CABIN ON PINTO CREEK - A J Hawke - Free Book

About the Author:

A J Hawke is a native Texan who has a passion for exploring the American West and creating stories with Christian based romantic themes. CABIN ON PINTO CREEK is her first Inspirational Western Historical Romance; A J is also the author of the Inspirational Contemporary Romance CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS. Soon to be released is her second Inspirational Western Historical Romance, MOUNTAIN JOURNEY HOME.

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

I’m sure that there is some of me in my characters as to beliefs, interest, and preferences. For example, I would never write a hero character who likes to eat onions raw. Ewwww. Just not my taste. Although if I really didn’t like the character and they were a villain I might make them suffer eating raw onions.

On the other hand, I want my heroes to be what I envision the moral character to be of a really good person. So I do write into my characters my sense of right and wrong.

Now about all those really cute heroines. I probably describe them with the looks and abilities that I always wanted growing up. Long gorgeous hair, perfect figures. Well, they are my characters and I can make them appear any way I want. That’s part of the fun of writing fiction.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh, this is a hard one. I’m such a sweet, simple, normal person. Really. Quirky is just not my thing. Last year I did make a Pinto Bean Pie and served it to my Ladies Bible study group. They thought that was pretty odd. The recipe is on my blog if you want to shake up your friends and family with an unusual dessert for Christmas.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always sort of known it. When I was a kid I was forever writing stories in my mind and even had a file of story ideas from the time I was about fourteen. But I got serious about writing one hot July afternoon in 2008. I had just read a bland, silly romance and thought, “I could write this.” So to relieve the boredom and to avoid doing anything useful I started writing a novel.

It probably would have been better to have read some books on how to write first as I had no clue that there were rules for writing fiction. POV, show vs. tell, commas in the right place? Who knew it was so complicated? I just wanted to tell a great story.

I found I really enjoyed the writing and continued. It was a bit of a surprise when people started to tell me they enjoyed my stories. 

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

I read fiction, history, self-help, and Biblical textbooks and commentaries. Western historical romances are my relaxation fav, although I will read other historical fiction as well as contemporary. I don’t particularly enjoy murder, suspense or scary stories. Stephen King and I are not buddies, although his book ON WRITING is excellent. It is the only one of his books I have read. I just read his back cover descriptions and get scared.

And I only want happy endings so if the hero and heroine don’t have a happily ever after I just don’t want to start the book.

I read a lot, as I read very fast. I do try to limit myself to three hundred books a year. But this year I have gone over that. Me and my public library are great friends. They all know me by my first name. They will even renew my books without my asking, so sweet. Amazon/Kindle and free books are great when you read as many as I do.

An unlimited budget to purchase books would be my dream. With Christmas coming up, Amazon Gift Cards are welcome.

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

Balance, balance, balance. That is the only way to survive.

Keeping appointments with myself helps. If I will honor a time I have set aside for an appointment with others, I need to give myself the same respect.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

If I am writing a historical novel, I go to the US Census records of that time and see what was popular. People in the 19^th century did not use some of the popular names of today. You don’t find Chase or Brianna much in old records. I have also looked at the names of songwriters and authors from the period. Edgar, as in Edgar Allen Poe was a common name, as were Thomas, George, and John. They did use names like Beulah, Elmer, and Eunice more than is found in today’s literature. Of course, Biblical names are always good.

I try to give my heroes strong manly name, one that fit the character. When naming a couple, I want the two names to go together well, such as Elisha and Susanna from CABIN ON PINTO CREEK.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being a faithful Christian in our secular world. It is not always easy but ever fulfilling. I’m proud of the friends and family relationships that I have maintained over the years. I’m not sure if it is more of an accomplishment that I still like them or that they still like me. The latter I suspect.

What is your favorite food?

Ohhh, this is hard. I love to eat. A good roast and potato meal with all the trimmings is a favorite for Sunday lunch. Now a great snack is any kind of ice cream ... well, except for Mocha. I want my coffee liquid and in a cup. Lemon Meringue pie is good, and then there is fresh baked bread still hot from the oven with butter and homemade strawberry jam. I’ll answer the rest of the questions later, I’m heading for the kitchen.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

All of the pesky rules, and who is saying that I have overcome them?

Take putting the action in the correct order. For example, he sat at the table as he came through the door. Wouldn’t he come through the door before he sat at the table? Who notices such things? Well, I do, come to think of it. I have seen some odd sentences in books I’ve read.

The correct word choice is another challenge. I once stacked some horses out on a field when I meant to stake them out. Minor detail but one of my beta readers seemed to think it was a big deal.

Tell us about CABIN ON PINTO CREEK, the first of the Cedar Ridge Chronicles?

Elisha Evans is out of luck. By the age of twenty-five, he’d planned to have his own ranch. Instead, he is forced to beg for a job, destroying his dreams of having a family he can provide for and protect. Betrayal and loss brings him to a cabin on Pinto Creek in the high Colorado Rockies. Just before winter hits, he finds a broken-down wagon in the snow with precious cargo inside. Perhaps, his luck is about to change. 

Susana Jamison doesn’t feel so lucky. Despite being rescued by Elisha, she is challenged to the limit of her strength, both physically and spiritually, when faced with the brutal conditions of frontier living and the dangers she encounters. Can she hold on to her faith in the midst of this desperate situation, especially when she’s forced to marry a man she’s doesn’t love? 

An inspirational historical western romance, CABIN ON PINTO CREEK is the first in the Cedar Ridge Chronicles. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Northern Colorado March, 1872

Elisha Evans gripped his mid section as the pain of hunger ripped through his core. Giving his horse his head, he searched along the trail through the forest for signs of small game. Three days without anything to eat except some pine nuts left him trembling with weakness. Where was that ranch? Back down the trail, he had been told of it. The Weathers’ ranch couldn’t be many more miles ahead. At least his horse had found plenty to eat along the trail as the spring grass showed itself at the melting of the snow.

A sound from the forest caused him to turn where he saw a cow with a young calf through the trees. Quickly he drew his rifle from his scabbard and put it to his shoulder. Sighing he lowered the rifle. The cow wore a brand. Not yet, he wouldn’t kill another man’s beef. Not yet. Gathering the reins Elisha encouraged Jasper on up the trail, toward the peak of the ridge. Cresting the height, he saw it.

Elisha Evans slumped in his saddle as he looked down the slope at the ranch house ahead. Jasper, his bay gelding, stood head down, not even bothering to nibble on the grass. Days of riding had extracted a heavy toll on the horse. Elisha fared even worse. 

About to meet folks he needed to impress if he hoped to get a job, Elisha glanced down at his faded overshirt, once blue but now a slate gray with frayed edges along the collar and cuffs. More hope than thread held his clothes together. His boots, scuffed and worn down, showed more wear than his old saddle and saddlebags. He sighed and rubbed his lower back as he sat straight in the saddle.

Taking off his hat, Elisha wiped his face with his bandana. The beauty of this northern part of Colorado Territory was something to behold. Beyond the nearby hills, a distant range of snow-capped mountains stood like sentinels. Compared to where he had come from, he’d have no problem getting used to this.

A slow ten-day ride to the south, Elisha had spent a long, cold winter on a ranch spread out across dry scrubland. With the first signs of spring, Elisha drew his pay—what little there was of it after paying for the bay gelding—and rode out.

He patted Jasper’s neck. “Just a way more and you can rest. Sure hope they welcome strangers. Here I am, twenty-five my birthday this month, and I’m looking out over another man’s ranch looking for work.” Gathering the reins, Elisha sighed and gently kicked the horse in the flanks. “Might as well face it, Jasper, you didn’t pick no winner.”

Elisha desperately wanted a job on this ranch, as he had nowhere else to go. He picked this place partly because he was broke and partly because of the land’s beauty. Right now, hope was all he had.

He nudged Jasper forward, down the trail toward the main ranch buildings. A large log ranch house with a covered porch running the length of the structure’s front sat off to the right. Curls of smoke rose from two chimneys. To the left a bunkhouse had several smaller buildings scattered around it. Behind the main house, a log corral held several horses with a big barn that boasted its prominence. Elisha feasted his eyes on a solid and prosperous ranch. He longed to have a spread like this someday, but he had no more to show for the last ten years than when he left the home place at fifteen years old.

His stomach grumbled. He drew a deep breath, savoring the aroma that hung in the air. Roast beef. He hoped they’d offer a meal and bed for the night as was the custom. He rode easy as Jasper ambled into the yard between the bunkhouse and the ranch house.

A lanky man of medium height approached with a big grin. “Howdy. Welcome to the J Bar C. I’m Fred Lewis, the foreman here.” The man took off his hat and ran his fingers through hair as red as a fiery sunset. “Of course, most of the boys call me Red.”

