A place where I blog the goings on in my own little corner of the world. I like to talk about the books I read, the classes I teach, the homeschooling I plan on doing, weight loss strategies, among other things.
I'm
delighted to welcome the characters from the latest Miller's Creek novel CROSSROADS (a Christian Romance) to my blog
today. Please help me welcome Mara, Carter, Ashton, and Chloe. (applause) (Characters enter. First on stage is a lanky
and slender business-woman with her hair pulled back into an attractive
chignon. Behind her is a broad-shouldered man in a polo and slacks. Next is a
pretty teenager with wiry curls, followed by a well-behaved little girl who
looks very pleased to be here. The four take their seats.) Let's
start with Mara. I understand that you own your own business in Miller's Creek,
Texas. What kind of business is it? Mara (smoothing her business skirt and
crossing her ankles in a very business-like manner): Yes. I own a real estate
company. I started the business when Ashton and I first moved to Miller's
Creek. Where
did you move from? Mara: The Dallas area. That
seems like quite a stretch--from a city like Dallas to a small town like
Miller's Creek. Mara: It is quite a bit different, but I knew
that Miller's Creek, because of its peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere, attracted
a lot of attention from people moving to the area. I also felt like it would be
a good place to raise my daughter Ashton. (She smiles at the youngest girl on
stage, who has big blue eyes and a smile bigger than...well, Texas!) Ashton,
how do you like living in Miller's Creek? Ashton (her eyes sparkling and her face radiant): It's fabulous. That's
where my mom met and fell in love with Carter, and where Chloe met and fell in
love with me. (The audience and characters all share a laugh.) Chloe (the pretty teen-ager sitting beside
Ashton elbows the little girl and winks): You got that right, squirt! And
Chloe, how do you like living in Miller's Creek? Chloe (her smile disappearing): At first it
was really hard. I struggled because I didn't really know my dad too well. Most
of my childhood, he was in either Iraq or Afghanistan serving our country. Also, it was a new place and I didn't
know anyone at school. That's hard for a teenager. (Her eyes glisten with
tears.) Carter (puts an arm around his daughter's
shoulder and hugs her close): But she handled it like a pro. Now she has lots
of friends in Miller's Creek and is the best cheerleader you've ever seen.
(They exchange a smile.) Carter,
tell us about yourself. Carter (places one ankle on the opposite
knee): As Chloe told you, I served in the military for several years. When we
first met Mara and Ashton I was on the Miller's Creek police force. Sounds like you enjoy that kind of work. Carter: In a sleepy place like Miller's
Creek? Hardly. Mara (begins laughing, a raucous laugh that
totally doesn't fit her polished business image): Carter, is...how shall I put
it? Well, let's just say that he lives for danger. (She pats him on the knee.) Miller's
Creek is about as dangerous as a baby kitten. Mara, how
has knowing Carter impacted you? (Now Carter chuckles.) Carter: Well, first of
all, I taught her how to have fun again. (He reaches over and squeezes Mara's
hand as they smile broadly at one another.) Mara: That would be true. And
what is his idea of fun? Mara (her smile disappearing and her tone
wry): Jumping out of airplanes and rappelling off cliffs. (My
eyebrows shoot upward.) And you did those things as well? Mara (her toothy grin back in place): Not
right away. It took a little convincing. Carter: Huh. More like a shove. (Ashton giggles.) Ashton,
do you find Carter to be funny? Ashton: All the time! If you ask me, he's the
best thing that ever happened to my mom. (She rolls her eyes knowingly.)
Totally necessary for her happiness, in my opinion. Mara: Watch it, prissy. (Mara faces me.) Back
to your question of how Carter and Chloe have impacted our lives. The most
important way in which they've made a difference is in being there for us and
never giving up hope. (Her eyes pool with tears as she turns their way, her voice
husky with emotion.) Ashton and I are very grateful. (Handing
Mara a tissue, which she takes and uses to gently wipe her eyes.) Can you be
more specific? Mara (suddenly cautious): While I'd love to
go in more detail, there's no telling what predicaments Cathy Bryant, the
author of our story, would make us go through if I gave away the storyline of
CROSSROADS. (She stands, and the other three stand with her.) Come on, let's
get out of here before we get in trouble. Carter (placing a protective arm around her
waist): Agreed. (The four make their way off-stage.) (Turning
to the audience.) Well, I guess that's the end of the interview. If you want to
find out more about these characters, I guess you'll have to read CROSSROADS,
the sixth stand-alone book in the Miller's Creek novels and a Christian
contemporary romance. Below you'll find a link where you can find out more
about the book. Thank you so much for joining us today!
To find out more about CROSSROADS and
its characters, please visit:
After checking out this interview, who is your favorite character and why? Who are you most intrigued with? Which character makes you most interested in reading this book?
Not only am I a foodie, but I married a
foodie. And as a self-confessed foodie, I see it as my responsibility to
tantalize my reader's taste buds with lots of food descriptions in the course
of the Miller's Creek novels. (In writer's lingo, it's called sensory detail.)
;) Anyway, I thought you might enjoy some of the
recipes that the characters in the latest stand-alone book CROSSROADS enjoy. Bon appetit!
Carter's Crab Dip
(Carter, the brawny soldier-turned-policeman
and hero of CROSSROADS, uncovers the heroine's penchant for seafood. He creates
this special seafood dip for a picnic lunch the two share.) INGREDIENTS:
1
8-oz. cream cheese and 1 3-oz. cream cheese, softened
1 T.
Worcestershire sauce
1 T.
lemon juice
2 T.
mayonnaise
1/2
small finely chopped white onion
garlic
powder and salt to taste
1/2
bottle of cocktail sauce on top (can substitute Tabasco sauce if you want the
heat)
1
7-oz. can of crab meat
fresh
or dried parsley
cocktail
crackers
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Blend the first six ingredients together well, and spread thin on a serving
dish.
2.
Spread the cocktail sauce on top as a sort of icing.
3.
Garnish with fresh or dried parsley.
4.
Chill in the refrigerator, and serve with cocktail crackers.
* * *
Mara's Roast Beef
(Mara, the bitter single mom, cynic, and
heroine from CROSSROADS, knows full well that Carter Callahan is a
meat-and-potatoes kinda guy. She fixes this meal when he and his daughter Chloe
come over for dinner.) INGREDIENTS:
1
(3-1/2- to 4-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
1/2
c. soy sauce
1
can beef broth
1
bay leaf
3 to
4 peppercorns
1 t.
dried and crushed rosemary
1 t.
dried thyme
1 t.
garlic powder
12
French sandwich rolls, split
Provolone
cheese
sautéed
onion (if desired)
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Place trimmed roast in a 5-quart slow cooker. Combine soy sauce and next six
ingredients; pour over roast. Add water to slow cooker until roast is almost
covered.
2.
Cook, covered, on LOW for 7 hours or until very tender. Remove roast and
reserve the broth for dipping, if desired. Shred roast with a fork.
3.
Can be eaten alone or with sandwich rolls. If eaten with rolls, place the roast
on the open-faced rolls, add sautéed onions (if desired), and Provolone cheese.
Place in your oven on high broil, until bread is toasty and cheese is bubbly.
Yield: 12 servings (or one hungry policeman).
* * *
Hope you enjoy these delightful delicacies
from Mara and Carter, the hero and heroine of CROSSROADS (a Miller's Creek
novel and Christian romance by Cathy Bryant). To find out more about the book,
please visit: http://www.CatBryant.com/Crossroads.
Tell us about
yourself.
I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, Nana, daughter, mini-farmer, andChristian writer. I enjoy just about
anything outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and gardening. I also
enjoy creative activities—home improvement projects, scrap-booking, painting,
composing, and of course, writing. I love to watch movies and read, though
since becoming a writer, I can’t stop analyzing what I’m watching and reading.
I’m a big reality TV fan, my favorites being Survivor and The Amazing Race–both
great material for analyzing human behavior for my books! In addition to
fiction, I also write Bible studies and devotionals.
Where do you write?
We currently live in the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New
Mexico, but will soon be making the move eastward to get closer to our family.
Our current home has an upstairs sleeping loft that has served as my writing
space. It’s one large open room with the best view in the entire house. My
writing desk is there, but I force myself to write in a corner facing a wall to
keep myself from being distracted. (It works most of the time…)
What are you
writingnow?
I just finished writingCrossroads, the sixth book
in the Miller’s Creek novels. The book tells the story of a bitter single mom
and atheist and the former soldier who battles for her soul. Her little girl’s
life-threatening illness forces her to re-think her beliefs of Carter
Callahan and his God. Will she return to Christian faith in the face of life’s
greatest challenge?
What inspired you to write CROSSROADS?All of the Miller’s Creek Novels
feature a spiritual theme that is relevant to me for different seasons in my
life. InTexas Roadsit was Christ being our home rather
than placing our security in a place or building.A Path Less Traveledwas about finding enough faith
to follow God even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. (Boy, has He used that
lesson in my life, and proven His faithfulness through it all!) The
Way of Gracewas my
spiritual journey of learning how perfectionist tendencies can be a real
hindrance to spiritual progress. The spiritual theme ofPilgrimage of Promisefollowed right along with my hubby and
I stepping out in faith in a bad economy and high unemployment rates to do what
we sensed God telling us to do, and the resulting joy and peace spurred on by
the Lord’s faithfulness.A
Bridge Unbrokenfollows
my own quest to be obedient to Christ in the matter of forgiveness. The
spiritual theme of Crossroads came from watching the
movie God’s Not Deadand
realizing that we all know someone who has defected from the faith. As
believers, we need to love them unconditionally, pray for them consistently,
and never give up in our efforts to lead them back to God.
What do you want readers to take away from this
book in particular?I
hope that readers will realize the importance of living out the faith we
profess. My prayer is that God will embolden us and make us ready to give a
defense for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15), so that we can win back
these prodigals from the faith.
Tell us how you come up with characters.The characters actually
introduce themselves to me. (I know, I know, they’re not real. I promise I’m
not certifiable…) After they make their appearance, I fill out extensive
character charts, including taking online personality tests for them! (Hmm,
maybe I am certifiable…) But no matter how much preparation I put into the
characters in the pre-writing process, they always reveal another facet of
their personality during the actual writing of the book.
Of all the characters you’ve created, which is your
favorite and why?
Without a doubt the answer would have to be Mama Beth, the wise woman/matriarch
of Miller’s Creek who makes an appearance in all the books. She’s
also the main character in the fourth book of the series,Pilgrimage of Promise. She is
everything I want to be when I grow up—wise, kind, and loving. Just so you
know, I’m not alone in choosing her as the favorite character. When I asked
this question to theMiller’s Creek Reader’s Group on Facebook,
the majority’s answer was Mama Beth, followed closely by Matt Tyler, the hero
from The Way of Grace.
Have the books received any special recognition
or awards?
I’ve been
blessed to have all the Miller’s Creek novels make the Amazon Kindle
Best-Sellers list. The first book Texas Roadswas an American Christian Fiction
Writers Genesis finalist. The fourth bookPilgrimage
of Promisewas reader-nominated
for the 2013 Grace Award.
What do you hope to accomplish through your
writing?I
want my writing to honor and glorify God. If only one person is touched and
moved closer to God as a result of my writing, then the hours of hard labor
(and numb backside!) are worth it. One early reader ofTexas Roads(the first book in the series) told me
the story brought healing to her life. I can think of no higher compliment.
In this sixth book of the Miller's Creek series, we meet Mara and Ashton. Mara is a bitter, cynical single mom who is looking to make a way for herself and her daughter, Ashton. Trying her best to make ends meet, Mara meets up with Carter, the town deputy, to show him some homes. Carter is looking for a place for him and his teenage daughter, Chloe. Like Mara, Carter is a single parent. However, he is generally an upbeat, positive person. At first, I really didn't like Mara, maybe because in some ways she reminds me of myself. It takes a lot of prayer, encouragement, and pure grit to get through to Mara that she is worth a life and the love of Christ.
While reading this book, I had many different emotions. One minute I find myself laughing at the antics of Chloe (especially since I've already raised two teenage girls and have another one plus a boy to go!), and the next weeping with Mara as she watches her baby girl fight leukemia. This was a definite page turner and I had a very hard time putting this book down once I got started on it.
A few notes: Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it is a stand alone book. I have read the first book in this series but somehow missed the other ones in between! I'll be fixing that soon! Also, I do have some differences in beliefs religiously than the author but overall, this is a good book. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something inspirational to read!
I did receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, which you have received here. Many thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
a Miller's Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance
A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal...
After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and
atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque
town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms
lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now
turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her
daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter
Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face
of life’s greatest challenge?
An ex-military operative struggles with the return to
civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a
house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do
with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock
begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as
he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his
efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?
Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian
fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense
novels take place in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, where folks are
friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. All the
Miller's Creek novels have been on the Amazon Best-Seller list and are rated at
4.5 stars or higher on Amazon. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW
Genesis finalist. Since then five other stand-alone novels have been added to
the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee
(PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE). Readers have compared her work to that of Karen Kingsbury
and Nicholas Sparks.
A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the
beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister
husband of over thirty years. She's written devotions for The Upper Room
devotional magazine, two devotional books in collaboration with other Christian
authors, and for online sites. She also has released a Bible study book, THE
FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift
store shopping, romping in the great outdoors, and mini-farming. To learn more
about Cathy and her books, visit her website at www.CatBryant.com or make
contact with her in these places:
By far, the question I receive most often when it comes to
writing fiction is: What's the story behind the story? In other words, people
want to know my motivation and inspiration for writing the book.
With CROSSROADS,
the sixth Miller's Creek novel and a Christian contemporary romance, the
original germ of an idea actually came as I watched the movie, God's Not Dead. The thought occurred to
me that each of us knows someone who has either defected from the faith or
altogether refuses to acknowledge the existence of God. It might be a friend,
co-worker, or even a family member.
All fiction writers are taught to ask the question, 'what
if?' So for me, my 'what if?' became this story question: What if an
ex-military man and Christian found himself involved in the life of a bitter
atheist and single mom who wanted nothing to do with his God?
Once that question was in place, other questions popped up.
What happened to the female lead in the story to make her antagonistic toward
the faith? What questions and arguments would she have? How would our
ex-military hero--a man who sees himself as a defender--go to battle in a
spiritual sense? What internal dilemma would he have to overcome to defend his
faith? And most importantly, what would it take to turn our heroine around?
In the book, I sought to explore this spiritual topic, not
just for the sake of the storyline, but also for each of us as believers. I
wanted to know how I could best handle the objections of those opposed to faith
in Christ. I wanted to be prepared to answer the tough questions these folks
often have. And I hoped in the process to also help others in their own defense
of the faith.
Some of the questions non-believers tend to have are: If God
is so good and loving, then why does He allow evil? If God cares about me, then
why have so many bad things happened to me? How do you know the Bible is true?
What if the people who wrote the Bible made it up? How do you know that Jesus
is really who He claims to be? What if He was just a delusional man with
dubious motivies?
Can you think of other tough questions often
levied at Christians by non-believers?
I've been confronted by all these questions at one time or
another, but suddenly it became personal for me. How did God want me to respond
to these people? What could I do to make a difference for Christ and His
Kingdom when it came to answering their questions? And how could I incorporate
all this in the story of CROSSROADS?
Here's what the process involved for me: I devoured my Bible
and books on apologetics to find answers for tough questions. I wrote the PROOF
blog post series about what I'd learned. Next, I turned some of these posts
into videos. And of course, I included it all in the storyline of the book.
As I wrote the story, a few things crystallized in my mind.
1) In the end, it all comes down to
faith, and that's a decision each person must make for themselves. While we can
hope and pray for others to turn to God, ultimately the decision is theirs.
Faith is something we can't force on others.
2) Based on 1 Peter 3:15, we need
to be prepared to answer the tough questions that come our way from those who
don't believe.
3) And above all, our response
should be one of unconditional love and persistent prayer. No one is a lost
cause or beyond the power of God.
I pray we'll all be prepared to give a defense to those who
ask about the reason for our hope.
Look for more posts on Cathy's new release as the week progresses!
Read what COTT voters had to say about Cathy Bryant's newest book!
Each one just gets better, Cathy Bryant!!
Cathy Bryant is a wonderful author. Her books have great characters and are filled with suspense and great spiritual depth. I just read A Bridge Unbroken and it didn't disappoint.
Cathy Bryant is fast becoming my very favorite author! Her books are so well written and keep me so engrossed in the story line, it is hard to put down. Definitely a winner!!
About the book:
Letting go to build a bridge...
Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. Her plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempts at forgiveness?
The question I get asked most often as an author is:
"What's the story behind this particular story?" For A Bridge Unbroken, a Christian romantic
suspense and the latest Miller's Creek novel,the inspiration came from three very specific areas.
1. Home Renovation
My hubby and I seem to have a penchant for buying
fixer-uppers. Usually I enjoy the process, but this time? Not so much.
We moved to the Santa Fe, New Mexico area in the spring of
2013 for my husband's work as a pastor of praise and worship. Since I'm a
country girl at heart and like to have my critters--in this case, chickens,
rabbits, and a 75-pound German Shepherd who thinks she's a Chihuahua--we found
a cabin in the lovely
Sangre de Cristo mountains. To keep it short, let me just
say that this house has been the fixer-upper of all fixer-uppers. While we've
accomplished the most difficult tasks, like kitchen and bathroom fixes, we
still have a long way to go. (You can see pics HERE.)
So when I took time off from the renovation to write A Bridge Unbroken, I knew a house
renovation would be part of the storyline. In the story the heroine, a
frightened runaway on the run from an abusive boyfriend, co-inherits her
late-grandfather's farm and dilapidated farmhouse with a man responsible for scars
on her heart. Unusual conditions are attached to the inheritance, and the two
must work together to renovate the farmhouse. (You can watch the book trailer HERE
and read a sample chapter HERE.)
2. Writing
I love to write--to plot out scenes, develop characters, and
wrangle with words until I find just the right one. I also love interacting
with reader friends. My career as a writer had hit an all-time high and my book
sales followed suit...
...until we moved to our remote mountain location where it
took us months to get internet service.
I made weekly trips to McDonald's to try to stay on top of
things, but it wasn't enough. I watched in dismay as my book sales plummeted.
To make matters worse, I had no time for writing because of the home
renovation.
It was a natural leap to make Dakota (the heroine of A Bridge Unbroken) a writer. I could
literally feel her angst at needing to keep her writing career afloat while
renovating a broken-down heap of a farmhouse. Yeah, that was easy to write.
3. Forgiveness
When I began praying about the spiritual theme of the story,
the answer that came immediately was forgiveness. Quite frankly, I wasn't
elated. I often struggle with forgiving others. I've always been very
sensitive, the kind who wears my heart on my sleeve. And anytime you leave your
heart on your sleeve for any length of time, someone will come along who thinks
it's their job to rip into it.
Then something interesting happened. Everywhere I looked I
found messages of forgiveness--a devotional magazine, my scripture reading for
the day, a social media post--they were everywhere! I delved into scripture,
quickly reminded of things I'd known since childhood, but had chosen to
overlook. Things like: forgiveness isn't an option or a suggestion, forgiveness
is an act of the will, forgiveness is an act of obedience, and more.
I realized during this process that much of the world's
teaching on forgiveness had crept into my belief system. And I wasn't alone!
Friends had many of the same ideas, none of which were anywhere in God's Word. Worldly
messages like: forgiveness is something you do for yourself, forgive and
forget, and forgive if...
I'm always amazed at how much the Lord teaches me through my
writing. Between penning A Bridge
Unbroken and its companion Bible study, The
Fragrance of Crushed Violets, God managed to get me back on track in
the matter of forgiveness.
So to answer the question of the story behind this story, it
all boils down to three things: home renovation, writing, and most importantly,
forgiveness.
* * *
Cathy Bryant is the author of the popular Miller’s
Creek Novels,set in the fictional back-roads
country town of Miller’s Creek, Texas…where folks are friendly, the iced tea is
sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons. Her passion is to tell
heart-stirring stories about God’s life-changing grace. A native Texan, Cathy
currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New
Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. When she’s not spinning
tales about the fine folks of Miller’s Creek, you can find her rummaging
through thrift stores, hiking through the wilderness, or up to her elbows in
yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she calls home. You
can find more about Cathy and her books at CatBryant.com.
Cathy also likes to interact with reader friends in the following places:
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Cathy Bryant for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Bryant is a proud member of FIRST and a country girl at heart. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis competition. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives with her husband in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist.
Visit the author's book website. Visit the author's website. Visit the author's blog.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99 Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: WordVessel Press (March 1, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 0984431101 ISBN-13: 978-0984431106
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One ~ Longing For Home
Dani’s blue Honda Civic lurched and sputtered, drawing her attention to the neon-orange needle on the gas gauge. Empty. A frustrated growl rushed from her throat as she maneuvered onto the tufts of new spring grass at the side of the country road, turned off the ignition, and leaned her head back against the seat, berating herself for her forgetfulness. She’d love to blame this on the fight with her mother, but it wouldn’t explain the hundreds of times she’d made similar mistakes. One more to add to her collection.
She rubbed the dull ache building between her eyes, and stared at her surroundings on this Texas back road. Why did she choose today, of all days, to visit her aunt, a woman she knew only from chatty letters and a brief phone call?
Escape.
She longed to escape. To disappear, to travel so far away that painful memories became yesterday’s ashes.
A stray tear wandered down her cheek and she banished it with a swipe. Today marked the one-year anniversary of Richard’s death. Death had robbed her—not only of her husband, but of her dream—and stamped her heart’s one desire with angry red letters: REQUEST DENIED. Thanks to the life insurance and the inheritance of her father’s company, a ridiculous sum of money now graced her bank account, but not enough to buy what couldn’t be purchased. A house, yes—but not a home.
Stop wallowing, Dani. She grabbed her cell phone and flipped it opened. No signal. Of course. She climbed from the car to scan the horizon. Nothing but tree-dotted pastures and a few cows. Breathing deep to quell the rush of panic, she closed her eyes and envisioned a sweet grandmother-type driving up to offer a ride. Her eyes fluttered open. Yeah, right. She wasn’t Cinderella. Godmothers didn’t exist. And Prince Charming? The biggest fairy tale of all.
Her marriage was proof.
Waiting to be rescued just squandered precious hours of daylight. She snatched her purse from the passenger seat, slammed the car door, and stamped toward Miller’s Creek. Like a scratched CD, Mother’s hurtful words from the earlier phone conversation replayed in her mind, and none of it made sense. Why did her mother oppose this visit to see Aunt Beth? And what had caused a rift the size of Texas between the two sisters?
A cramp commenced in her toes and inched into her feet. With a frown, she eyed her shoes. Heels weren’t exactly the footwear of choice for hiking country roads. Balancing her discount-store purse in the crook of her arm, she rifled through its contents, searching for the keys as she marched back to the car. A sudden realization forced her into a stilted run, and a strangled sound ripped from her throat. “Please, no!”
