “I didn’t like that game—I didn’t like it when my characters died.” Unfortunately, from my research, I learned that the game was pretty realistic. Thinking about the rough conditions and limited medical knowledge and supplies, it is not surprising how many men, women and children didn’t make it.

I don’t know if I would’ve been brave enough to leave the “known” behind on the hope that something better was out there. But there were many courageous souls who did!

In my book, WAGON TRAIN SWEETHEART, hero Nathan is a trapper who has nothing to lose. He’s a loner with a past he’s ashamed of and when he is blamed for a series of thefts in the wagon train, he isn’t surprised.

Shy Emma hates injustice almost as much as she hates being the center of attention. Before she can find the courage to stand up and defend Nathan, he becomes unconscious from the onset of measles.

When no one steps forward to help Nathan, Emma is stuck with the job. She quickly discovers there is more behind the man’s enigmatic, quiet exterior.

Then the question becomes, will she stand up to her brothers, who want her to marry someone entirely different?

For Nathan, the only question is why a beautiful, intelligent woman like Emma wants to be friends with a slug like him. He’s never known anyone like Emma before and can’t stay away—even though he knows he should.

Buy the book:
Amazon
iBooks
B&N
Kobo


Or, if you’d like to try out a sample of all three books in the series, grab the Journey West sampler (FREE!):

Amazon
iBooks
B&N
Kobo

What about you? Any favorite video games or computer games from the past? Let's talk in the comment box!

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Wagon Train Sweetheart by Lacy Williams

A Promised Bride 

Emma Hewitt never thought she'd travel thousands of miles to wed. Yet Oregon is where she'll meet the groom her brothers have chosen. After years of nursing her ailing father, Emma's social skills are lacking. An arranged marriage is only sensible. And her growing feelings for Nathan Reed, a worker on her wagon train, are surely better forgotten. 

Nathan knows he's wrong for Emma. He's too rough, too burdened with guilt over his past. But when Emma nurses him through a fever, she sees something in him no one ever has. Now he wants to be a man worthy of her love. Emma's loyalty to family has always come first. Will she find the courage now to follow her heart? 

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail 

INTERVIEW:

How exciting to visit with Nathan and Emma, the hero and from Wagon Train Sweetheart. This book was written by Lacy Williams and is a May 2015 release from Love Inspired Historical.

Nathan and Emma stride quietly near a Conestoga wagon pulled by a team of four oxen. Before and behind them, the wagon train snakes through the plain. A bright blue sky forms an inverted bowl overheat and the sun beats down on them mercilessly. They are surrounded by the lowing of cattle, the chatter of women, and children laughing and running.

But Emma and Nathan are quiet, pensive, as they walk together.

1. Why did you decide to join a westward bound wagon train?

Nathan keeps his eyes on the oxen as he shrugs. “Needed a fresh start,” he mumbles. “With the pay I’ll make driving this wagon, hopefully I can buy some land.”

Emma’s eyes linger on Nathan, not the landscape. “My oldest brother came west. When my other siblings heard about the rich land and the opportunities, they were gung-ho to join up.”

Nathan’s eyes come up and they share a glance, as if there’s more behind Emma’s answer, but she doesn’t elaborate.

2. What is one thing about you that no one else knows?

Nathan’s silence is so long as to grow uncomfortable.  

Emma’s eyes glow with concern, but she doesn’t press him to answer. Obviously, he has secrets aplenty. Her cheeks flush a pretty pink. “I’ve never had a beau,” she admits.

“Nothing to be ashamed of,” Nathan adds quickly.

“I’m not ashamed.” And her chin has come up.

Nathan’s lips twitch, but he doesn’t outright smile.

3. What is your best quality?

This time, Nathan is quick to answer. “Don’t have one.”

Emma laughs, the sound like a tinkling bell, and his eyes slide to her before darting back to his task driving the oxen. Her merriment abruptly cuts off when she realizes how very serious he is.

