Good Morning! Let's Start A New Day With SUNSHINE'S WELCOME! From Kara O'Neal

 

I've got one of my absolute favs on today, gang! My Romance Gem buddy, Kara O'Neal! Kara created this charming little town called Pike's Run, Texas full of colorful characters and wonderful stories. SUNSHINE'S WELCOME is one of the last books in the series, which kind of freaked me out until I found out that Kara has started a Gamblers and Gunslingers Series, shoo!  So, without further ado, here's Kara to tell you about her latest release!

SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is on the shelves. Delilah’s story is done. And I’m awed.

 

I started writing the TEXAS BRIDES OF PIKE’S RUN series in 2000. The first book, WELCOME HOME, was published in 2013.

 

My Texas Brides series is almost done. Only one book left. I can’t fathom this.

 

And while SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is not the last story in the collection, it is the last that will take place in the past. We’re going to say goodbye to the characters that started Pike’s Run and the Swinging A.

 

My heart can’t take it.

 

While Delilah’s story is hers, it’s also everyone else’s. We go on a journey that recalls what came before her, those who shaped her, and made her Little-Bit, Dynamite, and now…Sunshine.

 

If you’ve been with us through the whole series, I hope you find SUNSHINE’S WELCOME as the proper goodbye to the past. You might want to read it with some tissues. (I sure needed to.)

 

 

Blurb ~

 

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1891

Delilah Davis has all she could want—a loving family and freedom to do as she pleases. Nothing has ever disrupted her world. That is, not until a tall, dark and stand-offish wrangler is hired to work on her family’s ranch. Killian Blake irritates Delilah’s sunshine life, and she’s determined to show him that she’s more than capable of handling herself.

 

Detective Killian Blake of the Pinkerton Agency must go undercover on the Swinging A ranch to solve a thirteen-year-old murder. Once hired, he expected to be dealing with cowboys. He hadn’t counted on investigating a family with bonds thicker than frozen molasses. And to make matters worse, there’s a beautiful, wild and headstrong female dogging his steps, and cracking the ice around his heart. The closer he gets to Delilah Davis, the more he wants to keep the family secrets. But fate has other ideas…

  

 

Excerpt ~

Killian Blake trotted down Main Street early Tuesday morning, looking straight ahead, senses alert and aware of his surroundings. A variety of shops stood on either side of the road, along with the Royal Hotel that rose two stories and had an upper balcony. The shingle for the sheriff’s office swung in the chill breeze. Not many people strolled the walks, the colder temperature keeping them inside where fires burned, as evidenced by the smoke wisping out of chimneys.

A quiet place. A small town. Not even on his map. But here he was, on assignment. Who knew for how long, but hopefully the stint allowed him to rest for a few weeks. After chasing Sasha Parker, The Debonair Kid, and his gang of train robbers across five states for six months, Killian was ready for a breather. Even if that reprieve put him back in the corral.

But he’d handle it. After eight years, it might be good to work with horses again. Of course, he still had to get the job with the Swinging A ranch. If he didn’t, Detective Irwin wouldn’t be happy.

It didn’t take long for Killian to reach the end of the line of stores, and he continued on, heading to the cattle ranch located two miles outside of town that was run by the Davis and Lonnigan families. Killian was on the hunt for a position as a wrangler.

The solitary ride out to the ranch allowed him the chance to survey his surroundings even more. He went past pasture and forests of pine before a homestead came into view on his left. A sign proclaiming “J. Lonnigan, Veterinarian” stood at the gate. A one-story cabin about fifty feet in length sat on a gentle rise, while a variety of stables, paddocks, pens and corrals were on the side and behind the dwelling. Someone worked with a mule in one of the paddocks, and children darted around, some carrying out chores while others played.

Though the last name was the same as the owners of the ranch, Killian didn’t stop. He had the advertisement for the needed wrangler folded in his shirt pocket. It indicated that more information could be found at Callahan’s in Pike’s Run, Texas. The bartender at the saloon had told Killian to whom he should apply— J.T. Davis, Kyle Lonnigan or Deacon Tolbert—and that their spread was two miles south of town on the right. It shouldn’t be much farther and once he arrived, he just had to be hired.

When the gate to the Swinging A appeared, black iron against a chill, blue sky, he turned his horse down a path with deep wagon ruts going under the arched entrance. To his right rose a three-story, grand Victorian home, while a dog-run cabin stood to his left. About two hundred yards of freshly plowed land separated the dwellings. Probably for cotton, he surmised.

He trotted toward the cabin as the bartender had directed him to do, but when he knocked on the kitchen door, no one answered. Frowning, Killian headed out of the dog-run and scanned the field. A barn had been a little behind the cabin. Perhaps the owner of the home was inside. Leaving his horse tethered to the hitching post outside the house, Killian walked toward the larger structure.

As he did so, movement in a tall oak grabbed his attention. He slowed his steps as bits of yellow peeked through the branches that, despite the season, still held leaves. Someone was up in the tree.

He moved closer, ducking down to try to get a better view of who sat on one of the higher branches. Petticoats peeked out beneath a yellow linen dress. Struck, Killian barked, “What the hell?”

A feminine squeak and gasp accompanied a crash.

The bright yellow bundle tumbled down, and Killian’s heart flew up into his throat. He shot forward, stretching out his arms, and caught her just in time. He stumbled under the blow but kept his feet, jostling her close against his chest.

Breathing heavily, his pulse beating wildly, he gazed into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Auburn hair framed an angelic face that blinked in astonishment. Her full lips parted as she clutched the front of his shirt with one hand and held tight to his shoulders with the other arm.

Oh…what the hell…

He’d just caught a beauty.

 

 

 Isn't she awesome! Now, here's where to run get your copy of SUNSHINE'S WELCOME, and then I'll tell you a bit more about Kara and where you can find her.

 

 

Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/49ka68

 

 

 

Bio~

Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She writes stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.

 

Where to Find Kara

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues

 

I'm Holding Out for a MR. PIERCE'S HERO! from #RomanceGems Author Kara O'Neal

Please welcome back one of my favorite authors, Kara O'Neal, with her newest release, MR. PIERCE'S HERO. She's brought along with her Mr. Pierce himself! Let's get to know him...

Tell me about yourself.

I’m a lawyer, which caused tension in my family. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, and I attended a medical college at fifteen, but I had reasons to quit that I’d rather not reveal as it’s too painful. I needed a law degree. At seventeen, I left the Medical School at the College of Philadelphia to attend Harvard. My father was furious, but I had plans to save my brother and no one was going to stop me.

 

What was your family like, and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents desired nothing more than power and status. We lived in Philadelphia and were quite wealthy. They had high expectations for me and made demands I eventually rebelled against. They were not kind parents, but because of my brother’s difficulties, I managed to learn compassion, which has made me the man I am. Hopefully, a good one, but I’m not always sure.

 

How did you meet Corinne?

I first saw her sitting on a platform next to the mayor as he made a speech to dedicate the new library. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I saw in her what I felt inside myself. The sense of being trapped, caged. I was immediately drawn to her. I didn’t get to meet her until she interrupted a gathering at a friend’s house. She ended up needing my advice at how to protect a secret she’d harbored for eleven years.

 

What do you like about Corinne?

Her bravery. She fights her foe with a firm grace that astounds me. She does what I was never able to do, and I’m amazed by her.

 

If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

I’d have a friendly spar in a boxing ring with my brother-in-law, then help Corinne in her garden.

 

 

Blurb ~

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1882


Corinne Taylor has a secret. And it must be protected. If her mother discovers what Corinne has been hiding, Hell will not describe the place in which she will find herself. Beulah, Corinne’s mother, has proclaimed herself “queen” of Pike’s Run, and no one crosses her, especially not her daughter.



And while Corinne does what she can to guard her secret, her best efforts aren’t enough. War comes to Pike’s Run and the Taylor household when Beulah learns of her daughter’s betrayal. The battle that ensues forces Corinne to seek help from a new arrival.



Jonathan Pierce, a successful lawyer, has come to Pike’s Run looking to find solace from his past. When Corinne asks for his support, her innocence and bravery call to the needs within his broken spirit, and he can’t turn her down. She is capturing his heart, but if she ever learns of his cowardice, she will reject him, killing any hope he has left of finding love.

Excerpt ~

Once Jonathan had crossed the bridge over the stream, he caught sight of a figure walking down the road, heading toward him and away from town. His senses came alive when he recognized Miss Taylor. He gritted his teeth and tried to foster indifference to her appearance.

She faltered in her steps when she saw him, but then picked up the pace. “Mr. Pierce,” she hailed.

Hadn’t he given her permission to call him Jonathan? He stopped in the road near a copse of maple and sprawling live oak and waited for her to reach him. Perhaps she didn’t remember that he’d asked her to use his given name. Until she did, he wouldn’t use hers. It was too intimate, and by the way his body reacted to her swaying hips and smooth complexion, he needed distance. “Afternoon, Miss Taylor.”

She halted five feet from him. Her gaze searched his face, scanned the area around them.

She looked confused. Or uncertain.

“Is something wrong?”

He saw her swallow, and the need to shield her and knock the teeth out of the person who dared upset her came over him. How anyone could torture this lovely creature escaped his reason. He took a deep breath and tried to rein in his fury on her behalf. Her fight was not his.

“My m-mother intends to use my garden tomorrow.” Her eyes went wide with fear.

Her gaze pleaded with him, but what did she want him to say? He’d already advised her on what to do. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t know how else to respond.

“I have to tell her she has no right to,” she rasped.

He inclined his head once, easily detecting the tremble in her, and he wanted to slay her dragon for her. He would have no problem telling the woman any interference would be considered trespassing, but…this was not his war.

Miss Taylor’s shoulders slumped, and she pressed two fingers into each temple. “I can do it. I can stand up to her.”

The words sounded like a litany she repeated to herself. They weren’t an assurance for him. “Of course, you can,” he offered, but he really had no idea of the stuff of which she was made.

She let out a slow breath then drew in another deeply. After a few moments, she lowered her arms to her sides and lifted her chin. “Would you like to see it?”

“Your roses?”

She nodded.

“Of course.”

Aware she gave him an opportunity only a handful of others had experienced, he didn’t dare turn down her offer. He should, though. In fact, he should be going on his way, putting distance between himself and a woman who tugged at his basic needs and protective side.

But instead of heeding good sense, he followed her. She headed into the lush trees to his right, and he lifted his brow in surprise. He’d stopped near the path that hid her handiwork? He hadn’t even realized it. Stunned with how well disguised the trail was, he checked his surroundings in case he needed to get his bearings on the walk back.

He had to duck under sprawling branches, and if he hadn’t had the owner leading him, he would have missed the footpath buried under fern and ivy. They wound among the trees, the forest thick enough that they had to walk single file.

When hedgerows appeared, she unlatched a gate and let him in. He hadn’t gone two steps before amazement struck him. He stopped in his tracks and stared at the beauty.

Was it acceptable to even breathe amidst this labor of love? The blooms were open to the five o’clock sun streaming in. The bright orange light danced off of shades of purple, pink and red. Yellow dazzled the eye, along with peach and white.

He felt a nudge at his elbow. He looked down, and the smile directed up at him put the flowers to shame.

“You can walk around. You won’t hurt them.”

The teasing glint in her eyes made his mouth tip up at the corners. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the luscious curve of her lips. Warmth spread through him, but he turned away, avoiding the lust curling inside. Instead of a reply, he went down the stone walk, allowing the glory of her handiwork to delight his eye.

He paused at different varieties, noting the shape of the petals or how they lay against each other. Their fragrance wafted around him, making him want to sit and soak up their loveliness. Which was odd.

