​My next release is the fourth book in the multi-author Silverpines series Husbands Wanted. It's Wanted: Shopkeeper. Poor Millie has lost her husband in the earthquakes that devastate Silverpines, Oregon in 1899. She has 4 children and is trying to run the mercantile. She advertises for a husband.

Clay has a couple of secrets. One he'll keep to himself. The other will be revealed when he steps off the train. He has 5 children he didn't mention in his letters to Millie.

What's Millie to do? Pre-order Wanted: Shopkeeper today and find out April 24.

The first three books can be found here. They are great too.

Enter to win an autographed copy of Music of Her Heart and a tote bag.
You can find the rest of the blog posts here:

November 16
Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory Post
Perpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
 
November 17
Reveries Reviews – Review
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae – Book Spotlight
 
November 18
Peggy's Hope 4 U – Author Interview
Little Bits Blog – Excerpt
 
November 19
Rachel Rossano's Words – Excerpt
 
November 20
Shout out – Book Spotlight
Bookish Orchestrations – Winner Announcement
 
Here's another snippet, too.

Red looked at Noah. He knew what was coming. He might as well let the man have his say.
“You spent three nights with Gema, alone in a line shack,” Noah said.
Red nodded. He wasn’t going to share the details of their bundling.
Silence stretched as the three men looked at each other. Finally, Noah spoke. “You’re a God-fearing man, Red. Will you do what’s right?”
Again, Red nodded. “I will. I didn’t think I’d have any trouble convincing the committee.”

As a safeguard for the women from his mission, Nugget Nate had set up a committee of four men who needed to approve any man who wanted to court one of the Ladies. He wanted them to make good lives for themselves and their children. Making sure the men they married were of good character was part of that. Besides the sheriff and pastor, Doc Eli Steele, and Ben Cutler, the owner of the general store, were those four men.
“No, you won’t.” Noah studied Red for a moment. “Seems God had a different plan for you than what you’d thought.”
“You speaking of Laura?”
Noah nodded.
“I’ve learned a thing or two from her. I count her a good friend and hope she feels the same.”
“You know she’s betrothed to Hank now?” Newt asked.
Red thought about that news. He smiled. “I’m not surprised. I had a feeling he was interested. Didn’t realize until after I’d committed to court Laura. I’m pleased.”
Red watched some tension leave Noah’s shoulders. The pastor’s care and concern for his flock was heartening. “So, when are you wanting to have the ceremony?”
“Well, I’m not rightly sure.” Red rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Gema and me, we haven’t talked about it. She’d been through a pretty tough ordeal. By the time I found her, she was cold and wet. My concern was getting her dry and warm so she didn’t sicken.”
“Did she tell you about the measles epidemic?” Noah asked.
Red shook his head. “Just that some of the children in the outlaw camp had them.”
Noah explained about the epidemic that had struck the town a month ago. Red had been at the line shack so hadn’t heard the news. Many of the citizens of Stones Creek and the surrounding area had been stricken. When Noah told of Gema and Lucy Tanner, a young widow whose husband had been murdered by the outlaw gang, a tightness came into Red’s chest. Hearing of Lucy’s death clenched it even tighter. He sent up a prayer of thanks that Gema hadn’t gotten sick from her exposure to the wet and cold.
The door to the jail office burst open. Gema ran in, panting in her hurry. “I remember. Landmark. A waterfall, like one here.” She pointed.
Newt jumped up from his seat and looked at Red. “They must be near the line shack since you found Gema there. Do you know the falls she’s talking about?”
Red stared off into space, scanning the terrain in his mind. “Yeah, I do. It’s maybe a mile, mile and a half from where I found Gema.”
“We’ll get up a posse for tomorrow. Can you stay in town tonight so we can go first thing in the morning?” Newt took a rifle off the wall and began examining it.
“Sure, I’ve been away from the ranch homestead for a while, but I figure Hawk’ll approve of this delay.”
“I’m going too,” Noah said. His tone brooked no argument.
Newt just nodded. “We’ll take Dak. Do you think Massot would go? I’ll ask him and Doc. We may need his skills if there are sick people.”
“Yes,” Noah said. “McIlroy will, too.”
“You sure?” Newt asked.
“Positive.” Though he didn’t say anything else, Red got the idea there was more said in that single word than it implied.
“Okay, we’ll meet here at dawn. Come armed and ready. Red, you escort Gema back to the House.”
Red got the feeling Newt wanted him to speak with her about their upcoming nuptials but now was not the time. She was exhausted. He might not live through tomorrow. And right now, all he wanted was a bath.

