Hearts Crossing Ranch

Unexpected Joy...a 4 1/2 Star review at Night Owl Romances

2012-01-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

What a day for some stress relief...I'm, well, my right foot, is going under the knife tomorrow. So this wonderful review reminded me of God's care and blessings.

Enjoy!

Check out my latest review (for the FIRST in the series!)

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Maria-reviews-Hearts-Crossing-Ranch-by-Tanya-Hanson.aspx

Happy New Year and TWO nomations...thanks, God!

2011-12-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled, humbled and honored that two of my books, Faithful Danger and Sanctuary, are among the ten nominated in the Inspirational category of the 2011 CAPA Awards at the Romance Studio.

I think all of my books are books of the heart in some way, else I wouldn't bother to fill the pages, but these two are pretty land-mark for me. Faithful Danger is my first-ever suspense story. Caffey Matthews, a young widow escapes to California's beautiful Santa Ynez valley to hide from enemies of her late husband, a white-collar criminal hang. She manages to hang on to her faith while danger lurks...and she finds herself drawn to a mysterious cowboy, Rhee Ryland, unbeknownst a high-priced P.I. hired to find her who's falling in love himself...

And Sanctuary is devoted to my husband, a testicular cancer survivor, and our dear family friend battling glioma. A love story full of heart and hope between Hooper Martin, foreman of the Hearts Crossing Ranch, and a beautiful wedding visitor, Mallie Cameron, will really make you feel at home at the ranch.

I have to admit, the last six weeks have been pretty hard about the homestead as one of my beloved family members struggles with a serious problem that kinda tainted our holiday spirit. so these nominations arriving two days before Christmas really reminded me, once again, Who's in charge.

Aw I wish had the trust in God that I give my characters...I think that better be my New Years Resolution.

Oh yeah I know this logo is from last year...when I was nominated for Favorite author. Wow, what a year it's been since then.

Merry Christmas..it might be the 28th but Christmas is still going on in my opinion, and happy new year to y'all.

Love from me to you! oxox

The Visionary by my friend Pamela Thibodeaux..

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

In her latest release, award-winning author Pamela S. Thibodeaux shows us readers another example of her gifted writing in The Visionary. She's the best at presenting "inspiration with an Edge."

buy link

A visionary is someone who sees into the future; Taylor Forrestier sees into the past, but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as a “visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique,” Taylor is a brilliant architect and gifted designer.

But she and Trevor, her twin brother, share more than a successful business. They share a tragic childhood racked with lies, deceit, and disturbing abuse. In her latest release, award-winning author Pamela Thibodaux shares the story of trouble and tragedy made whole by the love of God and His awesome healing power. She shows how His grace and mercy free the twins from their part and open their hearts to the good future He plans for them.

Enjoy The Visionary, available at Amazon, and see “inspiration with an edge” at its best and how the Lord’s love heals the most wounded of souls.

Pamela's website

New Release! Right to Bragg...and I kinda am...

2011-11-14T16:26:00.001-08:00

It's out, published on 11/11/11. Right to Bragg. I can't believe the cool date. It's Book Four in the Hearts Crossing Series, and I hope you enjoy Tiffany’s falling both in faith and love during a picture-perfect Christmas on that fictional little ranch, Hearts Crossing, where everybody love to come home.

BLURB:

Disowned by her family, Tiffany Vickers faces a lonely Christmas and takes great comfort in the baby boy in her care. Her faith in tatters, she guards her heart against the baby's uncle, handsome cowboy Bragg Martin, a man with baggage of his own. While Bragg longs to open his heart and family to the lovely nanny, he doesn't understand her interest in his arch enemy. Saving a man's life and saving Tiffany's faith bring the couple together…and home to Hearts Crossing Ranch.

EXCERPT:

Tiffany got up for another cup of coffee, Matty’s eyes watching her every move.

“He sure notices you,” Bragg remarked as the baby drained the bottle.

“Yeah. We bonded right off. I’m so glad about it.” As she’d made a snap decision just then, she rushed on. “I left behind my precious nephew. I guess in my psyche somewhere I figured maybe nanny to Matty might help ease that hole in my heart.” Gently she rubbed her hand over Matty’s head, the edge of her hand tugging at Bragg’s shirt and causing a funny havoc. Mostly though he listened to her pain.

