Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author June Faver to HJ!
Hi June and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Best Cowboy Christmas Ever!
Please summarize the book for the readers here:
Sheriff Derrick Shelton meets the long lost daughter of one of the wealthy area ranchers. Genie Guillory is a woman on the run who leaves New Orleans to find her birth father in north Texas ranch country just before Christmas. He offers a safe haven for her and her young daughter. She is desperate to escape a dangerous man, but when her nemesis comes after her, Derrick and her newly discovered family circle the wagons to protect her. .
Please share a few Fun facts about this book…
- In this book, I got to combine elements from two of my favorite places: New Orleans, Louisiana and Texas ranch country. I hope you enjoy them as well.
- The north Texas ranch land is completely flat and the highways are straight as a yardstick.
- Small towns are wonderful places to grow characters because people get to know each other on a far deeper level. I lived in the Houston area and only got to know one next door neighbor well. I would speak to the man who lived on the other side when he brought his dog out on a leash, but he never responded or acknowledged me in any way.
If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would you use for the audition of the main characters and why?
Big Jim showed the woman into the room his beloved and deceased wife, Elizabeth, had called the ‘parlor’. He wasn’t sure what that was supposed to be, but he kept it neat in her honor.
The parlor was a cheery room, with framed family pictures and chintz fabric on the settee. Big Jim had not had the heart to change a thing since Elizabeth had passed on. Even the sheet music on her piano remained as she had left it.
Big Jim gestured for the woman to be seated before he took the nearest chair. Tyler lounged against the door frame, his arms folded across his broad chest.
The child was bundled up in a one piece quilted outfit with zippers. Big Jim let the hood fall back and was staring into the child’s eyes—eyes everyone around the Langston area called Garrett blue. These were the same kind of blue eyes his three sons had inherited from him. And most of the cousins had the same familial characteristic. Unusual turquoise blue eyes with a darker ring around the edge.
Garrett Blue.
Leah entered the room, smiling. “I thought I heard some voices up here. Do we have company?”
Tyler put his arm around her shoulder. “Apparently.”
Big Jim was staring at the young woman. “I didn’t catch your name.”
She cleared her throat. “My name is Eugenie Guillory and you’re holding my daughter Angelique.”
Big Jim’s brows furrowed. “Guillory? I knew someone with that name a long time ago.” He recalled one of his first girlfriends, the beautiful Sofie Guillory.
“Yes, you did.” The color in Eugenie’s cheeks heightened. “I believe you’re my father.”
What do you want people to take away from reading this book?
The take away is that family is what you make it. Not everyone is blessed to be born into a wonderful family. Sometimes your family may not be blood related, but can be just as close and supportive.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: A paperback copy of The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever by June Faver
To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Do you believe that opposites attract? If so, is this the basis for a solid long-term relationship?
Excerpt from Best Cowboy Christmas Ever:
“Hi, Genie,” Derrick said softly. “You look…amazing.”
Everyone was grinning at her, so Genie thought she must pass muster. “I’m ready, if everyone else is. What time does this thing start, anyway?”
Big Jim let out a loud guffaw. “This ‘thing’ is ongoing. The Eagles serve great burgers and other refreshments. They close the kitchen about seven thirty and the band tunes up at eight.”
Derrick reached out to take her arm. “You’ll have a good time, Genie. I promise.”
They all bundled up and climbed into their various vehicles.
Genie and Angelique rode with Derrick and they got to chat along the way. Derrick told her about growing up on a ranch and Genie gave very little information about her past life in New Orleans. It was best that way.
Maybe if she could get through this one, she might believe in all this jolly stuff.
But somehow, seeing her precious daughter clinging to the neck of this gentle giant gave her hope. Since they were fairly early, Derrick found a parking place close to the entrance. He climbed out and trudged through the snow to open the passenger door for Genie. She stepped down into his arms, realizing she was standing way too close to a man who was gazing at her like she was the last cookie in the tin.
“We better get Angel out of her car seat,” she said.
Derrick gazed down at her, his expression combustible. “Sure.”
Genie flashed a smile and slipped her arms around his neck. “Oh, just kiss me before we both freeze.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Derrick drew her closer and brushed his lips against hers. His kiss started out gentle but deepened.
It had been a long time since she had been kissed, especially by someone who made her toes curl up in her borrowed boots.
When he drew away, Genie realized the tempo she heard was her own heart trying to beat its way out of her chest.
Derrick gazed at her and tipped his hat, before going to remove Angelique from her car seat. He carried the little girl and reached to take Genie’s gloved hand. “Let’s get you ladies warmed up.”
Genie couldn’t imagine how much warmer she might be without exploding. And yet, when she saw her daughter with her arms around Derrick’ neck, her heart warmed even more.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Book Info:
Enjoy a down-home Texas cowboy Christmas!
