Last year I received the second best call I’d ever gotten from my editor (the best call ever was my first contract offer)! She offered me the opportunity to be a part of a six author continuity. What’s that you ask? It’s a series of six books that are interlinked and their plots and stories build on each other. Each story is written by a different author. I immediately jumped at the chance only to discover that five out of the six authors involved in the continuity were bestsellers.
Guess which author was the odd man out?
To say I was intimidated to write this story is putting it mildly.
I was terrified. Not only was I writing a book in a series with five amazing authors, but my hero was a Texas Ranger. For my day job I’m an office worker at a law enforcement organization and have always stayed away from writing about lawman because of it. However, I immediately connected with Ranger Heath Grayson.
Heath’s father was a Texas Ranger who lost his life in the line of duty. Josie Markham is a pregnant widow. Her husband was a state trooper who also lost his life on the job. Because of their losses, neither are interested in getting involved in a relationship. But Heath’s investigation into the cold case of his father’s murder brings him directly into Josie’s path and the boys at the residential ranch run by the Lone Star Cowboy League will stop at nothing to make sure Josie and Heath end up together.
The Ranger’s Texas Proposal releases in November. It’s the second book in the Lone Star Cowboy League: Boys Ranch series, with a new book coming out every month October – March. It was difficult to decide what part to share, but I ended up landing on when our hero and heroine, Heath and Josie, first meet:
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Right when Heath was about to turn toward the cabin, he spotted a petite woman coming out of the barn struggling as she huffed and puffed behind a creaking wheelbarrow.
His long stride ate up the distance quickly. “Here. Let me help.”
The woman set down the handles, balanced the wheelbarrow in the soft earth near a grassless pen and swiped sweat from her forehead. One of her fingers poked through a hole in her worn-out work gloves. The nail polish on it was chipped, but purple. Her hair color fell somewhere between red and brown. She had it pulled up, but it must be long to make that gigantic bun on her head. He never understood how women were able to get it to look that way, all piled on top… Didn’t it hurt? Wasn’t that much hair heavy?
The woman—Josie Markham, according to Flint—set her hands on her hips and scowled at him as if Heath were a spider on her wall. “What can I do for you, Officer?” Her tone said she didn’t really want to do anything for him. Ever.
He raised his eyebrows.
She heaved a sigh. Her cheeks were flushed from exertion. She grabbed at the collar of the light green shirt she wore, fanning it to cool herself down. “White hat. Boots. White starched shirt. And that belt’s the type they only issue to Texas Rangers.” She gestured toward his holster. “I hope you weren’t trying to be undercover.”
“Good eye.” He extended his hand. She narrowed her gaze but shook it. “Heath Grayson. I’m a friend of Flint’s.”
In the space of a heartbeat, her hesitant expression vanished and was replaced by wide-eyed concern. “Did something else happen at the ranch?” Her lips parted to suck in air and her skin went paler than it was naturally a moment ago. Josie had one of those the rare types of faces that didn’t age—she’d look young forever. Even though she was probably nearing thirty, she could pass for eighteen.
She shifted from around the wheelbarrow. “What are we waiting for? If something’s wrong, let’s go.” She started toward her truck.
Once she moved away from the wheelbarrow, he saw her stomach. Pregnant. Very pregnant. That fact wasn’t a maybe or a possibly—it was a certainty. Flint had mentioned Josie was widowed, but he’d left out the little detail that she was with child. So, a recent widow.
Had she been in the barn alone…doing chores?
Heath imagined his sister Nell. She’d been married to a fireman a few years back. Bill. A loser. He’d cheated on Nell and left her alone, pregnant with their daughter, Carly. Even the reminder of the man caused Heath’s hands to bunch into fists. Heath had always wanted to march up to Bill and give him a piece of his mind, but Nell had forbidden any such nonsense. His younger sister was a strong, determined woman. The set of Josie’s chin hinted that she might have that in common with Nell.
“Let me help you with your chores,” Heath said.
Josie’s jaw dropped. “What about the boys ranch?”
“The ranch is fine.”
“Why didn’t you say so? You about gave me a heart attack.” She laid her hand on her chest and took a few deep breaths. Then her eyes skirted back up to capture his. “If the ranch is fine, why exactly are you here, then?”
She fanned her face and dragged in huge amounts of oxygen through her mouth as if she was having a hard time getting it into her lungs.
