Tanya Hanson: Redeeming Daisy...and the rest soon to follow.

Things got hectic since last time I posted here. White Rose Publishing offered me a six-novella contract for the entire clan of siblings at Hearts Crossing Ranch, which was released in June. In the first story, cowboy Kenn Martin who carries a load all his own, falls for landscaper Christy Forrest, and brings her to faith and love.

Then just two weeks ago, the second brother's story, Redeeming Daisy. was released. Large-animal vet Pike Martin tries to resist lost-soul Daisy Densmore, his brother Kenn's ex, in a story of regaining trust and offering forgiveness.

Third brother Hooper, a testicular cancer survivor, had his story turned in just two days ago!

It's a dream to be writing inspirational contemporaries for White Rose although I truly enjoy the western historicals in my Paradise Brides series at The Wild Rose Press. As I see things, it's all good!

I hope to see you around the romanceosphere. Take al look at the all-western romance site, Petticoats and Pistols, where I blog every first and third Wednesdays.

Blurb: Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.


Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.

Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.

With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?

Excerpt:

Before he could turn back, he saw her slumped upon a boulder at the edge of the creek, head in hands. Like the weight of the world had unloaded on her.

No matter. It was a weight she’d caused herself. Still…Something stirred deep down. Pike had strong shoulders and enough stamina to lean on.

As if guided by an invisible hand, he made his way to her side. Somehow a rose-flavored fragrance lay on the breeze ruffling the chokecherry trees. Over the burbles of the creek and whimpers of the wind, much less his quiet cowboy footfalls, she didn’t seem to hear him coming. He had plenty of time to change his mind.

But he didn’t. Why, he didn’t know. Unless somewhere dark and deep down wanted him to talk with her.

“’Morning, Daisy.”

She started, scrambled to her feet, and glowered at him.

“’Morning back at ya,” she said. Then she pushed back the sleeve of her black sweater and pointedly looked at her watch. “I’m sure you don’t want to be late for the clinic.”

Sure enough, she’d ruffled his feathers. “Just a fine point here, but this is Martin land.”

“I guess that’s code for I’m trespassing?” she shot back.

He kept his cool but regretted his impulse. “Any and all are welcome. It means I know where I am and how long I need to get to work.”

Like a gunfighter of old in a draw, she faced him, arms tense, fists clenched. Just like the night at the hoedown, he knew it was all false bravado, and something in his heart tweaked. Surprised, he noticed his knees weakening a tad.

She lost the draw, dropped her gaze to the toes of her boots. Faded blue jeans hugged her legs like an old friend, worn comfy boots snug up her calves. That black sweater, though, had seen far better days. Then she looked up at him from about five-feet zero, eyes so dark he couldn’t see the pupils. The long black pony tail had long ago given in to the wind.

“Well, then, thanks for letting me stay. It’s peaceful here. Picture-perfect.” Her voice lost its edge and something in her tone touched him, deep down. She still didn’t look at him, but her cheeks pinked. “I recalled this place from when…from when Kenn and I used to come here. I…needed to gather my thoughts.”

Mention of his brother riled him, brought back memories of the hoedown, and ruined any thoughts of peaceful and picture-perfect for him. Wishing he’d stayed away, far away, he straightened his knees and loomed over her, taller yet. “You better not be pining for him,” he rasped.

“No. No. Don’t get me wrong. I know he’s with somebody else now.”

“Not just with somebody else. Engaged to her.” Pike himself heard the extra harshness in his tone.

She nodded. “I know. I’m not here because it reminds me of Kenn and what…what we had. I just remembered how much I liked it here. And the bridge? I came to, well…”

“What? Jump off it?”

Her face fell, turning pale. “To throw a penny in the creek and make a wish.” Then she held her chin strong and looked up him straight on.

“Ought to try an honest prayer instead of some dumb wish.”

“I know what I do doesn’t mean anything to you.”

“You’re wrong.” Pike tried to keep his voice from shaking. “It means you need to apologize.”

Best wishes and God bless,
~Tanya
Tanya Hanson
http://www.tanyahanson.com/
http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/
http://heartscrossingranch.blogspot.com/