She sank back down into a kitchen chair, resting her cheek in her hand. “I was with Connor from the moment he was born. Paul and Diana wanted me there. Then things went haywire. It was my fault. You talk about forgiveness, but there isn’t any in this case. And I miss that little boy. Oh, I miss him so. I need him. His love was unconditional, you know. He’s three now. I can’t let him forget me.”

Bragg’s heart tugged at the agony on her face, and Matty’s little hand flailed. Tiffany took it at once. “It can’t be that bad, can it?”

“I’ve been disowned, so, yeah, Bragg. It’s that bad.”

CTRR Award...from Coffee Time

2011-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'm just not a blogger. There is so much else going on. But I get here when I can. And I sure made time to post thie!

Sanctuary has just received not just a five-cup (the highest) review at Coffee Time Romance...but also received their CTRR "Recommended Read" Award.

To say I'm over the moon is beyond description. I thank God for this affirmation, as last week was one of those times when self-doubt roiled. Getting this news late Saturday night was a true blessing.

"Sanctuary was a spellbinding story. It captivated this reader completely. Just when I thought it could not get any better, Ms. Hanson throws in a curve with the ex-wife. This remarkable read was extremely hard to put down. The refreshing characters of Mallie and Hooper really connect with the reader. They indeed are unforgettable, as well as the secondary players in this marvelous story. It felt like being surrounded by a huge loving family. This extraordinary read is one that I truly recommend to everyone. Tanya Hanson gives the reader promise in her characters"

On the ninth day of Vacation, my true Lord gave to me....

2011-07-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

...a four star review at RT.

http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/sanctuary-5

"Hero Hooper will appeal to many fans of inspirational fiction. He is thoughtful, caring and devout. Surviving his life-threatening illness has only reaffirmed Hooper’s faith in the Lord. Mallie is an equally winning character. She is upbeat and open, welcoming new experiences into her life. However, while both characters put their faith in the Lord, they are also aware that their cancer might return, which adds a bittersweet, yet realistic, aspect to their relationship."

Awesome review for Sanctuary at Nights and Weekends...

2011-07-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

"...Sanctuary is the third installment in author Tanya Hanson’s Hearts Crossing Ranch series, following on in time directly after Hearts Crossing Ranch and Redeeming Daisy. There’s no need to have read the previous two books, though, before downloading this one. It tells a story that’s woven around the same family, but it brings different members to the fore.

Two cancer survivors are thrown together at a Hearts Crossing wedding, and all of the sweet hopes and good wishes leave them wondering what the future holds for them. For anyone who’s ever questioned why God might allow sickness and pain in His world, it’s an evocative, clear-sighted, and uplifting tale...."

For the entire review, click here:
http://www.nightsandweekends.com/articles/11/NW1100273.php

Meet me at Dora Hier's blogspot today!

2011-07-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

The talented White Rose author Dora Hiers, and wonderful new friend. is featuring Faithful Danger at her blogspot today. I hope you'll stop by and learn a bit about Faithful Danger!

Dora Hier's R is for Romance

Inspirational Romantic Suspense

2011-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

My first ever...White Rose Publishing releases Faithful Danger today!

What happens when a hot cowboy turned P.I. falls for the woman he's hunting? And what if she's nothing like he expected, everything he's always wanted, and pushes him towards a faith he's long since forgotten? Find out in Faithful Danger!

After her husband's financial crimes and suicide, Caffey Matthews leaves behind her wealthy Manhattan life-knowing her husband's enemies are in pursuit. Frightened and alone, Caffey hides her identity and finds succor in the remote California ranch land, which helps her to reclaim faith and trust in God. Even as he frightens her, mysterious stranger Rhee Ryland steals her heart...

Believing Caffey is involved in her late husband's misdeeds, cowboy-turned high-priced private investigator Rhee Ryland arrives in sleepy Rancho Lorena ready to haul her back to justice. He doesn't expect to fall in love with her. Even more surprising is his return to his childhood Lord.

P.s. Rhee grew up near Hearts Crossing Ranch!

