I have two new books out this month, and they are so different, yet both were so fun to write.
The first one (The Bridge) is a blend of high-stakes drama, found family, and a heartwarming holiday ending.
The second one (Favoring the Farmer) is a fun rom-com with a mop-wielding meet-cute, a meandering goat named Ethel, and a tiny community full of love.
The Bridge
Christmas Eve. One Man’s Choice. Five lives that will never be the same.
The fate of strangers intertwines when a man contemplating suicide commandeers a bridge on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone into an unexpected detour from their holiday plans.
Sergeant Archer Raines finds himself torn between duty and family as he negotiates with the distraught man.
Pregnant Rosalee goes into labor and navigates an expected trip to the hospital with the help of Nova, a compassionate nurse.
Carter, a seasoned tow truck operator with a romantic heart, winds up in the midst of the drama on the bridge.
Ian, a recent college graduate eager to pursue his career, finds love in the most unlikely of places.
Set against the backdrop of a busy holiday, this novel balances tension and warmth with the enduring strength of human connections.
It is entirely possible I got a little carried away with this book. There were definitely many firsts for me tied to it.
I decided the cover was too pretty not to put it into hardback, but I wanted the hardback to have a little something extra. So, it includes a bonus chapter not available in another of the other formats. Each chapter has a lovely illustration at the beginning, and there is an alternate wintery cover beneath the dust jacket! You can watch an unboxing video here.
I also created a Book Club Kit. It’s free to download. If you have a book club, know someone who belongs to one, or just want to take a look, you can access it on my website.
The characters from the story have become so dear to my heart, I wanted to share them with you, so I created character cards. The front of each card has a watercolor illustration of the character, and the back has a description. You can purchase them directly from Shutterfly.
I also have bookmarks, two different stickers, and these gorgeous, tote bags that you can buy direct from Amazon. (I’ve been really impressed with the quality.)
If you haven’t yet, I hope you’ll check out The Bridge! It’s available in ebook, audio, paperback, or special hardback formats
Amazon | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Smashwords | Audible
Favoring the Farmer
He’s a weary farmer. She’s a city designer with a rebellious teen in tow. Summer Creek might just be the fresh start they need.
Farmer Dane Becker feels like life has left him behind. With his father gone and the woman he loved like a grandmother now laid to rest, Dane is exhausted, lonely, and convinced his best days are buried in the middle of his wheat field. Then one evening, he spots lights in the house next door. His investigation ends with a mop-wielding beauty mistaking him for a burglar—while unexpectedly stealing his heart.
Bellamy Larken is used to designing one-of-a-kind apparel for Hollywood’s elite, not wielding cleaning supplies against handsome strangers. But when her younger sister Elise’s rebellion spirals out of control, Bellamy—as her guardian—knows something has to change. Inheriting her late aunt’s home in Summer Creek, Oregon, feels like the perfect fresh start. Hastily packing without warning her sister, she drags Elise from the city to small-town life, hoping the quiet community will give them both a chance to heal.
But the house is stuck in a disco-era time warp, Bellamy feels overwhelmed, and the rugged farmer next door is equal parts frustrating and irresistible. Dane insists he doesn’t need anyone, yet Bellamy’s determined heart might be exactly what he can’t live without.
Filled with small-town charm, laugh-out-loud moments, and a tender romance that blossoms under beautiful Oregon skies, Favoring the Farmer is a sweet and hopeful love story about finding where you truly belong.
Coming October 30!
One of my favorite parts of The Bridge is how strangers become something more.
Have you ever met someone by chance who changed your life?
Share your story below—I’d love to hear it.
One commentor will win an autographed copy of The Bridge and some fun swag!
After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky western heroes.
When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
I cannot say that I have but my daughter did and she is doing so much better.
That is wonderful!
I have had the wonderful chance to meet someone who did affect me greatly and in a very positive way. She was a giving and kind older women who taught me a great deal about life. Now I practice what she taught me.
I love that you met her, Anne, and she had a positive influence on your life.
I have met a lot of people that have probably influenced my life even though I didn’t realize it at the time.
I’ve experienced that as well, Joye! People have influenced me so positively and I didn’t realize it until later.
My next door neighbor gave me love, kindness and delectable meals when we moved in. She was warm, kindhearted and always available to talk and take care of my 2 young boys in an emergency. I miss her since we moved. She changed how I live, how I am a neighbor to others and realize how fortunate I was.
How lovely you had such a caring, loving neighbor. The world needs more people like her – and you!
I met my writing bestie, @Liz Flaherty because she happened upon a story I’d written on my blog and wrote me to tell me how much she loved it. I was a brand new blogger and to have someone whose books I’d read and loved contact me was…amazing! Turns out we are kindred spirits and are connected every day on gChat, get together once a month to write, and take twice-yearly retreats together. She has been an unexpected blessing–something I never expected this late in my life. I can’t imagine my life or my writing life without her.