When he reached the center, he turned and found her several paces behind him. She hadn’t said a word as he’d explored. He could only describe the expression on her face as one of pleasure. She seemed glad she’d shared her haven with him.

“You did all this?”

She nodded, a blush staining her cheeks.

Even standing amidst the evidence of her talent, modesty enveloped her. He couldn’t help the slight smile that formed. “It’s magnificent.”



Book Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/md7qay



Bio ~

Born and raised in Texas, I had to make the state the setting for my first series. From the food to the fun, like floating the rivers, it is the fire in my blood that inspires me. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress, and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and I fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

FIND KARA HERE:

Website – www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues



Thank you, Kara, and Mr. Pierce, for joining us today and sharing your stories!

TAKE A TRIP TO PIKE'S RUN WITH KARA O'NEAL

 

I have a very special guest today! My friend and fellow writer, Kara O'Neal! Kara and I have known each other quite a while and she is a delightful lady and a very talented writer. The people of Kara's Pike's Run Series are so warm and real, it's a treat whenever one of her books comes out and you get to return to that world! I highly recommend her! 

Since Kara stopped in, let's get to know her a little better. 

Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

I am the Academic Lead Teacher for the Special Education department at a middle school in Texas. I am involved with the quality of life for families, and my years with them have taught me so much about life and love and what matters most. This has helped my storytelling so much.

 

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am married to my hero. He is the perfect combination of Jim Halpert, Captain Steve Rogers and Mr. Darcy. We’ve been married for twenty-two years, and they have been wonderful. Sometimes painful. But wonderful. We have three children, and they are growing up and making their life decisions. It’s so amazing to watch them become the people they are meant to be. Truly, they are gifts from God.

 

If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be?

Ummm, probably “short stuff” or “tiny red”. (I’m five foot two and have red hair.)

What CD is in your CD player right now? Or what was the last song you listened to in your digital library?

I listen to Spotify, and I have many artists in my playlist. My absolute favorite is Curtis Grimes, and I just saw him in concert! For the first time! It was soooo great. The last song I played was “Sober Heart of Mine” by Flatland Cavalry. (Another favorite)

Name your favorite children's story.

Oh…this is gonna be hard. Either Rikki Tikki Tavi or pretty much anything by Shel Silverstein. Or Little House. Or Nancy Drew. (Ok. I didn’t answer that very well.)

I'm with you with the Little House and Nancy Drew! What was your nickname growing up or now?

“Red”.

Who was your hero when you were a child, and what did you do to be like them?

I had MANY role models growing up. My mom and dad definitely, but also a couple ladies who were like second mothers to me, Trish and Rhonda. They are kind and fun and faithful and strong and smart and giving. I do everything I can to be like them.

What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

Well, it’s probably Netflix. (I’m blushing. Isn’t that horrible?) I am a binger. My favorites are The Office, Once Upon A Time, Virgin River…ok…I’m going to stop now.

Good choices! What are your three favorite smells?

I love the smell of baking bread, the earth after it rains and Baby Magic baby wash.

 Okay, I think that's the first time I've gotten Baby Magic as an answer! :)

Tell us about one of your books.

The Sheriff’s Gift

Texas Brides of Pike’s Run Series, Book 2

Historical Romance

 

About:

The Sheriff’s Gift was a wonderful book to write. It allowed me to delve into the lives of the people in the town I was creating. Alice Parker, the heroine of the story, is the schoolteacher, and Conner Lonnigan, the hero, is the sheriff. They are highly involved in the lives of the townsfolk and are often called upon to help. Alice and Conner are strong-willed people with caring hearts and no-nonsense attitudes. Not only are they perfect for the town, they are perfect for each other.

The Sheriff’s Gift sets up several other books in the series. Many of the students, once they are old enough, end up with their own stories. It has been so much fun watching them grow and change and establish their futures. Writing is a joy, and I’m so glad I get to spend time with these wonderful characters!