Elisha dismounted then offered his hand. “Elisha Evans. Any chance I could impose for a meal and rest over the night?”

“Sure. We’re always glad to have folks come by. Put your horse in the corral, find a spot in the bunkhouse, and wash up for supper.” Red turned toward three ranch hands, slumped down on a bench with their hats shoved back. “Hey, Josh, come show Elisha where to put his stuff.”

A lean, sandy-haired cowhand got up from the bench and ambled over. “In case you couldn’t figure it out, I’m the youngest rider here. Of course, I do more work than the rest of these drovers.” A wide grin spread across his boyish face. “Come with me.” He led him to the corral where he watched Elisha unsaddle the horse.

Elisha turned his horse loose in the corral. A pipe coming down the slope behind the corral fed into the watering trough. Elisha nodded. Yes, he was definitely going to have a spread like this someday and he’d do anything he could to get one. He wasn’t about to spend the rest of his life as a busted-up cowhand.

He picked up his saddlebags and pack. “So, you get to greet and help the visitors.”

“Here, I got your saddle.” Josh tossed it onto his shoulder as if it were a five-pound sack of Arbuckle coffee.

“Thanks, partner.” He’d been on the trail since daylight. The pain in Elisha’s back was near intolerable and his knee felt near to giving way on him. But knowing the other cowhands watched, he tried to walk alongside Josh without limping. After dropping his things next to an empty bunk, Josh showed him where to clean up for supper.

Elisha washed the dust from his face and neck. He tried to comb his hair with his fingers, but it refused to lie flat and his dark curls still hung across his forehead, strayed over his ears and down his neck.

Josh sat on a nearby bench. “Mr. Weathers might be hiring more riders for the summer, if you’re interested.” 

Elisha was definitely interested. “Who does the hiring, Mr. Weathers or Red?”

“Oh, Mr. Weathers does all his own hiring. He’s a real hands-on boss with everything but branding. He leaves that to us.” Josh’s grin spread across an open face.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.AJHawke.blogspot.com

 Thank you for having me, Lena. And thanks for this blog. It’s my favorite one to come to learn of new authors and books. You do a great service for both writers and readers.

And it's my great pleasure and blessing to have you, A J.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Cabin On Pinto Creek


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS - A J Hawke - Free Book

Bio: Born in Spur, Texas, into a multi-generational Texas family, A J Hawke has traveled throughout the American West as well as other parts of the world and enjoys reading, writing, friends, family, and being a Christian. Author of CABIN ON PINTO CREEK, An Inspirational Historical Western Fiction and CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, An Inspiration Contemporary Romance.

Welcome, A J. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write the kind of stories I like to read, which have a western setting, characters that have flaws but live life courageously anyway. I prefer inspirational western Historical romance but also Inspiration contemporary romance with a setting in the west.

I read other genre but if given a choice, I will reach for the Western Historical Romance first.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Hard to say just one but when I have been a walk-along-side guide for someone else to become what God wants them to be has to be some of the highlights of my life. To have a part in the spiritual birth of another is awe-inspiring.

How has being published changed your life?

Okay, here’s the thing about being published. Before it was just a fantasy, a dream, a want-a-be, but now it’s real. That box of books arriving at my home with the beautiful covers, lovely black type on white paper revealing my creation, and my name as the author was a time of dance around with a book as my partner. Then to have people say they liked my novel was as if they were saying, “I think your baby is beautiful.” No, really, it’s like that.

What are you reading right now?

Just completed in the last few months: The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson, Rose’s Pledge (01/01/12) by Dianna Crawford and Sally Laity, Out of Control by Mary Connealy, Falls Like Lightning by Shawn Grady, Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Yeshua’s Bridge by Sandi Rog. I discovered Charles Martin’s books and read The Dead Don’t Dance, Maggie, Chasing Fireflies, When Crickets Cry. I can recommend all of them.

Next on my list to read: Love Blooms in Winter (01/01/12) Lori Copeland, Saving Hope (03/01/12) by Margaret Daley. I have stacked on my dresser two by Jan Watson that have been out for a while. Troublesome Creek and Torrent Falls. I also have several more of Charles Martin’s books I want to read.  

My next four reads will be: Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin, Blue skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin, A River To Cross by Yvonnie Harris and Pattern of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand.

What is your current work in progress?

I am completing the editing on Mountain Journey Home due to be published Dec. 2011.

