Today, the Fillies are proud to host none other than author Carolyn Brown!
She’s here to talk about her newest book and also to give one as a gift for one lucky commenter.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn or her books, here’s a short introduction…
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- New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.
A plaque hangs on her office wall that says “I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas.” That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.
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Hello to all y’all!
Have you ever looked at a cowboy on the cover of a book and wondered what it would be like to ask him questions, and maybe even ask his opinion on things—maybe even before you open the book to read about him? Well, today that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Take a look at Levi Jackson on the cover of Cowboy Honor and let’s talk to him in person.
Carolyn: Levi, would you tell his a little about yourself?
Levi: Well, ma’am, I’m the foreman of a huge ranch down around Sunset, Texas. The two brothers who own the place, Cade and Justin Maguire, and I grew up together right here on the Longhorn Canyon Ranch. We’re more like kin folks than ranch owner and hired hand. We’ve all three run around together since we were in elementary school. When Justin and I graduated high school, we went on the full time payroll, but from the time we were little guys, we worked and got a paycheck.
Carolyn: What was your first opinion of Claire?
Levi: (Removes his cowboy hat and wipes his brow). My first thought was I hope she don’t pull the trigger on that pistol. But I’ll have to explain that a little. It might not have been considered a blizzard in some parts of the country but for north central Texas, it sure seemed like one. I’d been out making sure the cattle were brought in from the far corners of the ranch, when it became evident I didn’t have enough gas in the four-wheeler to get me back to the ranch house. That wasn’t a big problem because we have this old cabin at the back of the place, and I could hole up there until the snowstorm passed. Claire and her little niece, Zaylie, had slid off the road and taken refuge in the cabin earlier that day. So there we were—me, just wanting a warm place to wait out the storm, and her thinking I was there to do her harm so she had a pistol pointed right at my chest.
Carolyn: Oh, my goodness! I’m tempted to ask you what happened next, but I’m sure that’s covered in the story. I’m told that you have a way with animals and have rescued several that still live on the ranch. Tell us about them.
Levi: (with a big smile on his face) There’s Beau, the dog that I rescued. He’s named after a famous football player for the Longhorns. Then Gussie, the cat, who’s named after an old girlfriend. And Hard Times the turtle: Hopalong, the cotton tail bunny rabbit; and Little Bit, the crippled donkey. They’ve all become part of the ranch, and the inner city, underprivileged kids who come ever summer love them.
Carolyn: Although the kids aren’t there in this book, since it happens in the winter months, tell us about those kids.
Levi: They arrive in June and stay until after July 4th. Everyone on the ranch looks forward to having them around. Sometimes they come to us broken and untrusting, but by the time they leave, they’re sad to go—and we’re lonely without them.
Carolyn: If you could have any other job in the world, what would you be?
Levi: I’ve got my dream job right here on Longhorn Ranch. There’s no other place I’d rather be, or job that I’d rather be doing.
Carolyn: Thank you, Levi, for visiting with us today. And we both thank Petticoats and Pistols for letting us stop by today. I’m going to let Levi come up with a question to ask y’all for the drawing. We’ll be giving away a signed copy of Cowboy Honor and the winner will be chosen from the comments.
Levi: Let’s ask something about the heroine—
What kind of lady do you like to read about? Independent? Quiet? Or maybe a sassy one like my Claire?
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From the New York Times bestselling cowboy queen comes “a story that is sure to please fans” about a “slow-simmering romance” and the “simple pleasures of ranch life” (Publishers Weekly). Includes a bonus novella by Katie Lane!
Patience was never one of her virtues. After her SUV runs off the road in the middle of a Texas blizzard and her cell stops working, Claire Mason is about to snap. Getting back home to Oklahoma with her four-year-old niece is top priority. And lucky for her, help comes in the form of a true Texas cowboy…
Levi Jackson has always been a sucker for strays. So he can’t help getting involved when he comes across Claire and her little niece shivering in the cold. By offering them a place to stay until her car is fixed, he can make sure the two are taken care of – and get to know the sassy Claire better.
What starts as something awkward and temporary starts feeling cozier by the minute. And soon Levi is hoping he can convince Claire she has a permanent place in his heart.
Plus, bonus story “O Little Town of Bramble” by Katie Lane!
All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | IndieBound | Amazon
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An independent heroine will try the nerves of the hero and reader. She is a downright challenge. Gotta love her though. I think a little work makes for a better story.
I love your characters. Your stories keep me reading to the end.
I love strong, independent heriones! As long as they don’t get too stubborn! 😉
Make that 3 out of 3. Independent makes it a challenge everytime. But a little sass added in also revs it up. Carolyn, it’s a pleasure seeing you here. Your books are wonderful.
Oh I love an independent girl who isn’t afraid to be a little sassy too, but in s good way. If she independent and confident of herself, she has the ability to know what she wants and Go after it.
I love an independent, sassy heroine. Just so she makes the hero a little crazy trying to tame her… Thanks for always giving me the kind of heroes and heroines I love to read. You rock Ms Carolyn.
It sounds wonderful. I love the heroine. She will drive him crazy
Oh my. I think I’m already in love with Levi.
I like a strong, independent heroine.
This is a fun post. Now I will be thinking of what each cover model might have to say when I look at a book. To answer your question, I like a heroine to be a bit sassy. They make for a fun read.
I like my heroine independent with a dash of sass thrown in.
I like a variety of types of characters but generally I like strong, smart, independent women with a good sense of humor.
I enjoy reading about all sorts of ladies.
Wonderful interview, Levi! I like all types, but my favorites are the quiet but sassy ones. They are independent BUT know they need help and aren’t afraid to ask for it. I’m not too fond of the overly independent ones that shun any help and pretend they don’t need it.
I love strong independent sassy woman to be the heroine in stories I read. Will put this book in my TBR
Sounds like I would this guy Levi
I love an independent lady that speaks her mind when she needs to so I guess a little sassy. Would love to read your book.
A big old welcome, Miss Carolyn!! I’m so happy you stopped by and brought Levi Jackson with you! Oh my! My heart’s fluttering. He’s the kind of man women dream about….including me! You know, I kinda like the sassy kind of heroine who gives as much (or more sometimes) than she takes. She really sets men back on their heels and makes them grind their teeth. Love this type!
You’ve sure got a slew of books out and also coming. Great covers and titles!! Sending a whole bunch of love and hugs your way.
Welcome! Welcome! Carolyn! So wonderful to have you here. I must say, the names that Levi, Cade and Justin have chosen for their rescued menagerie are adorable. Levi’s story sounds like a great read. For me, I like heroine’s who have a bit of sass too. It makes the sparks fly and makes for a fun, witty story.
Thanks for stopping by Petticoats and Pistols and visiting with us!
I enjoy characters of all types… love seeing one’s personality shine throughout their story..
independent, a little sass, but still open to love because she believes in happily ever after.
I like a variety of heroines ready to find their happy ending.
I like to read about them all. It always depends on the hero and the situation they find themselves in. Stories and the personality of the hero determine the type of woman he nears to be pair with to lead to their HEA. You always seem to find just the right one for your heroes.
Sassy like Claire.
For me, it just depends on the story. Some story lines need a strong independent woman, while some need a sassy or even a quiet and reserve woman. I’m looking forward to reading this book! I’ve read all your others. Thank you for sharing about it!