Last week was spring break and what an amazing week it was. After lots of rain the week before,
our weather was more like summer than spring and the wildflowers were popping like firecrackers.
The Soldier's Second Chance
After returning home wounded from an IED attack, former soldier Kaleb Palmer is hailed as a hero. But survivor's guilt makes him feel like a fraud. He hopes setting up a business in Ouray, Colorado, will give him a purpose and help him forget. But his new office manager has her own plans. Grace McAllen brings light and hope wherever she goes, and she's getting Kaleb to open up. As she helps him make Mountain View Jeep Tours a success, Kaleb realizes a happy ending is in reach, if he can convince Grace to stay in town—and his life—forever.
I do love me some Bluebonnets.
Our youngest daughter joined us for the week.
Along with her husband and dogs.
But it wasn't all fun and games. There was still work to be done.
Like building new tree stands.
And fertility testing the bulls.
Trust me, you don't want to know.
All that work left some pooped pooches.
We also took some time out to visit the old city cemetery.
Where we found the marker for my boys' great-great-great-great grandfather.
Died June 21, 1865 is what the marker reads.
And get a load of the size of this oak tree.
But, alas, all good things must come to an end.
Until we find more good things.
Like this:
The cover for my June release!
I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it. My first cover with people!
Here's a bit about the story:
After returning home wounded from an IED attack, former soldier Kaleb Palmer is hailed as a hero. But survivor's guilt makes him feel like a fraud. He hopes setting up a business in Ouray, Colorado, will give him a purpose and help him forget. But his new office manager has her own plans. Grace McAllen brings light and hope wherever she goes, and she's getting Kaleb to open up. As she helps him make Mountain View Jeep Tours a success, Kaleb realizes a happy ending is in reach, if he can convince Grace to stay in town—and his life—forever.
Happy Tuesday, y'all.
Great photos MIndy. And I love the premise of your book. It really sounds great. And how exciting to be able to post it. Yay.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. It's always fun to finally see those covers, especially after spending so much time with the characters.
DeleteOh, exciting post -- spring and new books to read -- doesn't get much better than that. Of course up here we're under a winter storm warning...lovely mix of freezing rain and snow (a foot if their predictions are right on Thursday) so now green grass or pretty flowers yet. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteYuck. Freezing rain is never good. We get a lot of that here in Texas. That is, when we actually have a winter. Glad I could bring you a bit of spring, Kav. If only I could send you the fragrance of those Bluebonnets.
DeleteI had always heard about how pretty Texas bluebonnets were, but never thought much about them until we lived in Texas - and then we only saw them when we went to San Antonio (to visit family) in the spring. But then I understood! There's nothing like them. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd how cool for your boys to find their ancestor's grave!
One thing about Texans - more than anyplace else we've lived, Texans are fiercely proud of their history. It's a great history, but I've never seen another state like it. Kentucky comes in at a distant second.
And, oh, how I love those Live Oak trees! They are lovely.
Happy Spring!
You are right about Texans and their heritage, Jan. Believe it or not, the mother of the man buried in this grave was Davy Crockett's sister. My boys are very proud to claim that the Alamo legend was their great, great, great, great, great uncle.
DeleteBluebonnets are like nothing else. And I was surprised how fragrant they were this year. You could smell them on the breeze. Slightly sweet, slightly floral... Just perfect.
Mindy, those flowers are GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing your spring break! I feel like I've been on a short, virtual vacation. :)
ReplyDeleteAren't they, Missy? Too bad they're only around for a short time. I'm just pleased the timing this year coincided with our visit. Glad you enjoyed the pictures.
DeleteI love bluebonnets! A place in Fredericksburg (TX) makes a wonderful soap using bluebonnets. Very nice fragrance. And speaking of 'very nice,' that's a lovely cover, Mindy. Definitely reflects the write-up. Wishing you lots of sales :-)
ReplyDeleteNancy C
Thank you, Nancy. :-)
DeleteI love Fredricksburg. Don't get there near often enough. So much to see and enjoy, though.
Hello to my fellow Texan! You are so very right about the bluebonnets. They are one of my favorites but I don't get to see them often since we are in the Lubbock area. I tried to make time to get to the Fredricksburg region so I could see fields of them but couldn't make it happen. Maybe next year. Your book cover looks amazing. I can't wait till the book releases and I can read it!
ReplyDeleteHowdy, Pat! Sorry about the Bluebonnets. My daughter went to Tech, so I know what you mean. I hope these photos gave you just a bit of what you've been missing. Though it's never the same as seeing them in person.
DeleteHope you enjoy the book. Even if there are no Bluebonnets. ;-)
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ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these, Mindy. Your ranch looks like such a peaceful place (despite the scorpions!).
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