Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Lynne Marshall to HJ!
Hi Lynne and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Sweet Home Montana!
Please summarize the book for the readers here:
Sweet Home Montana tells the story of a young woman who has been hiding out from life since a huge personal disappointment, and a man who has avoided coming home for a long time. Thanks to a temperamental half-brother, Wade Conrad winds up at an equine therapy center in Montana, where he meets Erin Chase, the young woman who wins his heart.
Please share the opening lines of this book:
Erin Chase took the day’s schedule from her work cubby in the office and perused it. Dr. Anderson had assigned Erin to giving the next tour for new visitors again. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the job, or that she didn’t understand the importance of explaining the purpose of Healing Heart Acres to potential clients and volunteers. It was because of a little-known fact that Dr. Anderson knew about her and chose to overlook. Erin had become an introvert (slightly longer to finish the thought)
Please share a few Fun facts about this book…
- The working title of this book was Healing Heart Acres. I admit I got a kick out of my play on the word Acres versus Ache-ers, but obviously that title didn’t stick as the final choice.
- I was inspired to write the book after creating the place (Healing Heart Acres) in book #2 of the Charity, Montana trilogy Their Christmas Miracle. I even introduced Erin in that book as someone who knew Hunter Wood and worked at the place where he volunteered, in book #2.
- I discovered a specific to Montana drink while writing this story, which I use in the book – Montana Mule, and I really want to try it some day!
Please tell us a little about the characters in your book. As you wrote your protagonist was there anything about them that surprised you?
Wade Conrad is a self-made entrepreneur who has achieved great success in the business world. But as far as his personal life goes, he’s not nearly as well off. Estranged from his father for years, Wade finds himself being called home to help with a family issue. Back home, facing the mistake of walking away from his family, he discovers that having shut down his heart to his Dad has also kept him from ever being truly open to love a woman.
Erin Chase used to have a bright future with big plans until she got stood up at the altar. Now a self-proclaimed introvert, she hides out as an equine therapist for Healing Heart Acres – the place that helped put her back together after having her heart broken by her ex-fiancée. Well beyond the time to step back into the world of the living again, she gets forced out when Wade Conrad and his sullen half-brother, Brent, show up for help.
Erin surprised me when she took a risk that called into question her integrity. For reasons the reader discovers in the book, she applies for a job suited for an introvert with a background in business, but under a name she no longer goes by, and using her parents’ out of state address.
If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would you use for the audition of the main characters and why?
Hallmark please!!!! If they optioned this book for a movie, I would use the hayride scene to audition both main characters because it reveals the chemistry that draws Erin and Wade together.
EXCERPT
On Wade and Erin’s fourth trip around the route, the hayride cart was filled with noisy talkative teens. Erin turned and faced backward pretending to casually talk with the kids but really to keep an eye on them. Wade drove the horses and watched the route, enjoying how some volunteers had put brown lunch-sized sacks with decorative holes and placed battery-operated candles inside them along the path. The luminaries emitted a warm glow through lacy patterns and lined both sides of the hayride route. The effect was downright romantic, which was also the reason Erin sat backward on the bench they shared. To make sure the ride didn’t turn into a teenage kissing party instead of an innocent ride under the stars. Really, what were they thinking, every part of a hayride was romantic. How could they expect teens not to notice and take advantage? Heck, if he didn’t have a load of kids in the back, he’d be the one thinking about a kissing party.
“Looks pretty, doesn’t it?” he casually commented.
Over the racket of a dozen loud talking teens, she obviously couldn’t make out what he’d said. He leaned back and repeated, “Looks pretty, doesn’t it?” Still, her attention turned on the kids, there was no reaction, so he waited and turned his head just as they hit an uneven patch of dirt road and she reclined to better hear him.
“What?” she said, jostled by the motion, landing nearly in his face.
With their eyes mere inches apart, their mouths lined up perfectly for a kiss, Wade held his breath. It would be so easy to kiss her, he’d be a fool not to. Neither of them moved, their gazes met and knotted tight.
Her dark hair was illuminated by the golden glow of the roadside decorations, and her eyes, reflecting that warm and inviting light had never looked more beautiful. He was beginning to be an expert on the state of her mesmerizing eyes. Thought he might never get tired of looking into them.
What would it be like to touch those lips?
“Go for it, dude!” one of the particularly loud and obnoxious boys on the ride called out.
“Woo-hoo!” Several more kids chimed in, “Kiss her!” in chorus.
What do you want people to take away from reading this book?
We can’t hide out from life, if we choose to, life often comes looking for us.
