Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Bryant) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:27:00 +0000

One secret kept, another uncovered...

A disillusioned widow must choose between her new-found home and guarding a secret. Then a devastating discovery leads her down a road she never expected to travel...

TEXAS ROADS is a love story about one woman's quest to find home.

TEXAS ROADS is available in e-Book format, and in print format. But I'm also offering it here FREE OF CHARGE, one chapter at a time, blog-a-book-style. Click here to access the Table of Contents. You can subscribe to get each week's chapter via e-mail or RSS feed (see the side-bar), or check back here every week to read the latest entry. If you decide that you like the book and want to make a donation, you can do so via the PayPal donate button in the side-bar, or by sending your contribution to Cathy Bryant; P.O. Box 971; New Boston, TX 75570. Enjoy!

P.S. Check out the side-bar to become a Roads Reader!

If you'd like an autographed copy of TEXAS ROADS, send a check for $17.06 ($14.06 for book & tax; $3 for S&H) to Cathy Bryant, P.O. Box 971, New Boston, TX 75570.

COMING OCTOBER 2010

Book Two in the Miller's Creek series

A PATH LESS TRAVELED

by Cathy Bryant

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

City gal Dani Davis just wants to find a place to call home. Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town.

Dani secretly finances renovations to the downtown area of Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed.

Steve Miller is determined to save his dying hometown. When vandalism jeopardizes the downtown restoration project, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips.

Will Steve and Dani be able to call a truce for a higher cause, and help Dani understand the true meaning of home?

HERE'S WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT TEXAS ROADS:

"Cathy Bryant's Texas Roads is one I want permanently on my book shelf! Her writing talent is outstanding as she blends sweet Texas charm, a Mayberry-like town, wanting a place to belong, and God's will all together in one amazing read. Cathy adds humor to the mix making it sure to be a best-selling inspirational start of a moving series! Worthy of five star praises!"
     ~ Molly Edwards, Book Reviews by Buuklvr81

"Texas Roads is one of those books that captures your attention from the first and doesn't let go until the last page. Cathy cleverly paints a picture that draws the reader into the story. While reading, I was no longer in my home, I was in Miller's Creek. I walked the streets of the town and relaxed in the shade of the trees that dotted the countryside. I smelled the food cooking and enjoyed conversations on Mama Beth's porch. I struggled with the characters in their trials and rejoiced with them in their victories. This is one book that you won't want to miss! I can hardly wait for the next book!"
     ~ Donna Morris

"I couldn't put this book down! The story moves quickly, with no wasted words. Dani's struggle to find a true home and get over her past abuses spoke to my heart. But God is still in the healing business, and watching and living through the healing process with these people in Miller's Creek brought a healing to my own heart. May God bless you as you read this book. And may God continue to bless Cathy Bryant, so we can read more of her works!"
     ~ Valita Randolph

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant is a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable love story. I found the book very hard to put down each evening at a decent hour because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Her folksy descriptions had me chuckling aloud and her plot twists rooting for the main characters through all their trials and emotional travails. It is a story that will touch your heart and make you long to live in the lovely Texas setting with the realistic and heroic characters that Cathy has created. Five stars and "two thumbs up!"
     ~ Marlayne Giron, author of The Victor

Cathy Bryant spins a tale of dangerously romantic Texas cowboys and hurting school marms with twenty-first century panache. I could hear the twang all the way up in Wisconsin .
     ~ Lisa Lickel, author of Healing Grace and Meander Scar

A heart-gripping tale written with exceptional skill, Texas Roads is a book you will not want to put down. Cathy has succeeded in showing how God takes the bad things in our life and makes it all beautiful in His time. Not only was I spell-bound to the very end, but I finished the story wanting more. Great job, Cathy! I can't wait to read your next Miller's Creek novel!
     ~Linnette R. Mullin at Linnette's Writing Corner

"Cathy Bryant has done it! Texas Roads is a spell-binding tale that will grab you on page one and won’t turn you loose until you’ve read The End. Sadness and grief are superbly balanced with uplifting joy, and when you add this one to your Keepers Shelf, you’ll feel as though you’ve met spunky Dani Davis and handsome cowboy Steve Miller in person. If I were doling out stars, I’d give Cathy four for this one!"
     ~ Loree Lough, author of 75 award-winning books, including reviewer favorite Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska & the soon-to-be-released Beautiful Bandit, Book One in her Lone Star Legends series.

"This was a well written book. The old saying of "show don't tell" is exactly what Cathy Bryant has done. I grew up in the country and could feel the breeze blowing through my hair, and smell the country smells. It took me down memory lane. I laughed and cried and worried throughout the book. I read it through in one sitting. This is definitely a book I will recommend to all of my friends."
   ~ Sandra Stiles, Musings of a Book Addict

"I LOVED this story! Cathy’s writing is vibrant and fresh. It’s loaded with very likeable characters and zippy dialog. I enjoyed getting to know Dani. What an honest woman she was. Steve was a great hero who would do whatever he could to protect those he loves. Aunt Beth is a gem. What a wise woman of God. The secondary characters were very well drawn and I felt like I wanted to move to Miller Creek myself. This was Cathy Bryant’s first novel but her writing is that of a seasoned author. She kept me turning pages from start to finish. You could tell this author was writing from the heart. I love the spiritual message of this story. We can all relate to finding a place to call home. I’m looking forward with great anticipation to future works by Cathy Bryant. I highly recommend this book."
   ~ Sherry Kuhn, Love 2 Read Novels

"Texas Roads is a delightful book to read. Mrs. Bryant has an eloquent way of expressing her heart that is evident throughout the book. You will fall in love with Miller’s Creek and wish that you could move there. All the characters, even the “old geezers,” will find a place on your list of favorite characters."
   ~ Edwina Cowgill, Musings of Edwina

"This was a great read! I loved the setting, a small town outside of Dallas, Texas. I appreciated the theme, Finding Home. As someone that has moved around a lot these past 17 years I felt that I could relate to the main characters desire and need to find "home". One of the things that God taught me through all of our moves was that HE is my home, not any place here on earth. I am certain that I would not understand that in the way that I do, had we not moved around. Even though my circumstances have been different than that of Dani's, the main character, I still felt myself relating to many of her emotions and heart desires. I appreciated the raw emotions displayed in each of the characters of Texas Roads. The characters of the story were very genuine. I also appreciated the deep desire in the characters, particularly Steve's, to serve and follow God."
     ~ Jen Unsell, Adventures in Unsell Land

"Texas Roads brings together Dani and Steve in a story rich with Texas traditions and values. It's as sweet as a piece of pie from a small-town diner. Full of interesting characters and heartbreaking secrets, Texas Roads is a good read."
     ~ Lenora Worth, author of Hometown Princess and The Perfect Gift

PURCHASE E-Book version of TEXAS ROADS

PURCHASE Print version of TEXAS ROADS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cathy Bryant’s first novel, Texas Roads, was chosen as a finalist in the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis competition. She's written several devotions that have been published in books, magazines and online, and was recently named as a core writer for Full Spirit magazine. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist. Drop by for a visit at www.CatBryant.com or at http://WordVessel.blogspot.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Bryant) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:05:00 +0000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One ~ Longing For Home (1/5/10)

Chapter Two ~ Friends Or Foes? (1/12/10)

Chapter Three ~ An Unexpected Guest (1/19/10)

Chapter Four ~ Hard Questions (1/26/10)

Chapter Five ~ The Problem With Miller's Creek (2/2/10)

Chapter Six ~ Getting Acquainted (2/9/10)

Chapter Seven ~ Problematic Plans (2/16/10)

Chapter Eight ~ Tough Decisions (2/23/10)

Chapter Nine ~ Prompted To Pray (3/2/10)

Chapter Ten ~ Of Pain And Problems (3/9/10)

Chapter Eleven ~ A Ride To The Ranch (3/16/10)

Chapter Twelve ~ Waiting (3/23/10)

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Bryant) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:54:00 +0000

TEXAS ROADS BIBLE STUDY

"You will seek Me and find Me, if you seek Me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Dear heavenly Father, we offer You our praise, and thank You for Your Word, which is truly a light to our path. We're grateful for the promise You give, that we will find You if we seek You with all our heart. Lord, we pray that You'll add Your blessing to this study of Your Word. May those who take the time to study these passages be touched by Your Spirit. In Jesus' precious and powerful Name, Amen.

* * * * *

Dear friend,

These are some of the verses that spoke to me as I wrote "Texas Roads." It is my sincere hope and prayer that these verses will be helpful to you as well. Feel free to copy this page and print it out to work through it at your own pace.

At Home in Him,
Cathy

Read 1 Timothy 5:4, 8. In the story, Dani gives up her job and life to move to Miller's Creek to care for her aunt. What does the Bible have to say about caring for family members?

Read Mark 5:18-19. At the end of the story, Dani visits Cecille before returning to Miller's Creek. Why did Jesus send the once-demon-possessed man home instead of allowing him to join the disciples and other followers? How can you apply this to your life?

Read Joshua 2:17-18. What is the significance of the scarlet cord? What does it mean for Rahab & her family? What does it mean for you? How does this passage tie in to Texas Roads?

Read Samuel 1-2. What sacrifice did Hannah make? Why? How is Mama Beth's story similar?

Read Ecclesiastes 12:5. Where is our real home?

Read Proverbs 1:15-16; 2:20. Are all paths (roads) of life the same? If not, what makes the difference?

Read Isaiah 3:12. What is one thing that can turn us from the right path? What should be careful of in light of this verse?

What can we learn about our paths/roads from the following verses? What application can you make to your life?

Job 19:8
Job 13:27
Job 30:13
Psalm 23:3
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 17:5
Psalm 119:35
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 139:3
Proverbs 3:17
Proverbs 4:18
Isaiah 26:7
Hosea 14:9

What do the following verses say about what we can do on the path of life?

Proverbs 4:26-27
Proverbs 3:6

What does God promise to do? Are there any stipulations?

Proverbs 4:11-12
Isaiah 42:16
Isaiah 2:3
Jeremiah 6:16
Proverbs 2:8-9
Micah 4:2

What are the results of getting on the wrong path?

Jeremiah 18:15
Isaiah 59:7-8
Proverbs 2:18
Proverbs 1:15-16

What can we learn about the path of God?

Psalm 25:4-5; 10
Proverbs 12:28

Read John 14:6. Who is the only Way?

What do the following verses tell us about God's ways?

Daniel 4:37
Revelation 15:3
Isaiah 55:8-9
Romans 11:33
Psalm 145:13
Habakkuk 3:6

What are the benefits of walking in God's ways?

Deuteronomy 5:33
Isaiah 64:5

What does God ask us to do concerning His ways?

Deuteronomy 10:12
Deuteronomy 8:6
Joshua 22:5

Read Deuteronomy 8:2. Why does God sometimes lead us in ways we don't understand?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Bryant) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:50:00 +0000

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

Spoiler Alert!! The following questions could spoil the story for you, so you may want to wait until you've finished the story to visit this page.

(NOTE: If you'd like Cathy to speak to your book club, either in person or via speaker phone, contact her here.)

1. What was your first impression of Dani? How would you describe her to a friend? How do you relate to Dani, and how are you different? What is her worst character flaw? Her most admirable quality? Answer these same questions for Steve and Mama Beth.

2. Which characters would you like to see in future books in the Miller's Creek series? Why?

3. Which character in the book left you with the most unanswered questions? Which character do you think about the most? Why?

4. What are the pros and cons of living in a close-knit community like Miller's Creek? How is city living different? How did Dani's expectations of small-town living meet the reality? Describe your community. Do they band together in times of crisis the way the people of Miller's Creek do?

5. Steve struggled with his mother's illness and in knowing how to pray for the situation. Dani battled with trusting a God who allowed difficulty. In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of enduring hardship and suffering? How has hardship and suffering shaped Dani? Steve? Mama Beth?

6. Because of the change in Dani's heart she gives Steve and others a second chance. What were the results of some situations in your own life when you chose to forgive and extend a second chance?

7. Why do you think Dani doesn't put up more of a fight when people choose to believe the worst about her? Are her motives completely altruistic? Why or why not?

8. Do you think Dani and Steve's differences served to attract them to one another or to drive a wedge between them?

9. Dani and Mama Beth both harbor secrets. Why? How are their secrets different from one another? Their motives? How are their secrets alike? And their motives?

10. Why does Dani struggle with believing God loves her? How have her relationships with her parents and husband affected how she sees herself? How does that play in with how she perceives God seeing her? How does your past affect your relationship with God?

11. What was the main spiritual turning point for Dani in the story? Do you think the road to salvation is a quick or lengthy process for most people? What obstacles did the enemy put in Dani's way to hinder her from believing?

12. What or who made the most impact or had the most influence on Dani's decision to trust in God? Or was it a combination of things? How is this alike or different from most people, in your opinion? What person or event most impacted you in your decision to follow Christ? Do you believe that you've influenced someone's life to the point that he or she accepted Christ?

13. Steve believes that he is inadequate and ineffective in his efforts to help Dani know God. Have you ever felt that way? Is Steve actually ineffective? How can you apply this to your life?

14. What do you see as the theme of this novel?

15. What symbols do you see used in the story? What is the main symbol, and how does it intertwine with the theme?

16. In the early scene with Dani and Mama Beth on the porch (Chapter 4), what symbols are used to represent how Dani sees her life? How are these symbols used to show the potential for change in Dani?

17. How is Mama Beth's garden symbolic of Dani's life?

18. How is the shattered glass in Chapter 28 symbolic of what is happening in Dani's life?

19. Why is finding home so important to Dani? What do you suppose would have happened to her had she not found it? How would it affect Dani and the story?

20. What characteristics in Mama Beth cause the people of Miller's Creek to view her as a mother figure?

21. In the first part of the book, why do you think Steve is so antagonistic toward Dani?

22. How would you describe Dani and Cecille's relationship? Why do you think their relationship is that way? How could their relationship have played out differently in the story? Do you think Cecille loves Dani? Does Dani love Cecille? How has wealth and social status influenced Cecille's character?

23. Why do you think Dani struggles so much with the decision to move to Miller's Creek? Have you ever faced a decision where you felt nothing but opposition? How did it affect you? How did it influence your decision?

24. What is the significance of Dani finding the kitten?

25. We are all quick to make assumptions about others. What are some of the assumptions Dani and Steve make about each other? What are some of the assumptions you made about the characters as they were introduced? Name several places in the story where characters made hasty, and often incorrect, judgments. Why did they make these assumptions, and with what consequences? Have you ever been on the receiving end of incorrect assumptions? How did you feel? How did it change you?

26. People of wealth are often perceived as not needing anything. What was Steve's initial perception of Dani, and why was it wrong? Do you know some wealthy people that you may have judged unfairly and incorrectly?

27. What is the deeper meaning behind Steve's comment to Dani, when he says: "I'll take care of the places you can't reach"?

28. How do you think Dani's life would have differed had she not been given up for adoption? Would her life have been easier or more difficult? Why?

29. Do you think Mama Beth made the right decision to give up her child? Why or why not?

30. Dani often questions God and His goodness. What are your thoughts and feelings about people questioning God? Is it wrong? Why or why not?

31. Dani wonders on more than one occasion about divine intervention. Can you recall a time in your life when you recognized God's hand at work? Was it during the process or afterward?

32. What do you think was the turning point for Steve in his feelings of love for Dani? What brought on those feelings? Answer the same questions for Dani.