Now he’d done it. Gone and gotten a pregnant woman all worked up. Did he need to find her a chair? A drink of water? Rush her to the hospital? What a terrible feeling, being out of control. It was disconcerting. With his training as a Ranger and his years as a state trooper before that, he was far too used to knowing what to do in whatever situation he was placed in.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” He took hold of her elbow and steered her away from the barn, toward the cabin. She felt so small and breakable. There wasn’t much meat on her arm. “What do you need?”
“I’m fine. Just fine.” She laughed. “You should see your face, though.” She pointed up at him and covered her mouth, hiding her wide grin. Her warm brown eyes shone with mischief. “Now you look like you’re the one having a heart attack. Relax there, Officer. It was only a figure of speech.” Her laugh was a high sound, full of joy. Josie laughed with her whole self, without holding anything back.
Heath wanted to hear it again.
She even smelled nice—a mixture of sunshine from the outdoors and something sweet, almost like the scent that used to drift through his childhood home when his mom was making caramel chews.
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
Had she asked him something? Heath scratched his chin.
Josie crossed her arms, resting them on top of her protruding stomach. “So, then, Heath Grayson, Texas Ranger, what brings you to my ranch?”
He toed his boot into the parched earth. How on earth was this tiny woman making him feel as if he was the one under questioning, not the other way around? Off-kilter. That was the way to describe how he felt.
“Flint wants me to speak with you about the incident last night. About the calves.”
“Funny.” She inclined her head. “I didn’t take this for something that required the intervention of the Texas Rangers.”
“You’re right. This isn’t exactly official business.” He made finger quotes around the last two words. “I’m on vacation. Only doing Flint a favor.”
“Ah, so you’re a do-gooder, then? The married-to-the-job type. Poking around for petty criminals on your off time?” The tug of her lips let him know she was teasing him again.
Silence usually worked when he was locked in a room with his worst offenders. Perhaps the trick would get the firecracker that was Josie Markham to stay on track, as well. Heath locked his jaw out of habit.
“Okay. I see. That’s your confession look.” She pointed at his face. “That’s the stern one that gets the bad guys to give in. Fine. Be that way.” She pulled off her gloves and wiped her hands on the thighs of her jeans. “Well, let’s get it over with quickly, then. I’ve got a lot that needs to get done today.” She jutted her thumb over her shoulder, pointing at the barn.
Heath’s gaze traced back over the patched-together ranch. If Josie was all alone, she needed help. That should take precedence over an investigation about some loose cows. It wasn’t exactly like anyone was in immediate danger. Not from what Flint had shared.
Unlike the danger that had plagued the boys ranch fifteen years ago.
“How about I go ahead and help with your chores first?” Heath crossed his arms and widened his stance, ready for the fight he was sure this woman would put up. He’d spent enough time on his uncle’s ranch over the years, especially after his father’s death, that Heath knew his way around a barn and wasn’t shy when it came to manual labor. He was just as much at home mucking stables as he was on the shooting range.
Her lips pinched as if she’d bitten into something sour. “Absolutely not.”
No one could say he wasn’t a good judge of character.
“I insist.”
Josie blew out a long stream of air. “Listen, Officer Grayson—”
“Heath is just fine.” He took a half step closer.
“Heath, then.” She patted her hair. “I make it a point not to spend too much time around lawmen anymore.”
Anymore?
_______________________________
Since The Ranger’s Texas Proposal takes place during Thanksgiving, I’d love to hear about what you’re thankful for as well as what your family does for Thanksgiving. I’ll be giving away three copies of The Ranger’s Texas Proposal to people who comment today!
Wemble says
The book sounds good. I am thankful for my husband and two boys, great extended family, a job I enjoy, good books and for time spent outdoors exploring the vast country I live in. We had a Canadian guy working with us for a couple years, so we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with him once- he tried to make traditional thanksgiving dishes, but I’m not sure how well they worked…from the books I have read, there are loads of Thanksgiving dishes that are unfamiliar- candied yams being one of them!
Renate says
Thanksgiving is special to this German American immigrant and retired high school American Literature teacher. As American Lit teacher I enjoyed teaching early American literature of William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, and Jonathan Edward. Thanksgiving is a time for family gathering and tradition American food: turkey with giblet mushroom stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn & green beans, cranberry relish and pumpkin pie. My Great Uncle Otto and his wife Ella first introduced his niece, my mom and her family to this American holiday. Great Aunt Ella hosted the family dinners, then my mom, and now I do! Giblet Mushroom Stuffing was included in the Mom’s Family Recipe: A Blend of German & American Cuisine Cookbook, as a request of all three sons.
Jill Weatherholt says
Congratulations, Jessica! I enjoyed the excerpt and I’ll look forward to reading your book.