Myra hugged Gema when she answered the knock.

“Come in. I’m so glad to see you. We all miss you so much. You being out on the ranch and all.” Myra led the way into the parlor. Troy was upstairs napping. Myra made tea, and they chatted about Hank and Laura’s wedding that had occurred the previous Saturday.

“So, how’s you likin’ bein’ married?”

Gema swallowed. This was so embarrassing. To actually speak to someone about the lack of the physical aspects of being married was much harder to do than think. “Much is good. Juanita, very good friend. I teach English her. She teach Spanish me.”

Myra began laughing and had trouble stopping. “You’re teachin’ English. That’s just ‘bout as bad as me a tryin’ to. Twixed my back hills Tennessee accent an’ my messed up grammar, ain’t no way I’d be tryin’ to teach somebody to talk right.”

Gema realized how strange it was for her to try and help someone learn the language. It was working though. Juanita had added many words to her English vocabulary. Many more than Gema had acquired of Spanish. “Yes, strange, but work much good.”

She waited until Myra’s giggling subsided before bringing up the topic she wanted to discuss. “Have problem. You help, yes?”

The smile on Myra’s face vanished. “Is he hurting you? You just say the word, and we’ll get you away from him.”

“Oh, no, no. Red good man. He good husband. He want good for me.” Gema took a deep breath and said, “He not think I want him. He… I… We not… He think he too old. Me too young. Stupid man.”

“Well, that dog won’t hunt. You want to…” Myra circled her hand, not saying the words.
“Yes, not know how show Red I want. You help?”

A sly grin grew on Myra’s face. “Yeah, I can help. We’s gonna be real subtle ‘bout it. You been working a lot in the garden, right?”

Gema drew her eyebrows together, puzzled. “Yes. Much work planting seeds. Hoeing.”

“So, your arms is real tired and sore. It’s real hard to reach behind and untie your corset strings.”

“But tie string bow in front.” Gema didn’t understand.

Myra let out a frustrated breath. “I know, but you want him to get close enough and to touch you, right? So you need to give him a reason. Tying the bow in the back gives you a reason.”

“But, seems like lie. I no hurt.”

“Well, chop some wood.” Myra waved her hands in the air. “You’ll hurt. You got a greater purpose here.”

Gema fought between disappointment and delight. She was beginning to understand what Myra was getting at. That she probably wouldn’t accomplish her goal tonight was a delay she didn’t want but could handle. Then again, if they got back to the ranch early enough, Gema could do some hoeing and chop some kindling.

“I get Red untie strings, loosen laces. He get idea?”

“Maybe, depends on how stubborn he is. Don’t move away when you take your corset off. Then…” Myra went on describing some ways to encourage Red toward the ultimate goal.

When Gema left, she headed to Cutler’s General Store. She was going to purchase a sweet smelling lotion for Red to rub onto her sore arms and back.

He shut the door as she buckled her seat belt. They were going to the mall to go Christmas shopping. Brad had the boys over the weekend, so Noelle thought it was the perfect time to get her shopping done. Turner had his shopping completed, so he was going to advise her on what four and six-year-old boys would want. After all, he’d been both. When he told her that, she grinned a little.
Noelle wanted to just rush through the mall, getting the things on her list as quickly as possible. Turner had other ideas. He held her hand and strolled slowly down the fairway, pointing out anything that might be of the slightest interest to her. When they went into the various department stores, he guided her through the ladies sections.
“Why are we going through here? I only need to go to the boys department. They both need jeans.” Noelle’s frustration was evident in her tone.
“Because you need to relax. We have all day. No need to rush. Just enjoy looking at the clothes and other things we see.”