My Book Trailer....check it out! Hearts Crossing Ranch series

2011-07-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01v9MqBvOxc&feature=youtu.be

Blurb: SANCTUARY

2011-06-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

A beautiful plus-one at a wedding, a hunky cowboy..autumn leaves and rugged horse trails. The perfect setting to unite two healing souls…

Ranch foreman and single dad Hooper Martin is ready to put his health and life back on track after battling cancer…including re-entering ing the dating scene. His little girl sure could use a mother. Falling hard for wedding guest Malia Cameron makes perfect sense to him: she's a survivor, too.

Mallie has put her heart on hold, knowing she will never recover from her brian tumor struggle. She can't promise a future to anybody and vows never to fall in love. Letting Hooper Martin into her life would be a big mistake. But his good looks take her breath away, and his living faith starts to gentle her confusion about Who's really in charge.

Sanctuary...to be released JUNE 24!

2011-03-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Book Three in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series. Sanctuary. It's a story dear to my heart as the hero, Hooper Martin, and heroine Mallie Cameron are both cancer survivors. It's dedicated to the two main survivors in my own life...my wonderful hubby of 36 years, and our daughter's dear sorority sister.

Hoop is ranch foreman and the oldest Martin brother in the 8-book series about the siblings of Hearts Crossing Ranch outside fictional Mountain Cove, Colorado.

Blurb and excerpt forthcoming.
Cover design by the amazing Nicola Martinez, who does all my covers. She is so talented!

Please stay tuned, and thanks for your patience.

Guesting at Rhonda Lee Carver's Authors Spotlight...come say howdy!

2011-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Please join me this week at the wonderful Rhonda Lee Carter's Author Spotlight

I'll be awarding a copy of Hearts Crossing Ranch to a commenter. Visit the spotlight and see how to enter the "contest."

God bless!

Meet Anne Greene! Welcome, Anne.

2011-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

inspirational romance author, Anne Creene

I’d like to welcome my friend and fellow White Rose author, Anne Greene, to my blog for a few days! I know you’ll enjoy the interview as much as I do. Please leave a comment to be part of a name draw for a copy of Anne's book!

Anne, tell us about yourself.

Thanks so much for the interview, Tanya. I’m not sure what readers want to know about me, but here’s a sampling. In my early years I lived in a small farm town in Ohio, and have lived in San Diego, Chicago, and now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas. I have four grown children, and just recently returned from spending a year in Seoul, Korea where my husband served in the Military. He is a Special Forces Colonel (Green Beret). I love to play sports, sail in the ocean, and travel. I’ve visited twenty-five foreign countries and every State in the US except Alaska. I also enjoy horseback riding, though I haven’t ridden English for several years. And I enjoy swimming. But writing is my passion.

How long have you been writing?

Masquerade Marriage is my second published book. I’ve been writing about ten years. Reading was my escape in my growing up years, and I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I graduated from the University of Texas cum laude with a degree in Literary Studies, but worked as a photographer and as a Real Estate Agent before diving in full-time to write. When I joined American Christian Romance Writers, the journey to writing got much easier. I have a wonderful critique group, and because of their annual conference, I’ve met many editors and agents. Finalling in writing contests gave me excellent feedback, plus got me my latest contract with White Rose Publishing. So, I recommend both contests and conferences.

What genre do you write and why?

I write in the Historical, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense genres. As a girl, I didn’t like history—until I read my first Historical. Then I was hooked. So, I know many people today don’t enjoy history, and my goal is to open up the glories of the past to them. History was modern life lived with all its heartache, joy, and excitement in a world very different from our own. I bring these different worlds into vivid, living color, and give a painless dose of history along the way. I write Romantic Suspense because I like to see good win over evil with fast action, surprises, and some who did it and why.

Masquerade Marriage is a book of my heart. My paternal ancestors are Scotch of Clan Gunn, which was located in the far north of Scotland in the Cathness area where Vikings intermarried with the Scots. I visited Scotland with the purpose of setting one or more historicals there, and fell in love with the country. The final battle between the English and the Scottish Highlanders changed the Highlands forever. A way of life ended. The drama in this story appealed to me, and so I wrote Masquerade Marriage. I love this time in history and so enjoyed living it as I wrote the book. I hope the reader finds a new world to love as he reads my book. The following is a blurb and an excerpt.

