Book Review: Cracked Ice Featuring Darlene Franklin

One December night, an ice storm blows through Oklahoma City, leaving thousands without power. Meet the residents of Primrose Apartments. Young, old, alone, in love, prey and predator. What happens when the lights go out? LINDA’S YULETIDE LINKS by Darlene Franklin Linda Turner doesn't mind being homebound. Not as long as her aides arrive on time. Not as long as her life-sustaining machines keep running. But what happens an ice storm makes driving impossible, power unavailable--and her batteries run down? SIBLINGS by Toni Chism Matt and Harry have remained both brothers and friends their whole lives, strengthened by a boyhood vow to never let anything come between them. When an ice storm blows both frosty air and two beautiful women into their midst, will their vow hold to the very end? EVER AFTER by Bill Garrison Kim is starting life over in a new apartment with her three kids, when an intruder breaks in and threatens everything she holds dear. Survival may depend on the one thing she had given up on, her family. VEILED IN ICE by Kat Lewis My name is Celeste Ventris and there are two things I'm sure of. One, my wedding is tomorrow. And, two, I'm pretty certain there's a thief in my apartment. Merry-freakin'-Christmas to me. FOLLOWING AFTER by Sue Merriam Nora Bitterman has just completed the perfect crime. Everything so well planned, she’ll never get caught - or will she? BAD HAIR DAY by Shannon Pearson Ashlee wonders if she will ever get married. An ice storm cancels their plans, is it the end of the line for her and Ryan? BINARY by Chris Tarpley Jacob has been free of his sadistic and wicked twin brother John for years. Now, John is coming to visit. With John and Jacob together again in the same small space, what will happen when the lights go out? CRACKED ICE: What Happens When the Lights Go Out? is the second volume of short stories compiled by members of Oklahoma Christian Fiction Writers. Several authors appear in both Legacy Letters and Cracked in Ice.


My Review:
This book has several short stories in it all totally different. There were some I really loved and a few I didn't connect with as well but I am sure others would connect with them. I like the premise of this book where we see a blackout in one apartment block and what happens to different residents. I have to say I am not sure I want to be in this apartment building. I also have never been in an ice storm to have this happen but we did have a statewide blackout a year ago for many hours and its interesting how you realise just how reliant we are on electricity.

Book Review Her Rocky Mountain Highness by Darlene Franklin

Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks. 

Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director. 

But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.

My Review
Firstly thanks to the author a copy of this book to review.

This novella starts with Krystal and her cousin Jill who work for a tourism company waiting at the international airport for her newest client a Prince Johan (John) and his body guard. In the back ground we hear John Denver's Rocky Mountain High being sung which sets the theme for this book. We also learn Prince Johan is Blonde and Blue eyed and his body guard is tall and burly. 

Right from the start we can see the Prince isn't what you expect of royalty. He is a normal guy wanting to just have a break where he can be himself. He also comes from a royal family who no longer have a kingdom due to wars but still have a title and his kingdom was in mountains so seeing the Rockies touch his soul. Krystal loves to show of her Rockies and loves her job for this reason. 

We also see interaction between Jill and Gus, John's bodyguard and close friend. I like books where the secondary characters are also included in the story. This is another book I really enjoyed.

book review The Captive Brides Collection

Release date 1 October 2017

Barbour Publishing

Love Brings Freedom in 9 Historical Romances

Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life’s greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love?

Love’s Labour’s Found by Jennifer AlLee - Montserrat, West Indies, 1655
Temperance Simms only wanted a better life. Instead, she finds herself labeled a criminal and sold as an indentured servant. After a kind man saves her life, can Temperance trust that God will turn her sorrow into something beautiful?

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach - Pennsylvania, 1770-1775 
Leaving Scotland for a short indenture with her betrothed, Maire Gree’s contract is sold when disaster strikes her kindly owner, and then extended through cruel circumstances. Can Kirk Lachlan’s service in the American Revolution save her or will she lose love and freedom forever?

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis - Oregon, 1890s
Verity Ames cooks at the restaurant where shy lawyer Jack Whitwell eats lunch daily. As Jack works up courage to ask her for a date, the sheriff walks into the restaurant and arrests her for murder.

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin - Barbary Coast, San Francisco, CA, 1873
Goldie Hatfield grows up on in the Barbary Coast until her guardian demands she pay the cost of her upbringing—or work at her brothel. How far will Pastor Joshua Kerr go to set Goldie free?

Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall - Atlantic Ocean, 1755
Deported to the British colonies for her father’s crimes, Charlotte Singleton helps Captain Andrew Randell when an epidemic breaks out on the ship. Can two battered hearts find love in the midst of a storm?

Moira’s Quest by Cynthia Hickey - New York, 1869
A quest for revenge ends in a marriage of convenience and a feisty Irish lass discovers that not everything is as it seems as family secrets are revealed. An Irish cop, bent on saving the fallen women of Five Points, New York, finds himself thrust into the role of husband with a woman determined to break down a notorious crime boss. Can these two pull together and find a love bigger than they are?

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels - Virginia, 1850
With her life in peril, Lettie seeks escape from slavery. When Nathan offers to “conduct” her North via an unusual segment on the Underground Railroad, will his efforts help or do them both harm?

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson - Sydney, Australia, 1821
Henry didn’t plan on a runaway convict masquerading as a shepherd. Or on the woman’s baby. Keeping them safe will cost him his freedom—or will it?

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn - On the Missouri River, 1870
For JoJo the kiss was a means to an end—she wanted his wallet. For Cyrus her kiss changed everything. He vows to help her escape the snake oil salesman she works for, but exposing the man’s lies may mean settling a score at a cost neither JoJo nor Cyrus can pay.

My Review:

Firstly thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

This book has 9 novellas in it. Each story has a heroine who is a captive in some way. From indentured servant, convict, slave, wrongly convicted, plus a few other scenarios. We also have different locations from the West Indies, Australia to America. Each story is different and most have some danger and tension in the stories. 

While I am not going to review all the stories cos it would make the review to long I will feature a couple.

Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall - Atlantic Ocean, 1755

I found this story really good, it was different and I loved how even when Charlotte was deported for crimes her father committed she still was able to help in a crisis and held her head up high. The hero Andrew is the captain and has a reputation for being hard on the convicts but has had a change of heart due to circumstances you will read about early in the story. I loved the story and how it plays out.

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin - Barbary Coast, San Francisco, CA, 1873

The story is also interesting and at times the premise of the story is quite sad. Goldie has grown up in a brothel and is being groomed by the madam after her mother passed away. She accidentally bumps into Joshua who is a pastor who has a heart for soiled doves and helping them get out of the business. We see how Goldie really wants a life of her own free of the life her mother had. 

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels - Virginia, 1850

Now this is a story that I love because you don't read as many books involving slaves escaping through the underground railway. Lettie really wants to get away as things have suddenly changed and she is in even more danger. Although if Lettie runs away and is caught she could be in even more danger. Nathan is part of the underground railway and has a plan to get her to safety. I loved how this was planned and how it all worked out. 

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis - Oregon, 1890s

This story was one of my favourites. I was actually in hospital and every time the nurse came to do my ops I was saying I just want this story finished because I want to know what happens. We see Verity arrested for murder and Jack is a lawyer who will represent her. The story takes us through the arrest and why her. I love how Susan keeps the suspense of what will happen next. 

This whole book is a really good read and I would highly recommend it.

Book Review Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

A Newspaper Ad for Husbands Brings a Wave of Men to a Small Kansas Town

by Susan Page Davis, Susanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Gina Welborn

Seven women seek husbands to help them rebuild a Kansas town.

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Abigail’s Proposal by Cynthia Hickey
When her father never returned from the war, Abigail Melton stepped into his role as town mayor. The town needs men, and she needs a husband—and she has a big idea how to find both—but her first duty is to hire a sheriff. And drifter Josiah Ingram will do just fine.

My Review. 
This is the first story in the book and sets up the whole book. After the war there are more women than men and rather than let there town die the women decide to find husbands by sending out advert seeking God Fearing men. While Abigail is mayor she has agreed to look for a husband and in the meantime appoints Josiah as Sheriff. Josiah has no intention of getting married but is attracting attention from all the ladies so says he is engaged to Abigail which makes for an interesting time. With some the day of the auditions coming we learn not is always as it seems. We see just how trustworthy Josiah is and how level headed Abigail is also. A good start to the book.

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis
Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own.

My Review.
This is my favourite story in the book. I could tell Susan had written the story as it is in her style of writing. I love how Sam is kidnapped by two small children who think they are doing right by their mother. They know she needs help and want her protected and also need some the love of a father. Maggie is horrified when she finds out what the children have done and then circumstances come into play. Add a banker who wants her farm and you have an interesting tale. 
 
A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze
Schoolmarm Roberta “Birdy” Green won’t marry any of the prospective grooms flocking to town. After losing her fiancé in the war, the only love her broken heart can bear is for her students. But then she takes on a new pupil—Drew Cooper, one of the gentlemen drawn to Kansas by the advertisement for grooms.

My Review
This books is about Birdy who is the schoolmarm who doesn't intend to get married but is out to protect her friend. She lost her fiance in the war and also has issues she needs to comfront. Drew wants to better himself he is estranged from his brother and wants to start a new. Throw into the mix Birdy's friends little girls who tend to be scene steelers. I have to admit I took awhile to warm to Birdy as she is a little controlling and can seem cold but as you learn her story you can understand why she is like she is.

Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin
Debbie Barker longs to bring beauty to her new home on the prairie, where her family moved after the war, and seeks a husband to help her father run the ranch. Zack Gage returned home from the war to a life in ruins—family dead and business bankrupted. He answers the mail-order husband ad to seek a fresh start. But neither Debbie nor Zeke know what they are doing when it comes to ranching. . .or love.

My Review
This is an fun story. Debbie wants to be married like her sisters. She moved west with her parents and wants to marry someone who will also help with the ranch. Zack came to the auditions because he no longer has anything left in Maine for him. Zack is new to ranching but has taken a real shine to Debbie and will learn for her. I love the way they both have so much in common and try to make a go of it. I got frustrated with Debbie's father at times. Another good read. 

Come What May by Patty Smith Hall
Chardy Stevens is at the end of her rope. Between running her late father’s store and tending to her four younger brothers, she barely has time to breathe, much less look for a husband to help her. The boys scare off most of her prospects and throw Chardy together with her childhood friend Luke, a disabled veteran who seeks her happiness above his own

My Review.

I Have to say Chardy is one of my favourite ladies in these stories. She has her hands full with 4 younger brothers to look after and a store to run as well as a homestead. The boys have been expelled from school. Luke has returned from the war disabled and feels he is inadequate for anyone. Chardy needs help and Luke decides he can help her and in the meantime at least watch over her brothers and maybe help on the homestead. While there he confronts many of his issues. I love the interaction and what both learn about themselves.

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Widow Caroline Kane is the proprietor of a restaurant and inn—and responsible for her five teenaged siblings. But she has no plans of finding a mail-order groom. Britisher Barden Granville IV is on a “cowboy holiday” when he finds himself flat broke in Kansas.  When he answers an old “help wanted” ad, Caroline misconstrues Barden is there as a potential husband. Will the beautiful and fiesty widow cause the new vicar to make Kansas his home?
 
My Review
This is another story I really enjoyed I felt for Caroline as she too has so much she has to do she is responsible for siblings and trying to keep a restaurant and inn going and has an older sister who tends to meddle and not listen to Caroline. What is fun in this story is Barden isn't looking to be a groom, in fact has no idea about what is happening but through a misunderstanding becomes a suitor when he is actually applying for a job. Barden is just what she needs for the restaurant and also is so level headed and I couldn't help liking him. Once again we see Caroline struggle with issues that she needs to deal with to move on. 

Louder than Words by Gina Welborn
After years of writing abolitionist pamphlets and chronicling soldier life during the war, J.R. Lockhart is bored and jumps at the opportunity to investigate an advertisement for husbands for an article in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Jane Ransome would like to help the charming-but-oblivious-to-life-out-West man chronicle the courtships developing in town, but she has her own husband to find—one who will fit perfectly in her picket-fenced Kansas home.

My Review 
This is the last story and deals with a journalist who is moving west and writing stories on the way. He is interested in finding out more about the advert for husbands and why they advertised. He meets Jane who is happy in the town and wants to stay. She has been there for a few years now and wants to make it her home town. While she wants a husband and family of her own she also struggles because she feels she is not fully accepted due to her heritage. She has captivated J.R and I love how he works at trying to win her. 

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy

Book Review Mermaid's Song by Darlene Franklin

Mermaid's Song 

by 

Darlene Franklin

Book Discription:

At last, the much anticipated 50th book by Darlene Franklin!

Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail.

Thus begins this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Justine Battineaux, an Acadian forced from her homeland on Cape Breton Island by British decree, finds herself adrift in the Maine colony. She doesn’t know the language and is distrusted as a foreigner.

Noble lives up to his name, providing shelter for Justine—and protection, as distrust turns into danger. For himself, his family—and the woman he comes to love.

