Please Vote for A TOUCH OF TEXAS IRISH for the RONE award.

Here I am asking for votes AGAIN! 

I am elated that A TOUCH OF TEXAS IRISH is in the running for a RONE AWARD in the Historical Fiction section.  Voting on Historical Fiction began today and will continue through the 29th. Please go to http://www.indtale.com/

You must register to vote and verify your email address by clicking a verification link sent to your email address.

To locate the awards, go to the top right hand side of the page and click on IND'SCRIBE/RONES. Select RONES and then week two Historical Fiction.

"Aileen Lynch is devastated the day her mother dies of cancer. When the last will and testament is read, dark family secrets are revealed. Already stricken with grief, Aileen is shocked to learn of her father’s insurmountable gambling debts. Before she can be handed over in marriage to a sinister man her Da owes money to, Aileen flees Ireland for Boston, where she stays with the family of her Ma’s attorney. There she meets the handsome widower Dr. Samuel Walker, a visiting guest from Texas, who has lost his wife and baby in childbirth. He marries Aileen to get her out of the pickle she is in, and takes her to his home in west Texas. The town and culture is very different from Aileen’s Irish homeland, but she adapts beautifully. Once she meets Sam’s young son Tad, the two become fast friends.  Da and his dastardly debtor eventually find Aileen and do the unthinkable in an attempt to destroy Sam and Aileen. 

With several surprises and some suspense, this is a well-written page-turner.  There is the just right amount of angst as Sam fights his growing feelings for Aileen. It was refreshing to read the tastefully written, clean romance scenes. Would Sam and Aileen finally admit their love for each other? The author did a wonderful job with character development and description of life in the late 1800’s. A highly recommended five star read!"
 Layne Lancaster

Sometime this summer I have a new book, The Art Appraiser and The Lawman coming out. 

      "Good grief, Abby. You've been reading too many romance novels."

Abby Devry, a Fort Worth art appraiser meets Roark Espinoza, a Texas State Trooper at a party on a ranch in West Texas. Attraction is instant, but Abby hasn't had much experience with men, and she's worried he'll be hurt on the job. Roark knows what he wants in a woman and is determined to marry Abby, but wounds from a past relationship haunt him.

Hired to inventory and appraise items in a beautiful historical home in downtown Fort Worth, Abby is surprised to learn the owner is Roark's maternal grandmother, and he'll be there to help. As they work together, their relationship blooms. It isn't until they travel to the Espinoza family ranch that Abby learns to trust her heart and have faith that if Roark is hurt in the line of duty, she'll be woman enough to cope.

Thank you for stopping by and please vote!

Happy Reading and Writing,

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Thank you Again!

A Touch of Texas Irish also won Book of the Month at InD'tale Creme Da La Cover Contest. It wouldn't have been possible without your votes. So again...Thank you!

Here is a excerpt:

Fort Stockton, Texas

"Pa, Pa, please take me with you. I'll be good. I promise." Sam Walker managed to reach the buckboard dragging his five-year-old son, wrapped around his leg, along with each step. He tossed his travel bag into the back and reached down to pick up his son.

Tad's arms locked around Sam's throat, choking him. The little tadpole was strong for his age. Sam pried one arm loose and held it down so he could look him in the eye. "Now, son, you know I can't. I have meetings to attend, and who'd look after you during the day?"

The boy pushed out his lower lip, dropped his head, but cast his beautiful blue eyes up. They were so much like Jane's. Sam's heart wrenched every time Tad swung them his way, especially when wanting something. "I'm big, Pa. I can take care of myself."

Sam ruffled the boy's blond hair. "I know you are son, but the hotel won't allow it." He widened his eyes and feigned an expression of horror. "Why, they might put me in jail."

Tad's eyes rounded. "Really?"

"Well, I don't know for sure, but they could. That's what I'd do to a man if he left his little boy alone all day."

Tad released a heavy sigh and hung his head. "All right. I sure don't want you to get in trouble."

Sam chucked him on the chin. "Anyway, I need time to find a surprise for you in Boston. How could I shop with you underfoot?"

Tad's mouth gaped. "A...A surprise for...me?"

Sam swallowed his chuckle. "You are going to behave for Aunt Ruth, right?"

"Yes, sir. And I'll do my chores and take a bath, too."

Sam set him on his feet. "All right then. That settles it." He leaned down and whispered in Tad's ear. "I think Aunt Ruth needs a surprise too. Don't tell—."

Before he could finish, Tad was running and yelled, "Aunt Rufe, guess what?" Sam guffawed. So much for surprises. Ruth smiled and waved. Her pretty face held something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Was it sadness? Maybe, but he didn't think so. The woman had become a thorn in his side of late with her attempts to draw him into a romantic relationship. He stared at the young woman. All Sam wanted from a relationship at this point was friendship, and she'd begun to care for him beyond that. Though her strength kept him going after Jane and their infant died, when he returned, he needed to distance himself from her.

Thanks for reading!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Two professional reviews for A Touch of Texas Irish

I'm excited about these reviews from Night Own Reviews and Long and Short Reviews.

• 4½ Stars by Night Owl Reviews

• Author: Linda LaRoque
• Review by: Bemiown
• Genre: Romance
• Tags: 
  • * Rom: Historical
  • Western
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

"The pace is steady and it allows the reader to think about what the

 characters should do, according to the reader's thinking. That's 

what was so good about the book. You get to decide along the way,

what you think should happen and as you turn the pages, you find 

out if you're right. That place in your heart for Sam and Aileen 

gives an emotional air to the book. Grab a copy and find out what 

happens in Aileen's and Sam's marriage."

 by Long and Short Reviews
A Touch of Texas Irish by Linda LaRoque
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (217 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by Camellia

A death, a dreadful demand, and a deceptive departure took Aileen Lynch from her home in misty, green Ireland to the arid Fort Stockton area of Texas.

The reader is swept along with the emotional and physical turmoil of eighteen year old Aileen Lynch as she, with the help of the lawyer who controls her money, avoids marrying or being mistress to Brian MacAuley, the man her “Da” owes gambling debts to. She goes to America to stay with the lawyer’s relatives. Here she meets the widower Dr. Samuel Walker from Texas.

Her new life begins in what is to be a “marriage of convenience” to protect her and to give Walker’s young son Tad a mother. Good reading finding out how this works out. As Aileen works to win over Tad and to make a home that feels like it is hers, she has an adversary in Ruth, a relative of Samuel’s deceased wife, who had planned to be Samuel’s wife.

The gentle love story that threads its way through all the day to day activities is predictable but still a joy to read. The twists and turns of events and the shocking climax makes for “gotta finish this” kind of reading. There is a shocker that brackets the total story that stands out – if would be a spoiler if I told!

Linda La Roque’s smooth, straight-forward writing style is a pleasure to read. The research is thorough for the modes of travel in the late nineteenth century, for the attitudes of the people about the Irish, and many other details that make A Touch of Texas Irish seem real.

Enjoyable Reading!

Thanks for Reading. I hope you'll pick up a copy.

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

A TOUCH OF TEXAS IRISH is out! Visit me on GET LOST IN A BOOK

Hello Readers,

I'm thrilled to announce that A Touch of Texas Irish is now available in both print and ebook at The Wild Rose Press (it's on sale for $2.50) and Amazon.

Don't forget the contest for the James Avery bracelet. See previous blog posts for information.

Today I'm a guest on Get Lost in a Story. Hop on over. Aileen, my Irish heroine is answering the interview questions. Please join me where I'm giving away 5 digital copies of When the Ocotillo Bloom.

Blurb:

Heiress Aileen Lynch has just lost her mother to cancer, but her spendthrift stepfather insists she must cancel his gambling debts by marrying his disreputable associate. Fleeing Ireland with the help of her mother’s lawyer, she lands in Boston to stay with friends and is attracted to one of their visitors. Doctor Samuel Walker is in town to attend a medical conference. When he meets the lovely young Irishwoman he is quite taken with her and, at his colleague's entreaty, marries her and takes her home to Texas with him to keep her safe. Sam rationalizes that he doesn’t need a wife but he does need a mother for his son. While Aileen strives to earn Sam’s affection, he vows never to risk Aileen’s safety or his heart—he’ll not father a child and watch Aileen die in childbirth as his first wife did. And falling in love is not in his plans.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll pick up a copy of A Touch of Texas Irish and I'll be extremely grateful if you'd leave a an honest review when you finish.

Many thanks,

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Contest in Full Swing for a James Avery Charm Bracelet and Charm

Deadline for entering  is Friday, March 31, 2017. Winner must live in the US or Canada. If you live across the pond and win, you'll receive a bundle of five ebooks including A Touch of Texas Irish.




Grand prize is the charm bracelet. Secondary prizes are digital copies of A Touch of Texas Irish to 5 additional winners.

To enter, sign up for my newsletter (see form to right) OR email me linda@lindalaroque.com and ask to be enrolled/entered.

IF you already receive my newsletter, email me and ask to be entered in the contest, and I'll add you straight away.

I'm thrilled with this new book and hope readers like it as much as I enjoyed writing it. An Irish lass, fresh off the boat from Ireland, in far west Texas married to a retired military doctor determined to not love again.

Here's a short excerpt:

"Tad, would you like to give the blessing this morning?"

"Do I hav-ta?

"Yes, son, you do."

He folded his hands on the table and squeezed his eyes tight. "Thanks for Rosa's good cooking, Lord, and for my Pa and Aunt Ruth and...Aileen." He forced one eyelid up, stabbed Aileen with his stare, and expelled a deep sigh. "I don't want no step-mother...but since I gots one, I'll try to be nice. Please watch over my Ma and baby sister up there in heaven. And if you gots time, please send me a dog. Amen."

"Amen." Sam's rumbling voice drowned out the two women's. "That was very nice, Tad." His voice was steady, but he held in his laughter. "You're wanting a dog, huh?"

Tad wiped the milk mustache from his face with the sleeve of his shirt. "Yes, sir, Pa. I'm big enough to take care of one."

"Hmm, I'll give it some thought, " he said. "Aileen, your china looks right at home there on the sideboard."

"Ach, yes. I'm so pleased with it, I could bust."

A Touch of Texas Irish will be available on March 8, 2017. It is available for pre-order now. I hope you'll pick up a copy and leave me a short review when you finish. Your opinion means a great deal.

Don't forget to enter the contest and feel free to share this post with your friends.

Thanks for stopping by and happy ready and writing!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Contest for A Touch of Texas Irish—James Avery prize

A Touch of Texas Irish will be released on March 8, 2017. The ebook is available for preorder now on Amazon.

Details on how to win this beautiful bracelet and shamrock hearts charm will be posted soon.

I'll also be giving away 5 E-books.

Please watch my blog for details.


Heiress Aileen Lynch has just lost her mother to cancer, but her spendthrift stepfather insists she must cancel his gambling debts by marrying his disreputable associate. Fleeing Ireland with the help of her mother’s lawyer, she lands in Boston to stay with friends and is attracted to one of their visitors.

Doctor Samuel Walker is in town to attend a medical conference. When he meets the lovely young Irishwoman he is quite taken with her and, at his colleague's entreaty, marries her and takes her home to Texas with him to keep her safe. Sam rationalizes that he doesn’t need a wife but he does need a mother for his son.

While Aileen strives to earn Sam’s affection, he vows never to risk Aileen’s safety or his heart—he’ll not father a child and watch Aileen die in childbirth as his first wife did. And falling in love is not in his plans.

Thanks for reading!

Happy Reading and Writing,

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Coming in March—A Touch of Irish Texas

Heiress Aileen Lynch has just lost her mother to cancer, but her spendthrift stepfather insists she must cancel his gambling debts by marrying his disreputable associate. Fleeing Ireland with the help of her mother’s lawyer, she lands in Boston to stay with friends and is attracted to one of their visitors. Doctor Samuel Walker is in town to attend a medical conference. When he meets the lovely young Irishwoman he is quite taken with her and, at his colleague's entreaty, marries her and takes her home to Texas with him to keep her safe. Sam rationalizes that he doesn’t need a wife but he does need a mother for his son. While Aileen strives to earn Sam’s affection, he vows never to risk Aileen’s safety or his heart—he’ll not father a child and watch Aileen die in childbirth as his first wife did. And falling in love is not in his plans.

Stay tuned for a contest to celebrate the release of A Touch of Texas Irish. I'll be awarding one winner a James Avery charm bracelet with a shamrock charm.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com