Also, it is never a good idea to cut our father out of our life, even if we hate what he has done. We only get one father, and if he isn’t downright toxic, it is best to work through the issue. If we don’t, regret is always waiting down the road.
What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?
I am currently working on the first book in a trilogy for Harlequin Special Edition about sisters separated at birth.
After Sweet Home Montana, I won’t have a release for a long time! I will be self-publishing a trilogy I got the rights back on, updated, and retitled, beginning July, September, and November 2019. I call it the Santa Barbara Sunsets trilogy. Book #1 – His Second Chance at Forever. Book #2 – More Than He Bargained For. Book #3 – One Christmas He Never Expected.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: A print copy of Sweet Home Montana, tote bag and swag! – US only
To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: A good part of this book deals with equine therapy, do you think interacting with horses in a purposeful way (not riding them) might be beneficial for you?
Or – Have you ever ridden a horse? If not, why?
Excerpt from Sweet Home Montana:
A sharp whistle pierced the air, the kind cowboys used on cattle drives. “Erin!” Wade’s voice called out before she stepped inside.
She stopped, turned, waited for the tall, dark-haired and green-eyed man to reach her. Again, an unwanted reaction circled her skin. But she wasn’t here to swoon, she was here to be helpful. He obviously had a problem with his son.
To keep communication open, nervous as she was to have a conversation alone with him, she smiled and widened her eyes. “Need some extra encouragement?” Hoping he couldn’t pick up on her reaction to him.
He was probably used to it with all women. How could he not be, growing up looking like that? He probably didn’t even notice anymore.
“How’d you guess?”
“I’ve been reading Brent’s body language. He’s not here voluntarily, is he.” It wasn’t a question.
Wade pressed his lips in a straight line and shook his head. “More by ultimatum. Mine. A counselor at school said he’s been acting out, starting arguments, and causing trouble, and our family’s chaplain told me about this place. Maybe you can make it sound worth his while?”
“Everyone has to want to come here or it won’t work, but I’ll be happy to let your son know a bit more about what to expect.”
“Would you?” he said, accompanied by an amused expression.
“Absolutely, you got it.”
“I’d really appreciate it.” He scratched the side of his mouth, as though he wanted to say more. “And, just so you know, he’s not my son. He’s my brother.”
Her brows shot up before she could stop them. Brother? No wonder he looked too young to be a dad. But how embarrassing she’d assumed he was and now he knew. Her cheeks went hot.
“Half-brother. It’s a long story, but I’m his guardian for another month. He’s got a lot of stuff to work through and some of it has to do with me.”
He’d most definitely piqued her interest with that bit of information. What was the story between brothers so far apart in age? Had to be a second marriage since they were half-brothers. “Why don’t you let me talk to him alone. See if I can get him to cowboy up and give the place a chance.”
He nodded. “Can I go visit Barney and Marguerite again?”
“Absolutely.” She dug into her pockets. “Oh, and here, while you’re at it, give the other horses some treats, too.” She tried not to touch his hand when she gave him the goodies, but his fingers overlapped hers for an instant, and the sensation of his warm hand set her back, snapping her to full attention. She did her best to hide her reaction, but his questioning glance made her wonder if he’d felt something, too. Thank goodness he wasn’t Brent’s father!
Once Wade took off, Erin recovered and wandered over to Brent, who sat on a bench staring at his boots. “Mind if I join you?”
He glanced up. Rather than answering, he tipped his chin up, as in yes.
She sat gingerly on the other end of the bench. “I guess I read you wrong.”
He tossed her a confused and perturbed glance. “He tell you I don’t talk to him because he doesn’t like being my brother?”
“No. He mentioned the counselor at school was concerned about you picking fights, though. It’s quite clear to me he’s worried about you, and that’s why he brought you here.”
“Well, maybe I don’t want to be here.” He lobbed a petulant stare at her.
“That part I read easily enough. What I got wrong was thinking you might be an animal person.”
“Why would you think that?” He pulled in his chin.
“Because of that moose cap you’re wearing.”
His tense gaze relaxed. “They’re okay.”
“What about horses?” She knew a lot of people were afraid of the size of horses. “Do any riding?”
“Not since I was ten. I got thrown from a horse. My father said it was my fault. I don’t think horses like me much.”
For a kid who didn’t talk much, he’d just said a lot. “Horses are smart. They can tell when a person’s afraid. Some horses are ornery, too, but that’s not the kind we keep here at the acres.”
“What’s the point of this place? Why should I come here?”