33. How is the problem with Miller's Creek symbolic of life?

34. Miller's Creek is full of colorful characters. Which one is your favorite, and why?

PURCHASE TEXAS ROADS

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Bryant) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:46:00 +0000

WELCOME TO MILLER'S CREEK!

The purtiest spot this side of heaven. (At least that's what the good folks of Miller's Creek will tell ya.)And speaking of folks, you won't meet nicer people anywhere on the planet.

Pull up a chair and sit for a spell, while we get you a glass of iced tea from Granny's Kitchen.

Here are a few photos to get you acquainted. I'll introduce the first three people, and leave the other characters to fend for themselves.

The People:

This here's our mayor, Steve Miller. Between running the Miller family ranch and looking after the affairs of Miller's Creek, he's run pretty ragged. Proud of his heritage, there's no doubt in anyone's mind, that he'll do whatever it takes to keep Miller's Creek on the map.

Now if we could just find him a wife.

The newest resident of Miller's Creek is Dani Davis, a city slicker from the Big D. The niece of our beloved Mama Beth, it's hard not to like this lovable and friendly lady...even if she is might over-dressed for our small town.

Don't stop by Miller's Creek without getting to know our beloved Mama Beth. You won't meet a kinder (or wiser) lady.

It's not at all unusual to see a bunch of cowboys in the area. The hard part is figuring out which ones are actual cowboys, and which ones just dress that way to make people think they are. (And if you're stopping in for a visit, be sure to catch some gorgeous Texas sunsets.)

Hi, folks. I'm J. C. Watson. Nice to meet cha. Let me know if I can help you out in any way. Take care and God bless.

I'm Coot Sanders, the guy on the right with the svelte figure! Ha-ha! Normally I wear some orange suspenders the other old geezers gave me as a gift. You can't miss me 'cuz I'm loud! Ha!

Otis. Otis Thacker. Got nuthin' else to say. Hmph!

I'm Wanda Cates, secretary at City Hall. The mayor keeps me on the run with his crazy notions for the town. If you ask me, I think that man needs a long nap and a wife, and not necessarily in that order! If you need to know anything about Miller's Creek, just ask me. As you might well imagine, I hear it all.

Bo Miller's the name. I'm mighty proud of my son, Steve, the mayor of Miller's Creek. My roots go deep here, so I'm always happy to see new folks enjoy this place as much as I do. Be sure to drop in at the ranch if you're ever in town.

The Town:
Miller's Creek is named for the rocky stream that runs through town. A raging torrent during spring-time rains, the creek drops to near nothin' in the scorching Texas heat of July and August.

In our neck of the woods, everything pulls double duty. Don't be surprised to find a school gymnasium that's also the community center, or a convenience store that doubles as a hardware store (like Miller's Creek's own B & B Hardware--the only place in town where you can buy a bucket of nails and a late-afternoon snack.)

Miller's Creek has some of the purtiest homes you'll ever see. This one here belongs to Miss Mama Beth, the woman who serves as a mother figure to the whole town.

A photo of downtown Miller's Creek from the town square. The tallest building is City Hall, where our mayor Steve Miller works to take the town back to what it used to be.

Here's a shot of the old Texaco station and Miller's Creek Community Church.

Here's the old train depot. 'Course the train don't come through here no more.

And here's the gazebo in the town square. Right purty, don't you think?

The Surrounding Area:
You don't want to miss the surrounding countryside. Rolling hills, pasture land, and a spring-time wildflower show that puts the rest of the world to shame. Find ya a dirt road and go explorin'. You never know whatcha might find, but it'll always be an adventure.

The Texas state flower is the bluebonnet, a member of the lupine family. You've never seen nothin' so purty as miles of bluebonnet-lined roadsides. Worthy of a special trip, but don't forget your camera and a picnic lunch.

Of course, you'll see plenty of animals. Mostly horses and cows, but don't be surprised if you run into a few deer, coons, possums, coyotes, armadillos, and rattlesnakes.

Thanks for droppin' in for a visit. Y'all come back now!

PURCHASE TEXAS ROADS