Shannon here: Betty Woods will be my guest on Jan 25th. But I wanted to share how her book came to be. So pull up a chair and settle in. Comment or answer the question in this post or Betty’s on the 25th to enter the drawing for her debut Historical Romance, Love’s Twisting Trail. Deadline: Feb 5th, 11:59 pm central time.
In 2020, Scrivenings Press sponsored their first annual writing contest. The Novel Starts is for an unfinished manuscript and the Get Pubbed is for a complete novel with a grand prize of publication. During the course of the contest, I read all the entries, in a variety of genres. Even though I don’t read Historical Romance often, one stood out to me. Betty Woods’ Love’s Twisting Trail. It was well written, the characters were engaging, and the story kept me interested. Even though it wasn’t my usual genre.
In the end, Betty’s book won 2nd place. Once the contest dust settled, I requested the rest of her manuscript. The remaining pages were just as good as the first few I’d read in the contest. I recommended to my friend/the owner of Scrivenings that we should contract the book. A few tense days ensued as we waited for a response as we worried some other publisher might scoop it up. But they didn’t and the rest, as they say, is history. I dearly love being a small part of discovering new authors and helping their dreams come true.
Love’s Twisting Trail releases Jan 18th and is currently available on Amazon for preorder.
About the book – Love’s Twisting Trail: Stampedes, wild animals, and renegade Comanches make a cattle drive dangerous for any man. The risks multiply when Charlotte Grimes goes up the trail disguised as Charlie, a fourteen year-old boy. She promised her dying father she’d save their ranch after her brother, Tobias, mismanages their money. To keep her vow, she rides the trail with the brother she can’t trust.
David Shepherd needs one more successful drive to finish buying the ranch he’s prayed for. He partners with Tobias to travel safely through Indian Territory. David detests the hateful way Tobias treats his younger brother, Charlie. He could easily love the boy like the brother he’s always wanted. But what does he do when he discovers Charlie’s secret? What kind of woman would do what she’s done?
The trail takes an unexpected twist when Charlotte falls in love with David. She’s afraid to tell him of her deception. Such a God-fearing, honest gentleman is bound to despise the kind of woman who dares to wear a man’s trousers and venture on a cattle drive. Since her father left her half the ranch, she intends to continue working the land like any other man after she returns to Texas. David would never accept her as she is.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Preorder your copy now! Love’s Twisting Trail – Amazon
About Betty: I enjoy writing encouraging stories for a discouraging world. My husband and I share our house in Texas with a spoiled Chihuahua. I love reading first-person historical accounts, traipsing through museums, historical sites, or small towns for story ideas. Inspiration can strike at any moment. I got the idea for Charlotte to disguise herself as a young man from a true story I read. My favorite pastime is taking RV trips with our kids and grandkids, and sometimes the great-grands, too. Learn more & connect:
Betty’s Website Betty’s Facebook Betty’s Twitter
Question for Readers: Have you ever had the chance to make someone’s dream come true? Do you have a dream? Has it come true yet?
Come back Jan 25th when Betty is my guest!
In the meantime, come back Jan 14th for Stacy Simmons!
My brother gets make a wish to go to Hawaii and this year we should be able to go.My brother kept getting pancreatitis so he had to get a major surgery so he qualifies for make a wish.
That’s so cool, Kendra. I hope y’all have an amazing time and pray his health improves.
That’s so special. Hope he enjoys his trip.
Once upon a time there was a dream crusher who magically transformed to a granter of wishes! And my first fiction book comes out in March of 2022! So glad Betty ran into the same wonderful person!
I’m trying to get rid of my Dream Crusher title, Jenny 🙂
I had a dream of being a RN but just didn’t come about.
I’ve had things I wanted dearly, but didn’t happen. I’ve got a lot of why or why not questions for God when I get to heaven. But I do know He knows best.
I’m so glad to have you here today, Betty and I’m looking forward to your guest post on the 25th.
Thanks so much for letting me be here.
I thought I wanted to be a vet, Shelia. But when I learned vets have to put pets down, that was the end of my dream.
Hi Shannon & Betty! This book sounds so good! My dream was to become a published author. It was a long time coming, but the Lord is faithful and was kind and generous to allow that dream to come to fruition. Excited for you, Betty!
I’m so glad your dream came true, Cynthia. I totally understand that dream.
The book sounds great! I helped a co-worker know her grand baby was going to a good home. And a pastor and his wife who couldn’t have kids got to adopt a baby!
Wow! That’s wonderful.
That’s awesome, Linda. It’s such a good feeling to help other people. And in your case, you helped 3 people.
Working toward it 🙂
Don’t give up. Dream until your dream comes true.
Agreed Betty. Never give up, Natalya.
I dreamed of books. A library full of books to read whenever I wanted. Got that.
That’s a wonderful dream, Marilyn. I only have one bookcase where I keep my favorites I reread. Our house has a vaulted ceiling. I’ve always thought it would be fun to line the high part with book shelves and have one of those ladders with wheels to climb up there. Maybe someday.
I’m not sure whether I’ve made another person’s dreams come true, but I feel like God gave me the gift of a giving heart. I love finding gifts that are person for a specific person. Instead of a personal shopper I would love to be a personal gift guru. I love helping others find the perfect gift when they struggle to come up with ideas or just don’t have time.
This book sounds wonderful! I’m glad your dream came true!!!
That sounds like a wonderful gift, Rose. I try to find perfect gifts, but I often come up empty handed on the perfect thing.
I guess you could say that my dream was that if I ever got married, which I was reluctant to do since most of my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) had been divorced and I did not want to end up divorced.
My boyfriend of two months at the time is the one that pushed marriage, had the dates all picked out even for when I’d get my promise ring, engagement ring and when we’d get married. I guess he was right because 3 months later (5 months after we’d met) we got married and this May will be celebrating 51 years of marriage.
wfnren at aol dot com
That’s a great dream to have, Wendy. And I’m so happy about y’alls longevity.
The Lord set it on my heart to homeschool my kids. I have one left I am still homeschooling. She is currently in her second year of high school. Seeing her graduate will accomplish my dream.
Thanks for sharing. Betty’s a gem!
I have a winner! Rose Milligan won the drawing. I appreciate Betty for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.