“How about, for starters, for the sake of a new experience? We offer a chance for people to learn about themselves by participating in activities like daily care routines with our animals. It’s a chance to do something good, too. Then all we do is talk about it afterward.” She carefully left out the part about talking about their feelings. “It’s no biggie.” She played it down, knowing how resistant some teens were about anything they were uncomfortable with. “A lot of teenagers wind up really enjoying it. By the way, the horses would rather hang out with their peers, too.”
That got a tiny acknowledgment out of him, but she hoped to convince him a bit more. “You won’t be riding them, either. That’s not part of the deal.”
He glanced up, appearing interested, or relieved, so she went in for the big sell. “And Dr. Anderson makes the best cookies and muffins every weekend. Not to mention the fabulous pies by Tracy, that lady from where you live, Charity. Right?” She passed a lazy glance, hoping to reel him in since he wasn’t about to give up until she did. “You might consider our weekend program. If you’d like to try it out, you can come on a visitor pass for Saturday next week. Oh, and we’ll be setting up for our annual harvest festival for the following weekend, so we could use the extra help. If you decide you like it after that, you can sign on for a month at a time. It’s totally up to you…and your brother.”
He looked questioningly at her, as if wondering what his brother had to do with any of Brent’s decisions.
“Do you drive?”
He shook his head. “Not much. My dad started taking me out and was going to take me for the test, but other stuff came up.”
“Then I guess your brother will have to drive you, right?”
He nodded again.
“Maybe you can ask him to take you to get your permit, then he can let you drive some of the way for practice?”
She saw the light go off in his gaze. Maybe there was something for him in this arrangement, after all? Understanding eased the tension around his eyes as he watched her talk, studying her face. Erin was completely aware she looked young for her age at twenty-five, especially without makeup and her hair pulled back in a quick braid. He probably thought she was still a teenager, too. She’d clue him in soon enough. But first, it was obvious the kid needed to open up and talk about what was bothering him. She knew from her own mistakes, spending his time sulking and withdrawn was a waste.
“You want to come with me and watch that movie?” Maybe all he needed was an invitation. “I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have afterward.”
He tilted his head in a cool way and sighed. “I guess.”
As they walked toward the main house, she glanced over her shoulder in the direction where Wade stood by the stalls, watching curiously. Wanting to send him a message without being obvious, Erin moved her hand behind her back and gave the thumbs-up sign giving the digit an extra wiggle to make sure Wade saw it.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Book Info:
Entrepreneur Wade Conrad is called home to act as a temporary guardian for his teenage half-brother, who’s acting out and needs strong guidance. Wade feels they are both floundering, so he seeks help for Brent at Healing Heart Acres, an equine therapy center.
Erin Chase has been working as an equine therapist since her fiancé called off their wedding with no explanation three years ago. She personally enjoys the peace found through animal therapy and believes in passing on the gift. When Erin meets Wade, she’s instantly drawn to his concern for his brother, as well as his kindness and charm.
Wade treasures time spent with Erin. They both long for more, but Wade’s leaving for California soon and his brother’s needs come first. Will he take a chance on love before it’s too late?
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
Meet the Author:
Lynne Marshall used to worry she had a serious problem with day dreaming, until she discovered she was supposed to write those stories. Now traditionally published for more than ten years with over twenty-five books as a category romance author, she has also gone hybrid. She is a Southern California native, has been married to a New Englander for a long time, and has two adult children of whom she is super proud. She is also an adoring grandmother of two beautiful little girls, a woman of faith, a dog lover (Milo can vouch for that), a cat admirer, a meandering walker, a curious traveler, and an optimistic participant in this wild journey called life.
Website | Facebook |
John Smith
“Have you ever ridden a horse? If not, why?” I have not. I once thought about taking lessons, but I figured it was too expensive. I did once spray water on horses in a barn on a hot day when I was a kid, though.
Diana Tidlund
Used to ride all the time growing up had a horse named Paint. My aunt had a horse named DeeDee my nickname and my uncle had one named Diana my real name.
Sonia
I have never been on a horse but I think it is beneficial and therapeutic, they are such beautiful animals.
Lynne Marshall
Agreed!
Debra Guyette
I have ridden horses. My daughter used to compete. Now I cannot as hay is a big allergy.
Lynne Marshall
I hear you about hay! Your daughter must love horses, though I know some can be stubborn and mischievous. 🙂
clickclickmycat
My boss has horses and I help her all the time with them. I am not what you would call a horse person. I love all animals, but they scare me.
