Thanks All My Friends

"Friends know your secrets and still love you the way you are."

I love that thought, and as we end 2013 and begin the new year, I know I'm so grateful to the many wonderful friends I have.  Some of my friends are new, and they are special, giving me help and encouragement each day.

I have some friends I've known for years.  I've trusted my deepest secrets with them, and they are still there, ready to talk, ready to give me advice, and I always know they will never betray anything I might tell them. 

I have some friends I met through work that I so appreciate.  We try to get together for dinner now and again, and I do enjoy their company.  I have friends who have moved many miles away, but have taken the time to stay in touch over the years. They fill my life with so much happiness.

My sister is one of my special friends.  We've had so many good times, sharing secrets, talking out problems and seeing fun places together.  Even though she lives nearly 500 miles away, we still talk, get together, and I don't know what I'd do without her love and support.

I've been lucky to have been married to my best friend and soul mate for over 26 years.  We have so much fun together, and I'm so thankful for him.

To my readers -- thank you for your support.  I count you all as my friends even though we may have never met in person.  You're great and I appreciate you all.

So, as 2013 ends, I want to say thank you.  I can't begin to name everyone, but I want you all to know I appreciate you. I love that you care and support me. I wish you all the very best in the new year.

Happy Reading!

Go to http://www.KRBailey.com and learn more about me and my books. 

Interviewing Irish Winters

I’m pleased to welcome new author, Irish Winters, today.

 

Irish, it’s good to have you here to talk to us, and I want to say thank you in advance for joining us.

K. R. Bailey:  Tell us a little about yourself.

Irish:  I am the wife of the man of my dreams, the mother of three handsome sons, and the grandmother of six perfect grandchildren. My husband and I live away from the city lights and noise in the countryside of Northern Utah where I spend most of my days writing and every night dreaming of my hero’s next adventure.

K. R. Bailey:  Talk to us about your journey becoming a published author. Have you always wanted to write?

Irish:  I have written short stories and poetry for as long as I can remember, but only recently decided to write a novel. My daughter-in-law, Katie, inspired me to consider publishing. We bounce ideas off each other, laugh about our fictional relationships, and console each other through rejects and harsh critiques.

K. R. Bailey:  I understand you have a new book expected to be released in December, the first in a series of many stories. Tell us a little about your series and your new book.

 

Irish:  The title of my first book is ALEX, the story of an angry man who has lost the concept of joy in his life. Still suffering from the tragic loss of his wife and child, he is at a point in his life where he’s had enough. He just wants to be left alone. The only flaw to his self-pitying plan is an abused woman named Kelsey. It is in helping her that he begins to remember the gentle man he used to be, and that life truly is a gift. Their journey takes them through murder and mayhem, testing their feelings for each other to the limits. It is only when he stands to lose Kelsey that he must face his worst enemy—himself.

K. R. Bailey:  What inspired your ‘In The Company of Snipers’ Series?

Irish:  The series came about by accident. After I had written ALEX and created his covert surveillance company, it provided the perfect springboard for additional novels. After all, he had to hire specific people for that kind of job. Who better for covert surveillance than ex-military snipers? And who better for a good romance story than a strong warrior who just may have his own backstory, trauma, and angst to deal with? Voila! A series was born.

K. R. Bailey:  If you had to pick a favorite character from your stories, who would it be and why would you choose that person?

Irish:  I love all my guys and gals, but I am partial to Kelsey because she sees right through the tough guy she married. She reminds Alex of the kind man he used to be and still can. She believes in him.

K. R. Bailey:  Can you give us an excerpt from your story?

From ALEX, In the Company of Snipers:

Suddenly, his sniper’s sixth sense pinged. Something wasn’t right. But what? A bear? A cougar? He heard nothing, and the dogs hadn’t raised any alarm. Caution tightened his stride. There sat Smoke, still as stone, his ears pitched forward at something on the porch. He glanced up at Alex, and then right back to whatever—or whoever—was on the porch.

Someone’s in my cabin. Alex pulled his pistol free of its thigh holster. People have a lot of nerve these days.

“What’s up, Smokey?” He kept his voice low, approaching along the side of the log structure with caution. Glancing sideways and around, nothing revealed the source of his anxiety. The weathered porch creaked under his cautious step. He froze.

What the—?

There stood Whisper on the porch with his lips pulled back, his canines bared, and standing protectively over the splayed legs of—a what? A department store mannequin? A dead body? He couldn’t believe what he saw. Those outstretched legs belonged to a young woman sprawled against his cabin door, her head bowed to her chest, her hands limp at her side, palms up. Covered with blackened patches of blood and bruises, she looked dead.

Whisper growled, for an instant threatening both master and canine companion.

“Knock it off.” Alex brushed the dog out of his way, annoyed the mutt thought he could get away with that kind of behavior. There was no contest. This was no fresh kill, and Whisper wouldn’t have won if it were. The dog whined once and backed away, relinquishing the porch to Alex, his tail tucked between his back legs.

Alex knelt beside the woman, feeling her neck for a pulse. It took a few seconds to locate, but a weak beat stuttered beneath his fingertips. Lifting the tangled mass of hair away from her face, he ducked closer to get a better look. Her eyes popped open.

“Don’t hurt me,” she moaned, shielding her face with her arm. “Please—”

“Who are you?” Instantly, he was angry she would say something like that, but she didn’t answer. Her head lolled to her shoulder. He knelt closer, peering into her bloodied face. Did she just die?

“No,” he ground out between clenched teeth. “You started this. You’d better not die on me now.”

Whisper whined, crowding Alex while he eased the woman to her back. “Back off.” He elbowed the dog. “Get out of here.”

Whisper only stepped back two feet, turned a full circle, and came right back.

Alex pressed his ear to the woman’s chest, holding his breath while he listened for a heartbeat. It was there and fairly steady considering how bad she looked-and smelled. Sweat and dirt was not the welcome he had expected at his cabin. Neither was she. A ragged groan sounded deep in her throat. Okay. That was a good sign. Maybe she heard him. Maybe she actually listened and decided not to die.

He sat back on his legs and blew out a deep breath, his heart pounding at this abrupt about-face to what had been a relaxing afternoon walk. Glancing at the immediate forest around his cabin, he searched for a reason this mess of a woman would be here on his porch. There was nothing. No one. Just her.

He ruffled Whisper’s thick black mane. “Sorry, tough guy, but you’ve got to give me some room to work, okay?”

Still trying to calm down, he checked her pulse again and smoothed his hands over her shoulders, down her arms, hips and thighs. It didn’t look like she had anything major wrong with her, no broken legs or arms, but there was plenty of what looked like road-rash across her extremities and dried blood in her hair. As bad as she looked, he was afraid of a gunshot, but he found nothing. A concussion was a possibility, but it’s not like he was a doctor. He’d had some medical training in the Corps. A man didn't survive warfare without knowing how to tourniquet a bloody limb or plug a sucking chest wound, but this was different. This was a woman.

Damn. What do I do now?

Whisper nestled his big black snout over Alex’s shoulder like he was offering free advice with his whine.

“I know.” Alex scratched the dog’s nose. “You found her. Now what do we do with her? You got any bright ideas?”

Whisper slapped the porch once with his moose-sized paw.

“No. You can’t keep her. She’s not a toy,” 

 

K. R. Bailey:  What are you currently working on?

Irish:  Self-Publishing ALEX! When I’m not stressing over that, I am polishing Book #11 – ADAM, and editing Book #3 – ZACK. Oh yes, and Book #12 is already 15,000 words and counting, so yeah. I’m a writer.

K. R. Bailey:  Who has had the most influence on you as an author?

Irish:  My mother, Mary Rose Meagher. She always believed and although she watches me from the other side of the veil today, I know those Irish eyes are still smiling.

K. R. Bailey:  What was the first book you read that made you love reading romance? Do you have a favorite author?

Irish:  Definitely Jane Eyre, by English writer Charlotte Brontë. Ooooh! The angst of Mr. Rochester, the ideal bad boy – a married man! Oh, my!

My favorite author? Right now - Tiffinie Helmer. I want to write like her when I grow up! (So loved Garrett in ‘Hooked.” What is it about a guy in uniform?)

K. R. Bailey:  Do you do anything special to set the mood for you to write?

Irish:  I light a scented candle, shut the door to my office, and invite my guys and gals in to join me. I write no matter what. Some days it is total crap, but the next morning, after my brain has worked overnight, a better story emerges from the muck. I get my best ideas when I sleep. Don’t you?