When handsome town sheriff Derrick Shelton meets Angelique Guillory and her young daughter at the Garrett ranch, he is immediately drawn to the woman who seems to desperately need a true family Christmas. Determined to erase the shadows from her eyes, he decides to give her the best holiday she’s ever had.
Angelique Guillory is a woman with a past, haunted by violence and searching for the family she nev-er knew. When she and her little daughter find their way to the Garrett family and meet Derrick, she hopes to have finally found a safe haven.
But Angelique is still looking over her shoulder. Despite her doubts, with a little Christmas magic and the warmth of the Garretts, Angelique may find more love and acceptance than she ever thought possible.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |
Meet the Author:
June Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle, from the Mexican border to the Piney Woods. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.
Author Website: https://www.junefaver.com/
EC
There are instances where such a relationship can work if the couple shared something definitive that they value/respect within each other. And the couple must have the same mindset in that they “want” to make the relationship work. If they differ, the relationship won’t work.
Mary Preston
I do think they can attract, but not sure about long term success. Hard work!!
Mary C
I’ve seen it work for some and not for others, so it would really depend on the couple involved.
Lori Byrd
Yes I do and I think it works.
Lori R
I do believe opposites attract but they will have to find things they both like for the relationship to last over time.
janinecatmom
I believe it can work. My husband and I are total opposites.
Pamela Conway
I do believe opposites attract.
Kay Garrett
Most definitely! When hubby and I met, we were what you would call opposites and didn’t care for the other. Took a few years for us to see beyond the differences, but once we did we found you can have the best of both worlds. We have been together 37 years and counting so guess it can work. 🙂
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Pammie R.
Yes I do believe opposites attract. My parents were opposites and they were married for 51 years.
lasvegasnan
I do believe that opposites attract.
laurieg72
I think there can be attraction between opposites. Chemistry between two people can be overpowering/overwhelming! In my experience, all the successful relationships I know there is compatibility and shared interests. I know for myself that works well. I’m married 43 years. I don’t know any opposite attracts couples.
Kathleen O
I do believe opposites attract.. I know from experience.
SusieQ
Yes, they can compliment each other
Glenda M
It can be. All relationships depend on the commitment of the people involved and their willingness to work with the other.
isisthe12th
Yes! I believe opposites attract. My husband and I are opposites and we just celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary. Thank you
Colleen C.
I have seen it work…
Daniel M
sure and maybe
Eva Millien
if the couple is extremely different then no, it would cause a lot friction and have them spending too much time apart. I don’t believe it would work but I do believe that opposites attract which would add dimension and spice to a relationship without causing too much friction and the couple would have time to spend together but would also have time that they could spend apart. Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to read this one!
dynalroberson
I’ve seen both opposites and similar people create lasting, wonderful relationships. In the case of opposites, they tend to balance each other out.
Jana Leah
It depends on the people, but yes, I think it can & does work.
Angel Crum
Yes, my husband and I are opposite and we have been together for 20 years
Teresa Warner
I think it can go either way!
Barbara Bates
My Husband and I like alot of the same things but we also like different things.
[email protected]
Yes opposites work.Been married 47 years .
Linda Herold
Yes, opposites do attract. They can spend time together and develop compatible interests and likes.
Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz
I do believe opposites attract!
I’m sure part of it is
Thanks for the chance!
Charlotte Litton
Yes and I think they would work long term.
Banana cake
I think opposites attract and can make for a lasting relationship if you are willing to compromise.
Debra Branigan
Well, I suppose attraction is attraction. I do know that my husband and I are “opposites” in a lot of ways and we are closing in on 50 years shortly!
erinf1
sure! as long as both people are willing to put in the work, anything can succeed! Thanks for sharing!
BookLady
I believe that opposites attract and that it can develop into a long-term relationship. Several of my friends fall into this category.
Anna Nguyen
yes fore sure. it creates a balance in the relationship
Shannon Capelle
Yes I do. My husband and I are complete opposites and we have been married 22 years!!
Diana Hardt
Yes, but it depends on the people involved.
Ellen C.
Definitely….Some work well together, others don’t.
Amy R
Do you believe that opposites attract? Yes
If so, is this the basis for a solid long-term relationship? It can be but it depends on each person/couple.
bn100
sure
Lilah Chavez
Yes! The hubby and I are oil and water but … We’ve been together for 23 years .. Married for 13years.
Cheryl Hastings
I definitely believe some opposites attract but not all
joab4424
I think opposites being attracted to each other is a good thing. If 2 people are both the same they would get bored. Or fight a lot. But that’s marriage. I feel a couple who are opposites have a better chance of having a long-term relationship than 2 people who are too much the same as each other.