Release Day for Ione's Dilemma, Book 8

One aspect of writing IONE’S DILEMMA, as part of the Grandma’s Wedding Quilts series, that I found so fun was finding all the differences from an established city to a frontier one. And how I could exploit those differences regarding a young woman who was living on her own for the first time as she attempts to put her college-gained knowledge into practical use in a classroom. Which of course cannot go smoothly.

Ione Forrester escaped a scandalous situation in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa by accepting a schoolteacher position in Texas. Besides being a good teacher, her biggest goal is to avoid any more gossip. Which ends up being exactly what she keeps causing. Ione’s efforts are made all the more difficult by Morgan Shipley, the town’s carpenter, who decides she is the woman he wants to court.

The outcome is funny and heartwarming and touching. Small-town romance at its frustrating best. This title is book 6 in the Dorado, Texas series

Here’s a sneak peek:

Morgan got his first good look at the new arrival. Close up and in person, she was shorter than she’d appeared on the street. Several inches less than his six-foot height. The burgundy dress she wore was far and away of finer quality than any other woman in the room. His sisters, Betia and Dina, would know the exact fabrics. All he knew was the dress’s style highlighted a well-formed figure, hugging each curve. The color complimented her fair hair and creamy skin. The newest resident was very attractive, and he looked forward to becoming better acquainted.

A thought niggled in the back of his mind, and he averted his gaze. Letters from three prospective mail-order brides sat on the table in his room, awaiting his next reply. What business did he have paying special attention to a new boarder?

“There you are.” Missus Treadwell waved a hand at the empty chair at the opposite end of the table. “Have a seat, and we’ll get to introductions in a moment. I’ll say what I always do when a new person joins the household. On behalf of myself and my children, the Treadwells welcome you. We hope you’ll feel comfortable enough to address each of us by our given names. I like to foster a family atmosphere in my establishment. Mealtimes are seven in the morning and half past six in the evening. Be prompt, and you’ll find plenty to satisfy your hunger. No talk of religion or politics allowed, and of course, no swearing or alcohol under this roof.”

Morgan tracked the woman’s progress around the backs of the occupied chairs to the empty one to Penn’s right. He noticed everyone else watched her movements, as well. Strangers in this small town were always objects of speculation—like he’d engaged in hours earlier. Lowering to his seat, he again forced himself to look away to avoid appearing rude.

“Ivey, will you announce tonight’s menu?” Missus Treadwell unfolded her napkin then started serving big spoonfuls onto plates and passing them.

As she pointed to the meat platter, Ivey grinned. “The main course is a ragout of pork with mushrooms, wild onions, and turnips.” She gestured toward other bowls. “Mashed potatoes with chopped garlic and parsley, pickled beets and artichoke hearts, buttered corn, and rolls.” She removed the cover from the closest bowl and scooped a spoonful of potatoes onto the plate before handing it to her left. “As is probably obvious, I’m the cook here at the boardinghouse.”

“Berg Spengler, town blacksmith.” The bear of a man ducked his head as he passed the plate.

“I’m Maisie Treadwell, and I’m the maid.” The woman with honey-blonde hair served a portion of beets and handed the plate top the next person, quickly repeating the gesture with the next one.

“I hope the potatoes don’t have too much garlic.” A dark-haired boarder giggled. “I have to work tonight.” She added a serving of cut corn and passed the plate. “Oh, I’m Olivia Domingo, and I am a barmaid at the Golden Door.”

Morgan glanced across the table in time to see the new woman’s eyes shoot wide and her backbone straighten before she passed the plate to Penn.

Then she pulled her expression back to neutral. “My turn, I suppose.” The stranger leaned forward and gave a little wave.

Ah, she speaks. Morgan savored the sweet sound of her voice.

“My name is Ione Forrester, and I have been hired to be Dorado’s new schoolteacher.”

“Welcome to Dorado, Miss Forrester. We’re glad you’ve joined us.” The rapid words spewed from his mouth before Morgan gave them any thought. Which made him look like an awkward schoolboy.

Special release day price of 99 cents January 16^th only.

Amazon buy link

Leave a comment on this blog and be eligible to win a copy of Wandering Home, Book 1 in the Dorado, Texas series.

Resolutions and Revolutions

Post (C) Angela Raines

This New Year will see many of you making resolutions. A number of us made a decision/resolution to bring to readers a series of stories of the descendents of one wonderful lady. If you've been reading this post, you will know some of the story. You can even pre-order the stories. This was made possible by the revolution in publishing and the resolutions of the writers. Don't miss out, and think about your own idea of resolutions or should we say revolution.

