#SaturdaySpotlight is on Angela Couch @AngelaKCouch & Heart of a Warrior!

Good Morning!

So far we've made it nearly half-way through Hurricane season without a lot to fear but this coming week may just be the end of what little peace we had. TWO storms, Lord, really?!

Alas, the spotlight must go on....

Today's guest is no stranger to our blog although it has been a while since she has been in our spotlight and shared thoughts & treasures with us so please welcome Angela Couch back with her brand new release, Heart of a Warrior...

The Man She Fears Is Her Only Chance For Survival . . .

All Christina Astle wants is to reach Oregon before her baby is born, but the wagon train is attacked, and her husband killed, stranding her in a mountain labyrinth. Raised in the East, within civilization's embrace, survival is not a skill she's learned. Neither is evading the lone warrior dogging her trail.

Disgusted by the greed and cruelty of men like his white father, Towan has turned to the simpler existence of his mother's tribal people. He is not prepared for the fiery woman who threatens to upturn his entire life ... and his heart.

Excerpt: 

Autumn 1859

Eyes clamped shut against the subsiding ache in her abdomen, Christina Astle sucked in cool mountain air. Pine saturated the breath and constricted her lungs like the corsets she’d happily given up only months earlier. Her hand stole across her extended stomach. What had she been thinking, agreeing to follow Anthony away from society, safety, and a house with four walls? What if they didn’t make it to Oregon in time? She refused to give birth with nothing but canvas overhead.

The wagon wheel dropped into another rut, and a gasp escaped her, drawing her husband’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I wish I could go slower, but we’re at least a mile behind them.” He glanced at the sun hovering above, then slipped the gold watch from his breast pocket and flipped it open. “It’s after three already.”

“I know…and I am fine.” Christina raised her chin a degree but refused to look at him and his perpetually concern-laden eyes. Anthony did everything within his power to keep her comfortable, stopping often, even when it meant trailing behind the rest of the wagon train. As long as they caught up by nightfall. Still, heat rose in her chest. They should have waited another year, or—better yet—never left Cincinnati in the first place.

The crack of a discharging rifle pierced the valley and deepened into echo. Then a scream, soft and haunting. More gun fire followed, ricocheting off the high mountain ridges.

The wagon lurched to a halt, and Christina grabbed for the seat. She stared ahead at the empty trail scarred with evidence of those who led the way. Horses. Cattle. Families with children. God, no!

The wagon jerked and rocked off the trail, reins slapping the backs of the mules.

Christina dug her fingertips into the raw wood. “What are you doing?”

“I’m taking it away from the trail. I’m not leaving you sitting in plain sight.”

“Leaving me? You can’t. We don’t know what’s going on.” Her head spun. “No, Anthony. Not with these mountains full of savages. Don’t you dare leave me here.”

The wagon tipped slightly then righted, dropped over the slope, and rolled into an aspen grove. White bark glimmered in the bright sun, and young saplings sprang back into place as the wheels passed over.

“There’s only one way to find out what’s happening. If they’re being attacked, they’ll need help.” Anthony lunged to the ground and unharnessed the mules, fastening them farther out of the way. All except the one trained to ride. Anthony left him near the wagon, heaving a saddle over his withers and forcing a heavy bit into his mouth.

Christina remained paralyzed on the seat. “Anthony…no. Don’t go.”

He said nothing as he loaded his revolver and strapped it to his thigh. With the Winchester tucked under his arm, he swung onto the back of the animal and twisted the reins through his fingers. “You’ll be safe here. Most likely it’s nothing.” He looked away, giving the mule an angry kick. The animal balked but lurched to a trot toward the trail.

“Anthony!”

He rotated in the saddle enough to meet her gaze and yanked back on the bit. His brown eyes studied her face, and his chest released a sigh. “Chris, I have to go. You know where the other rifle is, and the shells are under the seat if you have any need of them. I’ll be back soon.”

Christina sagged against the back of the wagon seat. The edge bit her spine. Hooves scraped the loose rock of mountain trail and faded with the distant gun fire.

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after four munchkins. www.angelakcouch@hotmil.com 

Get your copy of Heart of a Warrior at Pelican Book Group, Amazon and B&N.

THANKS for sharing in our spotlight, Angela. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your new release!

Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. 

Meanwhile, if you're anywhere in the path or potential path of these two storms, Take Care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Angela K Couch and Return of the King's Ranger

Good Morning Friends!

Although it's Fall and even beginning to be more like Winter in some parts of the US, we're still dealing with temps in the 90's here in SWLA. Looks like that might change next week. I'm more of a Summer girl than Winter but I'll tell you, I'm ready for cooler days LOL!