.“But I want to get all the presents wrapped before the boys get home.”
Turner turned her to face him and placed his hands on her shoulders. He studied the serious expression on her face. Something had to be done to get her into the holiday spirit. “They aren’t coming home until tomorrow evening. There’s time. If it’s going to cause you to not enjoy doing the shopping, we’ll have them gift wrapped here in the mall. There’s a high school band or team or club raising money by doing gift wrapping. We can support them. I’ll pay.
“Let’s just have fun doing the shopping you want and looking at the people and the consumerism that Christmas has become.”
Noelle’s shoulders relaxed, and she let a small smile pull at her lips. “You’re right. I’m letting the stress of work, the church program, and Brad take all the joy out of my life.” She took a deep breath and let it whoosh out of her lungs. “Okay, show me what you want, but we do need to get jeans for the boys.”
Rather than hold her hand, Turner put his arm around her shoulders. “Come on. Let’s look at the Christmas displays they have. Who knows? You might find something you want to hang on your tree.”
They wandered through the racks and rows, past gift idea items that only seemed to come out during the holiday. Nearly out of the holiday section, Turner saw something and stopped. “Come on. We have to get some.”
“What?”
Turner pulled her along, rushing to a table piled high. “Ugly Christmas sweaters. We can get matching ones. Do you suppose they have them in Camden’s and Mace’s sizes? Wouldn’t it be sweet for us to all wear matching ones to the Jenners on Christmas?”
The appalled look on Noelle’s face gave him the answer, but he wasn’t going to allow it to deter him. He grabbed one off the table and held it up. “Look, it’s a present, complete with a gold bow.”
“It certainly is.” Noelle flipped the large 3-D gold ribbon attached right in the center of the sweater front.
“OOO, here’s a great one.” He dropped the present sweater and picked up another one. It was blue with a large Christmas tree on the front. Red, white, and gold glittery pompons decorated the tree and ran up black suspenders. He held it up in front of his chest. “How great is this?”
Turner finally got the reaction from Noelle he wanted; her lips curled up in a smile. Glancing at a table behind her, he dashed over and grabbed one, plunking it on his head. “See, there’s even a matching hat.”
Noelle started laughing. “You’re a doofus, you know that?” She reached up and swiped the stuffed tree hat off his head. She put it back on the table, took the sweater from him, folded it, and placed it on the stack.
“Does this mean we aren’t going to get ugly Christmas sweaters?” He tried to sound like a disappointed little boy.
“You can certainly buy one, but if you want to be seen with me, you won’t ever wear it when I’m with you.”
“Spoilsport. Ugly Christmas sweaters are a holiday tradition.”
“One that should be retired.”
“Okay.” Turner hung his head and shuffled away as if he was pouting. He didn’t want Noelle to see the pleased grin on his face. He’d gotten her to laugh. He would even have bought the sweaters and worn his if she’d wanted to

November 6
Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory Post
Adventures in Publishing – Author Interview and Excerpt

November 7
Rachel Rossano's Rambles – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
Little Bits Blog - Excerpt

November 8
Perpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight

November 9
Creative Hodgepodge – Review
Jaye L. Knight – Book Spotlight and Excerpt

November 10
Cyn's Reviews and Promotionals – Review
Bookish Orchestrations – Giveaway winner
 

I've written a blog post on the Sweet Americana Sweethearts website about my research into corsets of working women. I needed to know the kind of corset Gema would have worn. It's not what you think. Check it out here.

I'm planning to post another snippet from Music of Heart in a few days. With NANOWRIMO starting tonight I'll have to get that done. My first NANO project is a novel to be included in a new Multi-author series debuting in January 2018. That's all I can tell you now, because it's a secret. Stay tuned.

Music of Heart is being edited as you read this. As you know, it's Gema and Red's story. You met them both in Laundry Lady's Love, the first book in the Stones Creek Ladies of Sanctuary House Series. In the previous post you read the first scene. There is now a cover and release date. 

Here's another snippet. Red has found Gema after her escape from the King Gang. She was soaking wet from a fall in a creek and the rain. Though she's now in dry clothing she isn't able to get warm. Red knows a way to help. Even if they hadn't been in a compromising situation before, this will seal their fate.

