by Cheryl Pierson
a short story in
Wishing for a Cowboy
Prairie Rose Publications
RTW is pleased to host the authors of Wishing for a Cowboy, the debut offering of Prairie Rose Publications. It's available in ebook at Amazon and Smashwords, and in print at Amazon.
RTW's guest today is Cheryl Pierson. Cheryl is a native-born Oklahoman who writes award winning westerns and WHR novels and short stories. She is also co-owner of Prairie Rose Publications. She lives with her husband, Gary, and “granddog,” Embry, in Oklahoma City, OK.
Her story in Wishing for a Cowboy is Outlaw's Kiss — Can Talia resist the Outlaw's Kiss?
Talia Delano has been humiliated before the entire town of Rock Creek by Jake Morgan. A known gunman, Jake has bid an outrageous sum for Talia’s "boxed supper", a kiss, and the gift of her time for the rest of the Independence Day celebration. But, as always, Jake changes the rules and takes more than he should—especially with the whole town watching. Talia’s chance of happiness is dashed, along with her reputation, when Jake leaves Rock Creek suddenly. When he shows up five months later at her farmhouse, wounded, and in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, she can’t turn him away — even though she knows being along with him will cause tongues to wag once more. But with Christmas only two days away, how can she harden her heart against the handsome outlaw who has no place else to go—even if he is being trailed by someone just as dangerous? Magic and danger are woven together in the Outlaw's Kiss.
RTW: How did Jake Morgan and Talia Delano come to you? Were they fully formed, or were they stubborn about telling you their stories?
Cheryl: I actually wrote part of this story as a flash fiction piece — just one short scene of it. From there, the full blown story of their relationship evolved, and it just flowed. I knew Jake was going to be wounded — my heroes always are. (They all run for the hills when they find out they're going to be in one of my stories! LOL) Just wasn't sure what had happened to him at first. Then it all became very clear.
RTW: What is it about Christmas that lends itself to romance? How is Talia's recipe for Parker House dinner rolls incorporated into your story and is it a part of your own family lore?
Cheryl: Christmas is always a time of evaluating, I think, with the coming year approaching. For my characters in this story, it's a chance of a true Christmas miracle happening, and a time for them to look for their own happiness, for a change.
My mom used to make some wonderful rolls from scratch. I'm not sure that this is the exact recipe, but it's close. I still remember how good they were!
RTW: If you lived in Talia's house, how would you decorate it for Christmas?
Cheryl: Talia inherited her house from her parents who both passed away five years earlier. She lives there with her little brother, Michael, whom she has cared for since he was seven. They don't have a lot of money, but they do have a home that's nicer than most for the area. Talia is very resourceful, so she knows how to bring the inner glow of things out with simple decorations — and while she would love the beauty of the more elaborate candles and so on, she would never spend money on them. So if I were decorating her house, I would buy some fragrant candles and put up a good-size tree in the corner of the front room.
RTW: What other books do you have for our readers to enjoy?
Cheryl: Gabriel's Law is my latest novel, published through Western Trail Blazer. Here's the blurb for it:
When Brandon Gabriel is hired by the citizens of Spring Branch to hunt down the notorious Clayton Gang, he doesn't suspect a double-cross. When Allison Taylor rides into town for supplies, she doesn't expect to be sickened by the sight of a man being beaten to death by a mob. When Spring Branch's upstanding citizens gather round to see a murder, nobody expects to hear the click of a gun in the hands of an angel bent on justice. Life is full of surprises. Brandon and Allie reconnect instantly, though it's been ten years since their last encounter. She's protected him before. As Brandon recovers at Allie's ranch, the memories flood back, and his heart is lost to her. He also knows staying with her will ruin everything. She's made a life for herself and her son. She's respectable. She has plans – plans that don't include him. But could they?
Trouble is never far away, and someone else wants Allison Taylor and her ranch. Danger looms large when a fire is set and a friend is abducted. Allie and Brandon discover they are battling someone they never suspected; someone who will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who stands in his way. As Brandon faces down the man who threatens to steal everything from him, he realizes he is desperately in love with Allie and this new life they are making for themselves. Has Brandon finally found everything he's ever wanted only to lose it all? Can Brandon and Allie confront the past, face down their demons, and forge their dreams into a future?
[RTW Note: Cheryl has lots more books. For a complete listing, check her Amazon page.]
Talia Delano has been humiliated before the entire town of Rock Creek by Jake Morgan. A known gunman, Jake has bid an outrageous sum for Talia’s "boxed supper", a kiss, and the gift of her time for the rest of the Independence Day celebration. But, as always, Jake changes the rules and takes more than he should—especially with the whole town watching. Talia’s chance of happiness is dashed, along with her reputation, when Jake leaves Rock Creek suddenly. When he shows up five months later at her farmhouse, wounded, and in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, she can’t turn him away — even though she knows being along with him will cause tongues to wag once more. But with Christmas only two days away, how can she harden her heart against the handsome outlaw who has no place else to go—even if he is being trailed by someone just as dangerous? Magic and danger are woven together in the Outlaw's Kiss.
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| Cheryl Pierson |
Cheryl: I actually wrote part of this story as a flash fiction piece — just one short scene of it. From there, the full blown story of their relationship evolved, and it just flowed. I knew Jake was going to be wounded — my heroes always are. (They all run for the hills when they find out they're going to be in one of my stories! LOL) Just wasn't sure what had happened to him at first. Then it all became very clear.
RTW: What is it about Christmas that lends itself to romance? How is Talia's recipe for Parker House dinner rolls incorporated into your story and is it a part of your own family lore?
Cheryl: Christmas is always a time of evaluating, I think, with the coming year approaching. For my characters in this story, it's a chance of a true Christmas miracle happening, and a time for them to look for their own happiness, for a change.
My mom used to make some wonderful rolls from scratch. I'm not sure that this is the exact recipe, but it's close. I still remember how good they were!
RTW: If you lived in Talia's house, how would you decorate it for Christmas?
Cheryl: Talia inherited her house from her parents who both passed away five years earlier. She lives there with her little brother, Michael, whom she has cared for since he was seven. They don't have a lot of money, but they do have a home that's nicer than most for the area. Talia is very resourceful, so she knows how to bring the inner glow of things out with simple decorations — and while she would love the beauty of the more elaborate candles and so on, she would never spend money on them. So if I were decorating her house, I would buy some fragrant candles and put up a good-size tree in the corner of the front room.
RTW: What other books do you have for our readers to enjoy?
When Brandon Gabriel is hired by the citizens of Spring Branch to hunt down the notorious Clayton Gang, he doesn't suspect a double-cross. When Allison Taylor rides into town for supplies, she doesn't expect to be sickened by the sight of a man being beaten to death by a mob. When Spring Branch's upstanding citizens gather round to see a murder, nobody expects to hear the click of a gun in the hands of an angel bent on justice. Life is full of surprises. Brandon and Allie reconnect instantly, though it's been ten years since their last encounter. She's protected him before. As Brandon recovers at Allie's ranch, the memories flood back, and his heart is lost to her. He also knows staying with her will ruin everything. She's made a life for herself and her son. She's respectable. She has plans – plans that don't include him. But could they?
Trouble is never far away, and someone else wants Allison Taylor and her ranch. Danger looms large when a fire is set and a friend is abducted. Allie and Brandon discover they are battling someone they never suspected; someone who will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who stands in his way. As Brandon faces down the man who threatens to steal everything from him, he realizes he is desperately in love with Allie and this new life they are making for themselves. Has Brandon finally found everything he's ever wanted only to lose it all? Can Brandon and Allie confront the past, face down their demons, and forge their dreams into a future?
[RTW Note: Cheryl has lots more books. For a complete listing, check her Amazon page.]
♥ ♥ ♥
Cowboys, kisses, and love in the holiday air make for a special recipe in each of these wonderful new stories. Christmas miracles can happen when you're
A Christmas Miracle by Phyliss Miranda
Acceptance comes not through frosty eyes, but from the warmth of loving hearts.
Outlaw's Kiss by Cheryl Pierson
A long-ago schooldays crush is rekindled by an Outlaw's Kiss that sparks true love, and a new future for Jake Morgan and Talia Delano.
A Husband for Christmas by Sarah J. McNeal
A haunting night of horror and a wish for a new life.
Peaches by Kathleen Rice Adams
When a strong-willed schoolteacher invades an irascible rancher's Texas range, not even the spirit of Christmas may be able to prevent all-out war.
A Gift for Rhoda by Jacquie Rogers
A mail-order bride disaster!
Her Christmas Wish by Tracy Garrett
Her only wish for Christmas was the man who left her behind.
Covenant by Tanya Hanson
Can a Christmas blizzard ignite love gone cold?
Charlie's Pie by Livia J. Washburn
A wounded man, a desperate woman, a gang of ruthless outlaws... and the best pecan pie in Parker County!
8 comments:
I LOVE this story. I felt every second of those kisses. yum. Great job, Cheryl.
That was some kind of kiss! Loved the story, and great buns, too. Er, I mean Parker House Rolls.
Thank you, Tanya! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I would let him sleep on my couch anytime! LOL
Hugs,
Cheryl
Jacquie, thanks so much for having us all on over here. You are the "hostess with the moistest" for SURE. I don't know how you do it all. Yes...those buns...SIGH...I just wonder what happened once they tied the knot. Oh, never mind. I know...LOL
Cheryl
I loved this story, Cheryl. I particularly liked the resolution. I haven't tried the recipe for buns yet, but they sound awesome. I always enjoy your injured heroes.
Thank you, Sarah! I'm working on a new injured hero for our Hearts and Spurs anthology! LOL I was glad this story turned out like it did--they sure did need their happily ever after, didn't they?
Cheryl
Awesome, Cheryl.
Thank you, Charlene! I'm glad you came by today!
Cheryl
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