Lynne Marshall
That is exactly how Brent (Wade’s young half-brother) feels. So he was a good candidate for equine therapy. It’s all about building trust between this big animal and the person in need.
janinecatmom
I don’t know that much about horses to know if it would be beneficial to me or not. I have only ridden one once and it was a very long time ago.
lizkflaherty
This sounds wonderful, Lynn! Although I’ve been on a few horses, I don’t ride. I think they’re the most beautiful animals created, though, and am so happy their therapeutic qualities are being…well, used, for want of a better word.
Lynne Marshall
Horses are beautiful aren’t they? One of my favorite books was The Horse Whisperer. 😉
anxious58
Sounds like a good read.
Ginger Connatser
When I was a kid the neighbor had a pony. She would take us for rides on it.
Lynne Marshall
Did you enjoy it, Ginger?
hartfiction
I worked at a physical therapy center that worked with equine therapy.
Lynne Marshall
That must have been so fascinating. I hope you witnessed some miracles with some of the clients. Would love to hear more!
Brittany Doerfler
Yes I’ve actually rode horses from the time I was about 5 till the time I was 18. I hope to get a few when my children are a little older.
Dena Perillo
I’ve ridden a few horses at amusement parks, that’s about it. I’m terrified of heights and I was scared to death the whole time. lol
Lynne Marshall
I can understand. Especially if you were a little kid. Some horses are tall! But that’s the beauty of Carousels, right? 🙂
Rita Wray
I took lessons years ago and loved it.
Kim M
I’m actually afraid of horses, because they’re so big. But I definitely think being around a horse can be peaceful and healing. I know horses have the ability to sense when something is off.
Lynne Marshall
You are so right, Kim. Getting a horse to trust a person is a big deal, too.
Joye I
I have ridden horses and loved interacting with them. They make wonderful friends.
Lynne Marshall
I agree!
bn100
maybe
Amy R
I’ve never ridden a horse as I haven’t had a chance.
Lynne Marshall
Amy – you don’t have to ride a horse in equine therapy. It’s about building relationships with those big animals.
Daniel M
never ridden a horse, there isn’t any around here
Lynne Marshall
Daniel – we can still enjoy horses by watching movies and videos. One of the things I loved about visiting Montana was seeing wild horses running in herds along the hills. Beautiful and peaceful sight.
Gwendolyn Jordan
Never rode a horse I’m not a outside person
Lynne Marshall
And that’s the beauty of books, right Gwendolyn? We can read about and experience everything through words, but never have to go outside! 😉
Mary C
I’m allergic to horses.
Lynne Marshall
Which means you’ve been close enough to one to find out, right Mary?
Mary C.
Unfortunately, yes. I was on an outing with school children when I discovered the fact. Fortunately, there were enough monitors on hand so the outing could continue while I sought help.
Nancy Luebke
Once, when I was younger and then in my twenties, I sat on a water buffalo in Thailand. However, I get vertigo from heights too easy, so it’s not a real good idea. I do love to watch horses move. Beautiful animals.
Lynne Marshall
Wow! regarding water buffalo
Suzanne Dye
I rode horses in college but they belonged to my boyfriend. He or his sister did the saddling and the stall cleaning but I helped. After I left college I did not go back to riding horses. I wish I had done so as I really enjoyed it and was willing to do more on the care. My mother said “no way will you ever have a horse so I did not encourage my interest. We knew people who needed riders but after college I was not interested. Looking forward to reading this book.
Lynne Marshall
Owning and caring for a horse is definitely expensive.
Suzanne Dye
I left a message comment but got a message to slow down. Do I need to repost? Heavens, what did I say. Lol
Lynne Marshall
ha ha – we’d have to ask the HJ admin about that!
Caro
Never riden a horse. They look like beautiful creatures, but I’ve never gotten the chance to ride one.
Lynne Marshall
I hope one day you can, or at least get to hang out with one sometime.
Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz
I think it would be very therapeutic. Never ridden one would like to but I have a fear of being on a horse.
Thanks for the chance!
Tammy Y
Yes I have many times
isisthe12th
As a child, pony ride. I live in N.Y. City so not much interaction with horses. Thank you
Debra Shutters
Never ridden or had the chance to ride a horse.
erinf1
no… I think that horses are too big and I don’t trust something that big that doesn’t come with a steering wheel. I admire them from a distance 🙂 thanks for sharing!
lraines78
I have ridden a few times.
eawells
I haven’t ridden a horse mainly because I’m allergic. I think horses can be healing just like dogs and cats.
Glenda
I’ve ridden a horse many times – we used to own one. I do believe equine therapy is wonderful for lots of people including the type where injured and disabled individuals are given the chance to ride. When it was time to rehome our horse, we gave him to an equine therapy group.
