Howdy! Welcome to my world of writing. The upcoming The Heart of a Stranger was a joy to write. I’m both honored and thrilled to announce that this prequel to the Hearts Crossing Ranch series has been selected as one of only 24 stories for Pelican Book Group’s annual Christmas Extravaganza! I’ve gone back to my origins for this one–historical Western romance. It’s December 1876, and the ranch’s heir Elena Montoya meets handsome interloper James Martin as the family graveyard. He claims he owns the ranch. Of course it’s love at first sight, but then he nearly dies in her arms. It’s a story of love for sure, Christmas comfort and joy, faith always, and a fine little mystery. Is Hector, her long-time trusted ranch boss, actually a killer?

I hope you like reading it as much as I liked writing it. Hearts Crossing Ranch began in 2010 after I entered a writing contest at Pelican book Group. Since then, my fictional Colorado ranch has inspired thirteen stories. I just can’t stop filling it with people–their love stories and faith journeys.

My editor-in-chief Nicola Martinez is amazingly supporting, both professionally and personally. Not long ago, she helped me through a health challenge. Honestly, she’s the first person I confided in. And Lisa McCaskill, who along with Nicola edits my books, is also near-perfection. These ladies give life to my ranch and help my dreams come true. Thanks and love to both.

And just sayin’…Wordpress gives me absolute fits. But it did auto-generate this lovely image for me.

Bye for now. I’ll be starting a Scents And Scentsibility page soon (What’s that? Stay tuned!) as well as a writer’s tool box. Gotta put my career as a Catholic high school English teacher to use in my retirement. And I reckon new ideas will get me back here more often.

Please come back. Love to all who’ve wandered by on my trail to tenderness.