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Monday Memories: Cheater?

10/25/2021

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By now, you should know I love to read. I bet you also understand reading was the second activity I enjoyed after playing outside. One of my favorite places to go was a bookstore that had a hide-away nook for children inside a wooden tree trunk. It was like a fairy land. I adored the area.


And it got me to thinking.....

If I ended up not playing second base for the Astros, opening a bookstore seemed like a perfect alternative. I mean, really, being around books all day? Sublime.



However, leave it to school to completely and totally ruin my love. They took glorious sentences, and beautiful words like "wither" and "harmony" and "sun-catcher" and turned them into multiple choice questions. It was excruciating. Agonizing.

I couldn't just read the text? I had to think about it? I couldn't just bask in the glorious images and feelings the author created?

Huh. Well, I wasn't gonna do it. Nope. Not me.

I pretended to work. I pretended to read the questions and circle my answers. And when I was done, I promptly followed directions and brought my paper to my teacher while she sat at her desk so she could grade it. Right then.

Luckily, as I patiently waited my turn, I discovered where her answer key was. A little slip of paper sat on her desk in front of her with the answers written on it. So I returned to my seat, fixed what was wrong, and took my work back to her. She never guessed I'd figured it out.

Do I feel bad about cheating? Um...yes. But I'm not completely sorry and for this reason:

I found it odd that I had to interpret what I read the same way everyone else did. What good does that do anyone if we're all thinking the same way?

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Monday Memories: Third Grade - Let The Mind Numbing Pain Begin

10/18/2021

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First day of third grade. It's here.

While I have the story of my sister saving me from a nail I never felt enter my foot, I am not in the bragging mood because....

My third grade teacher was also my first grade teacher. The excruciating agony. The torturous memories. I have to go through it all over again.

And, not only that, "the bully" is in my class.

I see him. He sees me.

His eyes narrow.

I narrow mine right back.

This year is gonna be historic.
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Wednesday Words: The Impetuous Heiress by Alina K. Field

10/13/2021

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Y'all...I'm sooooo happy about this collection! Some of my favorite authors have graced us with Christmas romances set in the Regency era!!! And it's only October!!! I know this is the "witching" month, but I'm quite ready to start Christmas, so I'll gladly leave the witches for ornaments and mistletoe!

Alina K. Field, author of some of my favorite romances, has contributed THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS to this exciting anthology. The title has already grabbed me, let me tell y'all!

So, let's learn more about Alina's book and the rest of the collection!

THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS
Can a dashing baron uncover his fiancée’s secrets before he loses her altogether? 

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When dashing Fitzhenry Lovelace escorted sensible Mary Elizabeth Parker to a once in a lifetime meeting with her estranged grandfather, an unexpected romance bloomed that had nothing to do with her grandfather’s immense wealth. Throwing caution to the wind, sensible Miss Parker said a wholehearted yes to Fitz. But before they could finalize their nuptials, a family emergency called Fitz away. Then he stopped answering her letters.
Months pass and the Yuletide arrives, and Miss Parker faces the fact that her impetuosity has led to a Dilemma. Then word arrives that her ruthless mother and stepfather, suspecting a possible inheritance, are descending upon her with a horrid replacement for Fitz in tow. Miss Parker bolts, but her meddling cousin plans an unexpected stop on the journey.
Having made a hash of his finances and neglected the lady he still loves, Fitz, now Lord Loughton, realizes he must make amends with the woman he still loves. But before he can act, Miss Parker arrives on his doorstep. He soon senses more is amiss with her than just his careless courtship. Can he uncover her secrets and win her back before he loses her altogether?

EXCERPT: THE IMPETUOUS HEIRESS

As the breakfast room emptied of children and servants, Fitz contemplated Mel. How beautiful she was, with her gleaming dark eyes and hair, her proud chin and lush mouth. Her father had claimed Spanish nobility somewhere in his bloodline. Her mother’s side was thoroughly English. Though Mel had said little about her mother, she’d been close to her father, a proud soldier, a steady and honorable man who, in one impetuous moment of passion, had eloped with a banker’s flighty daughter.

Mel was spirited but not flighty. At Lady Clitheroe’s he’d noticed her holding back, her eyes lit with amusement as other young ladies hounded him. Over several days, he’d watched her tease the wallflowers out of their nerves and engage the younger men in cards and games, always with the playfulness of an older sibling. Besides being beautiful, she was comfortable and kind.

A sense of what he had to lose swept through him. Too absorbed in his own troubles, he’d taken her promise to marry him for granted. He’d taken her for granted. He’d hurt her.

Had he done that to Alice?

He shook off the thought. With Alice, there’d been fault on both sides.

“Lord Loughton, you ought to go to that party with your family and your wards.”

She lifted his fingers away from her cheek, but he held on to her hand. “The parish children’s party is always a merry time, but I wouldn’t miss the chance to talk things over with you.”

“What is there to say? You are set free. I will leave.”

“And go where?”

“That is not your concern.”

“You and Hermione setting out on the road in this weather, just the two of you?” It most certainly was his concern. “I would worry. And go where, Mel?”

She squeezed her eyes tight, and her lips trembled. The threat of tears gave him hope.

“Oh, very well. Papa left me a cottage and a small holding.”

“Where?”

“In the north.”

“North of here? The roads are dreadful in Yorkshire, my brother George said.” And she’d set out on this journey in the middle of winter instead of sensibly waiting until spring. Why?

There must be a good reason. Mother had hinted that Lady Hermione was pockets to let. Mel’s small income from her father’s bequest would suffice if she owned the cottage outright, if it wasn’t falling down about her and in need of expensive repairs. Her grandfather had promised to leave a small bequest. Though he’d been ill recently, Sawley, as far as he knew, was still alive.

“Nevertheless, I will journey on,” she said. “I’m not afraid of the weather.”

Their intertwined hands drew her attention, and she chewed on her lip, blinking prodigiously. A tear slid down her cheek.

“Oh, Mel.”

With a quiet curse, she straightened her shoulders. “I don’t know why I’m such a watering-pot lately. You have always been too kind to me. When we’re together, that is. Let us leave it at that and go our separate ways.” She shivered and turned to the fire.

Stubborn woman. He wouldn’t give up so easily. Or at all. “Come with me to the study and let me tell you about the weeks since we’ve been apart. There’s a good fire there. I can even show you the estate books and you might have some advice for me.”

​Her lips firmed, making him want to soften them with his own. When she stood and took the arm he offered, hope stirred in him. He’d win her back. He’d change her mind about leaving. He could ride to the bishop for a license and be married before his brother George tied the knot with Sophie. Or… Mother had reminded him that the banns had already been called. There was no need whatsoever to wait.

BUY CHRISTMAS KISSES

AMAZON
APPLE
KOBO
BARNES & NOBLE
GOOGLE PLAY

Christmas Kisses: A Regency Anthology

Heat up the holiday with ten dreamy regency rogues! Winter is a time of magic, promise, and unexpected romance. Anything could happen...and it all begins with Christmas Kisses.
 
The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen: While painting the portrait of Sir Elvin Steffington, Bath’s most eligible bachelor, the exceedingly plain spinster Diana Furness develops a strong friendship with her subject. Could this be more than friendship? Could he ever be attracted to one as inconsequential as she?
 
A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.
 
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams: Mary is shaken by a letter requesting she return home for Christmas. But her world is truly upended when she reunites with a former love for the long journey. Arthur has no desire to rekindle their relationship after Mary broke his heart, but a snowstorm and some passionate kisses just might reignite their love.
 
’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?
 
Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.
 
Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem: Harriet is banished for her naughty behavior, and when Jonathan asks for her hand, he is told she is dead. When they meet again, can they overcome the lies and sins of the past to fall in love once again?
 
A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: Viscount Thornton returns home for his mother's annual Christmas party to find a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. Neither he nor Celia are happy when her mother demands they wed. Can they escape marriage or will they both get the Christmas gift they didn’t know they wanted?
 
The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field: Before dashing Lord Loughton can make amends with his neglected fiancée, the lady’s meddling cousin delivers her to his doorstep. He soon realizes more is amiss than his carelessness. Can he uncover her secrets and win her back before he loses her altogether?
 
A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas: Grace Banks is looking forward to her first Christmas at the Home for Desolate Ladies, but Edward, Duke of Tavistock, is set upon ruining it, and the secrets keeping them apart leave little hope for reconciliation. Can the spirit of Christmas heal two wounded hearts?
 
Let it Snow by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.

Bio: Alina K. Field

Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California, where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and a spunky, blond rescued terrier. She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. Though hard at work on her next series of romantic adventures, she loves to hear from readers!

 
Website: https://alinakfield.com/ 
 
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield 
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/alinakfield
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaKField
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-field
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinak.field/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173518.Alina_K_Field
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/
Bingebooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/alina-k-field
Newsletter signup: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3
 
 
Other books in the
The Upstart Christmas Brides Series
 
The Duke She Despised
Convincing the Countess
 
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Monday Memories: Red Light, Green Light

10/11/2021

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Me and Maria at ages 2.5 and 1.5 and then next to this one is a picture of my daughter and Maria. (And also, Maria's birthday  is this week. It's odd how that worked out.

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​Red light, green light. A great game. Loved it to the extreme.

And when we played it at dusk, Maria would actually participate as well. And one summer evening I was pretty lucky she decided to grace me with her involvement.

I sprinted whenever "green light" was hollered. While my sights were glued on the prize, my legs churned ninety to nothin'. Halfway there, I tripped. As I landed on my stomach in the grass, I felt like something was attached to me. I looked over my shoulder, and there was a piece of wood stuck to me somehow.

The sight frightened me, and I cried out.

Maria -- the sister who feared crowds, flying balls, and moths -- rushed to my side and pulled the object out of my foot without hesitation.

As I stared at her, amazed at what she had just done, my father scooped me up and carried me into the house.

Blood is dripping from my foot. Mother is running to save her carpet with a mound of paper towels. I am crying, still trying to figure out what happened. My foot is throbbing with pain.

Eventually I learn I stepped on a nail sticking out of a piece of wood in our neighbor's yard.

After this incident, I decide I must be pretty tough. (Before, I was just tough.) I never even felt the nail enter my foot.

However, that's not the reason for the telling of this story.

This is the moment when Maria became my hero. This is the moment when I knew, to the depths of my being, she would always be there. This is the moment when I learned to never believe a person is always as he or she seems. We all have moments of courage and fear, shyness and confidence. We are never as our first, second, or third impressions portray us.

And thank goodness for that. Because third grade loomed. And with it came people who knew me well. Or thought they did.
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Release Day: The Princess's Knight

10/7/2021

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​THE PRINCESS’S KNIGHT is book 17 in the TEXAS BRIDES OF PIKE’S RUN series. And it almost never existed.
 
I started writing the Texas Brides series in the year 2000 and had no plans to give a story to Madeline Talbut. Because…well…Madeline is the “mean girl”, and I had every intention of keeping her that way.
 
Except as I went through the series, little tidbits popped up about her, and she ends up with a backstory that is pretty heartbreaking. I felt for her. I thought, “Well, perhaps she does deserve redemption.”
 
But I hadn’t any idea who her hero ought to be.
 
Then I wrote book 8 – THE EDITOR’S KISSES – and Carl Dawson, a sixteen-year-old, know-it-all who preferred a wandering life to getting hitched declared that he’d never settle down, least of all with someone like Madeline.
 
And that was it. THE PRINCESS’S KNIGHT was born.
 
I enjoyed messing up Carl’s plans, and I really enjoyed watching Madeline redeem herself. That was something I didn’t know if I could tackle correctly. I feel as if Madeline’s arc is well-done, but readers will have to tell me the truth!
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Pike’s Run, Texas, 1890
​Carl Dawson finds himself in a Georgia prison with only one way out – get Madeline Talbut, the viperous ice princess and his childhood nemesis, home to Pike’s Run, or lose a year of his life in jail. He takes the deal and finds her playing hostess on a magnificent showboat.

Madeline Talbut has a past she’d like to forget, and she can do that while taking care of the guests aboard the Princess. But, as she sails the mighty Mississippi, a newcomer infiltrates her space, shaking up her heart, awakening the desire she’d thought dormant and reminding her that the past must be dealt with.
​

Carl learns there is more to Madeline than he’d once thought, and she’s becoming more important to him than he wants. But he must hide his identity from her, or she might not return to Texas and all the pain it holds. And, even worse, if she discovers who Carl really is, he might lose her. Forever.
EXCERPT: THE PRINCESS'S KNIGHT
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“Miss Talbut has taken on all my duties aboard the Princess,” Mrs. Cole explained to Carl, “and I’m so grateful to her. And, as you can imagine, I can’t have anything happening to her.” She sniffed, then with care, she smoothed the hair at Madeline’s temple. “Tell me, Mr. Dawson, what do you do for a living?”