K. R. Bailey:  I understand you’re a very prolific writer. Tell us about your writing day.

Irish:  I follow the philosophy of Nike—JUST DO IT!

That means I start each day at 5AM (sometimes sooner, sometimes later), enter the alternate universe of my office, and I write in my pajamas until my husband rolls out of bed. Depending on what his plans are for the day, I usually return to my office and write until dinnertime. Sometimes later. Sometimes all day. After all, I am retired.

K. R. Bailey:  What’s the one thing you do to pamper yourself?

Irish:  A good margarita works wonders.

K. R. Bailey:  We’re just going into the holiday season. As an author, how do you juggle your schedule to find time to write and still enjoy the season?

Irish:  That is a lot like asking me how do I breathe during the holidays. Writing is not something I have to find time for. It’s who I am. I cannot imagine a day without it.

K. R. Bailey:  Do you have a holiday memory that stands out in your mind?

Irish:  My first Christmas with my husband. We were so poor and so stupidly in love; could hardly afford a Christmas tree. That was forty plus years ago. My only thought then was that if we were together, that was all we needed. Guess it worked.

K. R. Bailey:  If you could give an aspiring writer some advice, what would it be?

Irish:  A great man once told me that if you really want to do something, no one can stop you. BUT – if you really don’t want to do something, no one can help you. Follow the advice of NIKE – Just do it. Decide. Now. Today. Do it!

K. R. Bailey:  How can readers find out more about your stories?

Irish:  Check out my web-site: IrishWinters.com.

            Blog: IrishWinters.blogspot.com

K. R. Bailey:  How can readers contact you?

Irish:  Web-site: IrishWinters.com.

K. R. Bailey:  Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Irish:  Thank you, Kathy for inviting me! This has been fun. To all my readers and fellow writers, Merry Christmas! May you all receive exactly what you wish for in the coming year!

Thanks for joining us. I know I’m looking forward to your In The Company of Snipers books.

Here's the links to buy Alex, Book 1.

 Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=alex+irish+winters&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Aalex+irish+winters

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/irish-winters-alex?store=allproducts&keyword=irish+winters+alex

 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=alex&adult=on

 

Happy Reading!

 

KRBailey.com

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving - A Forgotten Holiday?

All my life, November meant looking forward to Thanksgiving, a time to get together with friends and family.  We didn't ignore that holiday to shop for things. Christmas carols didn't start playing on the radio until afterwards. Oh, sure, I always had a few friends who started their Christmas shopping early, but stores closed on Thanksgiving to allow everyone time to spend it with loved ones.  We had a beautiful dinner, spent the day with family, and basked in the love we all shared.

Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. Even aside from the cooking, baking pies and rolls, and all the food preparation, it's become a day to get together and enjoy family. We don't worry about a lot of decorating. We don't feel pressure to buy just the right presents. Instead, we enjoy each other, talking, laughing and relaxing.

I can't stop the ever-emerging way Christmas is crowding out the Thanksgiving holiday -- and don't misunderstand me -- I love the Christmas Season, but I can acknowledge all my friends and family this Thanksgiving. I can say thanks for everyone who has been there for me all year.  I can wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving Day and that's exactly what I'm doing.

May you have a Thanksgiving day full of peace, love and happiness. May you enjoy the company of loved ones and take the time to enjoy this beautiful holiday before the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is upon us.

K. R. Bailey

One Stormy Night is Free!

Just wanted to remind everyone my newest novella - One Stormy Night - is still free on Amazon through tomorrow.  If you haven't gotten your copy, click on the link below.  There's still time.

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Stormy-Night-K-Bailey-ebook/dp/B00FDWWRVU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1383718147&sr=8-8&keywords=one+stormy+night

One Stormy Night has received a 4 star rating -- I'm thrilled at that.  Here's a take from the review:

"This suspense was short and sexy ...She's a pretty spunky character...Scott is a caring guy...There were plenty of nail-biting moments..."  Go to Amazon.com and you can read the entire review.

Remember, One Stormy Night is free through Saturday, Nov 9. 

Happy Reading!

It's Free!

My newest story, One Stormy Night, is free on Amazon until the 9th of November.  Check it out and download your copy free today.

Just click on this link to get your free copy of One Stormy Night:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Stormy-Night-K-Bailey-ebook/dp/B00FDWWRVU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1383718147&sr=8-8&keywords=one+stormy+night

Happy Reading!

No matter how you feel
Get up, dress up and
fight for your dreams.
       ---unknown

Had to share this.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I let "things" get in the way of taking each step I need to take to accomplish something I've dreamed of for ages.  When I read this, I smiled, because it so applied to me.

Does anyone else let their life take over and feel like they aren't in control?  Do you sometimes feel down in the dumps and feel like there's no need to keep trying?  Do you sometimes ignore your dreams because it just seems like it's too hard and too much work?

Well, I needed to read this thought.  Maybe it will help you because there's nothing more exciting, fun, fulfilling, and wonderful than accomplishing something you've dreamed of.

So -- get up, dress up, and go for it!

For more about K.R. Bailey, go to KRBailey.com

Happy Reading!

Kate's Song - A Great Read

I just finished reading Kate's Song by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It's a sweet, easy read that pulls you into the Amish Community of Apple Lake. 

 

 

 

 

Her heroine - Kate - has a beautiful singing voice and has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime, but it goes against everything she's been raised to believe.  Now she has a decision to make that will affect the rest of her life -- follow her dream or choose the only life she's ever known. 

 

Her hero - a young Amish Man - Nathanial - has loved Kate since they were youngsters, but is his love enough?

 

You'll find yourself rooting for them both, and the story will keep you reading right up until the last page.  You'll definitely enjoy this book -- it was a very enjoyable read.

 

For more about Jennifer Beckstrand's books, check out her website at:  www.jenniferbeckstrand.com

 

 

 

I Love Fall!

Today we drove up to our cabin, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. The colors aren't as vibrant as they are some other years, but the sky is a robins-egg blue with only a few wispy clouds. The temperature is balmy, a relief from the unusually hot summer we've had.

We took a drive through the mountains and saw several does with their fawns milling about, probably enjoying the moisture from last night's rainstorm as it sits on the leaves they feed on.

It's beautiful and peaceful -- a perfect way to spend the day.  I hope you're enjoying your day as much as I am mine.

And while you're enjoying your day, don't forget my newest story -- One Stormy Night -- will be available September 25 exclusively on Amazon.com

Have a great day.

For more about K. R. Bailey, check out my website at:  http://KRBailey.com

One Stormy Night

My newest novella - One Stormy Night - will be released September 25, 2013 exclusively for Kindle!

Here's a short blurb:
How can a hunting trip go terribly wrong?

Evie loves to hunt, and she's a better shot than any man. Scott is fun-loving and sexy -- the perfect companion. But what starts out as a wonderful date turns deadly when they witness a terrible crime and must flee for their lives.

Evie and Scott begin their day laughing and teasing, but car trouble and a freak blizzard force them to seek refuge in a deserted farmhouse.  Once they get a fire started, the farmhouse seems like the perfect -- and perfectly romantic -- place to wait for help until three strangers arrive carrying assault weapons.

When they witness a murder, Evie and Scott must escape back into the frigid, snowy darkness to hide from the criminals. Only by relying on each other can they survive.


One Stormy Night is an action and suspense-filled story with enough spice to keep things interesting and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

One Stormy Night was a fun story to write.  I think you'll enjoy it.  And for anyone who doesn't have a kindle, One Stormy Night will be available in January in all electronic formats.

For more about K. R. Bailey and other books, go to:  http://KRBailey.com

Happy Reading!

Lightning Only Strikes Twice

I just finished reading a new book by Stanalei Fletcher -- Lightning Only Strikes Twice.  I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a great book.  Ms. Fletcher puts a unique twist on a western historical time travel that pulls you into the story and holds you right to the end. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Stanalei Fletcher.

If you'd like more info, go to her website at:  http://StanaleiFletcher.com

Happy Reading!

Love - Anytime

I just returned from a trip visiting my sister in Colorado.  We spent one of the days in Estes Park and at one of the small stores, I saw this thought.  I loved it and wanted to share.

Love me when I don't deserve it
Because that's when I need it most.
                  ---unknown

Isn't that a great thought?  How often do you crave someone to give you a hug after you've spoken out of turn?  Aren't there times when you crave someone telling you they love you when you've having a bad day? I know I do.

Here's wishing you love when you do deserve it and even when you don't!


Check out my website at http://krbailey.com
Learn more about me and my books!

Did You Know?

I love hummingbirds.  My family knows that the first thing I do when we get to our cabin is go get my feeders and fill them.  I think hummingbirds are amazing little birds.  Watching them fascinates me.  You'll find I include hummingbirds in many of my stories because I do love them.

Thought I'd share a few facts about hummingbirds I found in a book I have titled, Hummingbirds of The American West by Lynn Hassler. 

1.  They can fly up, down, sideways, backwards and have the fastest wing beat rate of any birds.  Their wing beat can exceed 72 times per second.  One of their remarkable characteristics is they can hover. It's hard to image their wings beat 72 times per second, isn't it?  The energy they exude is amazing.

2.  They have feet but their legs are very short and they are unable to walk or hop.

 Isn't this albino a beautiful hummingbird?  I've never seen one in person but I'd love to.

3.  There are over 320 species of hummingbirds.  The closer you get to the equator, the more species you'll find.  In the United States, the greatest number of species is in the West.

4.  Every day they must consume half of their weight in food because they burn up their fuel so quickly.  They usually feed 5 - 8 times per hour.  The rest of the time they are digesting.  Flower nectar is their primary food source, but in its absence, they'll eat tiny insects and spiders, gnats, flies, mosquitos, aphids and flying ants as well as oozing tree sap.  Did you know that?  I was amazed that they eat small bugs.  I was under the impression that they only drink the nectar from a feeder or from the flowers.

5.  They are very territorial and often chase other birds away.

6.  They don't sing like other birds.  Vocalizations tend to be squeaks, whistles, chirps, cheeps, ticks, clacks, hums, and buzzing.

7.  Males mate with multiple females each season. Females do all the next building, incubation and tending of young.  Their eggs are about the size of lima beans, and the female generally lays two eggs about a day apart.  Babies are born blind and without feathers.

8.  Their lifespan is about 3-5 years.

Just a few facts.  I hope you learned a little about hummingbirds and found some of these facts interesting.

Have a great day.

For more about me and my writing, check out my website at:  http://krbailey.com

 

 

It's A Writing Contest!

Whether you're a published author, a wannabe author, a starving writer, or whatever, our Utah Romance Writers Chapter is sponsoring a contest.  It's open for any type of romance entries -- historical, young adult, murder, suspense or just plain contemporary manuscripts.

If you've ever wanted to know what others think of your work or if you're wanting some great feedback, go to the following link and find out how to enter.

http://www.utahrwa.com/howcontest.html

We have wonderful prizes and who knows, you might get a chance to win a free cover design or perhaps a professional edit.

Go to our website at:  www.utahrwa.com and check out our Heart of the West Contest.

Friends - Our Angels

Friends are our Angels in Life
They help us through anything
         ---Nanci Johnson



I came across this thought filed away on my computer and just had to repost it.  Ms. Johnson is so right. Good friends are angels to stand by us no matter what. They support us when we feel inadequate. They listen when we need to talk. They offer love when we feel that we are unloved. They encourage us to be the best we can be.

I have a couple of good friends who have been by my side through thick and thin. One of them is also my sister and I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. She is always so supportive of everything I want to do and doesn’t hesitate to encourage me or even discourage me if she feels I need to be sure I know what I’m getting myself into.

I have several other friends who are not related, but to me they are an intregal part of my life and I don't know what I'd ever do without them. They have listened and understood me, stood by me, and given of their time and energy to make sure I had what I needed to go on every day even when I’ve been blue. We’ve shared so much over the past years and every day I thank my Lord for them.

I try to include good friends in each of my stories. My life has been enriched by good friends, and I think my stories are better when I have my hero and heroine enjoy good friends too.

I urge you to remember your good friends.  Enjoy every aspect of spending time with your friends.  Remember -- you have to be a good friend back!

For more about K. R. Bailey and her books, check out her website at:  http://KRBailey.com

Don't You Just Love It!

 

Had to share the following.  A friend send this to me, and it made me chuckle.  Hope it makes you smile, too.

 

Wish I could take credit for writing the story, but I didn't.  Thank you to whoever wrote it.

One morning, the husband returns the boat to their lakeside
Cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.
Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up, and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent.

Along comes a Fish and Game Warden in his boat.

He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'

'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')

'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her.

'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.'

'Yes, but I see you have all the equipment.  For all I know you could start at any moment.  I'll have to take you in and write you up.'

'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.

'But I haven't even touched you,' says the Game Warden.

'That's true, but you have all the equipment.. For all I know you could start at any moment.'

'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.

MORAL:
Never argue with a woman who reads.

It's likely she can also think.

 

Have a great day!

 

For more about K.R. Bailey visit her website at: http://KRBailey.com

WOW - Some Great Reviews

I have to brag a bit and share a couple of reviews I got for my stories.  Bear with me -- perhaps they'll entice you to check out some of my books, too!

You Complete Me (Bookstrand Publishing Romance)
Kristy wrote:  Wonderful!  This book had me fom the very first page.  I smiled, laughed and cried.  What a wonderful love story.  There was kind of a surprise in the middle, but the way everything turned out, I loved it.  K. R. Bailey is a wonderful author.  This is a must read and I will for sure be buying more books by K. R. Bailey.  Thanks for telling such wonderful stories.

You Complete Me is available in both e-book and paperback.

You can get your copy for download in all formats from my publisher at www.bookstrand.com/You-Complete-Me

You Complete Me is also available from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Dangerous Deception (Bookstrand Publishing Romance)
Mardell wrote:  I enjoyed this book because it was written in the town I am from.  It was interesting reading the history of the Shooting Star and many of the other places that K. R. Bailey wrote about.  The story line was great with a feel good ending.  Because I liked this book I am reading other books written by this author.

Dangerous Deception is available in both e-book and paperback.

You can get a copy for downloading in all formats from my publisher at www.bookstrand.com/Dangerous-Deception

Dangerous Deception is also available from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.





Murder and Lies (Bookstrand Publishing Romance)

 

The Long and The Short of It Reviews said:  Engaging Read, Engrossing! 

 

It starts with murder, but stumbles toward love: K. R. Bailey's "Murder and Lies" opens with the shock of a friend's death - but it is far more than a simple murder-mystery. Maggie Benson is an appealing main character from the start. She helps people, and is simply heartbroken at her young friend and employee's death. Her motivation, in the beginning, is obvious.

Wilson Beaumont has a whole different problem: money....Read More

It starts with murder, but stumbles toward love: K. R. Bailey's "Murder and Lies" opens with the shock of a friend's death - but it is far more than a simple murder-mystery. Maggie Benson is an appealing main character from the start. She helps people, and is simply heartbroken at her young friend and employee's death. Her motivation, in the beginning, is obvious.

Wilson Beaumont has a whole different problem: money. And not just lack of money - it's lack of a whole lot of money, and there's a good deal of trouble headed his way because of it. Of course, it's the dead girl who has the information he needs... a dead girl who is more to him than he wants known at first.

The town of Twin Rivers hardly seems the sort to have this drama land in its midst. It really has such charming aspects - and the author describes things beautifully. The flickering light of campfires for example, or the day-to-day operations in the diner all work to set the mood. This is a town of kindly folks too, like like Sherriff Anderson and Lindsay.

However, the distant specter of a menacing bank owner looms over all for contrast; there are the ruthless, as well.

At first, we feel a bit angry that Wilson brings all this to the quiet town - right to Maggie's little diner, in fact. However, it isn't long before we suspect that it was Vienna who first brought the trouble. Who to trust will become central to uncovering what really happened. Each new revelation throughout throws even more intrigue into the mix. Although Maggie becomes more and more attached to Wilson, she also discovers (or thinks she discovers) more and more about him. And it is not all good. The interplay between the two is engaging and utterly believable - conversations both reveal and raise our suspicions. We readers know how we want things to go, but increasingly, we wonder if these people are who we think they are.

This is not at all a mystery overlaid with a romance; each piece is integral to the plot.

A matter of trust; a matter of the heart. "Murder and Lies" does deliver on the suspenseful mystery, but doubly so on the feelings of the heart. This is an absolutely gripping romance. A must read, for sure.

Murder and Lies is available in e-book and paperback.

You can get a copy to download in all formats from my publisher at www.Bookstrand.com/Murder-and-Lies

 

Murder and Lies is also available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

 

 

 

My Guardian Angel (The Wild Rose Press Publishing Sweet Romance)

 

 



Stephanie wrote:  The book has been amazing...I just love how it's so easy to be so caught up in the book that it's like you are right there watching a movie as each part is played out which makes it really hard to put the book down...thank you for creating such a wonderful book.

 

My Guardian Angel is a novella and only available in e-book format through:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

 

 

Aren't these great reviews?  Thanks for letting me brag a bit.  If you're interested in reading more about each of my stories, check out my website at:  http://KRBailey.com

 

Happy Reading and have a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I HAVE NEWS!

Thanks to everyone who came by and either bought one of my books or said hello on Saturday at my booksigning with Barnes and Noble.  We had a great day.  If you didn't come join us, you missed meeting lots of authors with wonderful books -- and we shared lots of chocolate.  Barnes and Noble were fantastic and treated us like royalty.  I so appreiate the opportunity to talk to so many readers and enjoy the time with the other fantastic authors!

I got a contract from The Wild Rose Press for my short story, One Stormy Night.  I wrote this story after my husband told me about a hunting trip that went bad in the west desert.  I put my characters into a sticky situation that just got worse when they witness a murder and have to flee for their lives.  In the story it's winter, they have two flat tires, and I can't tell you what happens.  You'll just have to read it for yourself.

Oh, Happy Mother's Day!

For more about me and my books, check out my website at:  http://KRBailey.com

Wise? Or Is It Just Old Age?

I never gave much thought about getting old.  Oh, I remember thinking 25 was old -- oh how foolish - right?  I remember hearing my mother's friend complain about being 45 and I thought I never want to get that old.  Guess what?  I am that old.  In fact, I passed that number awhile back.

Isn't it funny though.  I don't feel any older now than I did years ago.  Oh, I have more aches and pains, but mentally, I feel the same.  I still like alot of the same things.  I still feel like I can do what I used to do.  Too bad my body doesn't always agree.

I remember hearing people say you gain wisdom as you age.  Well, I must have missed the boat because I don't feel any wiser.  But when my granddaughter asks me questions, I can draw on experience to answer her.  Sometimes I even find great answers.  Whatever I say, she looks at me like I'm so smart so maybe wisdom is something you acquire and don't even realize it.

I have to admit, each day brings new experiences.  These experiences are determined by the decisions I make.  Perhaps that's how we gain wisdom -- learning from our past experiences, and at my age, I've had alot of past experience.

What do you think -- what has brought you wisdom?

For more about K. R. Bailey and her books, check out her website:  http://KRBailey.com

Have a great day!

Life Is Short

A friend send this saying to me along with these cute pictures and I wanted to share them. Hopefully, they'll brighten your day.


Life is short - Break the rules  

Forgive quickly
Kiss Slowly 

Love Truly
Laugh Uncontrollably

And never regret anything
that made your smile.

 

May you all have a beautiful day.

 

For more about me and my stories, check out my website at:

http://KRBailey.com

 

Is It Really Spring?

The calendar says its spring.  Usually Easter signifies it's spring.  I know I'm ready for spring.

This was taken on Easter.  Doesn't look like spring much to me, does it you?

My family took a ride to the mountains to see how close we could get to our cabin.  We never get in until Mother's Day or later, so even though there's still snow on the ground, it was wonderful for us to get to our gate.  This time of year we're always anxious to get on the mountain and to enjoy our cabin.  We always look forward to seeing the animals and hummingbirds.  So, even though there's still snow, it was a gorgeous spring day in the mountains (about 7500 feet in elevation). 

We had a great ride and a very nice day and as you can see, my husband drove out of the canyon with a smile on his face.

I need to tell you, that a few miles down the road the snow was totally melted and we were able to see deer grazing on the hillside and some fish jumping in the creek that runs alongside the road.

Don't you just love spring flowers?  My neice posted these on her facebook page and I just had to share them. 

Once we drove out of the snow and got back to our house, my daffodils were starting to bloom, the hyacinths were starting to grow, and they are definitely a sign telling me spring is here.  I love it!


We, in the west, are lucky because we have different seasons, and they each offer us so much.  Spring is the beginning of life as calves are born, colts arrive, flowers spring up with their beautiful colors, and the rains help everything turn green and lush after the long cold, snowy days of winter.  I guess it's alot like life.  Each of our seasons bring us something to look forward to, and so does the various seasons. 

Take time to look around you and enjoy this marvelous time of year.  Push the dark moods away and embrace the new bright days.  Let them inspire you to create something new, reach out to another person, finish something you started, or just get out and find something to smile about.

Me, I'm working on another story.  I'm getting really close to submitting it to my publishers.  While you are waiting for it to be released, check out some of my other stories.  I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy.  My website will give you all the info.  http://KRBailey.com

Enjoy your spring days.

A Fantastic Story

Fire Rescue

This is beyond a "nice story"--it's fantastic!!!

During an early morning response to a house fire, firefighters were amazed... A Mother dog risked her life to save her puppies from the fire surrounding the burning house... The Mother dog, Amanda, raced back and forth between the house, putting her 10 day old puppies in the Safest place she could find - a Fire Truck! ...

As an onlooker photographed it with his cell phone after she already had a few in one of the truck's equipment compartments. She didn't stop racing back into the smoke and fire until all of her puppies were safely away from the fire.

The firemen on scene could not believe their eyes. Most people have never seen a dog this smart or this brave! Bringing each one out, six trips into the fire and no one could stop her.

All the firemen could do was to try to keep a little water spray on her to keep from singing as she kept making trips running through the open door. You can see some of the singed hair on her back end, forehead and lower legs. Aside from one puppy being treated for serious burns, the entire family are alive and well! Thanks to the bravery of Amanda!

After rescuing all of her pups from the blaze, Amanda sat down next to them to nurse, protecting them with her body. Onlookers called an emergency veterinary service, and she and her pups were rushed to the hospital.

What a heroic mother! How Great!! !

Don't You Love Old Barns?

I remember going to visit my grandparents in Cache County and passing a big old barn with a sign painted on its side.  I was always fascinated with that old barn.  It made me wonder what types of tales it could tell me. 

 Last spring I took a two week road trip with my sister back to Kentucky, and we passed many cool old barns.  Most of the ones I took pictures of were called “quilt barns”.  Now, I had never heard of the term “quilt” barns but my sister is an avid quilter.  She has a long-arm quilting machine and lives and breathes quilting.  Needless to say, I get to talk about quilting a lot when we’re together.  I’m not complaining because I love spending time with her, and she gets to listen to me talk about writing, so in the long run, I think we’re even.

 I remember spending time with my mother as a young girl and helping her hand quilt the beautiful quilts she made.  Now, I hate making quilts, but I definitely do appreciate all the hard work that goes into them.  So, when we were traveling and came across some cool old barns with quilts painted on them, I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures.  As I thought about the barns, I got to thinking that they remind me of the life we live and the lives of those who have passed on.  They are so rich in history.  Wouldn’t you just love to hear about their history?

 Here’s a beautiful old barn. 

 

Notice how pleasing it is to look at.  It’s painted and well kept up.  It’s obvious the owner loves his barn and is proud of what he has.  Wouldn’t you just love to go inside and see what treasurers are housed in it?  Keeping this barn looking so meticulous definitely would require a lot of work, and that is my first thought:  You have to work hard to succeed.  It doesn’t matter if you want to write a book, sew a beautiful quilt, look nice, keep your house and yard up, or become the CEO of a company.  Everything takes a lot of hard work to obtain it.

 

This second barn is big and sturdy and well made.  Even though it’s not fancy, it looks trustworthy.  That’s my second point:  Be trustworthy.  Whether it’s in your dealings with others, writing a book, borrowing money, or just in your everyday life as you work and play, you have to be trustworthy.  Make your word your bond.  Let everyone know they can trust you, depend on what you say, and rely on you when you say something.

 

This third barn is definitely old, but it has character.  It’s one of a kind.  My third point is:  it doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are, build your character.  Let each day help you become the person you want to be.  You are unique.  Enjoy your differences.  Everything you do helps you become a unique person with character that makes you that much more interesting.

 

One thing they all have in common is they are great to look at and each one is different from the other.  They bring joy to anyone who passes by with their bright colored quilts painted on them.  So my last point is:  Be happy.  Bring joy to others and to yourself. 

 

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my quilt barn pictures.  If anyone has pictures of interesting old barns they’d like to share, I’d love to see them.   

For more about me, visit my website at http://KRBailey.com

Have a great day!