They’d finished the stew and Gema was working on the tangles in her hair. Red could tell she was still very cold. Her hands trembled as she brushed. Every so often her entire body shook, her shivering trying to warm itself.

Red was standing behind her, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. He’d placed the bowls in a bucket of water. They could be washed in the morning.

How was he going to suggest what he knew needed to be done? He’d been in a similar circumstance before when he and several other cowboys got caught out in a blizzard. It was awkward enough with men. But with a man and a woman— That just made their situation and its outcome even more inevitable.

He was still chilly but nowhere near how cold to the very core he knew she’d gotten. That was so very hard to relieve.

Red stood and rubbed his face with his hands. No point in putting it off. Gema needed to be warmed so she didn’t succumb to lung fever. It was a real possibility. It looked as if her hair was dry. That was good. Having a wet head, everyone knew, could lead to lung fever. He moved in front of her and squatted down.

“Miss Gema? Are you any warmer now that you’re all dry?” A violent shudder jerked through her. Red took the small hand that still had the bluish cast to it in his. “Miss Gema— Gema. There’s a way to get you warm. I haven’t suggested it before because— well, you’re a woman, a single woman trapped here with me, a single man.”

She lifted her eyelids, and the pool of her deep blue eyes studied his face warily.

“It’s bundling. We share the warmth of the bed. Our body heat trapped beneath the blankets creates sort of cocoon. My body heat will warm you.”

Gema’s eyes got wide. Shock was written on her face.

“No, Honey. We’ll both be fully clothed. You can even put on some of my trousers if you want.” He pointed to the tan canvas pants folded on a corner of the table. “And socks. I have a pair you can wear. That will help you too.” Red got up and retrieved the items.

Another shudder wracked her body as he set the garments in her lap. She needed to agree soon, or he was afraid she’d become ill.

“I—I need to— before.” Gema’s face turned bright red.

He figured out what her problem was. “Oh, yeah. I’ll just go check the animals. There’s the chamber pot.” He pointed to the corner. Grabbing his coat and hat, Red donned them and fled out the door. He’d give her plenty of time to finish her business before he returned. He’d take care of his needs too.

   All she could hear was the blood pounding in her ears and the ragged intake and exhale of air as she ran. Gema Volkovichna didn't look back. She just ran. She had to get away. That woman, Flora, had placed herself in danger for her. Gema wasn't going to allow that to be wasted. 
She hadn't a clue where she was going, just away. Away from the small cave, the group of outlaws was using as their hideout. Away from certain rape and abuse.
Terror drove Gema on. She tripped, nearly falling. She wished the clouds would break so she could see the sun. She had no idea what direction she was running. Was she heading toward Stones Creek or away? Were the trees thinning? If she left, the cover of the forest would they find her? Stones Creek was near where the land sloped up from plains to forested hills. Just past the edge of town the woods began. 
If only she could get back to Stones Creek. Then she'd be safe. Or would she? She'd been kidnapped right from the street in the middle of the day. Or rather the alley behind the hotel where she worked as a maid. 
Gema had left the hotel by the back door to go have her midday meal at Sanctuary House where she lived. She hadn't been in the Colorado town long. Only since January. It was now late-March. 
As she walked behind the hotel, Gema was grabbed from behind and flung over the back of a horse. Whoever was holding her across the saddle kicked the horse into a gallop before she could even try to scream. The saddle horn dug into her hip. It wasn't long before her hat lost its hold and fell to the ground. Gema hadn't a clue how far they traveled. She might have even fainted for a while.

When the horse was brought to a halt, Gema was dumped to the ground. Her blonde hair was streaming around her face and shoulders, the pins having long past lost their grip on the blonde strands. She looked up from her crouch on the ground and saw four men leering down at her. Grins that spoke of their intent stole her breath.
"Please, let me go." Gema knew they wouldn't understand her words. She'd spoken in her native Russian. Her fear made the use of English impossible. 
"Well, girly, I ain't got no clue abouts what you're sayin' an' I don't rightly care. You're a fine lookin' piece, I must say. Nice 'n trim. You'll do us mighty fine." The man was dirty and missing several teeth. His beat up cap sat low over his forehead. Another man stood next to him. Licking his lips. Two more were securing the horses to a brush nearby.
Gema looked around, frantically searching for a place to run. She backed up. A rock cliff rose behind, stopping her retreat. What was she going to do? Lord, help me. Please don't let them… She couldn't even think the words.
"What have you done now?" Gema turned toward the sound of a woman's voice. A large boned woman in ratty clothing stood with her hands on her hips in the opening to a dark cave.
"We done brought us another woman. She'll take up what Prue used to do. Maybe some of Roda's tasks too, now that they's both dead." The man said.
Another woman came to stand behind the first. "No, Ornan. You have to take her back. They'll come after us for sure. What are we gonna do iffen we have to hightail it outta here? We've still got sick younguns."
More faces began appearing behind the women. Several children and young teens. All were thin, dressed in ragged garments and several had faces covered in a red rash. Gema knew what that was. She'd been ill for nearly three weeks. Measles. The epidemic has swept through Stones Creek beginning in late February. Several adults and children, including a woman living in Sanctuary House, had died. The town was still recovering from the losses.
"Don't rightly care just now. I got me a new woman, and I'm fixin' on trying her out." The man, Ornan, took a step toward Gema.
"Nyet." Gema jumped up and began running. He caught her within four steps. She began swinging her fists, clipping him on the jaw.
Ornan smacked her across the cheek. "You'll learn to do as you're told."
"Ornan," the woman said. She strode to where they were and jerked his hand from Gema's arm. "Can't you see she's scared to death? She might not even be able to understand what you say. She's speakin' some foreign language. If you take her now, she'll not accept her lot. She'll fight you and you'll never be able to turn your back on her. 
"Remember Edna? You all took her too soon, and she nearly killed Phil, over there." She pointed at another man. There was a jagged scar running down his face. "She stabbed Fred too. Then, you all beat her and left her. Lot of good it did you to grab her and use her right away."
Ornan studied Gema. She flinched back when he reached out. "You gotta point." He looked at the other men. "How about we wait a couple of days. Three at most. Get her used to being here. Then, we'll make sure she understands her place real well."
There were grumbles, but the men were nodding as they did so.
Ornan grabbed Gema's arm again and jerked her to him. He landed a sour breathed kiss on her mouth then shoved her toward the woman. "That's just a sweet taste for your pleasure. I'll get mine later." He looked at the woman who stared back at him. "Take her into the cave. We men got some planning to do." He turned and walked back to the men. They moved to a grouping of logs set around a fire pit.
"Come." The woman motioned to Gema who glanced back at the men, then followed her into the cave.
The space was large enough not to be crowded. There were three fire pits. Pallets were scattered around with blankets, and a few had pillows. Saddle bags, food, and other supplies were in piles. There was a water barrel near the entrance. Nothing was clean or efficiently arranged. And the place smelled. Urine, feces, and vomit fought for dominance.
From the dim light of the fires, Gema could see a couple of children lying on pallets. The ones who had come to the cave opening retreated to lie down on others.
"I'm Flora," the woman said. "What's your name? Can you understand me?"
"Gema. I, Gema." The words were said barely above a whisper. She couldn't force more strength into them. 
"Come and sit." Flora led her to a log near the fire. She went to the water barrel and dipped the ladle in, then brought it to Gema. "Drink."
Gema obeyed the command.
"Where’d they steal you from?"
"Stones Creek."
Flora swore. "Them idiots. They had to go to a town that has a sheriff who knows what he's doin’.” She began pacing. 
Another woman approached and held out a piece of dried meat and a tin cup with beans. Gema took them and spooned some beans into her mouth. They were tasteless, but she knew she had to eat. 
"I'm Sally." She placed a cup of coffee next to Gema. She moved away and crouched down on the other side of the fire.
Someone started coughing. Sally moved to a pallet and picked up a child whose long hair seemed to indicate it was a girl. When she came back to the fire, Gema could see that the little one had the measles. She was small and thin, with a dirty face covered in a red rash. Her eyes were swollen and watery. 
Another child, a boy somewhat older came over and sat next to Sally. He leaned against her. He looked to be about eight. In the firelight, Gema couldn't tell whether he was coming down with the measles or recovering. The rash on his face was lighter than on the girl's.
Flora paced back and stood in front of Gema. "You're going to leave. I'm not sure how, but you aren't staying here. I'm not going to be party to another woman's abuse by the likes of these men. 
"When Lloyd was leader, he put a stop to the kidnappings. He's dead. Ornan has started them up again." She looked over Gema's shoulder focusing on the wall behind her. "Chloe got out. I thought she'd died back in Minnesota where we abandoned her. I felt so awful when Buster King did that. She was so close to giving birth." Flora turned her gaze onto Gema again. "I didn't know she was still alive until I heard Buster say she was living in Stones Creek. That give me hope. Hope that maybe someday I can get out."
Flora squatted down and looked Gema in the eye. "I'm gonna do whatever it takes to give you the chance to get outta here. You're gonna take it, you hear? You're gonna grab the chance and run as fast and far as you can. Don't think about any of us. We know what to do. How to live."
Sally came over and placed a hand on Flora's shoulder. "What are you gonna do?"
Flora looked up. "What do you think? I'm gonna give them a distraction so Gema, here, can get away."
Gema found her voice, words in English. "What kind distraction?"
 "Only two things will draw their attention and the first will just point them back to you. So I'll get 'em good and drunk." Flora stood and marched over to a pile of supplies and pulled out several jugs. She came back, looked at Gema, then Sally. "You be sure to get her out of here."

All those mice are running around in Noelle's house. Don't worry. They aren't real mice. I wouldn't do that to my heroine. They are toy mice Turner, along with accomplices, Camden and Mace, Noelle's sons, use to tease her with. Seems she's scared of mice. 

Turner's in town to spend the holiday season with his sister, Kyria. You met her and Mark in Mold and Marriage. The questions are:

Will Noelle open her heart to Turner after being so badly hurt by her ex-husband?

Will Turner decide to stay in Benton when the New Year finally arrives?

What is the project that has Turner flying all over the world on a moment's notice?

How are all those mice going to give Noelle and Turner their Happily Ever After?

Get Mice and Marriage

Get the entire series
Love's Infestation Series

Walking in, he sauntered over to the picnic table the young woman was standing on. The thin plastic tablecloth was bunched around her feet as she turned around several times while he approached. Dressed in blue jeans, red wool pea coat, with her hair covered by a white knit hat, she looked to be in her late twenties. She was pretty but not stunning. She reminded him a bit of someone, but he couldn’t think who.
“Looking for something?” Turner asked as he neared the table.
Her eyes, big and round, spied him and became wider. She was surprised to see him. “A mouse. There was this huge mouse.” She spread her arms wide apart.
Turner, who had seen mice and rats all over the world hadn’t ever seen one that large, so he merely grinned. “Afraid of mice?” He stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. The early November day was chilly, and the open garage door made the room the same temperature as the outside. It wasn’t an issue while he was riding, but tucking his hands away felt good.
“Have you ever had one crawl up the inside of your pant leg? It’s a horrible feeling,” she said.
Turner was familiar with the experience and not eager to repeat it, but in a large pole barn in an urban area that wasn’t likely. Being the gentleman that he was, he figured it was up to him to aid the lady in distress.
He stood next to the picnic table and was now looking up at her. From his jacket pocket, Turner pulled the Velcro straps he wore at his ankles, controlling his pant legs as he biked if he weren’t dressed in riding clothes. Today, he had on jeans. He’d removed the straps and put them in his pocket just before he locked his bike.
“These will keep the mice from crawling up your pant legs, though I’m not sure one that large could get up them anyway.” Turner wrapped each pant leg with a strap around her ankle. Slim ankle. Shapely leg too, he noticed as he helped her down to the concrete floor. “I think you might not want to use this tablecloth.” He picked it up and shook out the wadded mess her feet had made. There were wrinkles and tears over most of it.
“Um, no, I suppose not.” She bit her lip, then began to laugh. “You must think I’m pretty ridiculous. My scream probably gave the mouse a heart attack.”
“Very likely. He’s probably in the next county by now running from you, scared for his life.” Turner smiled and held out his hand. “Turner Metcalf, at your service.”
“Oh, I’m Noelle Copeland.” She held out her gloved hand, and he took it, holding on a bit longer than necessary as he shook it. “Metcalf? Are you… Yes, you’re Kyria Jenner’s brother. I remember you now from the wedding.”
“That’s right. I was there. I don’t remember you though, and I’m sure I would if we’d met.”
A sadly shadowed expression crossed her face. “I kept a pretty low profile that day. Going through a rough patch in my life.” The smile she gave was forced, he could tell. “Better times now.”

Turner wondered what the rough patch was but didn’t ask. Two reasons crossed his mind. First, it was none of his business, and second, he wanted her to smile again.
The chirp of his phone took his focus away from Noelle. Checking the message, he read it, then said, “That’s from Kyria. She’s going to be late. Some decision about the house construction.”
The smile he’d wanted to see on Noelle’s face returned. “That’s happened a lot lately. I was so happy they moved here to Benton when Mark got the job at the hospital. I really like your sister. She’s becoming a good friend. I wish we could spend more time together, but between my work and the boys, her starting her decorating business, and building their house, finding that time has been tough. I get to see them at Hutch’s or the Jenners’ but not often enough. At church some, too.”
Noelle took the tablecloth from him and moved to toss it in the large black bag lined garbage can. Turner saw a pile of bags with more tablecloths and opened one, pulling the plastic sheet out. Together, they began covering the table after she wiped it down with a wet rag.
“So, this event is a Harvest Hop? Not exactly sure what that is,” Turner said. He had a general idea, but figured the topic would lead to more conversation.
“The church holds it every year for the children of the church and the area. It’s a way to do some outreach. Maybe get some families to see the reasons behind Thanksgiving and Christmas rather than just pigging out and buying presents. There are games and races and food, of course. A hay rack ride. They used to have an apple dunking, but too many kids got too wet doing it. Hutch gives a short talk about priorities and such. It’s fun. My boys love the quarter hunt.”
“Quarter hunt?”
“Yeah, they’ll spread a couple of bales of hay out on the driveway and mix a few rolls of quarters in them, separated of course. Then, the kids dive in and hunt for the quarters. They divide the kids up into age groups. They love it. Get all itchy with hay in their clothes, but my boys don’t care.”
She’d mentioned her boys several times. Was she married? Turner glanced at her left hand. She wore no gloves as she worked with the slippery plastic. Her left hand had no rings, but when she reached to give him a corner he could see where a set had been; the indent was still faintly there.
Now he had a clue as to what the rough patch was. Noelle’s marriage had broken up. Not that long ago either.
“You have boys? How many?” They spread the cloth on the table and began another.
“I have two boys, Camden, who’s six and in first grade, and Mace, who’s four and in preschool.” She smiled as she told him, then it faded. “They’re with their dad this weekend. I’m hoping he brings them tomorrow.”
“You don’t sound very optimistic about the prospect.”
“I’m not. Ever since Brad decided his girlfriend was more in tune with his needs, he hasn’t been really keen on going to church sponsored events.”
Turner could empathize with that. He wasn’t necessarily too interested in church events either, although with the pretty, young woman standing at the other end of the table smoothing the plastic tablecloth, he might just enjoy one. Or more.

Here's the description:

One man wants her, but the one she wants doesn’t seem to.

Laura Duffle has come to Stones Creek, with her two young sons, hoping to find love again. She’s spent the last five years at Sanctuary Place Mission for Women after the death of her husband. She needs to set up her laundry business but doesn’t know where to start.
Hank Johnson, the town barber, is flattered by and attracted to the lovely widow who comes seeking his advice. He hasn’t been looking for a wife, but maybe he’ll begin with Laura.
Ranch foreman, Red Dickerson, would like a wife. He hopes to find one among the Ladies of Sanctuary House. He sets his sights on Laura.
Hank sets her heart on fire, but is he only interested in helping her get her business off the ground?
Red is solid and dependable, but is this enough to base her future on?
Should Laura settle for safety and security for herself and her boys?
Will she hold out for love?
Or will she just chuck both of them into the washtub and rinse the men from her life altogether?

Find out in the first book of the Ladies of Sanctuary House Series from award-winning author Sophie Dawson.