I wasn't going to write a Christmas story this year, because I simply didn't think I'd have time. I had worked all summer on Yellowstone Origins, then had to get Emma, Bride of Kentucky (the 15th book in the American Mail Order Brides Series) done before its deadline, and by then, it was already well into November.
My editor told me that I needed to take a break, and not even start a new book this year. I sort of agreed with her...for about a week. I had mentioned that I really wanted to write a Christmas novella that I had thought of last year, but I ran out of time then, too. A few days after she declared I needed to go on a break, she contacted me and said "you know, if you want to write that Christmas story, maybe you should do it."
So, I hit the keyboard, and, voila! the story that I wanted to write a year ago finally came to life. I loved bringing together the Walkers from the Teton Trilogy with the Osbornes and the Russells from the Yellowstone Series. The thought of, "what would happen if Lucas Walker ever got together with Chase Russell on an adventure," was too good to pass up. The possibilities were endless with those two!
The end result is a novella that was about 8,000 words longer than I had first anticipated (coming in at around 29,000 words), so that's good news for my readers. It was so much fun to write, and I hope you will love it, too!
So, here it is .... Teton Season of Joy (A Yellowstone and Teton Romance Series Crossover Christmas Novella!)
Blurb:
Lucas Walker's life couldn't be more different from a few years ago. Now married and expecting his first child, he wants nothing more than to provide a good home for his family. With Christmas coming, he sets off to find the perfect surprise for his wife.
As Tori Walker approaches the time for her baby to be born, she is comforted by the expert care that surrounds her. However, winter in the mountains can turn deadly at the blink of an eye. When her prankster husband fails to return from a short hunting trip, she doesn't know whether to be angry or worried.
Christmas is a time to reminisce and enjoy family time. Young or old, all who gather in the Walker home this holiday can share memories of falling in love, being saved from near death, and not being able to imagine life without each other. When Lucas and his companion are feared lost in the wilderness, this holiday season may well be remembered as the season of mishaps, rather than a season of joy.
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
“You’ll
probably want to stay out of the kitchen,” Joseph warned, coming up next to
him. “The women are baking pies and cookies, getting ready for a Christmas
feast in a few days, and us menfolk are under strict orders not to touch
anything unless they give permission.”
Lucas
grinned. “Well, then I’d better go check in on them and sample some of what
they’re cooking up.”
Joseph shook
his head with an indulgent smile. “Suit yourself. The kitchen is hostile
territory at the moment. You’re living dangerously if you go in there, but what
else is new.”
Lucas shrugged
off his brother’s words and followed his nose to the kitchen. He peered around the corner of the entry so he could survey
the scene without being noticed right away. Girls giggled and chattered loudly.
Must be Chase’s two youngest daughters, Hannah and Rebecca. His second-oldest,
Kara, had just married a few years ago, and lived with her husband in St. Louis,
as did his oldest, Emily.
“You know
I’d normally have your back, Lucas,” Chase called from somewhere behind him.
“Afraid we won’t be able to come rescue you if you get into trouble this time.
The opposition is much too fierce.”
Lucas
ignored his friend’s jab and let his eyes roam the room without walking in. It
was always best to get a feel for what he was up against before confronting an
adversary.
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OU6HfI
iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qx405E
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1XXB4JY
Peggy L
Henderson
Western
Historical and Time Travel Romance
“Where Adventure Awaits and Love is Timeless”
Award-Winning Author
of:
Yellowstone Romance
Series
Teton Romance Trilogy
Second Chances Time
Travel Romance Series
Blemished Brides
Western Historical Romance Series
I am so glad you did write this wonderful story! I love the series and this book just brought everyone all together for the holidays. The adventure with Lucas and Chase added excitement and laughter. Lucas was at it again. Great writing, fun read!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll get my Christmas story written next year. I missed out this year, but am determined in 2016! Congratulations on yours, Peggy.
ReplyDelete