I’m thankful for my family and my continued good health.
Autumn Macarthur says
Intriguing excerpt, Jessica! As an Aussie now living in England, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. But I do make sure to thank God for at least three things every night before going to bed! The list varies, and some days it’s hard, but just that simple act can change my mood.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Congrats! That sounds great – I have a lot of Texas Rangers in my ancestry, so I’m intrigued (none modern, so don’t worry that I’ll be fact checking ;) )
I’m thankful for a husband who gets my need to write and indulges it and for my mom surviving her ovarian cancer for seven years, even though the chemo continues to be hard.
Beth Gillihan says
Great excerpt! I am thankful for my hubby and kids. We usually spend Thanksgiving with friends and eat way too much!
Jessica Keller says
Candied yams are DELICIOUS. Marshmallows on top of sweet potatoes … can’t go wrong with that level of sugar ;)
Jessica Keller says
That all sounds so yummy! And how wonderful that you’re carrying on the tradition of hosting. I’m the one who hosts the meal at my house too and I love doing it.
Jessica Keller says
Morning Jill!! There’s so much to be thankful for.
Jessica Keller says
What a great personal tradition you have every night! We do the same with our daughter when we put her to bed.
Jessica Keller says
That’s so cool that you have Rangers in your ancestry. To this day, most LEOs view them in awe so I was nervous when my editor asked me to write him. However, I’m hoping my 11+ years working in the realm of law enforcement lends some authenticity to my Texas Ranger. :)
Jessica Keller says
I think eating way-too-much is a requirement for a good Thanksgiving ;) Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I imagine you did great!
Michele Hayes says
Sounds like a great book and series. I’m thanking for my health and family, and this year I’ll be on a cruise ship over Thanksgiving, but normally our kids come visit for the day/weekend.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Congratulations on your upcoming release! I enjoyed the excerpt.
Priscila says
I really line this excerpt. If their first interaction is any clue about following ones, this book will be quite interesting.
As for thanksgiving, we usually have a big meal at church after service and bring offerings to give thanks (most people try to give from their land or if they do manual work like baking or knitting, they’ll make something really nice).
Katy C. says
That is an awesome church tradition!
Connie Brown says
This sounds so good. I too have spent time with law enforcement people. I can see Heath and the way he acts. It sounds like you don’t have to worry about being as good as your other writers as the exerpt got me wanting to go look for your book. Thankful for writers who keep me entertained.
cherylbbookblog says
Sounds like an excellent book. Thanksgiving we usually get together at my parents with the family. That evening we usually put up our tree. We always watch A Miracle on 34th Street on that day along with the parade.
Valerie Comer says
Sounds like a great connection between the two characters. :)
In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving the second Monday of October, which makes far more sense to me as a time to celebrate harvest bounty than the American dates. It’s more low-key and does NOT kick off a shopping frenzy, which I also appreciate.
In my family, we try to choose only foods we’ve grown or purchased from local gardeners/farmers, which means the jelly salads and candied yams don’t find their way to our table anymore. We live in an area with a long growing season and a wide variety of local foods, so it’s not that challenging to put together a great meal that celebrates God’s rich blessings to us.
Branalyn says
This sounds exciting!
We are Texans (so this really caught my eye! What Texan doesn’t revere the Rangers?) and usually, we visit my grandmother in South Texas for Thanksgiving and then Daddy would take each of us kids hunting. My husband and I went a few times after we were married but we’ve spent the last 4 years in West Texas and all 4 of them had something crazy going on (2 of those years had to do with our foster/adopt baby, so this story appeals to me there, too!) that precluded us making the trip. I’m looking forward to seeing if we continue the old tradition next year or start a new one since we’ve now moved back to central Texas. And that’s what I’m Thankful for, too. Our adoption is final. We have moved back near family. It doesn’t take 6 hours to drive to our closest relative anymore.
BUT this Thanksgiving, I already have plans. We will do dinner at my Mom’s and then a bunch of friends are coming over and we will be all-nighter binge watching the Gilmore Girls reboot! Because we have our priorities straight. ?
Karen Hadley says
I’m thankful for my husband. I enjoy books that build on each other with different authors. What a talent!
Katy C. says
The last couple years my family has come from Kansas to South Carolina to celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband and me. This year will be extra fun for everybody because my sister is a freshman in college so she won’t have seen our parents either, so it will be even more of a family reunion. =)
Margaret Nelson says
I don’t have time to list everything I’m thankful for :-) Today I’m especially thankful for family. I didn’t have any siblings until I was 11, but I have lots of cousins. Today the daughter of one of those cousins is getting married, so I get to see lots of family!