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Sheriffs-Gift-Texas-Brides-Pikes-ebook/dp/B08CNFMZ41/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1TWSVIE338V04&dchild=1&keywords=kara+o%27neal&qid=1594413465&sprefix=kara+o%27neal%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble link: https://bit.ly/38juYvY

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-sheriff-s-gift-3

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1521104564

 

Blurb:

Strong-willed and independent, Alice Parker is certain she’s meant to be a school teacher. She accepts her first position in Pikes Run, ready to mold the minds of young children, but unprepared to deal with her attraction to Sheriff Conner Lonnigan. If the board finds out she’s tumbled into his embrace more than once, she would be fired.

Sheriff Conner Lonnigan is awed by Alice Parker. He falls for her almost immediately, but the demands at home forbid him from marrying. Conner’s duties as sheriff control his days, and his mother’s panic attacks control his nights. He doesn’t have the freedom to devote himself to Alice, but that can’t stop him from pursuing her anyway.

Alice and Conner fight their love for each other, but the wants of the heart become too much to ignore. As they battle the demands of their jobs, the couple finds that ultimate fulfillment can only be found in each other's arms.

 

 

Excerpt:

“What is it?” Alice asked.

He didn’t reply until she was outside. “I have somethin’ for you.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “I hope it isn’t another complaint from Beulah.”

He grinned down at her. “Nope.” He jerked his head in the direction of the yard. “Come on.”

She followed him into the yard and toward the barn. When they entered the building, the cows lowing and the horses swishing their tails, he stopped and pulled her into an empty stall.

They were alone except for the animals. This was what she’d tried to avoid, and here she was, despite her usual unflinching self-control, in the wrong situation. Though her heart exalted, her mind raced for ways to get this over with quickly.

He smiled down at her, his hand still at her elbow from when he’d pulled her over. “You look pretty today.”

“Only today?” she heard herself ask. Oh, dear! She was flirting.

He chuckled low and deep. “Every day. You’re always pretty.”

In her wildest dreams, she’d never thought to hear a man say such a thing. “What did you want to show me?”

He flushed beneath his confident smile. “A present. I ordered it for you.”

Alice’s heart stopped then sped like a locomotive. “Truly?” she whispered.

He nodded.

“But…but I didn’t get you anything,” she protested.

His smile turned soft, and her knees went to jelly. “Just havin’ you here is present enough.”

If he said anything else as tender and beautiful, she might faint from want of him. “Oh,” she murmured.

He gazed at her for a few moments more before reaching into his coat and pulling out a box wrapped in brown paper. He handed it to her.

Gingerly, she took it and unwrapped it slowly, wanting to savor the moment. Once the paper was gone, she sprung the latch on the box and lifted the lid. Her throat ached with emotion when she saw what sat in the velvet casing.

A small ceramic house, the rooftop covered in snow, stared up at her. It was beautiful. She ran a finger over its smoothness. “Thank you,” she rasped.

“There’s more.” He took it from her and lifted it out of its case. “It’s open in the back. You can put a candle here and since the windows are cut out, it’ll look like there’s—”

“Firelight,” she breathed. Awed and deeply touched, she gazed up at him. He’d remembered her memory of her mother and bought her a gift to commemorate the time. “Oh, Conner. How wonderful.”

He swallowed. “You like it?”

She closed her eyes in disbelief then opened them once more to look up into his handsome, dear face. “I adore it.”

And in that moment, everything she’d ever wanted changed forever. She loved Conner Lonnigan with all her heart. The emotion stampeded through her, causing her to tremble with its force. She couldn’t stop herself from rising up and taking his lips with hers.

 

Bio:

Born and raised in Texas, the state had to be the setting for my first series. From the food to the fun, like floating the rivers, it is the fire in my blood that inspires me. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress, and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and I fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. To get all my book news, sign up for my newsletter Love and Lone Stars!

 

Social Media:

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues