Holiday Craft Bazaar

I just spent a delightful two days at the First United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar and met so many nice people. Of course, my favorites are the readers I talked to. It's always interesting to see what types of books they prefer -- paperback or ebook, and there's lots of both out there. Then there are those that love to read and they will read in any format they can get. Those are people like me. I love books. I love reading books. I have a kindle and love it. But I also love to hold a real paperback book and scroll through its pages just as much.

We had several author friends of mine there selling their books, offering to autograph each one, and it was so rewarding to see so many young people who were thrilled to have a book personalized just for them.

That's me with many of my books. I'm sharing a table with my author friend, Alysia S. Knight. 

As the holidays are approaching, remember books are a wonderful gift to young and old alike. Think about buying a book when you are searching for that perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

And speaking of perfect gifts, my story Lila's Christmas Dream, is a sweet Christmas Story. If you haven't read it, you will enjoy it. If you have, think about buying one for a gift.

Available in both paperback and ebook from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Lila. Lila?” Her mother’s voice echoed from the house.

“Oh, I need to go.”

Munchie jumped up when Lila stood.

“Thanks for talking to me.” He rubbed his hand down Munchie’s back.

Lila scrambled toward the door at the same time he stood. They bumped against each other. Lila’s eyes went wide when he grabbed her shoulders to keep from falling. She lost her balance and fell against his chest.

She gasped.

He remained holding her close, enjoying the way her soft curves felt.

“Are you all right?” He dropped his hands from her shoulders, but at the sight of her bright pink cheeks, he slid his finger down her soft skin.

She stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…”

She put her hand to the place he’d touched. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I need to go.”

He watched her turn.

“Come on, Munchie,” she called.

As she limped from the room, he had to refrain from rushing to help her. When she left, the soft scent of her remained in the tack room making it a much nicer place.

He made his way to the door and watched as Lila stopped to pet the nose of each horse. She then said goodnight to the cow before she left the barn.

Smiling, he closed the door and sat on the cot. He’d never met anyone who took time to talk to a milk cow.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Book of the Week

I just finished a new book by an author I had never read and really enjoyed it so it has become my book of the week.

The book is titled, Summer Again, A St. Caroline Novel by Julia Gabriel. This is the first in a series and I really enjoyed the story.

Here's the blurb from the Amazon website:

.Dive into this sweet (and slightly steamy) enemies-to-lovers office romance and fall in love with the town of St. Caroline ...
For years, Lucy Wyndham wondered whether she'd ever catch another glimpse of the boy she crushed on as a teenager at the Chesapeake Inn's summer camp for disadvantaged kids. He was tall and quiet ... mysterious and aloof ... and oh so gorgeous.

Also the owner’s son. Not the slightest bit disadvantaged.

Fast forward ... now Sterling Matthew runs the Chesapeake Inn and is Lucy's boss. He's still tall, aloof, and oh so gorgeous. Ten years later, the attraction between them is just as strong—but they’re no more compatible today than they were as teenagers.

Nor do they share the same views of the summer camp. When Sterling informs Lucy that the camp must be eliminated to improve the resort's bottom line, she embarks on an ambitious campaign to save it. Even if the price is her job ... and her heart.

*****

If you are looking for a new author to try, give this book a try. I did and I am glad I did. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

M Favorite Author

Do you have a favorite author? I'm sure if you are a reader like I am, it's hard to pick just one favorite. There are so many wonderful books out there and so many amazing authors that I just love how each one tells a story, pulls me into it so much I feel like I'm friends with their hero and heroine. When I finish the book, I feel sad because I'm going to have to meet new people and go to a new town and experience something new.

Is that bad? Not really. That's what keeps me reading.

Right now, I'm reading Nicholas Sparks' book The Rescue and loving it. So I guess today my favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. His books are amazing, and I love most of the movies made from his writing.

If you are looking for something to read, check out his book. You won't be sorry.

What's your favorite book and author?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

The Mountain View Cafe

I'm excited to announce that The Mountain View Café is now available in paperback as well as Kindle Format from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Come here, Franny,” he spoke softly to her.

She paused for just a moment, then walked right into his arms. Trembling at the strength of his embrace, she molded herself against him and looked anxiously into his eyes, then her gaze drifted to his mouth.

“You’re beautiful, Franny,” Dean whispered. “And very charming.”

Her breath hitched at the words offered so unexpectedly. She searched his eyes, looking for the truth, still nervous about accepting people at face value, but he seemed to be honest. She could feel his warmth and knew he was definitely very real.

“Not really,” she laughed, uneasily. Her heart beat erratically, and she was appalled at the reaction she was having to him. Max must have sensed she was uncomfortable because he came over and nudged her.

“It’s okay, boy,” she bent to pet him, breaking the spell. “It’s been a fun day, Dean, but we should head back.”

She tried to move away, but he held her, and she turned to meet his stare. Her gaze traced the hard planes of his face, the small dimple in his chin, the few gray hairs mingled with his dark hair, longish above his ears. She ran her hand through the hair at the nape of his neck which was slightly curling above his collar.

Looking up, she met his kiss. His lips were gentle, and she could smell his sweet breath mingled with the spicy scent she now associated with him.

When it ended, she remained in his embrace, relishing the warmth of his body. His dark brown eyes stared back at her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her

Happy Reading!

    K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

The Mountain View Cafe

My Newest book - The Mountain View Café - is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for the kindle ebook. Hopefully I'll have the paperback published soon.

Here's  the back cover blurb:

As the owner of the Mountain View Café, Franny Alexander has found a way to move on after losing her husband in the war and surviving a brutal attack. She just wants peace and to enjoy the life she’s created.

The war left Dean Bailey with terrible emotional and physical scars. He now has his own construction company and is attempting to settle into a good life.

Maggie is a lost young woman trying to find her place. An abusive relationship with a drug addict has stripped away her self-esteem. She’s full of bitterness after her mother took her away from her childhood home and had her father declared dead. Now she’s searching for a better life.

Shaun Mathews is a great psychologist who tries to be there for everyone. His life takes an unexpected turn when a young woman rushes into his office and throws him into an impossible situation.

Can these four lost souls, who have struggled to survive the pain and hurt life has thrown at them, find the happiness they are searching for at the Mountain View Café?

*****

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Weddings Are In The Air

It's summer which brings warm weather, flowers, and fun. It's also the time for romance and garden weddings.

If you like romance with a bit of mystery, try my book, Cherry Wood Place. It's available in both ebook and paperback. I'd love to hear how you liked it!

Here's a brief blurb:

“Sleep well.” His voice was so low she had to strain to hear his words.

“I plan to.”

He didn’t move.

She didn’t want him to. It was wonderful having him stand so near. His shoulders were so wide she was sure they would envelope her if he pulled her into an embrace.

She bit her lip, and he stared at her lips.

She gulped again.

He leaned toward her.

Her breath caught as his face came closer.

She watched him move as if in slow motion and found herself leaning toward him as well. Heat spiked in her. Butterflies fluttered in her belly.

Their lips touched. Briefly. Warm and soft and ah, she wanted more.

He pulled back slightly and looked at her. His eyes had changed to warm gold.

She didn’t move. Heat flared on her cheeks, but she couldn’t look away. He was mesmerizing. She craved another kiss.

As if he could read her mind, he kissed her once again.

She met his kiss with fervor, enjoying the way their tongues teased the other. The kiss deepened. She met his passion, enjoying the spicy taste mingled with a hint of the beer he’d drank. When he put his arms around her and pulled her closer, she felt his chest move up and down as he breathed. Her breasts hardened as they were tickled by the feel of his body rubbing hers.

Her arms went around him. Her hands moved across his back feeling the soft cotton of his shirt against the hardness of his muscles. She couldn’t stop herself from sliding her hand along his shoulders and up into the hair at his neckline. Thick and soft all at once.

He groaned and took a tendril of her hair, rubbing it between his fingers, and kissed her again. Soon her pony tail was pulled free and wild tresses cascaded around her shoulders. He tugged her head back and pressed his mouth harder against hers as if trying to bind them together.

Their kiss lingered. Her world spun at the electricity that surrounded them.

When he finally pulled away, the cold air slammed between them and emptiness knifed through her.

She looked into his eyes while her heart pounded. She fought to catch her breath while he ran his thumb down her cheek.

“I should stop.” He whispered.

“No. Not now.” She groaned. “Kiss me again.”

And he did. A kiss hard and full of passionate heat.

*****

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Vacations

Summer brings to mind Vacations. Time to get away from the daily grind. Unwind and enjoy your family, friends, or just take time for yourself. There are so many wonderful places to visit - the ocean, camping, fishing, riding ATVs, luxury spas and resorts, cruise ships - there's definitely something for everyone.

As I've said before, my favorite place is Yellowstone National Park. When I was a young girl, my folks took our family there each summer. There are probably still some trees in the fishing bridge area that have my initials carved in them.

As I've grown older, I've enjoyed learning more about the history of our first National Park and that includes the ghost stories that abound which gave me the idea to write one of my own.

If you haven't had the chance to read it, try it today. I've had several good reviews.

Eaton's Ghost - A Yellowstone Ghost Story

 Available in both ebook and paperbook.

Visit Yellowstone Park

Meet a couple of ghosts

Enjoy a scrumptious love story

.Take time for you. Take a vacation and get away whether its for a day or two or a week or even a month. You deserve it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Book - Cherry Wood Place

My book, Cherry Wood Place, is a romantic mystery. As with all romances, they have a happy ending. Mine is no different.

Spring reminds me of love and marriage, why not check out my story, Cherry Wood Place.

Here's a brief blurb:

Recently divorced with no job and no future, Emma Kingman knew she had to do something fast. Her meager savings won’t support her for long. Then her friend Ally asks her to plan her wedding. Ludicrous, but an idea starts to grow. 

Destiny led her to the perfect place -- an old home large enough for everything she’s looking for. A call to the realtor is the first step to achieving her newfound dream - Cherry Wood Place, her own wedding center. Emma’s future looks bright. But is it?

Realtor, Matt Graham, is relieved to find a buyer for the family home that has sat empty for three years. He’s fascinated with the changes Emma is making to the old homestead. Even though he doesn’t want to get involved, he is intrigued with the determined woman.  

With rumors of the house being haunted, vandals and weird happenings around the property, Emma’s hopes for her new business begin to dwindle. Matt finds himself wanting to help, but neither of them are ready for the unusual events that threaten them and their future together.

Cherry Wood Place is available in both ebook and paperbook through Amazon.com

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

Happy Spring!

I've been missing in action for awhile now and the only excuse I have is -- well -- not much. I have been busy with my newest book, Cherry Wood Place. It's now available for pre-order and will be released April 7.

Here's the back cover blurb:

Recently divorced with no job and no future, Emma Kingman knew she had to do something fast. Her meager savings won’t support her for long. Then her friend Ally asks her to plan her wedding. Ludicrous, but an idea starts to grow.

Destiny led her to the perfect place -- an old home large enough for everything she wanted. A call to the realtor began the process of achieving her dream – Cherry Wood Place, her own wedding center. Emma’s future was bright. Or was it?

Realtor, Matt Graham, is relieved to find a buyer for the family home that has sat empty for three years. He’s fascinated with the changes Emma is making to the old homestead. Even though he doesn’t want to get involved, he is intrigued with the determined woman.

Emma’s dream is marred by rumors of the house being haunted, vandals and weird happenings. Matt finds himself wanting to help. But neither Matt nor Emma are ready for the strange things that threaten her and their future together.

*****

Just in time for spring, Cherry Wood Place has the happy ending that is a great way to spend a lovely spring day -- and thankfully we are finally starting to have some lovely spring days.

With the snow nearly gone, the skies are bright blue and the days are getting warmer, I wish you Happy Spring!

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

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

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

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

Lila's Christmas Dream

My newest Christmas story - Lila's Christmas Dream is available for pre-order on Amazon.com

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.

If you enjoy a sweet love story, you'll enjoy Lila's Christmas Dream.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

Live Every Day!

Once in awhile I come across a thought that just inspires me and this is one I found in a magazine. I'd like to share it with you.

Live Every Moment
Laugh Every Day
Love Beyond Words

I know many of you will say, I live every moment. We're alive. We're living. But I ask, did you make the most of every minute of every day? Too often I think we just go through the motions of getting up, getting dressed, go to work, come home and veg in front of the TV. When my husband and I first married, we talked about life in general, things like Christmas, birthdays, etc and decided that life can be boring or hard, but it is up to us to make special occasions.

Have you laughed today? I don't mean a smile at a friend, I mean a big laugh, the kind that makes you wiggle with happiness, the laugh out loud kind of laugh. Most of us don't laugh. I see people every day and it's hard to even coax many of them to smile. Every one is in too big a hurry to even enjoy what they are doing. Laugh is good for our souls. Take a moment and laugh.

Have you ever loved beyond words? I thought about that statement and wondered if any of us ever really love beyond words. That is so overpowering to even think about, isn't it? But then I thought about how I feel about my grandchildren and the love I have for them is beyond words. I lost my mother over ten years ago but the love I still have for her is so powerful that I'd say I love her beyond words.

I urge you to think about the thoughts and live every moment of your life. Take time to laugh, and whatever else, find someone or something or even a place and love it beyond words.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

I have news!

My newest story, A Perfect Catch, is now available on Amazon.com in kindle format.

Here's a short excerpt:

They pulled the chairs closer to the fireplace. K.C. sensed that Erin relaxed as she stared into the flickering flames. He watched the way her delicate fingers held the coffee mug. He fantasized about her fingers with their neatly trimmed nails. Desire coursed through him, and he longed to hold her hand and kiss her palm, perhaps feel them running over his body.

            He wanted to touch her, to connect with her. When he reached for her hand, he was pleased she let him hold it and clasped her fingers in his. Her skin was soft and warm, her hands small and delicate. She smelled of powder, her hair filled with the scent of lilacs, and he ached to run his hands through her sun-streaked brown hair.

            “You look deep in thought,” Erin said.

            K.C. glanced at their clasped hands then looked at her. “Thinking I’d like to kiss you.”

            Erin attempted to pull her hand away, but he held tightly.

“Don’t pull away from me.” He waited, and when she didn’t move, he leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her mouth.

He heard her quick intake of breath before she pulled her hand from his hold. “It’s late.”

He watched her stand abruptly, and for just a moment, regretted kissing her. When she paused before walking away, he saw the slight blush on her cheeks and relished the feel and taste of her on his mouth.

“Goodnight.” Her voice was businesslike, and she hurried from the room.

He realized he was in trouble. This woman was so different than most of the fluffy, soft, perfumed ladies he dated, and yet he was drawn to her brusque ways. He loved watching the way she smiled or how her face lit up when she talked about fishing. She wasn’t as buxom as many of the women he spent time with, but she had all the right curves. Even though she didn’t try to be, she was all woman.

He sighed.

Why in the hell did she have to be the one he knew would get hurt by what he had to do?

*****

A Perfect Catch should be available in paperback shortly.  I'm also working to have it available in other formats and hopefully that will happen this month.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

What Gift Would You Prefer?

In 1892, what kind of a gift would you like?

You're a widow with a baby and have just survived a long, cold winter in a small cabin in the Rocky Mountains of Northern Utah. What type of special gift would brighten your spirits?

Fabric for a new dress -- of course.

Fresh beef or venison -- always a welcome gift to restock your larder.

A visit from a friend or perhaps someone to help chop some badly needed firewood.

Any of these things would be greatly appreciated, but what about an organette?

Never heard of them? Neither had I until watching a television show one night that got me wondering about them.

Organettes are a small hand-cranked reed organ, usually designed for tabletop use.  Popular from the 1870s through the early 1900s, hundreds of models were manufactured, playing thousands of tunes.  Hymns, popular music, classical - they were all available as you turn the crank. (info from The Organette Music Repository at www.organettes.com)

In My story, A Tug At My Heart, Zed brings Catherine a presents of an organette.



Being so far away from civilization,
this would be like giving her a radio, something to bring music into her home and she is thrilled to receive it.

The pictures here show you a few types of organettes.

Hopefully when you read that chapter, you'll have an idea what an organette is and why she is so excited to receive one.





Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Book Review

I enjoyed this story. Hidden Flaw by Doree Depew is an easy read novella. The author developed the heroine's feelings of insecurity after losing a limb in the military really well.  What I loved was the way the hero saw past her handicap. It was a story of hope and love. I'd highly recommend it.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com