Friday, November 10, 2017

Cowboys and Christmas by Shanna Hatfield

Yesterday, I released the fifth book in my Rodeo Romance series. 

This story was really fun for me to write because the circumstances leading to the romance were a little out of the norm.

He certainly didn't ask Santa for a bride. . . 

Professional bull rider Chase Jarrett has the world on a string. The only blight in his idyllic existence is his nosy cousin’s nonstop nagging about his need for more publicity. Tired of listening to her suggestions, he gives her free rein when she hatches a plan to skyrocket his popularity. All he has to do is show up for a phony wedding in Las Vegas. Then Chase discovers the wedding was real, the surprise bride is beautiful, and his sponsors are demanding he remain married.

Shy and introverted, the last thing Jessie Pierce wants is to find herself in the spotlight. But thanks to a meddling so-called best friend, that’s exactly where she’s at. The promise of an all-expenses paid vacation to Las Vegas lures her on an adventure that ends with her unexpectedly married to a hunky bull rider who would draw her out of her shell if she’d let him.

A business proposal leaves the two of them committed to a year of marriage. How hard could it be to remain wed in name only? 

   

Chase is less than enthusiastic to go along with his cousin's plan:

“Explain this half-hatched scheme to me again,” he said, releasing a resigned sigh.

Ashley grinned and climbed up on the bumper, seating herself close to where Chase continued to lean on the tailgate. “It’s simple. We’ll run a contest from now until two weeks before the finals rodeo begins in December. Women will enter to become your bride. A winner will be selected and notified. We’ll have a mock ceremony with a limo and the whole works in Las Vegas.”

His gaze narrowed until his eyes looked like wary slits. “And the wedding wouldn’t be real. Just a fake ceremony?”

“That’s right. Just for fun. Women will go nuts to enter this contest. Even if it is only for a day, they’ll be beside themselves at the opportunity to be the bride of Chase Jarrett.” Ashley smiled at him in the way she had since they were kids, whenever she attempted to manipulate him into doing her bidding.

“And the winner would understand it is all pretend, that the whole bride thing would end before the rodeo started that evening. She would be clear on the point I’d most likely never see or speak to her again. Is that right?”

Ashley nodded. “Of course. I’ll personally vet the finalists so you don’t end up with a mentally unhinged stalker chick hunting you down.”

Chase ran a nervous hand across the back of his neck then removed his hat, giving the idea some thought before he looked to Ashley again. “You absolutely promise I will not have any grief, headaches, annoyances, or frustration from this? The winner will understand, beyond a reasonable doubt, that she gets one kiss at the phony ceremony and maybe one when we go our separate ways later. Nothing more. I don’t want some demented girl trying to rip my clothes off in the limo.”

***

I also enjoy writing books in this series because it ties in so well to an annual charity I support.


The release of Chasing Christmas also kicked off the 4th annual Read a Book, Help a Cowboy.

November 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period.

I decided to donate to JCCF after writing a the first book in the Rodeo Romance sweet romance series that centers around rodeo athletes. Now in the fourth year, the Cowboys and Christmas campaign generates funds through book sales made during the holiday season and raises awareness about JCCF.  For more details about the campaign or Hatfield’s books, please visit her website: http://tinyurl.com/readforcowboys



Yesterday was also fun because I announced a big project I've been working on for months... my very first children's book.

A few years ago, I held a contest and the winner could choose a name and an animal that I would include in a future story. The winner chose a mule named Steve. So I worked Steve into the sixth book in my Pendleton Petticoats series - Bertie. As soon as the book published, I began getting comments from readers about that crazy mule. I can’t tell you how many people have asked for Steve to have his own story.

In the spring, when yet another reader asked for more about Steve in a future story, I finally landed on the idea of giving the mule his own story… through a children’s book.

Captain Cavedweller and Lil’ Miss shared their thoughts and feedback as I started turning the idea into a story. It was quite a process, but I eventually connected with an incredible illustrator named Rob Foote. Rob brought Steve to life in the pages of this story. He even managed to include a little hidden quail on every page.

And next week, November 16, Steve The Mule will debut in his very own story.

The book will be available digitally as well as in print formats. If you’re looking for a fun Christmas gift for youngsters and the young at heart - this could be it!

For now, you can pre-order it on Amazon!

From the beloved Pendleton Petticoats series, Steve the Mule now has his own story!
Steve the Mule has an important job at his family’s ranch in 1910 Pendleton, Oregon.  Explore a day in his life as he keeps an eye on little Willa. When he discovers trouble brewing, Steve races off to save her. Will he make it in time?
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield and talented illustrator Rob Foote offer this lighthearted tale full of laughter and fun.


To thank you for stopping by the blog today, I encourage you to hop over to a drawing I'm sponsoring for a $50 Amazon Gift Card! All you have to do is fill out the form to enter. No purchase necessary!



And don't forget to sign up for our Sweet Romance Reads newsletter if you haven't already subscribed! 

***

After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky heroes.

When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
     
Newsletter:   http://tinyurl.com/shannasnewsletter     


8 comments:

  1. Shanna, You have so many awesome books and projects. Steve the Mule looks fun, and your Read a Book Help a Cowboy charity is thoughtful and generous. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Josie! I'm so excited about Steve the Mule. The illustrator is fantastic. And I love supporting the JCCF. Such a great organization.

      Delete
  2. Great topics--cowboys and Christmas. Steve the Mule is adorable!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're children's book looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Donna! I had so much fun working with the illustrator. Can't wait for the book to release! :)

      Delete