That is so awesome, Nan, to have connected with someone who shares so many interests with you – to find a kindred spirit and a friend. What a blessing you must be to each other!
My Sunday school teacher, she was the pastor’s wife and she taught me so much about what it means to live a life of faith by actions and deeds instead of just words. She is inspirational to me because no matter what happened she clung to her faith and always trusted God to take care of her.
Oh, I love what you shared so much. I love the people who live their faith every day!
Yes I definitely have. I had taken care of my Mom for 12 years even though I wasn’t well myself. When she passed away 14 years ago I had bottled up a lot inside . I met Isabelle Hampton- Stone . Izzy is a Mental Performance Coach and author I met through our hockey team and she saw me struggling and offered to help. I’m a different person. We have grown quite close over the years . She’s a feisty strong Welsh woman and she considers me part of her Canadian Family . I don’t think I would be who I am without her in my life . ??
Oh, my goodness, Kerry! What a wonderful story of Izzy opening a door that blessed you both. So incredible you’ve become family to each other. Love that!
I believe everyone has meet someone who changed their lives in many ways. I’m sure there have been many people who have changed my life for the better.
I know what you mean, Jackie. I think our journey through life intersects with people who influence us even if we aren’t aware of it at the time. Thank you for stopping in today!
The Bridge was
excellent and I loved the twists and turns! I love how so many of the characters were already connected and that with all they went through, new connections were formed.
I am looking forward to getting the Farmer on my kindle!!
Oh, thank you, Jean! I so appreciate you reading it! It was fun to weave all those connections together. I hope you’ll enjoy Favoring the Farmer!
I met my husband by chance. We lived in different states but both worked for a national company. One day while I was working, he came into the office I was working in and said hello and smiled. I married him a few months later. We have been married over 40 years
What a wonderful story! Love that you didn’t need long to know he was the one for you! Congrats on 40 years of marriage!
Not a stranger that I can think of.
Thanks for stopping in today!
No, can’t say that I have.
Thanks for being here today, Barb!
Yes! At first, it wasn’t in person, it was on Facebook. She’s the first author to pay me for doing editing and proofreading work, and we still work together today. It’s been five and a half years, and I have other author’s, too, but she was the first! We met in person in January of 2020, and since then I’ve spent Christmas with her and her family twice, and count her as one of my best friends.
Oh, my goodness! I love that story so much. Sometimes the most unexpected or unlikely connections can bring us the most joy!
No, I haven’t.
Thank you for popping in today, Diana!
No, I can’t say I ever have.
So appreciate you stopping in today, Cherie!
I have The Bridge and can’t wait to read it!
Meeting someone by chance, I’d have to say my now ex-husband. lol We have 3 boys and 2 granddaughters so that’s a big change in my life. I was told having children would be very difficult. I’m a type one diabetic and have “female issues”. Well, my ex takes all the credit for the pregnancies by saying that strong Irish/Lebanese blood dot the job done. lol
Oh, my goodness! I guess he did get the job done! LOL!
I hope you love The Bridge! Thanks so much for stopping in today, Carrie!
When we first got married, my husband was in the Air Force and stationed at a base in Northern Maine. The nearby town was often the coldest place in the lower 48. The first people he introduced me to were Ralph and Nadine. He met them through a note left on his vehicle. He had a 1972 Land Rover and Ralph owned the only other one on base or in the area. They were a bit older than we were, and we were not one of their usual social circle. (John was an officer and a B-52 crew member and Ralph was a Sgt. Not a big deal for us, John’s dad was a Sgt. Nadine was a secretary for one of the unit commanders and had done so for most of their assignments over the years. Their house was social central for most people they knew. There were always extras there for meals. They knew many people in the community and many weekends were spent hunting, fishing, visiting, or whatever with a mix of people. As a newlywed, new to the military way of life, and being shy, she was a life saver for me. She taught me the ropes of military life and included me in her social circle. She and Ralph kept an eye on me while John was gone (4 tours to the Vietnam War) making sure I was included and everything was OK. She gave me a baby shower for our first daughter. We transferred out, but kept in touch with them over the years. They retired not long after we moved, they retired and moved to TN. We visited them a time or two and they stopped by our new assignments over the years. They came up to Washington, DC for John’s retirement ceremony, something only his brother did. We moved to the small, historic town where they had retired. Again they looked after us, making sure we found just the right house, helping with renovations, and introducing us around. I helped at the antique store where Nadine had a booth. They adored our children and considered them adopted grandchildren. It was like losing family when they passed.
Sorry, it seems I wrote a book instead of answering your question. Congratulations on THE BRIDGE. and FAVORING THE FARMER. They both sound like really good reads.
I’ve met several people who have made a difference in my life. Some I maybe wouldn’t have met but our paths crossed because of specific circumstances. And I believe we meet everyone for a reason. My husband and I met in Peru when I was serving a mission for our church, and that drastically changed my life in the best way. (: