Merry Christmas!

Don't you love this time of year?

People are bustling around, lights are twinkling bright, and everywhere people are calling out greetings to each other, whether it be Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays. The focus is on getting everything ready, buying just the right present to make someone happy, and finding the time to accomplish everything and still get to that holiday party you just have to attend.

At this time of year, I like to remember all that I have to be thankful for. I'm lucky to have a good family and a place to call home. I have wonderful friends that I don't see as often as I'd like, but at this special time of year, we try just a little harder to carve out some time to say hi and maybe go to lunch to catch up. For those who don't live nearby, it's a time to send off a Christmas letter, make a phone call or write a quick e-mail.

I don't get much writing accomplished, and I know I should keep to my writing schedule whenever I can, but I do try to find some time to relax, open a book or turn on my kindle and catch up on some reading. That's how I like to relax especially when the weather turns cold and stormy. I like to turn on our fireplace and pull out a good book.

However you celebrate this time of year, take some time to wind down and relax. Remember all you have to be grateful for. Remember good friends, share the love of your family, and if you are far away and can't, write a letter or make a phone call. Remember this time of year is a time for caring and sharing the love in your heart.

Find a good book, and if you can't think of any, I know several great authors and would be glad to recommend one. Just go to my web page - http://www.KRBailey.com and send me a note through my contact page.

Of course, you can always download a copy of my Christmas stories, My Guardian Angel and Lila's Christmas Dream. They're short, easy reads, and I think you'll enjoy them.

Here's a blurb for My Guardian Angel:

After thirty-eight years of marriage, Emma Clawson is alone. A widow.  Her husband has always taken care of everything, the fields, the yard, even plowing snow off the driveway.   She’s spent her life caring for her husband and family.  Now she must find a way to move on. But how? 

Joe Bailey, a handsome widower, involved with a rich, beautiful woman, finds their relationship is lacking.  His family has encouraged him to date, but the women he meets don’t fill the empty void deep in his heart.

When Joe is asked to help harvest the fields for a neighbor, he is drawn to the pretty brown-haired widow with the sad, lonely eyes.  She is fighting the ravages of loneliness and insecurity, and he longs to be there to help and care for her.  Can he find the way into her heart? Will she allow him to help her learn to live again?

Here's a blurb for Lila's Christmas Dream

Lila Hanford has dreams of seeing exotic places and meeting interesting people, but mostly she dreams of running and dancing like other young women her age. Childhood polio left her with a limp, feeling homely and awkward, but she refuses to give up on hopes and dreams. Meeting the freighters each afternoon and feeding the homeless is something she enjoys because they don’t care how she walks. The day Dax Carter, an injured war veteran, hobbles into her life, everything changes. Now she isn't sure if he'll break her heart or if there's enough magic in Christmas to make her dreams come true.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

  

Gideon's Second Hand Bride

I just finished reading Gideon's Second Hand Bride by Author Kristin Holt, and I loved it.

GIDEON’S SECONDHAND BRIDE
A Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance Novella (Rated PG)

The last thing John Gideon wants is another wife.
Mere weeks have passed since John buried his wife, but he must trudge forward. For the sake of his three little ones, he has no choice but to remarry. His mail order bride must agree— this marriage will be strictly business.

Permilia is desperate to flee the bonds of marriage…
The War Between The States cost Millie her kind, gentle husband. He came back in body, but his soul was ravaged by war. To save herself and the life of their toddler son, she leaves her abusive husband though she has nowhere to go, no money, no family. A single option surfaces— a farmer has sent for a mail order mother, housekeeper, and help-meet. It’s a marriage in name only, so she justifies disappearing into the west and keeping her secrets.

...a marriage her husband vowed she’ll never escape.
Oliver Owens warned Permilia the only way she’d leave him would be through the undertaker. It’s only a matter of time before he catches his runaway wife.


He doesn’t want a wife.
She doesn’t want a husband.
Marriage of convenience?
Perfect

~~~~
I picked up this book and started reading. I knew it was a novella and I was in the mood for a short story. I had no idea it would hook me and I wouldn't be able to put it down. Well, that's what happened. I didn't quit reading until the middle of the night. I had to finish it. Loved it.

If you're looking for something that is easy reading and entertaining, pick up this novella. You will enjoy it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

Hunting - Yes or No?

I just spent three days in the mountains of Northern Utah and so enjoyed it. The cool temperatures were exhilarating. The fall colors are starting to fade, but there were enough bright yellow leaves on the quaking aspens, the brilliant red orange on the oak brush, both set against a background of green pines and clear blue skies with puffy clouds making an awesome sight as we drove our ranger looking for elk. Didn't see many elk, but the deer were plentiful, mostly does and fawns enjoying the nice days. Now and again a big moose would show itself and turkeys and grouse could be seen hunting and pecking in the tall grass.

It was on one of these types of camping trips that my story, Hunting Honeymoon, was thought up. Oh, we now stay in either our cozy cabin or our motorhome with lots of conveniences (yes, flushing toilets) but in our younger days, we took our tent and had some really fun times camping.

Hunting Honeymoon brings back memories of trips where I had to find a brush to hide behind because there was no outhouse. The frustration of having my husband off hunting with his brother and friends. The warm feeling of sitting around a campfire. We cooked over the fire with Dutch ovens and I still feel like our food tasted better when we did.

I'd love you to read Hunting Honeymoon and let me know how you enjoyed it. It's available in ebook exclusively from Amazon.com.

So, I ask -- Hunting -- yes or no!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Thought For The Month

I hope everyone has been enjoying this beautiful fall. I know I have. The leaves have changed, but while they were in the process, the vivid colors took my breath away.

Hunting season is upon us -- at least in my family. My husband and my boys are avid hunters and they have been out searching the hills for a big bull elk, a lone buck deer, and the have had some pretty good luck.

I just spent a fun-filled weekend at the Utah Chapter of Romance Writers of America Conference where I got to meet Kristan Higgins and Brenda Novak as well as other great writers like RaeAnne Thayne and Dean Wesley Smith. Such inspirations. Learned a lot. Mingled with other writers and friends, and topped off the weekend at our Utah RWA 2nd Annual Readers Luncheon. It was a fantastic weekend.

Since coming home, going through all the books and notes and collectibles brought the following thought to mind. I want to share it with you.

I still find each day too short
For all the thoughts I want to think
All the books I want to read
All the walks I want to take
All the friends I want to see.

I hope you enjoy your fall. Take time to fill your days with good things.

And, don't forget, my newest short story - Hunting Honeymoon is now available exclusively through Amazon.com.

A week of perfection

Or Recipe for Disaster?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Hello Again

Hello again - I've been lax in posting and all I can say is, life gets in the way sometimes. I'm sure many of you find the same thing. Your time isn't always your own. Families need attention. There's always housework and yard work and so many things going on. But, I hope you all have had a great summer.

I have been busy and wanted to share a couple of pieces of news with all of you.

First
I have a new short story that should be out this month. It's title is Hunting Honeymoon.

Analise has her nails done weekly, her hair styled regularly, and dreams of a candlelight steak dinner. 

Mark’s total focus is hunting and fishing. He’s excited to show her the beautiful mountain majesty he loves hoping to teach her to love the outdoors like he does. 

They have planned a hunting honeymoon in the rugged mountains of Utah.

Problem is, she’s not ready for the shock of having to bathe in a cold mountain stream and share him with his hunting buddies. He has no idea why hot dogs and s'mores aren’t the perfect honeymoon dinner.  

Can these two completely different people find a way to make this the perfect beginning of their life together?

Check out my story. I think you'll enjoy Mark and Analise's hunting honeymoon. 

Secondly

I am doing edits on another story, Cherry Wood Place. I love the cover designed by Kelli Ann Morgan of Inspire Creative Services.  What do you think?

Watch for Cherry Wood Place. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can announce it has been released!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Great Advice