In fact, a muscle twitches in his cheek.

“You’re an excellent hunter,” she says.

He snorts derisively.

“And you see things others don’t.”

“That’s a quality?” he asks, his voice hard as flint.

But Emma’s lips have taken on a stubborn pinch. “You’re a good friend. To me and to others.”

He shakes his head, but beneath his beard his cheeks redden.

4. What is your worst fear?

Emma’s eyes make a quick scan of the horizon as she answers, “Thunderstorms.” Her eyes make a sweep of the grass in front of her. “Snakebite.” Her eyes narrow. “Starvation.”

While her attention is elsewhere, Nathan watches her closely. When she senses his gaze on her and looks up, he jerks his face to the side. “Those are valid concerns,” he says, “But my worst fear is losing someone close to me. Again.”

Emma’s expression softens with compassion, but she knows now is a time to stay silent and not press him to admit more.

5.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

A happy bark sounds and a small brown dog appears out of the grass that is taller than the animal.

“Mutt,” Nathan greeted. Looking almost embarrassed, he says, “Can’t get rid of him. Keeps following me around.”

Emma smirks. “Perhaps it’s the ham you feed him off your plate.”

Nathan shrugs, unwilling to admit differently.

6. What is the one thing you’ve learned by traveling on this wagon train?

Emma and Nathan glance at each other.

“I’ve learned that friendship can come from the most unexpected places. And not to judge someone by first impressions.”

Nathan’s eyes go off to the distance as he admits, “Some folks are worth making friends with.”

The wagon train continues its westward trail, and Nathan and Emma’s friendship blossoms into something else entirely. WAGON TRAIN SWEETHEART is available now!

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams works in a hostile environment (read: three kids age 5 and under). In spite of this, she has somehow managed to be a hybrid author since 2011, publishing 17 books & novellas. Lacy is also the Managing Editor for Redbud Press, an inspirational romance publisher. Lacy’s books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012, 2013, & 2014), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. If you haven’t already, visit Lacy’s website (www.lacywilliams.net) for a free contemporary cowboy novella.

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Historical May 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Historical writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

Second Chance HeroBy Winnie Griggs

Winning the Widow's Heart

To help his dying sister, Nate Cooper once broke the law—and he's regretted it ever since. Now the ex-con turned saddler hopes for a new beginning in Turnabout, Texas. Being declared a hero for saving a child’s life, however, leaves Nate feeling like a fraud.

Single mom Verity Leggett leads a safe life, avoiding danger and excitement at all costs. But her daughter's rescuer Mr. Cooper seems like a perfectly responsible—and handsome—man she can rely on. When his secrets come to light, however, will Verity be able to get over his past and see Nate for the caring man he's become?

Love by DesignBy Christine Johnson

Jen Fox won't let anyone stand in her way of joining the first flight expedition to the North Pole. Even if the person trying to take her seat is the dashing world-famous stunt pilot Dan Wagner. Being on that flight crew would fulfill her father's last wish for her. And Dan should know better than to unseat the dressmaker's determined daughter.

When Dan arrives in Michigan, he's intrigued by the offer to fly over the North Pole. He needs the money, even if it means taking the spot from the driven—and attractive—Miss Fox. Yet their strictly business relationship hits turbulence when they realize they both wish for something more personal…

Wagon Train SweetheartBy Lacy Williams

A Promised Bride

Emma Hewitt never thought she'd travel thousands of miles to wed. Yet Oregon is where she'll meet the groom her brothers have chosen. After years of nursing her ailing father, Emma's social skills are lacking. An arranged marriage is only sensible. And her growing feelings for Nathan Reed, a worker on her wagon train, are surely better forgotten.

Nathan knows he's wrong for Emma. He's too rough, too burdened with guilt over his past. But when Emma nurses him through a fever, she sees something in him no one ever has. Now he wants to be a man worthy of her love. Emma's loyalty to family has always come first. Will she find the courage now to follow her heart?

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail