WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW - Cyrstal Barnes - One Free Book (print or ebook)

Dear Readers, we have an author who hasn’t been on this blog before. I’m eager to read her book. I’ve been reading Christmas stories the last two months, and now I’m ready to get back into the other books in my to-be-read pile. This one is at the top.

Welcome, Crystal. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Oh, wow. I’d say every writer includes a part of themselves in their characters whether they intend to or not. However, with Win, Love, or Draw, I knew I’d be pouring a lot of myself into Cat’s story, for her tale is very similar to mine and that of those I love.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Quirky? When have I not been quirky? Oh, this is a hard one. Hmm … um … we might be here all day as I try to single out one thing. How about we chalk it up to becoming a writer? No one in my family (including myself) or my friends saw that one coming. Oh, the fun surprises God throws our way. J

Don’t you just love it when He does that? When did you first discover you were a writer?

Discover is such an interesting word choice. I took a creative writing class in high school just for fun, but I didn’t take the teacher’s suggestion to enter a short-story contest. Boy, now do I wish I’d listened. J heehee. However, it wasn’t until January 2011 that I started to discover what God had up His sleeve. At an evening church service, unexpectedly, my pastor had everyone pray for me that I would find a job. That very night and on through morning, an idea burned in my brain. It wouldn’t let up until I put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keyboard). Then and there, I knew God had called me to write. The rest, as they say, is history. J

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Ooo, fun question. J I love reading my Bible. Oh, you mean fiction. Well, I just can’t get enough Christian historical romance. Set it in the west, and it’s even better. J I also enjoy Christian romantic suspense and some inspirational contemporary romance as well.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Sanity? What’s that? LOL. J

Truly, Christ is my Anchor. He is the one who keeps my head … in the clouds? J Looking for Him to return for His church. He’s my Everything, and He’s the One who makes life worth living.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Oh, I’ve found them in lots of places—my family tree, government censuses, cemetery listings… (Yes, I know I’m weird, but it takes all kinds. J )

Very good places to look and not at all weird to another writer. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Choosing Jesus as my Savior. Everything else is only secondary.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Hmm…what kind of animal is unique, loyal, loving, enjoys both play and sleep, but fiercely determined … ? I think I just described a dog. Hmm … is there any other more exotic, exciting animal that describes? (No offense to the dog lovers out there. J )

What is your favorite food?

Anything Italian … or deer meat

I love both, but I haven’t had any venison to cook since my father went home to glory. I’d like some right now. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I guess I’d have to say lack of self-confidence. Some days, I think we all still struggle with that. But like with any struggle, we overcome by the Word of God.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

What He says is truth. Anything else is a lie of the devil. Also it helps to not compare ourselves to others. (Romans 12:1-3)

Tell us about the featured book.

Win, Love, or Draw is an inspirational historical romance set in the west about a Texas horsewoman whose world erupts into chaos when her absentee husband returns home with his troubles trailing not far behind.

Here’s the blurb:

Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

           

Now he’s back.

Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas, toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Tuesday, November 13, 1877—Cater Springs, Texas

Catherine McGarrett jolted to a halt on the bustling boardwalk outside Koch’s Mercantile. Tighter than a cinch strap, her focus fastened on an unexpected form farther up the dirt street. It couldn’t be … Her heart stopped, then slammed with renewed vigor against her rib cage. A chill skidded down her spine that had little to do with the crisp November breeze and everything to do with the apparition riding through the middle of town.

“Ouch! Mama, you’re hurtin’ me.”

“Huh?” Catherine dragged her gaze from the busy road filled with wagons and cowboys to the five-year-old who picked at her grip. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

She loosened her hold on his arm, all the while striving to keep sight of the fetching rider with the black duster and tan horse. The brisk wind whipped a strand of her blond hair across her cheek, but she paid it little heed as she followed the pair’s progress. Her wayward husband invaded her dreams often enough. What were the chances her mind would play tricks on her in the daylight?

“Benin, I know this might sound silly, but do you see a dark-haired man with a black Stetson riding toward the livery?”

“You mean that fella on the buckskin there?” Her son pointed at the figment of her imagination.

“Yes’m, I see ’im.”

“You do? Well. Good.” Catherine released her son, lest he feel her sudden shaking. “I’m glad to know I’m not imagining things. Let’s put our purchases in the wagon, shall we?”

Benin’s gaze bore into her while they rounded to the back of their buckboard.

Loud yapping broke the hum of ordered activity. A mangy mutt dashed across the street in pursuit of a striped cat, racing straight toward the cowboy. Harnessed horses reared. Wagon drivers shouted their displeasure and fought to keep their rigs from spilling into the street. The sandy buckskin veered around the chaos with ease. Well trained.

Her mouth went dry.

Were any of the general’s men in town? A quick scan of the various establishments and sidewalks yielded nothing, but then again, she only knew one of their faces. No, they preferred to terrorize her from the shadows. Wait. What was she thinking? The general and his cohorts wouldn’t know what Sam looked like; they’d never met him. Besides, that might not even be him. A breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding seeped from her lungs.

Benin handed her his small parcel. “Mama, do you know that man?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m so glad you asked. J Readers can connect with me at my website or on my blog, my Amazon Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, or on my Facebook author page.

I look forward to “seeing” y’all!

Thanks so much, Lena, for having me as a guest on your blog!

It's my great pleasure and blessing to feature you here. I know my readers will be as eager to read your book as I am.

Dear Readers, if you click on the title link in the interview, it will take you to the Amazon page for the book.

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