Here is the cover to my own story in the series, "Josie's Dream"

The New Year comes at a time when the days are getting longer in the northern hemisphere, the sun rises higher in the sky, and we are ready to rid ourselves of the chill of winter. So also a time of resolution for what we wish to change, to accomplish, and be.

A search for the definition of Resolution brings up this: a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Searching for the definition of Revolution brings up the following: a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system.

Now I’m not advocating overthrowing a government, or even our social order, but in the case of resolutions, I am advocating throwing over the old system of making resolutions that most of us can’t/don’t keep for a new system. So what you may ask do I wish to replace the old system with?

How about we give ourselves a break? It is silly to try to change a lifetime of habits, of learning, in one day, one week or even one month. Instead, let’s take the time to ponder where we really want to go,be and do. Let’s be realistic, let’s be pro-active and let’s be kind to ourselves and others as we make decisions.

1. Ask yourself, what is realistic for me to achieve in said day, week, month and year
2. Acknowledge we are human, and that life is full of interruptions
3. Decide the one dream/hope/goal that is most important
4. Break it down into steps/ideas that can be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.

The system can be adjusted to each person’s needs. Through time, we know what works for us. Experience had taught us what our limits are, what our stumbling blocks are. This does not mean we don’t stretch, don’t try something new. It does mean, we don’t set ourselves up for failure.

For three plus years I’ve written a haiku five days a week. I still love that poetic form, but 2017 will see me cutting back on that practice. I will replace it with writing short stories/novellas and one novel. These are realistic and achievable. Are they written in stone, NO! Life can change in a heartbeat, but having something that brings you joy, that you can share with the world, that is what my revolution against resolutions is about. Sure semantics play a part in this, but semantics, the use of words has power. Chose them wisely.

HERE IS TO A WONDERFUL, POWERFUL AND SUCCESSFUL 2017 TO EVERYONE.

Angela Raines is the pen name for Doris McCraw. Watch for the release of her novel “Josie’s Dream”, part of a series mid-January 2017. Doris also writes haiku that can be found at – http://fivesevenfivepage.blogspot.com. Check out her other work or like her Amazon author page:http://amzn.to/1I0YoeL

A Quilt, an Amateur Sleuth, and a Handsome Texas Ranger

In Monica's Mystery, book #5 in the Grandma's Wedding Quilts series, a quilt, amateur sleuth (Monica), and a very handsome Texas Ranger come together with humor, mystery, and a whole lot of tension thrown in.

If you're familiar with my books, you know that there is always a strong female character leading the way, and often stumbling into romance, even when it is the last thing she's looking for.

Will Monica's Mystery be the same way? Well, it releases on January 12th, (and will be available for pre-order on December 20th), so there's only one way to know that for sure...

Grandma Mary's Quilt for Monica

Here's a photo of the quilt Grandma Mary quilted for Monica in the story. Although I am not personally familiar with quilting, I have a great deal of admiration for the women who have quilted beautiful blankets for family and friends, passed on to bring warmth and cheer to generation after generation. My grandmother crocheted blankets for each person in our family, and then their children, and although I do not have a quilt, I have beautiful crocheted blankets that warm my heart and remind me of her strength and love every time I see them and use them.

When the incredible authors in the Grandma's Wedding Quilts series came together to write this intriguing and beautiful series of books, the story premise resonated with me, and truthfully, I jumped with joy at the opportunity to be part of it. Now that I am, I can't imagine a more wonderful group of women to collaborate with; I'm grateful.

Please scroll below to check out the previous blog posts written by other authors in this series, each providing a sneak peek into their story, and the quilt Grandma lovingly made for the wedding of each of her grandchildren. Each story is wonderfully unique, weaving the history of grandma's quilts and influence into each of the lives she touched. You won't want to miss even one.

Do you have something special that your grandmother made and handed down to you? If so, we would LOVE to hear about it in the comments!

We have a fun Facebook contest that is coming with some great giveaways, and we hope you will join us for that. Stay tuned to the Sweet Americana Sweetheart blog for more updates, sneak peeks, announcements, and giveaways!

Here's a peek of what you can expect in Monica's Mystery: 
Monica has to leave home, fast. Her parents are planning to marry her off and although all her friends are marrying, that is definitely not what she wants. She’s seventeen, an amateur sleuth, and sees no reason why she can’t join the ranks of the local lawman, or even become a Texas Ranger, should she choose! 

What will happen when she visits her best friend in Texas, only to find herself face-to-face with a handsome Texas Ranger, and knee-deep meddling in territory she has no idea how to navigate? 

Visit my website to sign up for the launch notification list, and let's connect on Facebook, too!

Stay tuned right here for more updates on the Grandma's Wedding Quilts series. 


#quiltromance #sweetromance #historicalromance #grandmasweddingquilts #texasromance