A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS by Charlene Sands

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They say if you want something done, ask a busy person!

Raising my hand here!!   I’m ultra busy.  It seems to be the way of the world, so no complaints here.  There’s nothing I would trade in my life right now.  I’m blessed with a good family, nice home and recently two lovely granddaughters were added to the mix.  Little Everley is 16 months old and baby Kyra is 8 months old.  I watch them 2 to 3 days a week and it’s truly the highlight of my week.  The other hours are spent writing and I usually have 2 to 3 projects going at once. 

Right now, I’m working on a Harlequin Desire continuity called TEXAS RENEGADE RETURNS.  This story anchors the 9 book series and is a unique challenge for me to tie up loose ends of all 9 books and tell my hero’s story to a satisfying and hopefully compelling conclusion. 

It’s my next project that is baffling me. And I will admit to being frustrated with decisions that I don’t usually make on my own.

 I will be self-publishing a story that was one of my earlier works, called Like Lightning.   Luckily for me, my daughter is an editor and she’ll be my grammar guru.  One problem solved.

 The cover art will be pretty…not a clench scene or a sexy cowboy, but a cropped shot of a bride in a flowing lacy wedding gown, wearing cowgirl boots nestled next to a groom in cowboy boots.   We may not even see their faces. That’s to be determined by the cover artist.  Second problem solved.  

The original title (I never cared for…the cover and title an experiment for the line) really had nothing to do with storyline and now desperately needs a makeover. We’ve narrowed it down to a few titles and I’d love the wonderful bloggers at Petticoats and Pistols to give me your pick!  Will you help me solve Problem Three?  

Here’s is the story in a nutshell:

When a fire destroyed everything Maddie Brooks owned, rancher Trey Walker offered the pretty veterinarian a deal, he’d give her a place to stay and a barn to treat her animals if she’d help out at 2 Hope Ranch.  Maddie was sweet and sexy, and had “keeper” written all over her. But Trey didn’t dare act on the sizzling attraction between them—because of the Walker Curse.

Trey came from a long line of men who broke women’s hearts. And he was determined not to break hers, too. But with Maddie sleeping next door, she was impossible to ignore. He wanted to hold her, feel her body against his. He knew Maddie was the last woman on earth he should fall for. 

Which title do you find most appealing?  Which title would make you wonder about the story?  Which title would compel you to open the book and read the first few pages?

Rancher to Her Rescue

The Cowboy Contract

Contract with a Cowboy

Making Maddie Mine

Two Hope Cowboy

Cowboy Be Mine

 

I’ll be drawing a random winner today to win a book from my available backlist!! It’s the winner’s choice.  I hope to hear from all of you! And thanks for your help!!

 

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Smooth-Talking the Hometown Girl my Digital Only book is 99 cents all during the month of March! 

 Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online retailers

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52 thoughts on “A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS by Charlene Sands”

  1. Hi Charlene,
    I think the Cowboy contract would catch my eye. As I read down the list you have ‘Maddie’ in a title. Didn’t Tanya Hanson have a title similar?
    Anywho–your life sounds pretty full, don’t know when you have time to write, coherently.
    Good luck with the series, and with your two Granddaughters. I’m working on Great Grandchildren now.

  2. I’m amazed at what you get done, Charlene, especially with tending those darling little girls of yours. Your book sounds intriguing. It’s not on the list, but what grabbed me as a title was “The Walker Curse.” Or does that sound too much like a paranormal??
    Let us know what you pick.

  4. I think Rancher to Her Rescue would be a great title. After reading the storyline I can’t wait to read the book.

  7. Hi Mary J — Yes, I think Tanya’s book is Marrying Maddie/Mattie. Tanya? You want to weigh in here? I love both names, in fact, Aunt Mattie plays an important role in my November book. It’s a wonder why I didn’t name my daughter Maddie or Mattie!

    Thanks for your help today!!

  8. Hi Elizabeth…Honestly when I’m this busy, I seem to get it all done, not without a little stress, but I’m learning how to really prioritize and that writing comes first, in my day of business. Then I do the other things I have time for…No more playing on the internet for me.

    I toyed with The Walker Curse and versions of that, but I agree with you, it sounds a little too paranormal or mysterious for this book. It’s a fun/light romance without really serious undertones. 😉

  11. Hi Katie J…It’s one of my favorite stories. I love the hero, Trey Walker and the animals, in this one. Did a lot of research about animal care. Thanks for your choice of title!!

  13. Wow, they’re all great titles! Hard to pick one but I think I’d go with The Cowboy’s Contract with an apostrophe S. Has a nice ring to it. Congrats on the e-book. I don’t know how you have time to do all the things you do. You amaze me. Wishing you lots of success with your e-venture.

  14. i like The Cowboy Contract. I think it goe well with the story you talked about. Even though trey may find her appealing he still needs to remind himslef that their relationship is just about a contract… until he sees he can no longer keep it that way.

    Oh cant wait to read this one!!!

  16. For some reason, Making Maddie Mine catches my eye and ear – although ALL of the titles are cool! LOL – how is that for a non-answer?

  17. I like The Cowboy Contract. i think it fits the book and it’s catch my eye with having cowboy in the title. After reading that blurb I really want to read the book.

  26. The Contract with a Cowboy was the one that caught my eye. No matter what it is named it sounds like one I would enjoy!

  30. My absolute favorite is The Cowboy Contract. That title would make me very curious about the book.

    My number 2 would be Rancher to Her Rescue.

  33. I like The Cowboy Contract, because it raises a question. And also there is the focus of the story in a nutshell. : )
    Can’t wait to read this, and good for you on the SP thing.

  36. Hi Charlene, I have this book and I loved it then and now. I like Rancher to Her Rescue. And the cover sounds divine!

    Can’t wait to see the girls one of these days. Love to all! xoxo

  40. I think Rancher To Her Rescue sounds like a really good title and would get me to pick it up quicker.

  43. I like Cowboy be mine. For some reason for me if the word cowboy is in the title of a book I am going for it. I do love me some cowboys.

  46. Charlene, I like the title, “Making Maddie Mine” because that’s exactly what he wants! Right?And, the cover has a bride and groom! I would definitely pick it up to read! Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

  48. RANCHER TO HER RESCUE was my initial choice, but the more I thought about it, it feels a bit too cliche. I like the “feel” of TWO HOPE COWBOY better. It is the name of the ranch, but says so much more.

  50. ok I like The Cowboy Contract but also like putting the fire aspect in there so The Fiery Hot Cowboy Contract

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