For Thanksgiving I get to be with family too – my aunt lives next door, so we’re usually with her, and some of her kids, and when we’re really fortunate, one of my nieces joins us with her family!
Esther Morehead says
This sample sounds like the start of an intriguing & entertaining romance.
Have you ever noticed that there are words that specifically describe just women? Have you ever heard a man described as “spunky” or “timid”? I haven’t.
Diana says
I enjoyed the excerpt! At thanksgiving I’m glad we can all be together. Our three kids and their families make it a point to meet at one of our locations. We decide where by who needs the most help or who is least able to travel. I’m thankful for health and the fact that our family counts it a priority to be together.
Jessica Keller says
Some of my family did a cruise over Thanksgiving a few years ago and they LOVED it! I hope you have so much fun.
Jessica Keller says
Thank you. I really, really loved writing this one.
Jessica Keller says
I agree with Katy, what a great church tradition!
And Heath and Josie definitely have some fun interactions. :)
Jessica Keller says
Thank you!! I was so terrified to write this one and now it just might be my favorite book out of all the Love Inspired books I’ve written.
Jessica Keller says
I’m such a Christmas fan too. We always put up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I love having it up as long as we can.
Jessica Keller says
Sounds great!
I’ll eat your portion of candied yams :)
Jessica Keller says
Congratulations on the adoption being final! I’m so happy for you. What a huge thing to celebrate.
And, girl, I’ll be binge watching Gilmore Girls too!!! I can’t wait. I have a day countdown and everything.
Jessica Keller says
Thanks for stopping by! The continuity was a lot of fun to write and work together on.
Jessica Keller says
That’ll be a really great time for all of you!
Jessica Keller says
I hope you have a great time at the wedding. Receptions are great for catching up with family and friends.
Jessica Keller says
There’s reasons for that. When writing you have to choose words that evoke certain images instantly without confusion so you lean on the accepted norms. If you say a guy was spunky a writer can risk confusing the reader or jolting them out of the story, which isn’t good. There are always times and opportunities to buck the norm, but by and large it’s important to stick to accepted norms with character descriptions.
Jessica Keller says
I love that you all are dedicated to meeting together and that you take those things into account. My family all lives within 30 minutes of each other so there isn’t much traveling involved, but I’ve always wondered how we’d do holidays if we all lived far away.
Branalyn says
Thank you. It’s been final since May and we are so excited for our first holiday season with no reporting where we are going or working around case workers’ priorities! But the Girls are seriously stealing Thanksgiving’s show this year.
Branalyn says
I’ve read “timid” for a guy. But it brings to mind a small, somewhat effimitnate guy. Like the Indian Agent in the movie McLintock. I know that’s an off the wall comparison but it’s the first thing that came to mind.
Jessica Keller says
EXACTLY! And that’s what authors have to think through when we choose words – reader/normal perception. We have to be aware of what the word will evoke – like how you did with timid!
Gail Estes Hollingsworth says
We are above excited and thankful. My Father-in-law, who’s 93 had a 95% blockage in his heart. Very risky procedure to fix it. We served with flying colors.
My husband and I like to go camping the week of Thanksgiving!
Gail Estes Hollingsworth says
He survived I mean!
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Kathleen Bylsma says
My daughter in law makes a divine sweet potato dish with apples and cranberries and a crumble on top! I love it and this from someone who usually eats her sweet potatoes plain!
Pauline Osborne says
I am an avid reader and this sounds like a good story to set down with. Thanksgiving is always a time to be thankful and I am thankful everyday that we have plenty to eat and monies for bills, I usually do a turkey with sweet potatoes and green beans and stuffing also with gravy. no company just family. thanks for sharing today.
Julie Jobe says
I’m thankful for my husband, 6 kiddos with one on the way :), our families, our friends, our church family, books, and chocolate among other things. :) Our family goes to visit my family and then on to visit my husband’s family on Thanksgiving. I love getting to see both families and spend time with them.
Winnie Thomas says
We usually get together with our kids and grandkids at Thanksgiving, plus sometimes some of my siblings. We have a great time together. My sister makes delicious pies, so she and her husband bring a bunch of different kinds of pies. We’re so thankful that we have a wonderful, close family.
Congrats on your new book. It sounds great!
Beth Erin says
Love your excerpt, Jessica!
We stay home on Thanksgiving day and cook together then join my husband’s extended family for a meal on Saturday.
Shelia Hall says
congrads! Sounds like a great book