Backcover: DAVE KIMBROUGH, torn apart by the death of his wife, is unable to deal with his grief. He leaves their child, Jonathan, with his wife’s family and rides away. Seven years later, he returns to his in-laws ranch in hopes of rebuilding a relationship with his nine-year-old son. However, Rachel Harrod, his dead wife’s younger sister now nineteen-years-old, fears his return and that he will take away the child she has helped raise. Can she forgive Dave for his abandonment of his son and deal with the confusing feelings toward this man she finds so appealing? Can Dave make peace with Rachel and have a second chance with his son?

Being edited for publication in 2012:  Joe Storm

Backcover: If a cowhand can’t ride, what can he do? An injured cowhand finds a solution that brings him more than he ever expected.

Joe Storm can no longer ride a horse—and that hurts a lot more than his injury. Swallowing his pride, he takes a job as cook’s helper on a trail drive. He didn’t expect to fall in love with the daughter of the trail herd owner. However, Joe and Sara do fall in love in spite of her father’s opposition. The trail herd is sold to a rancher in Colorado, where Joe builds a new life for himself on the ranch. Here he learns that his abusive mother has died, but childhood memories still haunt him. Can Joe forgive his father for not stepping in to protect him years ago? Can Joe be there for the woman he loves when she needs him most?

Also being edited for publication in 2012: Jeremiah Rebourn

In 1876, sixteen-year-old outlaw Jeremiah Rebourn is on his way to Yuma Prison. After Indians attack the prison wagon and force it over a bluff, he awakes to find himself the captive of a mysterious old man. For two long years, he digs gold out of the tunnel as a prisoner. Even after he regains his freedom, the experience leaves him traumatized and he wanders until he finds a place at the mountain ranch of Elisha and Susana Evans (Cabin On Pinto Creek). It takes him years to recover from his ordeal. Finally, he has his own ranch; and he meets Emily and marries her. But when a terrible secret is revealed that ties his beloved Emily to the trauma of his past, it threatens to destroy all that he has managed to make of his life. Can he forgive enough to move forward? Will he and Emily be able to turn to God to rebuild their marriage?

What would be your dream vacation?

A month in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland, with nothing to do but gaze at the mountains and write. Of course to be honest, I’d be eating some Swiss chocolate too. Come to think about it, let’s make it for the whole summer with a chalet overlooking the valley. Hey, a girl can dream!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love the western states, whether it is my home state of Texas or those to the west. I research an area to get a feel for the countryside, historical setting, and get photos of the area.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

That is a hard question to answer. If it were a writer perhaps someone like Lori Copeland. I would have questions as to how one can write almost a hundred novels. Politically I would like to sit down with George W. Bush and Laura. They have always intrigued me as to how they have managed to keep such a good marriage with all of the stress they have lived with.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy growing roses, traveling, needle tatting, and good conversations with friends and family.

My mother-in-law taught me to shuttle tat. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Finding the time to write in the midst of a busy world. Making appointments with myself and keeping them has been one of the best ways to just keep writing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read fifty how-to books on writing, then throw away most of the advice, and just write. Tell your story and forget about the voices in your head that says you can’t do it that way. Strive to make each chapter you write better than the last. Never be satisfied with your writing but be willing to let it be adequate.

Tell us about the featured book.

Caught Between Two Worlds

Two people from completely different worlds find a connection in the most unexpected place. Stephanie Wellbourne trudges off on a walk in the Colorado woods to relieve some stress from an executive retreat gone awry. A New Yorker, she wanders the forest trail unprepared for the dangers and ends up with a broken ankle unable to walk. Fear starts to set in and then, out of nowhere, Flint Tucker appears hiking down the trail.

Stephanie is used to being in charge, but gives in to the handsome hiker’s offer to carry her back to the retreat center and medical care. She tries to thank him with a reward and is surprised when he declines. Even in her sophisticated world of wealth and position in New York City, she has never met a man she is so immediately drawn to. What is it about this rugged mountain man that drives her to find out more about him? 

Flint has a business expertise that Stephanie is in desperate need of if she wants to maintain control of her company, The Wellbourne Group. She hires Flint’s firm making an offer that includes Flint’s coming to New York to work with her.

Flint’s daughter, Allie, whom he is raising alone since the death of his wife, may not make it to her fourth birthday if she doesn’t get a heart transplant. With his desperate need for money for his daughter’s medical care, he cannot refuse Stephanie’s offer. Acting on his faith and love for his daughter, Flint agrees to take on the challenge of working with Stephanie. 