Great Advice to Live By

A friend gave me the following and as I read through it again tonight, I found myself thinking it is so true. I don't know who wrote it, but I wanted to share the thoughts with you.

DO FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
Every super-successful person's gotta do what they love.

DON'T BE AFRAID
You'll never walk if you don't take the first step.

DO JUST DO IT
You can dream, you can talk, but at some point you have to do it.

DONT EVER GIVE UP
Tenacity: you're gonna get knocked down. Take your knocks and get right back up.

DO GET A YES
You might get a hundred doors slammed in your face. So go to door 101.

DON'T OVER PROMISE
You have to keep your credibility.

DO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SMARTER THAN YOU.
That's the Ronald Reagan School of Management.

DON'T LISTEN TO NAYSAYERS.

Some people live in the negative. They are the naysayers. They say it can’t be done. They say it will never be good. Ignore them. Think for yourself. You can do it.

HAPPY READING!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

I Love Great Reviews!

I love great reviews by readers. Makes me so happy to know that someone enjoys the hard work I put into writing a story.

I have received some great reviews for my book, A Tug At My Heart. It's my first western historical and I'm so thrilled that readers are enjoying it.

Here's what readers are saying about my book, A Tug At My Heart.

A classic romance with only a bit of spice at the end. I love any kind of western and the author brought this historical 1892 western to life. Bailey has excellent character development and sense of place. I enjoyed the Utah setting and felt that I was right there with the characters, Catherine and Zed. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long time and couldn’t wait to get back to it to find out what would happen next. If you love historical westerns, you’ll enjoy this read!

                ....Author Cindy A. Christiansen

5 Star Review - Excellent

What a excellent story. Catherine widow is help by Zeb to buried her husband she is pregnant but Zeb is to be married and he has given his word. From the beginning these two have a connection. It is an excellent book from start to finish only wish it was longer hated to end it.     .... A Reader

A sweet love story

I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. I could not wait to see what happened. I hoped it would end the way I wanted it to end. Thanks K R Bailey I really enjoyed it.  .....Mardell

If you haven't had the chance to read my book, you might want to check it out and let me know what you think. I love hearing from readers.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Pets - They Add So Much To Our Lives

Most of us have pets – dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, even pigs. They add so much enjoyment to our lives.

I grew up around horses. My Morgan horse, Racal, became my friend and confidant.

Everything in life seemed better when I crawled on his back and went for a ride. I loved sitting in the hay barn, enjoying the smell of hay. I’d pour out my heart to my Rascal as he ate from the manager. I knew he was listening because his ears would move back and forth as I talked. Every once in a while he’d lean up and nuzzle me as if tell me everything will be okay.

I remember my sister telling her daughter, who was scared to be outside by herself, to watch their horses. If everything was fine, they’d be eating and meandering around the pasture. But if someone was out there, their ears would be forward, as if on alert, and she’d know to come into the house and be careful. Wasn’t that insightful of her? After that, my niece never was scared to be outside by herself.

Today my family has a yellow lab. He’s our second one. His name is Shilo,

and he’s my buddy. It’s always amazing to me that we can be busy and not play with him for a day or so, but whenever we go out, he’s there, wagging his tail, thrilled to see us.

Our first lab was named Max. My son bought him, then decided to get married and couldn’t keep him. We inherited him and had him for eleven years. He was part of the family. When my husband retired and I was still working full time, Max used to go everywhere with him. They were definitely buddies. It definitely broke our hearts when he died.

My most unique pet was a young turkey. His name became Beep Beep because when he was little, every time we went by the box we had him in, he’d make a chirping sound like Beep Beep. As he got older, we’d call him and he would coming running and follow us around. People used to laugh that we had a pet turkey.

Pets become part of our families, adding happiness, and becoming an integral part of our lives. As I write my stories, you’ll notice that my hero and heroines nearly always have animals in them. A story wouldn’t be real if it didn’t have a dog wagging its tail or a horse wanting to have his neck rubbed. Wouldn’t you agree?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Small Towns - Yes or No?

I happen to love small towns with their quaint charm. You drive down Main Street and there's usually only one street with ice cream parlors, small restaurants if the town is large enough to have more than one eatery, interesting shops, and nearly always at least one pub or bar. There's usually a lovely old home turned into an inviting bed and breakfast that beckons you to stay. And the people know everyone who live there so you always get stared at. Right? (Grins)

There's usually old home, some even abandoned that holds all kinds of secrets, and there's usually at least one eccentric person who has secrets of their own. Interesting people and interesting places.

That's the drawback. When everyone knows everyone else, they also know everything their neighbors are doing like whose son or daughter got in trouble at school; who's sick, and who's dating -- or sleeping -- with whom.

Okay, maybe everything about small towns isn't rosy, but I love books set in small towns. Neighbors are helpful. There's usually a shared bond you'd never experience in places like New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. There may not be theaters and museums but there's almost always a beautiful park for a picnic, lovely scenery perfect for long drives,
farms with all kinds of animals, stately old barns and huge fields -- just a slower way of life.

My story, A Perfect Catch,
takes place in such a place. Friendship Creek is a town I dreamed up where the people are friendly, there's a lovely old mansion turned into a bed and breakfast and a bar where everyone likes to hang out after a long day of fishing..

And just because it's a lovely small town doesn't mean some things are always what they seem. Not everyone is who they profess to be. Even at the quaint bed and breakfast, things happen that profess to have some secret happenings. As the annual fishing derby is just about to start, there are strangers in town. One handsome stranger is there to fish, but he's never been fishing. Coincidence? or perhaps something isn't quite kosher. You'll have to read and find out.

A Perfect Catch is a great read. Try it, you'll enjoy it.

So, I ask you -- small towns? Yes or No! I vote yes.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

Birds of Sadness

You can't prevent the birds of sadness
from flying over your head,
but you can keep them from
nesting in your hair.

I haven't blogged in awhile. It seems like life keeps throwing things at me and I find it's hard to get back to my normal groove. Do you ever feel that way?

I've had my father fall and hurt himself and my family tried to take care of him at home but it just didn't work out so we had to move him to an assisted living center. He was very angry, and that is so hard to face. Thankfully, he is starting to get stronger.

But then my husband took sick with pneumonia, and that meant lots of doctor visits and worry before he finally started feeling better. Thank heavens.

Then guess who caught the crud that's been going around, and so I've been working my way through that.

I know -- everyone has woes. Everyone has sickness. Everyone has family issues, and I don't mean to blog because I'm asking for everyone to feel sorry for me. I'm just saying, I've been faced with birds of sadness flying over my head, and I'm sure you have too.

When I saw the above statement, I thought, yes, that's exactly true. Birds of sadness have been flying a little close for comfort, but I'm determined to keep them from nesting in my hair. I made up my mind to smile, to be pleasant even when it's been hard. You know what I mean? When you want to throw things and scream, you force yourself to be nice, to keep your chin up and smile.

Well, that's my words for you today. Don't give in to adversity. Don't throw things -- instead smile and make up your mind you will do your best to be pleasant and happy.

Don't let those birds of sadness take root and make a nest in your life. Life is too short to give up.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

Life - Live it Sunny Side Up

I've been away from my computer this past month. Health and family issues have taken precedence. I'm sure many of you have encountered these types of blips along the way. But I'm happy to say, life has evened out, health issues in the family are getting somewhat better. I'm now hopeful I can get back to writing.

As I was going through some mail, I found a couple of thoughts I want to share with you. They made me do some deep thinking.

Live for Today
Dream of Tomorrow

I think I can safely say many of us have trouble not letting our dreams take over the present. We need to live today, in the here and now. Experience the things life gives us. Yes, I know some days are harder than others and we need to take a little time and dream, but don't let your dreams overtake your every hour. Take steps to accomplish things today. Work on accomplishing your dream, but never let your dreams make you forget to smile at something, spend time with those you love, enjoy the little things that make life good, and find time to tell someone you love them.

In other words....

Live life sunny side up!

(Wish I could take credit for these thoughts, but I can't and I'm sorry, I don't know who said them)

Read a good book -- Give someone a hug -- Be Happy

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Dark Secrets

Dark Secrets. Don't you just love the title?

Originally, I had a different title for this story, but I gave my manuscript to a friend of mine to critique, and she came back with this title. I think it is perfect.

I really enjoyed writing Dark Secrets. I had the opportunity to visit West Virginia and Kentucky and  I thought the area was beautiful. I knew I had to write a story set in that area.

Have you ever just knew in your heart that something wasn't right, that you weren't getting all the details? Well, that's exactly what Moira felt when she made the decision to take the assignment to go to West Virginia and write an article on the ginseng business. What she was really doing was uncovering what really happened to her brother. She couldn't accept he had an accident and died. What she uncovered were secrets that she would never have believed if she hadn't experienced them.

Here's a brief blurb:

She’s searching for answers ...

Under the guise as a journalist learning the ginseng trade, Moira Dawson is determined to learn the truth about her brother’s death. Someone knows the secret of how he died, and she’s sure it’s murder. 

He’s determined to protect what’s his …

Beau Johnstone looks like a rugged mountain man, and he hates diggers who tear down his fences and destroy his property to dig the coveted ginseng roots, and he’s not afraid to run them off with a loaded shotgun.  

Can they succeed?

In the competitive world of the ginseng business, Moira wants answers, and she’ll not stop until she gets them. But what she learns could kill her. Beau is the key to her survival, but after meeting him at the end of his shotgun, he’s the last person she plans to trust.

If you're looking for a new book to read, try Dark Secrets. I think you'll be glad you did.

Dark Secrets is available in both paperback and kindle through Amazon.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

You Only Live Once

     You only live once
      But if you do it right
    Once is all you need! (unknown)

I smiled when I read this. Then I thought, you know this is so true. We only have one life so we need to live it to the fullest. We won't have a dry run. We won't be able to stop and start over. We have today and hopefully tomorrow. There is no time to worry about yesterday. It's gone. Done.

Here's a motto to live by. I may have posted it before, but I think it's worth rereading.

      Life should NOT be a journey to the grave
      with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive
      and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
      body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,
      "WOO HOO what a ride!" (unknown)

Smile - it makes you feel good.
Dare to do something just for you, something you wouldn't normally do.
Enjoy the little things each day - a beautiful blue sky, the sound of a bird singing, the laughter of little children, a grubby, sticky hug from a child.
Live your life so you can say, "Woo Hoo, what a ride!

Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com

Friends are Special People

This week I got together with friends I went to high school with. There were 18 in all. These women I've known for forty plus years. Some of them I've known since first grade. Each time we meet, another one or two join us. Tonight there were three I hadn't seen in all these years. Oh, we look different, our lives have changes, but it was such fun to renew acquaintances, reminisce about old times, and just catch up on each other's lives.

As I looked around the table this evening, I realized we are all very different - some are Caucasian, a couple are Japanese. Several are married, one has stayed single, others are divorced, and a few are widows. I, like several others, am retired, but many still have full-time jobs. You know, it didn't matter. We chatted and laughed and just enjoyed the evening. It was a fun escape from my normal routine, and I look forward to getting together again in a couple of months.

Why am I writing about this? I don't know except to say, friends are very special people. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful friends in my life.

Here's a thought I found that says what I feel this evening:

Friendship is a promise
Made in the heart,
Unbreakable by distance,
Unchangeable by time.

I am so thankful to have friends. I'm hoping you take time to renew acquaintances, get together with your friends, and let them help make your day even better.

Happy Reading!
 

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com