NoWhat hobbies do Harlequin authors Cathy Gillen Thacker Patricia Davids enjoy doing over the summer?
Cathy Gillen Thacker: I like vegetable gardening. Making dinner on the barbecue grill. Walking my dog. Visiting the local farmer’s market or roadside stands. Spending time with family over the vacation months, when school is out and it is easier to get the extended group together. Sitting outside on warm starlit summer nights.
Patricia Davids: In the summer of 2015 my mother passed away and it quickly became clear that my elderly father couldn’t cope on his own. I made the decision to return home to the family farm located south and east of Abilene, Kansas and become a live-in caregiver. In doing so, I have had the joy of rediscovering the farm life I’d left behind more than forty years ago.
The farm is a working farm and cattle operation run by my youngest brother Gary and his son Kyle. They raise wheat, soybeans, milo and cane. Cane is grown primarily for our own use as cattle feed. Each year my brother and my dad purchase close to 500 head of young steers that are pastured over the summer in the Flint Hills and sold to feed lots in the early fall.
My father’s frail health keeps him off the tractors and out of the fields, but my brother regularly consults Dad on farming and cattle issues. When it became too much for Dad to attend cattle auctions in person, Gary showed us how to pull up the live auctions on the computer. I love him for his compassion. He makes Dad feel he is still an important part of the business he spent his life building. I know Gary could do it all and do it as well without Dad’s input but he is wise enough to listen to Dad’s advice before making his own decisions.
One thing I did not count on when I moved back home was the fact that everyone on the farm has to do their share of the work. I became a cook for harvest crews and delivered the meals to them in the fields. Eating lunch under the shade of a tree at the edge of a field of golden wheat is as much fun now as it was 45 years ago. I have hauled farm equipment, helped check the herds of cattle for sickness or injury, helped with range burning and even done my part at branding time although I don’t get to use the branding iron. I just prod the reluctant steers into the branding chute. A job that is sometimes much harder than it sounds.
Tasks that I did on horseback as a kid are now done from a four-wheeler, but I do get to spend a lot of time outdoors. I can’t believe how thankful I am for this opportunity to get to know my brother better and to take care of Dad. When the work is done, we all enjoy the same summer pastime. Fishing down at the creek.
You should see the size of the large-mouth bass and channel cats we’ve got in there
Title: Wanted: Texas Daddy by Cathy Gillen Thacker
Publisher: Harlequin Western Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 218 pages
Summary:
A SECRET BABY BARGAIN?
Small Texas towns always have their secrets. Fortunately, no one in Laramie knows about Sage Lockhart’s friends-with-benefits arrangement with hunky cowboy Nick Monroe. And now Sage wants something more from Nick—something that could change the very nature of their relationship. She wants to have his baby.
Nick’s always wanted to take things with Sage to the next level. Maybe this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind, but having a child with Sage is an adventure Nick can’t refuse. Of course, neither of them knew just how complicated things could get. With a baby on the way and all their careful plans unraveling, Sage and Nick must face the one secret they’ve been hiding from themselves…and from each other.
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Title: Their Pretend Amish Courtship by Patricia Davids
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 220 pages
Summary:
Make-Believe Beau
Fannie Erb isn’t looking for a husband—especially if she has to leave her beloved horses to go find one. What she needs is a way to assure her parents she’s not hopeless when it comes to love. Family friend Noah Bowman might just be her solution. A fake relationship will free them both from unwanted matchmaking plans. How could Fannie predict that pretending to date the handsome, teasing boy next door would awaken genuine emotions? By summer’s end they’ll be free to part, but Fannie’s growing feelings are transforming her neighbor into the only man who might ever rein in her adventurous heart.
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Title: In the Cowboy’s Arms by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Thunder Mountain Brotherhood Series Book Nine
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Special Edition
Genre: Contemporaty, Romance
Length: 219 pages
Summary:
Return to Thunder Mountain
Matt Forrest was born to be an actor, but grew up a cowboy. That’s why, when things go haywire after he shoots his first Hollywood movie, he retreats to Thunder Mountain Ranch. Because it’s home—where his parents and foster brothers can help Matt find what he really wants out of life. So when someone he wants follows him to Wyoming, things get very interesting!
PR agent Geena Lysander isn’t about to lose one of her best new clients—so she goes after him! And, yes, it’s complicated…because she is attracted to Matt, and not just for his movie-star looks. As she gets to know the man behind the cowboy, their professional relationship becomes passionately personal. Could Matt’s next big role be as Geena’s leading man?
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Giveaway
To enter today’s contest for all three PRINT books, fill out the form below. PLEASE NOTE: Contest is open to US mailing address ONLY. Contest ends 5 PM mountain time Wednesday June 28th.
CONTEST OVER
The books for this giveaway were generously provided by Meryl L. Moss Media Relations. MLM will mail the prize to the winner.