As a close friendship develops, Stephanie senses their mutual attraction but cannot understand what holds him back. Flint knows that Stephanie is not a Christian, so he will not allow it to deepen into anything more serious. As events in both their lives unfold, amazing opportunities begin to connect Flint and Stephanie together. How can two people from such different worlds find a way toward love?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Caught Between Two Worlds

A J Hawke

Chapter One

August 2008

Colorado Rockies

     

Stephanie Wellbourne felt her ankle twist and tried to catch herself before she hit the gravel and dirt of the mountain trail, but landed hard. Pain slammed her right ankle and up her leg. She moaned as she brushed the dark hair out of her eyes. No way to tell how many bruises the impact had created. The stabbing pain intensified and gritting her teeth, Stephanie wrapped both hands around her ankle and glanced in both directions, hoping to see someone who could help. Nothing but thick forest swallowed the trail in both directions. How long had she been walking on the path by the Retreat Center before she twisted her ankle? Why hadn’t she turned back at the end of the paved walk instead of continuing through the forest?

Whipping her head around at an unexpected sound, she stared into the forest of trees that bordered the path. Was that a bird? Now she was hearing all sorts of noises.

With the help of a small pine tree next to the trail, Stephanie pulled herself upright and put weight on her right foot. Ouch! No way there’d be any walking on this ankle. Was it broken?

Queasiness rolled over her in waves and she bit her lower lip. How could she make it back to the Retreat Center? Her corporate staff had the afternoon off, and she was stuck out here. Stephanie shoved her hand into her pocket searching for her cell phone. It wasn’t there. Stupid! She should have accepted Sam Edwards’ offer to walk with her. However, she had no desire to talk to the head of her corporate law division, and she’d been so angry with him. Angry at all of them! The entire management team refusing her solutions—how dare they? After all, it was her company.

Stephanie hopped and made it about fifteen feet before stumbling to her knees. Pain surged through her lower right leg. She sat in the middle of the gravel trail, hugged her right knee close to her chest, and tried not to cry. This could not be happening. She fingered the tear in the knee of her black microfiber slacks. The red sleeveless sweater had been warm enough during the hike, but now she shivered in the stretching shadows of late afternoon. Looking around she felt the forest closing in on her. Where was her staff when she needed them?

The sun sank closer to the tree line. She struggled against the rising panic. The slight breeze brought a smell of pine and earth, and the effects of the wind had a different sound on the tops of the pine and fir trees. It didn’t resemble her estate in the Hamptons in any way.

A sound that had been at the edge of her mind for several moments became a loud thump, thump of boots hitting the gravel. She turned toward the trail leading up the mountain. A tall man strode her way. Loaded down with a large black backpack, he pounded downhill with the water bottle strapped to his belt keeping rhythm with his steps.

His sudden stop sent a spray of small gravel fanning out in front of his heavy hiking boots. “Are you all right?” He seemed bewildered to find her sitting on the trail.

His short light brown hair looked like it might be curly if allowed to grow. Why was she noticing his curly locks at a time like this? She shook off the thought. “No, I’m not. I may have twisted my ankle and I don’t have my cell phone. You wouldn’t have one, would you?”

“Sorry, my battery’s down.” His voice was deep and mellow.

Nice voice. It wouldn’t be hard to listen to, and he wasn’t bad to look at either with his dark green T-shirt taut across the width of his chest and shoulders, snug-fitting khaki hiking shorts, and sporting sunglasses in the dimming light of day, although he seemed a little distant. Would he be like most men she met who gave her too much attention, especially when they discovered who she was? She would find out.

“Can you help me back to the Cedar Ridge Retreat Center? It’s just down the trail.”

Working his arms out of the straps of his backpack, he dropped it on the side of the trail. “Let’s take a look at your ankle.”

His square-jaw framed the lower part of his strong handsome face. If only he’d take his sunglasses off so she could see the color of his eyes. She shook herself to focus on what he’d said as she lifted her ankle for his inspection. “I don’t know what looking at it will do. I can tell it’s sprained. I just need help getting back to my hotel room.”

The man held out his hand. “Would it help if I introduced myself? I’m Flint Tucker.” His large hand swallowed hers in its warmth.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.AJHawke.com

http://www.AJHawke.blogspot.com

Thanks Lena for the invite.

And thank you, A J, for the interesting interview.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Caught Between Two Worlds


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com