Not an odd question, but he felt it was going to lead somewhere. But what could he reveal without giving away who he was? He continued to sense it was better that Madeline not know his connection to her. At least, not yet. “I don’t have a profession. I travel, do odd jobs here and there.”

Mrs. Cole smiled at him. “And save damsels in distress everywhere you go, I bet.”

He’d aided ladies, yes, but not everywhere.

“I’m quite certain you’re nothing but a gentleman. A true knight,” Mrs. Cole remarked, while Madeline shifted uncomfortably.

“I try, ma’am,” Carl answered.

Mrs. Cole removed her hand from Madeline’s tightly linked fingers and leaned forward. “I have complete faith that you do, and I must ask for your assistance.” She gazed at him in earnest. “Would you watch over Miss Talbut for me? Be her protector while she carries out her duties?”

Well…damn it all. Relief poured through him. He glanced at Madeline again and saw her lips had pinched, and she looked ready to argue. But…she didn’t. Another revelation.

“I’ll pay you, of course, and it’s temporary. My husband will get better, and no one would dare harm Miss Talbut when he is present.” Mrs. Cole gave a sharp nod to emphasize her statement.

He studied Madeline for a brief second, realized she would abhor him guarding her. But did he have any other choice? “I’ll take the job.”

“Wonderful!” Mrs. Cole exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

Madeline looked ready to spit nails.

​Well, he’d seen her tantrums. He could handle them.

BUY THE PRINCESS'S KNIGHT

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Monday Memories: Big Idea #7

10/4/2021

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"Dear God, please stop my mother. She is now making me perform in a recital while wearing a dress. A pink dress, Lord. Can you see how devastating this is? I shall surely perish, and it won't even be a romantic or dramatic death. The piano will swallow me, Lord. Right when I'm on stage. So, please, please, please stop my mother."

After this prayer was when I realized that sometimes God answers with the word, "No."

I ended up learning a song. I can't remember what it was called. Who would? It sure wasn't Lookin' For Love or the theme song from The Dukes of Hazzard.

I played well. No problems. And I managed to live through the embarrassment of being a redhead wearing pink. However, this torture was another strike against learning how to play. When would I ever need to know how? Never.

However, little did I know, it was the first time I would ever be on stage with a certain someone. I didn't know we'd been in the same recital until I was a senior in high school and starting to scrapbook. I came across a picture and was astounded when I saw this person standing next to me.

This person was very special to me when I was older. And my mom managed to get me close to him or her. How'd she know?

Of course.....this is Big Idea #7. So....I'm not surprised it would end up being important.

But, let's be clear, this was an accident. My mother had nothing to do with it. Playing the piano was still a soul-crushing waste of time.

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    Kara O'Neal

    An author who has too much to say is dangerous.

    The subjects on this blog:


    Monday Memories -- My Childhood

    Wednesday Words -- Books!

    To be a guest on my blog:

    Contact: kara@karaoneal.com

    Monday Memories: Cast

    Kara -- Me
    Maria -- sister
    Wendy -- sister
    Bill -- brother

    M'Lynn -- mother
    Drummond -- father

    Grace -- mother's redheaded friend
    Liam -- Grace's husband
    Gorgeous (Georgie) -- oldest son and friend
    Phillip -- middle son and friend
    Andrew -- last child and friend

    Jo -- mother's "big idea" friend
    Noah -- Jo's husband who builds things
    Jack -- oldest son and friend
    Roxi -- middle daughter and friend
    Lela -- last child and friend

    Alex -- friend who travels the country and lives in Dallas
    Blossom -- friend who lives in Dallas and sells houses

    Miss Holly -- next door neighbor
    Kirk -- middle son
    Scotty -- youngest son

    Lou -- uncle on my dad's side who likes baseball
    Evaline -- my dad's sister who's crazy funny
    Luke -- oldest son and my cousin
    Han -- younger son and my cousin

    Clark -- my mother's brother who bleeds maroon

    Alexander -- my eldest cousin on my dad's side

    Dawn -- cousin on my dad's side that is the same age as Maria

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