Today's guest, Angela K Couch is not new to our blog, although it has been a while since she shared treasures, thoughts and the spotlight. So please welcome her back with her latest release, Return of the King's Ranger, the final installment in her Hearts at War series.

The war for American freedom is over, and the British have gone back to England. Myles Cunningham wants to go home as well, not knowing what has become of his family since he was forced into the Continental Army nine years earlier. He returns to the Mohawk Valley with the understanding that he is believed to have been shot for deserting—fiction that might be made real if anyone recognizes him as the son of a Tory, and a King’s Ranger.

Everything is wonderful in the growing community along the Mohawk River, except Nora Reid is still alone. With her brother happily settled and both of her younger sisters starting families of their own, Nora feels the weight of her twenty-four years. A long walk leads her to the overgrown rubble of the Cunningham homestead where a bearded stranger begins to awaken feelings she’d lost hope of ever experiencing.

With secrets abounding—including whether Myles even cares for her—Nora must determine what she is ready to give up and how far she will go to secure his affections. She begins to break through his defenses, but Myles can’t risk staying. Not if he loves her.

Excerpt: 

Ash. Everything was gone. The barn. The cabin. Charred remains overgrown with grass and weeds. Myles Cunningham tugged the leather patch from his right eye so he could see properly. It was not like anyone would come upon him here, and even if they did, they’d know him by association to his childhood home if nothing else. The question was what they would do to him if recognized. The Continental Army had ordered his death, but the war was over. The British had gone home.
If only he could.

But nothing remained. Not Pa—he’d been killed in battle against the rebels residing in this valley. From what he’d been told, Mama was dead, too, along with little Miriam. Who could say that hadn’t also been Hannah’s and Samuel’s fate?

Myles kicked what remained of the fireplace, sending stones toppling…just like the war had done to his life. Except he wasn’t a stone. He didn’t know how to roll away, or how to remain solid and unmarred after being hurled. Instead, he was left raw and bleeding inside.

Myles backed away from the heaps of charcoal. He should never have returned to the Mohawk Valley. This place had rejected his family and sealed their fates.

“Let’s go.” He tugged on the reins of the old, half-blind gelding he’d traded the last of his wages for. Ugliest thing on four legs with one blue eye and a white blaze covering over half its head, but the nag had spared him a long walk. Maybe he’d go north again. There was plenty of territory along the Great Lakes he hadn’t yet searched.

Unless his siblings were not to be found.

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.

Keep up with Angela by visiting her Website or Facebook page and following her on twitter 

@AngelaKCouch

Return of the King's Ranger can be purchased at Amazon and B&N. Check Angela's Amazon Author Page for the rest of her Hearts at War series!

Wonderful excerpt Angela! Thanks for sharing our spotlight today. 

Drop by again folks for Wednesday Words with Friends and of course a brand new Saturday Spotlight each week!

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#TuesdayTreasures with Angela Couch

Good Morning Friends,

Today's guest is not new to our blog but it's been a while since she's  shared thoughts and visited our spotlight. I also found out she has not only a new book but a new baby! So please welcome Angela Couch back as she shares something she treasures with us.....

When I think of treasures, the first thing that comes to mind is my children. (Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward…. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. Psalm: 127)

Especially my baby boy, born almost six months ago, who finally came after two miscarriages. He wakes me up at night, loves being held during the day, and makes writing a challenge, but I couldn’t be happier. The smiles, the babbling, the tiny toes, and fingers grasping at everything fills each day with so much joy. It makes me sad how so much we see on social media (and media in general) only shares the woes of parenting. No wonder fewer and fewer young people are excited or even planning on becoming parents! But how much joy and satisfaction with life are they giving up?

I also have an 8, 6, and almost 4-year-old and can honestly say, even after years of being single and following my dreams, this is the happiest and most fulfilling time of my life.

Home and family is all my hero in The Tory’s Daughter is looking for. He has two young children, the youngest not quite a year old, and he feels everything is out of his control. He’s lost his wife, his sister is raising his children, and Loyalist raiders endanger his family. It’s easy to question whether the Lord has any interest in your life sometimes.

But He does.

Oh what a lovely treasure Angela, congrats on your sweet baby boy and new release!

Burying his wife is the hardest thing Joseph Garnet has ever done—until he's called to leave his young son and baby daughter to fight Iroquois raiders. When one of the marauders tries to steal his horse, the last thing he expects is to end up tussling with a female. The girl is wounded, leaving Joseph little choice but to haul her home to heal—an act that seems all too familiar. Though Joseph doesn't appear to remember her, Hannah Cunningham could never forget him. He rode with the mob that forced her two brothers into the Continental Army and drove her family from their home—all because of her father's loyalties to The Crown. After five years with her mother's tribe, the rebels and starvation have left her nothing but the driving need to find her brothers. Compelled by a secret he's held for far too long, Joseph agrees to help Hannah find what remains of her family. Though she begins to steal into his aching heart, he knows the truth will forever stand between them. Some things cannot be forgiven.

Bio: To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.

Find and follow Angela on her Website, Face Book,Twitter @AngelaKCouch and Good Reads.
The Tory's Daughter, along with Angela's other books, can be found at Amazon 

Thanks for visiting friends, I hope you'll drop by regularly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God Bless!
PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Angela K Couch & The Patriot & the Loyalist!

Good Morning Friends,

I'm a bit late posting today's spotlight and I apologize for that, but I'm sure you won't be disappointed in our guest.

Angela Couch shared thoughts with us last year and today we welcome her back with a brand new release from Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing!

Completing his three years in the Continental Army, Daniel Reid still has no desire to return home—not after losing the woman he loves to a British Captain—so he volunteers to ride south through enemy lines and deliver a message to Colonel Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. With his temper needing a release and a dark haired beauty finding her way into his broken heart, Daniel decides to join the Swamp Fox’s efforts against the British. Little does he know the British still have the upper hand.

Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When her brother-in-law won't grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love, hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…

Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.

Excerpt:

Lydia huffed and settled back into her seat. The New Englander sat there looking all too confident and sure of himself. Nothing she hated more than an arrogant man. Except perhaps an arrogant rebel—so certain breaking with England was the only way. They were instead destroying the colonies with this war and murdering good men. Like her father.

    She lifted a corner of the thick velvet curtains. Only two and a half blocks to go. She’d suspected Wilsby of his inclinations toward the rebels for a while now. The arrival of Daniel Reid seemed only to solidify both their guilt, and if she was wise, she could use them to her advantage. “We’ll be there soon.” Lydia dropped the folds of crimson curtain.

    “Regretful.”

    She met his gaze. “Why do you say that?”

    He shook his head and looked to his cane. “No reason.”

    “I do wish you would be more forthright, Mr. Reid, before our journey comes to an end. I can help you.”

    “How, exactly?”

    She gave him a knowing smile. “Before I incriminate myself, tell me truthfully that you are a Patriot.”

    He studied her for a full minute or more, the methodical plod of hooves and the squeak of the axels marking the passage of time. He sighed and raised his hand. “All right. Now tell me how you plan to assist me?”

    I knew it. She grinned and slid to the edge of her seat. “We have a British major billeted with us. And my sister’s husband is very loyal to the crown—an outspoken man. You would be surprised how often our table is laden with talk of military strategy and plans.” She tipped her head slightly to one side, feigning the look of innocence. The bait was laid for him. The question remained as to whether he would bite.

Sounds like a wonderful, Historical novel! If you've a mind to check it out, The Patriot & the Loyalist can be purchased directly from the publisher, at Barnes and Noble, and Amazon! Now let's find out a little more about Angela....

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing three munchkins.

You can connect with Angela at her website and on Facebook.

Well Friends, hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and another Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Special Guest Post by Angela Couch!

Good Morning Friends,

Today I'm happy to introduce you to a brand new (to me and our blog) author, Angela K Couch who will share some thoughts with us.....

I was twelve years old when a youth leader gave me a poem that has stayed with me for the past two decades. It spoke of a rose bud, no beauty, but full of potential. The last stanza brought that rose, or me, into bloom—radiant, lovely, and everything God had intended it to become. As I years pass and I experience more and more of this life, I see how many different types and colors of roses there are…and an equally vast number of growing conditions and seasons.

I am leaning how important it is to embrace who the Lord has made you and the season he has placed you in.  I love the quote by Henry David Thoreau when he talked about his desire “to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.” To do this we must find a way to appreciate all aspects of life. A friend once told me, “There are trials and pain, mostly physical pain, that are exclusive to this life, and someday we will look back and perhaps even treasure these hardships as a unique part of this mortal experience.”

So whatever you might be facing in life, it is my prayer we might be able to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude.” Don’t forget we are all roses. All beautiful. All God’s.

~ ~ ~

So true Angela! This reminds me of my devotional Love is a Rose in which I state...we are called to be roses in the jungle of life. (I LOVE Yellow Roses btw!)

Amazing....

Angela K Couch is an award-winning author for her short stories, and a semi-finalist in ACFW's Genesis Contest. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. Angela lives in Alberta, Canada with her "hero" and three munchkins.

Find and follow Angela on her Website, Face Book, Twitter @AngelaKCouch and Good Reads.

Her new book, Mail Order Revenge is available now at Amazon in Paperback and for Kindle!

I hope you enjoyed today's guest post as much as I did! Check back weekly for more Thursday Thoughts, Tuesday Treasures and Saturday Spotlights.

Until later.... Take care and God Bless.

PamT