Shannon here: Linda W. Yezak shares insight into her real life romance plus a chance to win a copy of her latest Contemporary Romance novella, Skydiving to Love. Comment for a downloadable card in winner’s choice of mobi or epub format. Deadline Oct 6th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Linda:
Mamas, Taxes, and Birthday Surprises by Linda W. Yezak:
Billy and I had been married three or four years when celebrating my birthday took a disturbing trend. The first time it happened, I had a hard time explaining it to Mom.
“So,” she said during one call in February, “what did you two do for your birthday?”
“We went to H&R Block.”
That didn’t go over too well. I quickly followed that announcement with, “He took me out to lunch, though.”
“Well, at least that’s something. What did you have?”
“A foot-long hotdog with chili, cheese, and onions, tater tots, and a chocolate-cherry Coke.”
“He took you to Sonic?!”
Even a dozen years after the fiasco of my first marriage, Mama had a tendency to be defensive of her little girl, who was now closer to her fortieth birthday—not that it matters to any mom what age her child is when it comes to perceived offenses. And celebrating my birthday with a ten-dollar, drive-through lunch was definitely an offense. How cheap can the man get?
I have to admit, at the time I was perplexed too. Between the two of us, Billy is the most romantic. The most sentimental. The one most likely to make a big deal out of a little thing like a birthday. Even today, I have to be reminded of when our anniversary is—sometime after Thanksgiving in the year nineteen-something-or-other. At least I know the month. So despite the fact that foot-long coneys are my favorite fast food, I was disappointed.
I don’t remember which birthday we were “celebrating”—I think my 38th, but don’t get me to lying—but I do remember it was on a Tuesday, because I went through the rest of the week in a funk. Although we’d been married a few years, the new hadn’t worn off, and I was still expecting something more extravagant.
Friday, he ordered me to pack a suitcase, without telling me why or where we were going. I had no idea what to pack, but judging by his grin and the sparkle of anticipation in his eyes, I tossed in a couple of negligées and a bottle of perfume guaranteed to drive him senseless. And my flannel nightie and a book.
Then, he drove us northward to Jefferson, one of the “ten most romantic towns in Texas,” according to Texas Highways magazine. We went along the quaint streets lined with adorable shops, museums, and restaurants, past the horse-drawn carriage and the turn-off to the riverboats, to a sweet B&B with an oak-shaded lawn and an inviting veranda.
That weekend, the flannel nightie stayed in the suitcase.
Billy and I have hunted wonderful bed-and-breakfasts ever since.
About Linda: Linda W. Yezak lives with her husband and their funky feline, PB, in a forest in deep East Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. She has a deep and abiding love for her Lord, her family, and salted caramel. And coffee—with a caramel creamer. Author of award-winning books and short stories, she didn’t begin writing professionally until she turned fifty. Taking on a new career every half century is a good thing. Learn more and connect:
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About the novella – Skydiving to Love: 
JoJo Merritt is a country veterinarian who has never jumped out of anything higher than a hayloft, much less an airplane. But thanks to her friends’ dare, now she must. What she discovers during her flight to the skydiving school in San Antonio is guaranteed to make her short vacation miserable: She is terrified of flying! How is she going to leap from a plane if she can’t stand being in one? Mitch O’Hara, her seat mate, keeps her distracted during the flight to San Antonio, but from there, she’s on her own. Or is she? If Mitch felt protective of the wide-eyed, white knuckled beauty during the flight, imagine how he’ll feel the next day, when he finds her at the skydiving school, fumbling with the zipper of her jumpsuit. By now, JoJo is certain of two things: she doesn’t want to fall from a plane, and she doesn’t want to fall for Mitch. She’ll be in San Antonio for only five days. Can Mitch convince her to take a leap?
Question for Readers: Where is your favorite B&B or getaway? Give me a description that would entice us to go.
Come back Sept 28th for Ada Brownell!
I love the Three Sister’s Inn that is in Baldwin City, Kansas. This is a B&B that is decorated with turn of the century antiques. They have a beautiful gazebo on their property that some have had weddings at I think. We have stayed there in the fall months and the breakfasts were wonderful….I especially still remember the pumpkin pancakes and a breakfast casserole. All the guests are served in the dining room as they awake and we have met some interesting people while there. The town has a wonderful arts and crafts festival that thousands of people (including my husband and I) go to in October. There is a University in the town that has a very beautiful campus including a chapel you can visit from England I believe. After a day of exploring the town it was great to go back and relax in the claw foot tub in our room.
That sounds like something I’d love! Thanks for sharing!
You are hilarious! I’m dying picturing this.
I have never been to a B&B. We always go to Gatlinburg and stay in a condo on the river.
I already have the book so do not enter me in the giveaway. I just had to comment on this after reading it.
We lost our place on the river when the owners sold and the new owners turned it into an in-law house. Miss it something awful!
In Branson, MO, we found a place right on Main St. In the old downtown area called The Branson Hotel. It was built in 1905, and refurbished around a hundred years later. Within walking distance of ice cream shops and wonderful breakfast diners. The themed room we stay in is called the Haven, and it looks like it got stuck in the Rat Pack days. Black and White with Crystal chandeliers. I will be looking for the right teacup to compliment this room the next time I go ☺ . Would love to win your book!
Oh I love that, Jenny! We stayed in one just outside Branson, so we woke up to a country setting every morning. It was pure heaven! But yours sounds great. I love historic places!
Good luck in the drawing!
I have a winner! Jennifer won the drawing. I appreciate Linda for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.