How will Justine and Noble overcome the evil woman’s schemes to find their own love everlasting?

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I love the story I couldn't stop reading and due to insomnia I was reading in the early hours of the morning which is not normal for me, but I just didn't want to put the book down. I have read a couple of books dealing with the French Acadian people and them being forcibly resettled and this gives another insight into what happened. I really love how the language barrier proved to be no real barrier in the end, yes it did make things interesting but there are things that transcend language such as music.

When Justine is shipwrecked it is her song that draws Nobel to her. He can hear a beautiful sound and recognises the tune but not the words. I love how even though both worship the same God they can worship in their own languages. Thankfully there is a citizen who knows French in the village although she has a hidden agenda that becomes clear as the book progresses. I would like to say more about the story and what happens but being its a novella I don't want to give the story line or hidden gems away.

This is my favourite novella I have read so far this year.

Book Review Acadian Hearts by Darlene Franklin

Arcadian Hearts

 by

 Darlene Franklin

Rich summer cottager Lucretia “Luc” Phillips and Eddie Bourgoin, the son of a local fisherman, were once best of friends—until he went to work in the family business and she went on her European tour.

Upon her return, their childhood friendship bursts into full-grown love, but the walls separating them have grown higher than ever. Will their risky plan lead them to a lifetime of happiness—or break them apart forever?

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the author for my review copy.

This is a sweet novella. I am not a fan of rich girl/poor boy stories normally but this was well done. While Luc is from a wealthy family she longs to just enjoy a simpler life with her childhood friends. She would be just as happy enjoying the summer time in the beauty of the area rather than with the other rich families. Eddie is now working as a fisherman and certainly not what her father want for her.

What I drew me to the story was the area as I have read a little about the history of the Acadian people and how the lives intertwine. I also wondered how they would be able to overcome the obstacles in their way to find true happiness. Another good read from Darlene.

Book Review by Cinderella's Boot by Darlene Franklin

Cinderella's Boot

by 

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (April 19, 2017)

Book Description:

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—known affectionately as “Cinderella”—left her wedding boot in the dust when she ran away from her wedding to work on a sheep station in Australia. 

Four years later, she’s back home—and so is her ex-fiancé, now a DVM from Oklahoma State University. They reach a truce and work side by side in his father’s animal clinic. 

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention. 

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love? 

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I had a day in hospital and this was a great book to read to help pass the day. I enjoyed this book because it mentions Australia and has the fact done well unlike many books that try to write about my country but get facts or information wrong. The books starts with a Cynthia faced with the choice of working in Australia on a sheep station or getting married and working while her fiance finishes his degree. 

Fast forward four years. Cyn is now working in the same practice as her ex-fiance Keith. She still loves Keith but thinks its to late for them due to her leaving him and tries to handle the fact he has moved on. Meanwhile Keith is struggling with the situation and to why she left. Enter an attractive pet owner of a cat that seems to enjoy getting into scraps. We see both Cyn and Keith doing some thinking and working through issues and deciding what they want. I really enjoyed this novella it was easy to read and captured my attention. 

Book Review To Riches Again by Darlene Franklin

To Riches Again

by 

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (March 19, 2017)
• Amazon link 

Book description:

A year ago, life was full of promise.
Elyssa Philbin partied with the rest of New York’s elite, not worrying about anything beyond her newest dress.
Ian and Bridget McDonnell, although part of a poverty-stricken family, lived secure in their parents’ love. Bill Ward looked forward to a prosperous crop, a new baby, and his loving wife.

Everything changed before the calendar turned to 1930. 

To Riches Again chronicles Elyssa and Bill’s return to wholeness after they have both lost everything, and gained much more—thanks in part to two orphan children.

My Review:

firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I have to say I am really loving reading novella's at present and this is another really good read. I have read a few orphan train books with the ones that come to mind by Jane Peart. I find this whole subject fascinating as it's not something we hear much about unless I read a book with it in. Subjects like the Oregon trail etc are known about in Australia but the orphan trains are not known about.  The book features Elyssa who has fallen on hard times after the Wall street crash which takes her family away from her. She is bringing children across the country to Kansas and know families. She is also hoping to start a new life for herself there. 

Bill is a single but has been granted his request to adopt two children Ian and Bridget. I love the way Elyssa is with the children and fell in love with them. We also see how Bill falls in love with the children and Elyssa. I love the way this book flows and how we see how each of the main characters are wounded in different ways and what comes from that. 

