Revisiting a fave place and cast

I’ve moved on and currently have a new book in the editing stage, a new book almost ready to release, and another book I’m writing. But I’m taking a little time to revisit and celebrate one of my faves! Today is the one-year publication anniversary of Sunset Ledge, a sweet later-in-life romance published by The Wild Rose Press.

It’s a stand-alone novel, but also a sequel to an earlier book, The Story Between Us. When I first wrote The Story Between Us, I hadn’t planned on a second novel, but the characters and the setting seemed to want more! And I have to say, I love these characters. It was fun to bring back a young boy who’d lost his parents and let readers see how he’d adjusted in his new life with his uncle as his dad. 

It was also fun to give the curmudgeonly grandpa from the first book his own story — to  dig deeper into his backstory and see if he could get unstuck and move to a better place. It just took the right woman to bring him back to life. 

Set on a fictional ranch in Texas, the landscape combines beautiful open fields with nature’s critters and stunning sunsets. It’s a place worthy of another visit! Happy anniversary to Jack, Caroline and all the cast of Sunset Ledge!

Darlene

Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone.

Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place.

Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.

Sunset Ledge is available at most online booksellers.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/sunset…/1145247176…

https://books.apple.com/us/book/sunset-ledge/id6497954022

Cheers to a book anniversary!

When I started writing the first Women of Whitfield book, I didn’t intend to write a series, but as I wrote, the secondary characters– the good friends–all seemed to deserve their own time in the spotlight.

Today is the publishing anniversary of book three, Barefoot Days. It’s Mary’s story. Mary is happily married to a great guy, with three grown children who are also part of the story.

I enjoyed writing this one. Mary started out as a side character, but readers kept saying how much they liked her. She’s a good person and friend–generous with her time, money and influence.  In Barefoot Days, she hits some unexpected bumps that affect not just her but her family:

–Mary Logan believes in the goodness of people. She believes in grace under pressure. But when the ugliness of human nature touches her family, and a series of seismic events shake up her world, she’s put to the test again and again.

She and her husband are supposed to be enjoying the benefits of early retirement. Their nest is empty. It’s time to travel and re-focus. It’s their time. Then an alarming diagnosis and an unexpected announcement from their daughter change everything. Facing the possibility of heart-wrenching loss, Mary finds herself breaking commitments, forcing smiles, and keeping secrets.

Until now, her cup has always been half full. Will a positive outlook be enough to withstand the challenges ahead?–

Can’t believe it’s been eight years. I’ve written several books since then. But Mary remains one of my favorite characters. If you like character-driven women’s fiction, I think you’ll like her, too!

Here’s what a couple of reader had to say:

–‘Barefoot Days’ is a lovely book! Warm, real, and deeply satisfying.–

–You’ll cheer, cry, and enjoy this journey where you’ll be reunited with these great friends (you met them in the first two books of this trilogy) who remind you of the important role our gal pals play in our lives. Bravo!–

–This author once again struck a chord with me. Compelling story line with characters I could relate to. All set in a town that felt like I could live there. The third in her Women of Whitfield series, but it stood alone. You won’t have to read the others in the series to enjoy this book, but you’ll want to!–

Cheers and Happy Anniversary to Mary and Grant and the cast of Barefoot Days!

Happy Reading!

Darlene

Barefoot Days is available in ebook and digital formats at most popular online booksellers.

 

 

A Review Roundup

Whew! It’s been a crazy, busy few weeks since the release of my newest book, “The Story Between Us.”  It’s a tense time for any author — watching sales and rankings and waiting for reviewers to render judgment. Reviews are slowly but surely coming in, and I’m happy to report they are looking good! 🙂  Here’s a peek:

A great book for this pandemic time period. You can lose yourself in this story and it will leave you with a smile. A well-written love story that even exposes the soulless nature of writing books for the Big Five. Recommended to every fan of Hallmark romances. This would make a must-watch Hallmark Channel movie. –N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

The Story Between BR

What I enjoyed about this story is the depth of the characters. . . I enjoyed watching Reed adjust, learn new skills he would need as a single parent, and realize that maybe there is more to life than becoming an executive in a large corporation. Overall a delightful book and we give this book 4 paws up.Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews

**

I bought this book and read it in one day. It is excellent. The plot and characters kept me interested and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. — Amazon reviewer

**

“The Story Between Us” is an utterly charming tale of life, loss, and finding love in unexpected places. — InD’Tale Magazine

Crowned heart TSBU

“Kristen Hanover is a winsome heroine and THE STORY BETWEEN US is a satisfying romance that will warm your heart and renew your belief in the hope of happy endings.” –Marie Bostwick, NYT and USAToday bestselling author of Hope on the Inside

Next time you enjoy a book, consider leaving a short review! Many retailers, including Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com, and some reader sites, such as BookBub and Goodreads, give you the option of leaving a review. You just might make someone’s day!

Happy reading to all!

Darlene

“The Story Between Us” is available in digital and paperback formats.

Amazon

BarnesandNoble

Apple

Kobo