A SECRET LIST

To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger.

A VOW HONORED

To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart.

A SACRIFICE MADE

Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...

EXCERPT FROM MASQUERADE MARRIAGE

Like a determined hero, the fugitive warrior strode through the door at the far end of the tiny stone kirk.

Megan’s eyes widened. Her clenched jaw relaxed. Some of her dread dissolved.

“Impressive.” Molly, Megan’s Irish maid, whispered from where they stood together in the vestibule.

He stopped in front of the hand-carved altar and half-turned toward her. Megan pulled in an uneven breath. This Highlander, wearing formal kilts, was no scrawny lad grown older, nor was he a big, hairy Scot with a bushy beard. The tall, strapping soldier stood with legs braced as if about to do battle.

Her heart skipped. Though she’d known Brody when she wore short skirts, this blond warrior was far more than she expected. Her pulse throbbed in her temples. Doubt niggled her brain. Brody was too tall, too obviously a Highlander. How could she hope to pass him off as a Lowland Laird? He appeared to have too big a chip on his shoulder to let her command him.

Brody’s thick sandy hair swept the collar of his linen shirt. Lace-trimmed cuffs matched the white jabot at his muscular throat. A silver broach clasped his crimson and black tartan to his wide right shoulder. His claymore, dirk, and thick sword belt startled her.

Megan suppressed a shudder. The English outlawed kilts. With his dress, Brody spat in the face of the English and further imperiled his life. Why?

His intense sapphire stare blazed a trail across the empty wooden pews toward her. His eyes made her feel dizzy as if she just danced a fast reel with a lively partner.

Molly grinned and handed Megan the bridal flowers.

What had she gotten herself into?

Do you plot your books before you write them?

I am a pantser. I have tried plotting out a book in advance, including storyboarding, and that just doesn’t work for me. I start with a general idea, a setting, and a general idea of what characters I’m using. But very soon into the first draft the characters take over and direct the book. It’s a bit like watching a movie and just writing down what is happening. It’s quite exciting to see where the book will go.

Do you do much research?

I do a great deal of research for all my books, including the contemporary ones. I always visit the setting and get some good pictures. Then I find books about the history and time. Small details I research on the internet, but the important ones come from non-fiction books. I am extremely careful in my research because if a reader discovers one error, then I lose credibility. If I’m writing detective, I have a detective look over the manuscript before I send it out. If I’m writing WW11 stories, I find someone who has been there. I always find a person who has done the job I’m writing about to look over the finished manuscript. Of course, when I go further back into history I have to rely solely on the non-fiction books. But I enjoy research and often do far more than I ever use in any one book.

The character I love writing about the most—is the one I’m currently working on. I love all my characters. However, I do think I like being in the male point of view slightly more than the female. I like being macho and looking at life from a different perspective. I like being strong enough to handle a couple of thugs. Of course my detective knows martial arts, but she doesn’t use her fists. I like looking at a woman I’m interested in and being totally confused as to what makes her do the crazy things she does. But, on the other hand, I love having a woman use her wiles and smarts when that’s all she has going for her. But Megan and Brody from Masquerade Marriage are probably closest to my heart.

I don’t think I can NOT include faith in my writing. I am a new creation in Christ. I have a Christian worldview. I have deep beliefs and a few boundaries that cannot be crossed. I want my books to have meaning and take-away value. I want my readers to take a deep delicious breath and say—Oh, now I understand. How beautiful God’s way is.

I have a website, http://www.annegreeneauthor.com//. My books can be purchased at WhiteRosePublishing.com and on Amazon. My blog is also on my website.

I’d love to share my email, but I’ve been told that is not a good thing to do. So, readers can reach me through WhiteRosePublishing. I’d love to hear from them. If readers join my website, they can leave comments. I’m also on Facebook where comments are welcomes.

Anne, thanks for spending time with us today. This is an awesome interview. It's truly an honor to be part of White Rose Publishing, isn't it? I am so happy there. God bless you with much success and many more books! oxoxox

Introducing Tanya Stowe!

2010-12-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to introduce my "doppelganger" from White Rose Publishing, the wonderful inspirational author TANYA STOWE. I hope y'all at the ranch makes her feel welcome!

Howdy! It’s such a thrill to spend the day at the ranch to tell about my new release, Tender Trust, from White Rose Publishing.

California Gold played an important part in the Civil War. It was gold from California and the newly found Colorado mines that kept the Union army afloat when the Confederate army began to flounder in debt. But California gold almost didn’t make it to the Union.

One of the pivotal scenes in my new novel, Tender Trust, occurs when word about hostilities at Fort Sumter reaches the small mining town of Harperville. Emotions run high and a group of Union sympathizers turn into a mob that drives a small band of Southern men out of town. One of the Southern men is Royce Darnell’s best friend and mine foremen, Alex Marsden. Alex and his friends barely escape Harperville with their lives and head to Southern California where Confederate sympathizers had already issued a call for cession from the Union to form the Pacific Republic which would have included Oregon, Washington and possibly New Mexico.

In reality, it took almost 10 days for news of war to reach California by telegraph and Pony Express. When it did, outbreaks of violence like the scene in my book took place everywhere. Pro-Union Democrats rallied in San Francisco and had to be controlled with Federal troops … commanded by a Southerner, Brigadier General Albert Sidney Johnston. Rumors ran rampant that General Johnston was part of a Confederate conspiracy to take over California but he remained true to his Oath to the Federal government by reinforcing the garrison at San Francisco and quelling the riots. His actions insured that California gold made it back to support the Union cause.

Fortunately!

I hope you enjoy the excerpt of Tender Touch, my first Western-set work. My first novel, Time’s Embrace, a time-travel adventure, was released in the United States in 1993 and internationally released in 1995. Most recently I have contributed to a collection of women’s survival stories titled, Triumph! The Beautiful Face of Courage and collaborated on at full-length play, a Christmas musical titled The Night Before Christmas.

I have been a member of Romance Writers of America since 1992, and I have taught writing at conferences and workshops, and have held seminars throughout California. I’d love for you to follow the workshops, classes and ups and downs of writing at
http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/

Purchase

Excerpt::

"Lacy--look at me," Royce commanded. She looked up. "Feel the music, Lacy. Just move with me."

Her muscles eased. Her breathing slowed. She seemed to sense the rhythm of his body and took her cues from the slight touch of his hand. He dipped, she followed. He swept, she flowed, her skirts swinging in a graceful arc behind them. They sailed around the room in perfect motion.

Royce smiled. "I knew you could do it."

"Thank you for teaching me," she murmured.

Royce looked at the woman in his arms. He'd known the minute she'd entered the room. He was shocked to see her, knowing instinctively that the crowd and the noise would not be to her liking. But, when he'd seen the pink of her cheeks and the high color of her eyes, he knew she was enjoying herself ... and that made him happy. He liked the little giggle she tried to suppress and the way her eyes lit when the dancers came near her. So he’d asked her to dance.

“Thank you," Lacy repeated.

"My pleasure, ma'am. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Her features turned somber. "You can let me go, now, before it's too late.”

She was asking him to do what he'd vowed to do. But looking at her lovely features, he knew he wouldn't do it.
"I can't, Lacy. I've tried and I can't."

The truth of his words flowed over both of them. They stood still in the middle of the dance floor. He wondered where the words had come from, and how he could take care of this fragile, beautiful creature in his arms.

Thanks, Tanya, for inviting me here today!

You're so welcome, Tanya! Come again, for sure! oxox

Four Stars from Night Owl Romance!

2010-11-18T00:53:00.000-08:00

I'm happy with this fine review from Night Owl Romance! Check out the entire commentary at Night Owl!

"...Without giving away spoilers, I will say that I was impressed with how well Ms. Hanson dealt with both the emotional and spiritual issues in Daisy and Pike’s lives. This is the second book in the Heart’s Crossing Ranch series and I look forward to the next installment from this author."

Thank you, God!

Look at something swell!

2010-09-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

The artists at LASR have designed this gorgeous ad for me. It'll be up the end of the month. In the meantime, enjoy! Nicola Martinez designed the book cover. Gorgeous!

Ps. I turned in Hooper's story today! Now, it's time for Bragg. I'm so feeling God's love right now!

Redeeming Daisy IS HERE...and the rest of the pack is...

2010-09-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

On its way! Just a week before Redeeming Daisy released last Friday, I was presented with six contracts, yes SIX, one for each of the rest of siblings of the Hearts Crossing ranch in fictional Mountain Cove, Colorado . (Kenn Martin is the hero of Hearts Crossing Ranch, and his brother Pike Martin falls for the troublesom Daisy Densmore in Redeeming....)

Talk about never-ending joy! I've got two manuscripts to submit by the end of October, and the other four by the end of next June, and boy, am I stoked. It'll be busy, maybe even frenetic (amidst all this, I'm promo-ing Daisy and the sensual Western historical that released the end of August, Marrying Mattie) but this is such a delicious place to be in.

It's hard enough to thank God for all the good things in my life, and then this Mother Lode.

Wow.

Thank you, God, for this wonderful new road You've led me to. Thanks to Nicola Martinez, editor in chief of White Rose Publishing, for being His instrument.

Redeeming Daisy...almost here!

2010-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Redeeming Daisy, the second in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series, the story of Pike Martin and the troublesome Daisy Densmore, hits the world this coming Friday. I am pleased as punch.

And to make my dream even more real, I just contracted SIX novellas for White Rose Publishing, a story for each of the Martin siblings of Hearts Crossing Ranch.

Yee-haw.

But more than that, thank you, God, for letting the dream come true.

Cover designed by Nicola Martinez who is also my editor! How talented is that!

A Wagon Train Adventure All My Own

2010-08-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, circling the Tetons in a Conestoga wagon...or on horseback. Every city slicker cowgirl's dream. And mine came true last week.

And I got home just in time for final "galley" edits for Redeeming Daisy. I'll have a release date soon.

Well, after my hubby and I decided on a Teton Wagon Train and Horse Adventure last summer, our daughter picked the very same time for her wedding, so we put the adventure off for a year. In the meantime, I wrote Hearts Crossing Ranch, using my imagination as well as I could.

After living my own wagon train adventure, well, I wasn't far off! And we had the best time ever with sis Roberta and bil Tim.

I'll be showing a bigger peek on August 18 at http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

Five-Star Review at The Romance Studio

2010-07-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! Hearts Crossing Ranch has received a five-star review at The Romance Studio

I still find myself drawn to the ranch and the wagon-train vacation even though they're fictional...but so much so that hubby and I are off on a similar adventure this summer...a real one...around the Tetons.

I can't wait to get inspiration from God's incredible nature, from the close family members sharing the experience with us, and from the wranglers who'll lead us.

In the meantime, Hooper Martin's story is in the works!

LASR ad prototype...neat, huh?

2010-07-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

My New Cover: Redeeming Daisy

2010-07-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Isn't it gorgeous? Nicola Martinez has done another masterpiece. Pike and Daisy's cover is just how I dreamed it would be. Thanks, Nicola.

Thanks, God. I'll keep you posted...right now we're into final edits.

Something Nice...

2010-07-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

A four and a half star review from Novel Editions--yee haw, and thank you, God!

This was truly a book that forced the characters to dig deep within themselves and to confront the things that may have shaken their walk with the Lord. Both Kenn and Christy were raised to be a child of great faith. However, in both of their lives one event --Kenn's guilt over "letting down" his brother Bragg, and Christy's unexpected loss of her father-- seemed to have them turning their backs on God.

Ms. Hanson's ability to paint a picture and tell a compelling story kept me interested until the last page. I also loved her clever references to things that relevant to everyday of an average person's life -Michael Phelps, a horse named Joe Montana, etc.

My biggest hope is that Ms.Hanson will continue to tell the Martin Family story by using the other Martin siblings in future books!

Check out my 4/12-star review for Hearts Crossing Ranch at Novel Editions.

Novel Editions a book review site featuring reviews of books rated G or PG.

Redeeming Daisy: First Round Edits Done, Done, DONE!

2010-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm excited that the first round edits for Redeeming Daisy are in the can. Editors simply make one's writing better...noticing a word order or sentence structure that a second set of eyes knows can be slightly improved. Redeeming Daisy is the second story set at Hearts Crossing Ranch and features Pike Martin, large animal vet and brother to Kenn.

I'm grateful for such a talented editor, Nicola Martinez, who has a nose for the details...or is it eyes LOL? As well as one who calls Redeeming Daisy a "lovely story." Sigh.

I'll keep you informed as to the progress. I've also submitted to her TV Guide-like blurbies about what happens to the entire Martin clan!

Right now, though, I'm finishing up what I call March 9 Prompt, aka Faithful Danger. White Rose Publishing selected random details and posted them on March 9 to see what kind of story a writer can come up with in 10,000-20,000 words.

The SITUATION:
Two puppies, a woman in hiding, a mysterious man, and a pair of pink polka dot pumps.

The PHRASE:

“Dead guys don’t usually show up for breakfast,” she said, staring at the very-much-alive man who stood in front of the pastry counter.

I'm in the closing stretch of Faithful Danger...I'll let you know how it turns out. Yeah, my mysterious man is a cowboy turned private investigator. And our heroine falls for him spur, lariat and Stetson even though she's in hiding in a small Central California ranch town from very bad Soprano-esque people...

Redeeming Daisy...it's official!

2010-06-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Redeeming Daisy it is! I just got the contract today. Now comes the delicious part: composing blurb, tagline... deciding on cover design.

Gratitude just seeps out of me. My incredible editor Nicola Martinez is not just a master at her task of shaping this into a good read, but she's also a stunning artist. You'll see another terrific cover design soon, I promise.

I'll keep you posted every step of the way. Don't forget to add a comment or two once in a while for a chance to WIN.

Shhhhhhh-h-h-h-h-h-

2010-06-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

It's still a bit of a secret....but my second novella set at Hearts Crossing Ranch has just been acquired by White Rose Publishing! We're hashing out titles for Pike and Daisy's story, so I'll let ya know when official stuff is decided.

Pike's the brother of Kenn Martin in HCR, a wrangler and large animal vet and Daisy, well, she's Kenn's ex. Yet Pike finds himself drawn to her. Yikes!

There's a black Lab in the story, so here's to the memory of my precious girl and boy who both crossed the Rainbow Bridge just months apart. Aw, I know they're waiting for me there although some days they still seem to real....

Stay tuned!

Hearts Crossing Ranch is here, here, HERE.

2010-06-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's finally happened. My first inspirational and first contemporary, released today at White Rose Publishing. The cover's so pretty. Sigh. I want to thank my incredible editor (and fantastic cover artist!) Nicola Martinez for taking this chance with me.

I hope you'll journey with Kenn and Christy down their path to love and faith.

Thanks above all to God!

Blog with me and Win a Book

2010-05-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

Join me at Petticoatsandpistols
on Wednesday, and The Romance Studio on Thursday...

I'll be drawing some winners for copies of Hearts Crossing Ranch.

Yee-haw. See you there!

Hearts Crossing Ranch...available June 4

2010-05-26T10:29:00.001-07:00

Yay, yee-haw. Yowza.

Stay tuned for the contest.

Blurb: Hearts Crossing Ranch

2010-05-12T00:35:00.001-07:00

My wonderful editor Nicola Martinez helped tweak this a bit. Blurbs are not my strength. But I hope it intrigues you enough to get Hearts Crossing Ranch when it's released. (Date still to be determined....we're working on the "galleys" right now. And I'm in the closing stretch of another Hearts Crossing story, about brother Pike and Kenn's ex, Daisy. Yikes! Can they make it work?

A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.

Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.

On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.

Hearts Crossing Ranch

2010-04-23T10:47:00.003-07:00

All you need is Cowboy Love...and God's.

The softer side of Tanya Hanson...stay tuned for my first contemporary, first inspirational book! The novella is already in galley stage so...it shouldn't be long off.

I'm already at work on the romance between cowboy Kenn Martin's brother Pike, a large animal vet, and Kenn's nemesis Daisy Densmore, reeling from pain and abandonment.