A Wonderful read. 

Book Review Love's Glory by Darlene Franklin

Loves Glory

By

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (June 2, 2015)
• Website

Book Description:

LIES AND DESERTION CHASE BETH FROM HER HOME TOWN.
It’s 1919. Everything is changing—cars are common and airplanes helped win the War to End All Wars. Even the German-Americans of New Brandenburg, Texas, renamed their town Old Glory to prove their patriotism.
None of that matters to Beth Smith. In 1917, her boyfriend Garan Schmidt enlisted in the Army—and left her pregnant. She left home and built a new life for herself and their daughter.
When Garan finds Beth and their daughter in May 1919, he is eager to make amends and start over. Beth is unsure if she is ready to tell the truth that will set them free.

My Review:

This book takes place after World War 1 has ended. We see Beth with her friend Agnes waiting for her Agnes's brother and Smitty to arrive home from the war. When they arrive Beth realises Smitty is Garan and he soon realises he is a father. Garan wants to do the right thing by marrying Beth as he has never stopped loving her. Both he and Beth feel guilty for giving in to temptation and accepting God's forgiveness. Beth didn't want to return home to Old Glory where everyone knows her as she is not sure how they will receive her. I won't say more as I don't want to tell the story.

I enjoyed the story and learning even more about this part of Texas also. 

Book Review A Ranger's Trail by Darlene Franklin

Book Description:
This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.


In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were  killed by an angry German mob and former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance on the murders.


Suspected of cattle rustling, Leta Derrick's husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence.  Leta prays daily that God will wreak vengeance on her enemies. Buck prays that the God of all provision will supply for the needs of the widow, her son Ricky, and her 15-year old brother, Andy. Buck lays a trap at his uncle's ranch for the suspected outlaws but the plan backfires when Andy shows up. Shots are fired and one man is down. Andy has joined the outlaw gang and is now guilty of murdering Buck's cousin.


Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance? Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace?


My Review:
Firstly thanks to netgalley for my review book. This is the fourth book in this saga and just as good as the first book. What I love about the series is learning history. I am learning Texas was not a place for the weak hearted as there were constant issues that the people had to contend with. This book deals with the Hoo Doo war which I had not heard of before but it was very much like a feud with the German settlers on one side and the Anglo's on the other. Add a sheriff that sides with one side it led to a war. The book starts with the death of Leta's husband at the hands of a mob. We see how quickly the hate spreads and how it becomes tick for tack. Buck is a Texas Ranger who is trying to help quell the violence as well as finding the truth behind who murdered Leta's husband. In the mean time he she's a widow needing help, he can see the farm is run down and needs repairs and knows he can help in some way. On issue that can cause a problem is Bucks family who lives nearby is German and may be involved. 
Watching the story unfold and reading about the actual facts of the war was interesting and seeing the out come for Buck and Leta's families. If you haven't read the previous 3 books you would still be able to follow this story but I would suggest you do read the first 3 books as it helps you understand the issues the Morgan family have faced up til this book. Great read and I look forward to book 5 in the series in April.

Book review Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin

                          Lone Star Trail    

                               by Darlene Franklin

                               Topic (Fiction - General)

                               List Price: $14.99

The six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896 begins with Lone Star Trail.

Judson (Jud) Morgan's father died for Texas' freedom during the war for independence.  So when the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (the Verein) attempts to colonize a New Germany in his country, he takes a stand against them.

After Wande Fleischers' fiancee marries someone else, the young fraulein determines to make new life for herself in Texas.  With the help of Jud's sister Marion, Wande learns English and becomes a trusted friend to the entire Morgan family.

As much as Jud dislikes the German invasion, he can't help admiring Wande.  She is sweet and cheerful as she serves the Lord and all those around her.  Can the rancher put aside his prejudice to forge a new future? Through Jud and Wande, we learn the powerful lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation among a diverse community of believers.

My Review:

Another great book. This looks like a really good series and I cant wait to read more of this series. In this book we learn about how immigrants from Germany came to settle in Texas. I didn't know about this part of history and its one thing I love about historical fiction. Right from the start I could see Wande was a strong character who I came to love. She has to deal with learning her fiance has married someone else and the way she copes this is endears her to the reader. We also meet Jud who has a massive chip on his shoulder when it comes to German settlers. He is not happy when his family help Wande's family. We also meet Marion who is Jud's sister who helps Wande learn english and Alvie who is Wande's little sister. This book has lessons in forgiveness, tolerance and also in accepting differences and dealing with preconceived ideas. I can't wait to read the remaining 5 books in this series and see what happens with the Morgan family and leaning more of Texas's history. 

Thanks to Moody Publishers for my review copy.

Interview and giveway with Darlene Franklin

Welcome Darlene to my blog. Thanks for doing an interview for us. Gunfight at Grace Gulch is a wonderful story which if would recomend. Its another Cozy Mystery, you can see how to buy the books on the side bar.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in the beautiful state of Colorado, where I share an apartment with my mother. My son lives in Oklahoma with his family. I recently learned that my daughter-in-law will have a baby girl in December, my first biological grandchild. I am thrilled!

My other child, my daughter Jolene, went home to be with the Lord in March of this year. I am struggling with that loss right now.

I love to read (what writer doesn’t?), I do some scrapbooking and cross stitch (right now I’m working on a sampler for that new grandbaby!) We have a lynx point Siamese, Talia, who entertains us constantly.

2. How did you know you wanted to be a writer, have you always had the desire or did it come later?

I have always written, and in fact worked for a newspaper briefly. But I count my time as a serious writer from the days following my divorce, when God’s word matched my need and writing exploded through my fingers. By the time I had survived that experience, I was addicted to writing.

3. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I enjoy my day job, as a retail analyst at Dish Network. Working in a secular environment protects me from insular Christianity—something I tend to do. I work with a great group of people from all across the globe (although I’m not sure if we have any Aussies in our group, Jenny).

4. What was you motivation for writing Gunfight At Grace Gulch?

Gunfight at Grace Gulch was my third attempt at a cozy mystery for the new Heartsong Presents: Mysteries! book club. With my third try, I scrapped the familiar territory of city-based stories and developed the coziest setting I could find: small town Oklahoma. I lived in Oklahoma for a decade, both town and city, and my son lives there now. The idea for Gunfight grew out of Oklahoma’s recent statehood centennial.

5. How do you come up with the characters for your books and are they modeled on people you know?

I don’t consciously model characters on people I know. I do study people for their “quirks” and incorporate those into my mysteries. Dina Wilde (my heroine’s younger sister), for instance, shares the hair-color-changing habits of a former co-worker.

It’s fairly easy to come up with a list of characters, especially in a mystery. Hero, heroine, murder victim, suspects (including the villain). Add a supporting cast of family and friends. Give them names and add details that make them each unique. What I want to do better is to give them more depth.

6. Do you have an interest in the eras and fashion from the ages like Cici does?

History does fascinate me. No, I don’t have a “passion for fashion” like Cici does, but I agree with her that fashions say a lot about the culture of the time.

7. what would you like readers to take out of reading "Gunfight at Grace Gulch"?

Most of all, I hope they enjoy the story! Cici struggles with self-doubt—the boring, “good” sister who can’t compete with her two flamboyant siblings. I hope my readers can identify with those struggles and maybe learn a little bit along with her.

8. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects, I know there are more in this series and I can't wait?

There are two more books in this series. A String of Murders should be released in December/January. A man is murdered in Cici’s store, and he’s clutching the famous Magda Grace Mallory pearls in his hands. The third book, Paint Me a Puzzle, entangles the citizens of Grace Gulch in a treasure hunt. We also learn the identity of Dina’s (Cici’s adopted sister) father.

This year and next, I will have stories in two Christmas anthologies. In Dressed in Scarlet, coming out in September in Snowbound Colorado Christmas, an heiress and a mechanic fall in love when they are both trapped at the elegant Brown Palace Hotel during the blizzard of 1913. (Look for Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter in Texas Cowgirls Christmas next year.)

Last but not least, next summer Beacon of Love will be released. During on the “Great Gale of 1815,” a Rhode Island lighthouse keeper’s daughter and the town physician battle the elements—and their own fears—to keep the lamps burning during the storm.

9. How can readers find you on the web?

I write a blog at darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com. My website is darlenehfranklin.com

10. Do you have any final thoughts for us?

I have a fondness for all things Australian, starting with my days as a penpal with a Sheila named Jillian. Nowadays I do a Bible study-by-email with an Aussie who has worked in major cities in Asia, Europe and North America.

For a chance to win a copy of this book leave a comment with a way to contact you if you win. you can comment and not enter also. Contest open til Tuesday 19th 6pm Aussie time

My review will be up in a day or so.