The keys dangled from the ignition, teasing her like chocolate candy behind a counter of glass. With a guttural groan, Dani tilted her face toward the cloud-darkened sky. “What do You have against me?”
The isolated countryside responded with silence.
On the continued trek toward Miller’s Creek, the hush enveloped her, the only sound an occasional bird’s song and the rhythmic thud of her heels against the pavement. So peaceful. So unlike the city’s unending drone. The bluebonnets and Indian Blankets of early spring painted the countryside, stretching beyond the barbed-wire fence into open fields, and the breeze tangled her hair. As she breathed in the fresh air, her shoulder muscles unknotted. Then a low rumble pulled her gaze to the clouded sky.
Heavy raindrops pelted Dani’s face and dotted her consignment shop designer jacket. Within minutes she was drenched, the metallic taste of make-up dribbling into her mouth. She kicked at a rock, self-pity seeping through her like the rain through her dry-clean-only suit.
With a shiver she hunched over and pulled the soggy jacket closer in an effort to get warm. Burning pain in her left little toe hinted at the formation of a blister, but she hobbled on, her thoughts on her aunt. Could Aunt Beth provide the sense of family she so desperately needed? She attempted to toss the question from her mind. One thing was for certain. Her drowned-rat-appearance would make a memorable first impression. Just not in a good way.
The faint roar of an engine sounded behind her and intensified. Finally. She turned to see an older model pickup top the hill, and waved her arms in an effort to make herself seen in the rain and approaching nightfall. The beat-up truck slowed to a stop and the window lowered.
Dani tried to swallow, but her throat clamped shut. This was no grandmother. With one finger, a dusty cowboy pushed up his sweat-stained hat, his other arm draped over the steering wheel. “Can I give you a ride, ma’am?”
Dani brushed the drippy hair from her eyes, resisting the urge to correct his grammar. The word was may, not can. “I…uh…r-ran out of gas.”
The cowboy smiled, his teeth white against his dirt-smudged face. “That’s not what I asked.”
With a glance in the direction of her car, Dani’s brain accelerated into high gear. “Actually, if you’d be so kind as to get me some gas—”
A soft chuckle resonated from him, and his eyes twinkled.
She hoisted her chin. How dare he laugh at her.
“Look, ma’am.” His picture-perfect smile disappeared behind the long line of his lips, his voice laced with impatience. “I know you’re concerned about accepting a ride with someone you don’t know. Can’t say I blame you. But by the time I get to town, get gas and get back out here, it’s going to be dark. Then you’ll have plenty of reason to be afraid.”
She raised a hand to her lips. What he said made sense, but could she trust him?
His mouth curled at the corners. “Coyotes are pretty bad in these parts. Sure wouldn’t want to be out here after dark. Especially alone.”
Coyotes? Dani yanked on the door handle and hoisted herself onto the grimy seat. After one breath in, she wrinkled her nose and sniffed. What was that smell? Eau de Sweat? She swiveled her head toward him and found his gaze trained on her, his face lined with suppressed laughter.
He needn’t be so amused. Dani fidgeted with the seat belt, and held it with one hand to keep it from riding across her nose. “I think someone up there must not like me.”
“What makes you say that?” He stared at her like she was mentally unbalanced and put the truck in gear.
“It’s just been a rough day. Like God has it in for me or something.”
He raised one brow. “I think God must love you a lot, or I wouldn’t have come home this way. Not many people use this road anymore.”
Dani drew in a sharp breath. Did God love her? She gave her wet head a shake, sending droplets of water to the worn seat. Yeah, right. No one could love her. Not even God.
Conversation lapsed as the rain continued its steady stream, thundering against the roof, yet unable to drown out the hum of the truck’s engine. What would’ve happened to her if he hadn’t driven by? The only coyote she’d seen were the ones in science videos at school. A surprising shudder scuttled down her spine, followed by a shiver that rattled her teeth.
The cowboy shifted her direction, his dark eyes focused on her ruined jacket. “You must be cold.”
Brilliant deduction, Sherlock. Were all small-town people as intelligent as him? “What clued you in? My dripping clothes or blue lips?”
He laughed out loud, a hearty sound that made her somehow feel better. “Feeling a little testy, huh?” His eyes sparkled with amusement.
She hung her head, half in shame and partly to conceal the smile that crept onto her face without permission. “Sorry.”
Dani started as he reached toward her, but relaxed when he pulled a brown suede leather jacket from behind the seat. “Here. This ought to warm you up.”
“Thanks.” She gripped the stained coat with two fingers, and examined it for signs of vermin. None she could see. “Looks…uh…nice and cozy.” She snuggled into its warmth and breathed in the light scent of men’s cologne.
Richard.
Dani closed her eyes, the unwelcome memories and emotions clawing their way through her insides. The feelings still took her by surprise, crawling into her consciousness at unexpected times. Had she not been a good enough wife? Is that why he’d betrayed her?
“By the way, I’m Steve Miller.” The stranger’s silky baritone interrupted her thoughts.
She opened her eyes to find his hand extended toward her. “Dani.” She clasped his hand. Not as rough as she expected for a cowboy.
“You really shouldn’t be on the back roads without enough fuel, you know.” The look he gave her was stern, but kind.
Dani swallowed the sarcastic reply that popped into her head, and instead sent him a pasted-on smile.
His gaze rested on her wedding band. “Your husband not able to come along?”
The irony of his question made her grimace. At least the ring had served its purpose. She shook her head and focused on the passing terrain, some fields completely covered in wildflowers. How many more miles?
He leaned forward and made eye contact. “Been to Miller’s Creek before?”
“Once when I was little, but I don’t remember much about it.”
“It’s a nice place.” His voice held a hint of pride. “Any family there?”
She slid a hand over her wet hair and cleared her throat. Time to change the subject. Let him enjoy the hot seat for a while. “An aunt. What about you? Have you lived in Miller’s Creek long?”
His eyebrow cocked into a furry question mark. “All my life.”
“No surprise there,” she muttered to herself. She glanced at his filthy blue jeans and tattered shirt. It had probably been that long since he’d taken a bath. Immediate guilt rained over her. Ease up, Dani. At least he offered you a ride.
“Excuse the way I look. We had a fence to mend today at the ranch.”
Heat built up steam under her cheeks, and she averted her eyes. Okay, he wasn’t supposed to hear that.
His expression held nothing but friendliness. “I might know your aunt. What’s her name?”
She rubbed fingers against her damp pants. Was it wise to divulge that information?
“Never mind.” Steve held up a hand, a thin layer of black showing beneath his nails. “I know you city folks have to be careful about stuff like that.”
What was it with his ability to read her mind? “City folks? You make it sound like a disease or something.” She hugged her arms to her chest. “Besides, how do you know I’m from the city?”
“’Cause people from around here don’t dress up in such fancy duds.” His dark eyes glinted and her nerves unraveled more.
“True. They wear cowboy hats and drive beat-up trucks.”
His throaty laughter reverberated in the cab. “Guess I had that coming.”
Once again her cheeks fired up. Resting her elbow on the door, Dani leaned her hot face against her fist and wished for a punching bag.
“Which city?”
She stared at the tattered pickup cab ceiling and drew in a breath. “Dallas.” If they didn’t get to Miller’s Creek soon she was going to blow.
“Should-a guessed that.” Steve’s face scrunched up. “How can you stand living in the city with all that noise and traffic?”
“I suppose the same way you live with stinky old cows and a lack of civilization.” Her voice rose in frustration.
Dani wished the blurted-out words back in her mouth. Too late.
She started to apologize, but Steve spoke before she could get a word out. “You in business for yourself, or you work for a corporation?”
Where’d he get that idea? “I’m an elementary school teacher.”
“Really?” His brows notched up and he snickered.
Irritation seeped through the cracks of her frazzled nerves like floodwater penetrating a leaky dam. She twisted her head to glare at him. “Is that so difficult to believe?”
A smirky smile snaked across the cowboy’s face. “Guess not. It’s just that Miller’s Creek teachers don’t dress up like you. They get down on the floor with their kids.”
The dam burst wide open. “Well now it’s my turn to be amazed. I didn’t know small towns like Miller’s Creek had schools.” Dani huffed out the words then yanked her head around to clamp a hand over her mouth. What was wrong with her today?
Broken only by the swish of the windshield wipers and the pit-pat of rain drops, the silence hung between them, thick and sultry. Suffocating. She let out a slow breath and ducked her head to study him from beneath her lashes. Steve faced forward, the dark hair at the nape of his neck curling upward, his stubbled jaw locked. Most of her friends would classify him as handsome, but she wasn’t looking for a man. Not ever again.
He began to whistle, a shrill sound that chafed against her raw nerve endings. She pressed a hand to her temple. How much farther could it be? “Is there a convenience store in Miller’s Creek by any chance?” She tried to infuse her tone with kindness.
His cinnamon eyes turned on her—dry hot winds that withered everything in their path. “Of course. Right next to the community outhouse.”
A nervous giggle escaped before she could stifle it, but Steve’s daggered glare brought it to a quick halt. After a few minutes she peeked at his face, now chiseled from granite. Way to go, Dani. She’d already offended one member of Miller’s Creek, and hadn’t even made it to the city limits.
The rain ceased as they pulled into town, and Dani sat up straighter at the sight of country cottages lining the street. Homey. A little tired, but nothing a fresh coat of paint couldn’t fix. Tree branches arched across the road to create a living canopy. The sun, sandwiched between cloud and earth, changed the leaf-clinging raindrops to diamonds.
And children. Everywhere she looked. They splashed in puddles and chased each other across spring green lawns, their shouts and laughter a symphony of careless joy. So Mayberry RFD.
The hunger for home haunted her, and a familiar ache settled over her heart like ancient dust. “Unbelievable.” Dani whispered the word and relaxed into the seat, then glanced at Steve, his face impassive. She tried to push aside the fear of never finding a home, but it clung to her with razor-sharp talons.
In one deft movement, Steve jerked the pickup into a parking lot and came to a whiplash stop. She avoided eye contact and allowed the sign above the door to capture her interest. B & B Hardware? Dani peered to her right where two lanes of gas pumps stood, and a smile wiggled onto her face. A hardware-store-slash-gas-station. Only in a small town.
She plucked a hundred-dollar bill from her purse and offered it to him. “I appreciate—”
“Keep it.” Steve spat out the words and leaned away, his mouth a taut slash.
Surely he needed the money. His ragged jeans and this rattletrap he drove suggested as much. Dani squeezed her eyebrows together. For whatever reason, he wasn’t about to take the money, so she stuffed the bill back in her wallet, shrugged off the coat and handed it to him.
“Thanks for the ride.” With a release of the door she lowered herself to the ground.
Without looking her direction the cowboy put the truck in reverse, barely allowing her time to shut the door. As he tore out of the parking lot, his rear wheels spewed gravel.
Dani sucked in air and blew it out in a gush. Thank goodness that was over. Now to call Aunt Beth and end this nightmare. She faced the store, her heart pounding like a child on the first day of school.
Dani has had a rough life and it's about to become even more difficult. Lies, secrets, deceit to the uttermost has Dani doubting about life in general. She's a lost soul with only one place left to go...Aunt Beth's. Little does she know that this decision will change her life forever!
I could not imagine having a mother like Dani has. Selfish, vain, controlling to the nth degree, and ungodly. Wow, that describes so many people in the world today! Dani is running away from her mom and the loss of her husband. She's never been around Aunt Beth much but feels comfortable with her and her advice. Is she ready to face the harsh words she's needed to hear all this time? Can she ever find love again? Can she make amends with her mother?
A combination of mystery, romance, and drama I highly recommend this quick read. I read it on a rainy Saturday morning and escaped to the Roads of Texas for the a great ride! Looking forward to the next book in this great series!
Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business potential, Miller's Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over. . .except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she's always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels her down a road she never expected to travel.
Cowboy mayor Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals threaten the renovation, he can't help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can he and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process, help Dani realize the true meaning of home?
A story rich with Texas traditions and values. It's as sweet as a piece of pie from a small-town diner. Full of interesting characters and heartbreaking secrets, Texas Roads is a good read. ~ Lenora Worth, author of Hometown Princess and The Perfect Gift
Cathy Bryant has done it! Texas Roads is a spell-binding tale that will grab you on page one and won’t turn you loose until you’ve read The End. Sadness and grief are superbly balanced with uplifting joy, and when you add this one to your Keepers Shelf, you’ll feel as though you’ve met spunky Dani Davis and handsome cowboy Steve Miller in person. If I were doling out stars, I’d give Cathy four for this one! ~ Loree Lough, author of 75 award-winning books, including Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska
A wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable love story. Cathy's folksy descriptions had me chuckling aloud and her plot twists rooting for the main characters through all their trials and emotional travails. It's a story that will touch your heart and make you long to live in the lovely Texas setting with the realistic and heroic characters that Cathy has created. Five stars and "two thumbs up! ~ Marlayne Giron, author of The Victor
Cathy Bryant spins a tale of dangerously romantic Texas cowboys and hurting school marms with twenty-first century panache. I could hear the twang all the way up in Wisconsin. ~ Lisa Lickel, author of Healing Grace and Meander Scar
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About the author: A Texas gal from birth, Cathy lives in a century-old Texas farmhouse with her husband, a phobia-ridden cat, and a garden full of flowers, butterflies and mosquitoes the size of your fist. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, is a 2009 ACFW Genesis contest finalist. Visit her website at www.CatBryant.com for more info.
Be sure to visit her blog, WordVessel, where she hosts weekly Christian author interviews, book reviews, and book giveaways, and sign up for her monthly newsletter, Heart For Home.
Mara: The Dallas area.
Ashton (her eyes sparkling and her face radiant): It's fabulous. That's
where my mom met and fell in love with Carter, and where Chloe met and fell in
love with me. (The audience and characters all share a laugh.)
Afghanistan serving our country. Also, it was a new place and I didn't
know anyone at school. That's hard for a teenager. (Her eyes glisten with
tears.)
Sounds like you enjoy that kind of work.
