When There's A Will

Sixteen-year-old Eloise MacKenna dreams of someday meeting a handsome cowboy who will take her away from her drunkard of a father and the corrupt town in which she lives, and help her build a homestead out west. But all her dreams are suddenly dashed away when her Pa stumbles through the front door in a drunken stupor, saying he’s gambled her away to a stranger while playing cards.

And so, to save her Pa from threats of death, Eloise marries Mr. William LeRoy­—a man whom she comes to find is an uncouth gunslinger and reputed outlaw. But late that night, when Mr. LeRoy barges into her quarters demanding his husbandly rights, Eloise suddenly realizes she cannot fulfill her father’s wishes, no matter the consequences.

Disguising herself as a boy, she escapes to Grovetown—a small farming community—where a handsome farmer named Douglas Tyler offers her work in return for room and board.

But as the months pass by and an attraction to Douglas and the beautiful town escalates, Eloise finds it harder and harder to keep her identity a secret.

A Friend In Need

MARIE AND MARGUERITE BELLAMONT are as different as any twin sisters could possibly be. But when their father dies and their mother’s land manager cheats them out of their home and heritage in France, they must use their differences to stay together and stay alive.

With only a few dollars to their name, the Bellamont family travels west in search of new opportunity and land they can call their own. But in only a short time, they realize America is not the land of dreams and hopes they’d imagined. After six years, Marie and Marguerite are destitute and working in a textile factory to keep from starving and freezing to death.

But one day, Marie meets a lonely trader named Douglas Mitchell and wonders if he could be the means of their salvation. Will Marie sacrifice her life’s happiness to save her family—and herself—from poverty?

interesting facts about "What Once Was Lost"

• Barrett Mathewson's character was created in memory of my grandpa Darrell, hence the two double letters in the name. My grandpa used to call me "Pinkie" when I was a child. I'm not sure why...maybe for my red hair or blushy cheeks or something. My memory is not the best in the world, but I love looking at pictures of him and my grandma. It always makes me smile. I love them both so much. I miss him.
• None of my characters are actually me, but you will find several of my traits meshed into the other characters.
• The brief mention of Susie Adams was for my mother-in-law Susan, who is an amazing gardener. Mark, my husband, loves to follow her around in late spring to hear about all the different types of plants and flowers and now plants his own garden of flowers and herbs. They are both so dedicated with the process. It's very admirable and worth acknowledging.
• The idea of Gwendolyn's particular accident—head injury and amnesia—was created when I realized my memory wasn't as sharp as it had always been. It's been really hard on me, and sometimes I create memories and claim them as factual without even knowing it. It was very interesting doing research for this particular subject—retrograde amnesia.
• My inspiration for the story and Gregory's character came from Marcia Lynn McClure, a clean romance author whom I admire and try to emulate. Out of all the books I've ever read, hers are some of the few I read many times. Her male characters are usually gentlemen with a sense of wild authenticity about them. They come across as gruff strong men but are really softies. And there's a mischievousness/playfulness about them I find endearing.
• The mention of canned apricots and nectar were for my grandma Emma Jean, Darrell's wife. She always told me how much work it took to grow and prepare the apricots for canning, but the smooth nectar was always a delicious treat when I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. The canned kind you can buy at the store cannot even compare with how decadent my grandma's apricot nectar was. 
• The Tylers' dog Caramel was named in memory of my mini lop bunny and is a German Shepherd in memory of Mark's dog Charlie.
• I chose for Gwendolyn to play the cello because it is one of the more beautiful sounding instruments, I think. It's been one of my life ambitions to learn to play the cello, and I am finally fulfilling that...slowly.
• The phrase "Pray for rain..." mentioned is in memory of Adam my brother. Funny story.

My Book Is Done!

Hola everyone! The time you have all been waiting for has finally come—publication! I've finally gotten all the bugs taken care of with my book and am holding an open house event in a few weeks. Come join me in celebration of this—whaaaaaa—event! I'll be giving out free prizes, signing books, and selling other freakin' awesome stuff. I hope to see any and all there.

My book is also available from my storefront at Lulu.com, but you'll also have to pay for shipping. If you want it cheaper, just come to my party. It's that simple. :0) But, I suppose if you can't make it there, you can email me and I'll ship it to you. Bye!

When There's A Will (future title)

Sixteen-year-old Eloise MacKenna dreams of someday meeting a handsome cowboy who will take her away from her drunkard of a father and the corrupt town in which she lives, and help her build a homestead out west. But all her dreams are suddenly dashed away when her Pa stumbles through the front door in a drunken stupor, saying he’s gambled her away to a stranger while playing cards. And so, to save her Pa from threats of death, Eloise marries Mr. William LeRoy­—a man whom she comes to find is an uncouth gunslinger and reputed outlaw. But late that night, when Mr. LeRoy barges into her quarters demanding his husbandly rights, Eloise suddenly realizes she cannot fulfill her father’s wishes, no matter the consequences. Disguising herself as a boy, she escapes to Grovetown—a small farming community—where a handsome farmer named Douglas Tyler offers her work in return for room and board. But as the months pass by and an attraction to Douglas and the beautiful town escalates, Eloise finds it harder and harder to keep her identity a secret.

Book Three in the Western Romance Series (future title)

A Friend In Need (future title)

Marie and Marguerite Bellamont are as different as any twin sisters could possibly be. But when their father dies and their mother's land manager cheats them out of their home and heritage in France, they must use their differences to stay together and stay alive. With only a few dollars to their name, the Bellamont family travels west in search of new opportunity and land they can call their own. But in only a short time, they realize America is not the land of dreams and hopes they'd imagined. After six years, Marie and Marguerite are destitute and working in a textile factory in Missouri to keep from starving and freezing to death. But one day, Marie meets a quiet and lonely trader named Douglas Mitchell and wonders if he could be the means of their salvation. Will Marie sacrifice her life's happiness to save her family—and herself—from poverty?

Book Two in the Western Romance Series (future title)

What Once Was Lost

Gwendolyn Mitchell, a girl raised by a loving aunt and uncle, mysteriously flees the small country town in which she's lived to become a teacher. Little does she know that her decision to leave will be the beginning of her worst nightmares. Frightened and alone, she wakes up in a hospital not knowing who she is or how she's gotten there. Now she must fight the battle of her life as she struggle to find some light in her mind and a link to her past. Set in the late 1800s, in the mid-western countryside, Gwendolyn struggles to rediscover her identity, unveils shocking truths about her past, and strives for forgiveness, even from the man whose heart she broke almost a year ago.