Hello, Fillies! Thank you for inviting me back to prop up my boots and visit for a spell.
It’s great to be back here to visit with y’all about my newest book that just hit the racks yesterday morning. I’m so excited to be starting a brand new series, The Palo Duro Series, with Long, Hot Texas Summer.
It’s Jackson and Loretta’s second chance story. Loretta is a fiery tempered, tall red head and Jackson is the tall, dark and handsome cowboy, who’s even sexier at forty than he was at eighteen.
They were married more than twenty years ago but they were both very young and it didn’t work. Loretta had doubts about Jackson’s love since she was pregnant when they got married. Jackson always felt like she could have done better than a rancher with her intelligence and ambition.
Now it’s twenty years later and their daughter, Nona, has decided to quit college and live at the ranch in the canyon. Loretta is bound, damned and determined to change Nona’s mind even if she has to live at the ranch during a long, hot Texas summer to convince her.
Jackson never stopped loving the red-haired spit fire that stole his heart in elementary school but hell’s bells it’s been twenty years and he’s moved on. At least that’s what he thought. Somehow his heart did not get that message or else it didn’t give a damn. After all, it wanted Loretta in the beginning and it hasn’t changed its mind one bit.
Still, Loretta has no right to move right into their old bedroom without an invitation and the battle lines are drawn. Nona is his only child. If she wants to learn the ranchin’ business, then she should be able to make up her own mind. She sure doesn’t need her mother getting in the way.
Loretta disagrees loudly and often and believe me, more than the weather got hot that summer and more than one decision was made. The past had to be dealt with before Loretta and Jackson could look forward to the future and enjoy the present to the fullest.
I really, really enjoyed writing this story. Having Loretta and Jackson, with their passion and their arguments, in my head all that time was quite an experience. The Palo Duro Canyon is a desolate area. I know because I visited it in all four seasons to get a feel for the place before I started this series. But something about that area called out to me, telling me that there was more than one story out there in the cow tongue cactus and the wild daisies.
The sequel to Long, Hot Texas Summer will hit the shelves in December. Daisies in the Canyon, also set there, carries the tale even further with a new set of characters, one of which my readers will meet in Long, Hot Texas Summer.
Tell me, have you ever stood in a place and felt something in the wind that told you there was a story there? Maybe one with a sexy, bull-headed cowboy and a sassy lady who wouldn’t take no for an answer?
Carolyn will be giving away two copies of Long, Hot Summer – one Kindle version, one print. So be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win!
I love the red cowboy boots on the cover! Would love a print copy. I love the concept of the story…second chances.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Cindy,
Thank you. Loretta and Jackson didn’t think a second chance was in their future but fate does have a plan!
I’ve never been to Texas so I like visiting the huge state through your eyes.
I like feisty independent heroines. Loretta definitely has that covered. I’m glad Loretta and Jackson’s chemistry is still striking sparks! I mean setting off explosions.
I’m looking forward to reading about their past and future relationship.
I’d love to win a print copy of LONG HOT TEXAS SUMMER.
johns lake at usa dot com
Laurie,
The canyon kept calling to Loretta to tell her that she’d never be totally happy without her soul mate, Jackson…the question was whether she’d listen to it. And yes, ma’am it is definitely explosions instead of sparks right from the beginning.
Sounds like a wonderful book. I love the cover. I can’t really say I have stood some place and thought there was a story. But, a few places have stood out to me and I thought I felt something. Spiritual maybe?
Janine,
Thank you. We actually went to the panhandle of Texas to research in a town called Post, Texas and it’s a lovely little town, quaint and sweet. But it didn’t say a thing to me so after that long drive, I told Husband that we should keep driving. Maybe I’d find something that spoke to my soul. We made it to Silverton, Texas and went into a café for some lunch, talked at length with a fellow who was from that area and having lunch at a table close to ours, and he told us that we should go on down through the canyon since we were that close. And I found my story right there in that canyon…fate or spiritual or ghosts, there it was! And I didn’t argue.
This sounds like a fun read.
Thank you, Ashley…hope you enjoy it when you get your hands on a copy!
I pre-ordered this book when it was first offered. I down loaded it yesterday and finished it last night. I loved it. Now I am looking forward to the next one.
Goldie, THANK YOU!!! I’m so glad that you liked it. Next up is Ezra’s oldest daughter, Abby and Sheriff Cooper’s story arriving in Dec.
Thanks for the hints about the book.
I have stood in several places where I live (Arizona) and felt like a story about the Indians and early cowboys was present. You look out over the desert and imagine what it could have been like.
Joye,
Doesn’t it just put you in a state of awe when that happens? It did me when I looked out over that canyon!
I just finished it this morning Carolyn and I loved it.. I don’t know if I want to be Loretta, Rosie or Katy when I grow up…LOL. I loved Jackson.. Makes me want to curl up on a porch swing and cuddle with that handsome Cowboy. I have been in a place and it’s called to me… But I haven’t let it hold me.. Not the right time..
Kathleen,
THANK YOU! Jackson is strutting around with a big smile on his face…he’s reading the comments over my shoulder.
I love your books! and there’s nothing better than a sexy cowboy and a determined heroine! Event though I don’t write them down I try to hear a story wherever I go. I have done that since I was a little girl, it gave me a chance to escape to a world that I could control and would have a happy ending. 🙂
Cori,
That’s the beginning of a writer, you know! Pick up a pen and start writing down ideas!
ok… maybe I’m not spiritual but that’s never happened to me. That’s why I love reading fiction/romance b/c I lack it in real life! Congrats to Carolyn on the new release!
erinf1: Welcome to the world of escaping through books! They’ve always been my escape, whether reading or writing them.
Hi Carolyn! I enjoyed your delightful post and would love to read Jackson and Loretta’s second chance story!
Britney, thank you so much…Jackson and Loretta would be delighted for you to read their story!
I’m glad you finally found your story. Leave it to the local guy to lead you the right way. They usually know best.
Yes, ma’am, Janine,
If I can get someone talking, I’m always willing to listen. I’ve been led by a suggestion many times!
I remember at least one place I visited that had me wondering what story the place had to share… love your books! Congrats on the new book and series! 🙂
Colleen,
Thank you! And when are you going to write that story or is it already published?
Not a writer… have a great imagination, but can not see myself being able to put anything on paper… I will enjoy all of the stories from talented people like yourself! 🙂
I love reading books set in Texas and the Southwest. I think I would enjoy reading this one.
Jackie,
I love the big feel of a book set in Texas. There’s just something about it! Since it’s my home state, a piece of my heart and soul is always there.
Thanks for the giveaway!! If I win, print please! (I know I’m a dinosaur:)
Thanks for stopping by anon1001: There’s a lot of folks out there that prefer print copies!
I love the cover over your book. I would be happy with a print copy or Kindle copy of the book.
Quilt Lady, thank you. I squealed so loud I do believe they heard me all the way to the coast when I saw that cover.
I have that feeling that you are talking about mostly when I a traveling overseas and it’s usually in a city or town that has a lot of history like more than what we have in the USA.
Lori, that could be very true. Never been overseas so I don’t know, but I did get a strong vibe in that canyon for sure!
Sounds like a great story. I would love to win a print copy.
Rita,
Thank you…it’s a second chance at love story that had been on my mind for a while. I just needed a place to set it and when I found the canyon, I knew it was the perfect place.
Hi Carolyn! I loved your post and would certainly love to read more of your wonderful story. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you Melanie! Happy reading when you get your hands on the book!
Second chance stories offer such great possibilities. The characters are older and not always wiser. Love doesn’t always help things go smoothly and old hurts and misunderstandings can get in the way. Throw in children and all bets are off.
Your books give such a good sense of place and are peopled by characters that ring true to life.
LONG, HOT TEXAS SUMMER sounds like a fun ride. I look forward to reading it. Thanks giveaway.
Can’t wait to read this one 🙂 I love your books Carolyn and I’m sure this is great like all the others
I’m not a writer but love getting into your stories for I love cowboys and I fall in love with your characters wishing I had a good man in my life! I’d love win a printed book! thanks for this give-away!
Hello Carolyn. Glad toy have another book out. I used to live about 110 miles from Palo Dura Canyon. I would love to try to win this book of yours. Sounds good. Thanks, Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Well it’s About Time! finally a romance with 40 somethings by a respected author, too! I love the sound of this book, I really LOVED your previous books as well. The closest I’ve been to Texas was New Orleans but Austin is calling my name!
Thank you for the giveaway.
annfesATyahooDOTcom
Well it’s About Time! finally a romance with 40 somethings by a respected author, too! I love the sound of this book, I really LOVED your previous books as well. The closest I’ve been to Texas was New Orleans but Austin is calling my name!
Thank you for the giveaway.
annfesATyahooDOTcom
Great cover and love that you wrote about an “older” woman. Thanks for telling us about it. I’d love to read your book! linda at lindahubalek dot com
This sound like a very good book. I’m glad you included characters that are over 40. I would very much like a print version if I win but will take the ebook. I just prefer to have a copy in hand.
I love cowboy books and always look f/d to your new releases.
I love your cowboy books and all your characters you create. I especially enjoy the humor you add into your stories and the romance than ensues between the characters. Each book is better than the next, and I always look forward to reading them all. I especially like those red cowgirl boots (such an appealing touch)! Thanks, for your years of writing these wonderful books for us to read!
I think, when your at a crossroads in your life and you see your daughter making the same mistake you made you want to stop her. She loves her ex husband but so much water is under that bridge she can’t trust him and she doesn’t want her daughter falling for a rancher like she did, she wants her to go to school get her education and move on. Life and love sometimes have other plans. I would love this book so much!!!