Lynne Marshall
I love this! What a great place to rehome your horse. It gives the horse purpose and lots of attention!
Virginia C
Horses are soulful animals–so smart, and those beautiful eyes take it all in. My mother was an animal rights champion, and horses were her favorite animals. She rode a lot when she was young, and she was very knowledgeable about riding. I haven’t ridden since I was a child, but I would love to ride again someday and connect with the amazing spirit of a horse. Best Wishes for all releases!!!
Lynne Marshall
As always, beautifully put, Virginia!
BookLady
I have never ridden a horse, but I would love to some day. They are amazing animals.
Jana Leah
Horseback riding was an activity that was included in almost every family vacation when I was a kid. Would love to to do it again.
dholcomb1
I haven’t ridden a horse since I was a teenager.
Lynne Marshall
Sounds like it’s time to get back up there! 😉 It might be fun.
rkcjmomma
I havent ridden a horse but i have heard its good therapy for you
Cherie J.
I rode once when I was a little girl. I remember finding it scary being so high up. I am not good with heights or closed in spaces now that I am much older so not sure if I will try again.
Patricia B.
I have ridden a few times, but not seriously. There is an equine therapy facility not far from us. They have programs for children and adults and one day a week, they have a program specifically for veterans that are dealing with difficult problems. There is no riding, just leading the horses around the rink, grooming them, and cleaning the stalls. At intervals in the ring walk, they stop, discuss things and do art projects. There is a snack time and further opportunity for talking, all as therapy. It is a good program. I have not participated in such a program, but have cared for other animals and know the therapeutic value of it.
Lynne Marshall
Patricia – you explained it perfectly. Riding is not involved in equestrian therapy, and that is the selling feature Erin gives to Brent to get him to sign on because Brent (the teenager) was thrown from a horse when he was ten, so no way did he want to ride a horse again.
Cheryl Hastings
I’ve never ridden a horse, just a pony as a kid once. I definitely believe in equine therapy for people it’s emotional, cognitive and physical issues.
kermitsgirl
Yes and yes! I actually went to a therapy horse farm once and learned all about how they help disabled (mentally and physically) youth – not just with riding, but with the care and feeding, and teaching them to connect with something. It was fascinating!
Lynne Marshall
Exactly, Kermits Girl!
laurieg72
I have taken a few riding lessons. I do not think I would need a therapy session.
Susan Craig
I wouldn’t know where to start. There aren’t many horses in my little city.
Lynne Marshall
I hope I didn’t miss anyone by either liking your comment or responding. I truly appreciate everyone reading this spotlight, and I hope it has made you interested in the Sweet Home Montana story. I also want to give a shout out that book #2 in the Charity, Montana trilogy, Their Christmas Miracle, is still on sale for 99 cents at all the usual online vendors. Healing Heart Acres is introduced in that book.
Thanks all for coming by!
Banana cake
I rode a horse at camp when I was a kid. I also got thrown off once and got back on. I didn’t find it enjoyable.
Lynne Marshall
Being thrown from a horse most definitely does not sound enjoyable!
Teresa Williams
We had a Shetland pony once that but he and would throw you off.
Lynne Marshall
Uh oh! Hope you never got hurt
carol L
When I was younger I refer ponies. I’ve never ridden a horse but I think they are beautiful animals. Just never had the opportunities. I think horses would be great for therapy. I believe I read where sick children gathered at a ranch to ride horses for therapy.
Carol Lucia no
Lucky4750 at aol dot com
Barbara Bates
No, scared of falling off!
Yaritza
I have only ridden a pony. I am scared I will fall and hurt myself.
Yaritza
Only a pony. I am scared of falling and getting hurt.
Jackie Wisherd
I have ridden horses many times in my lifetime. I love riding horses and they are the subject of many of my watercolor paintings. Should I need therapy I think interacting with horses would be wonderful.
Linda May
I’ve ridden a horse once in my lifetime. I believe it is good to talk to horses it calms them down.
Lynne Marshall
They calm us down, too, Linda. 🙂
Kate Sparks
I did ride at Girl Scout camp and took horsemanship in college. I don’t recommend waiting 20 years between lessons. There is a local group that does equine therapy. The college athletic Dept always donates to their auction.
minibea12
Yes, I think interacting with a horse can be very therapeutic. My grandson is autistic and has benefited from therapeutic equestrian activities.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Cassandra D
I pet the horse,but I didn’t ride off into the sunset with the horse.