N.Y. Times Bestselling author AUTHOR MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers’ Choice and Award of Excellence. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap.  She is currently working on a new series.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth- grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

Visit her at http://margaret-brownley.com

 

Welcome to the blog, Margaret. I’m so honored to have you here today. Congratulations on your newest release, Cowboy Charm School. It sounds like such a fun book!

What do you love most about your hero and your heroine in this story?

First of all, thank you so much for having me, Savanna. I’m delighted to be here. To answer your question: Kate owns a candy shop and I love that she’s not just selling sweets, she sends each of her customers out the door with something to smile about.

Brett is a Texas Ranger and I love that he always wants to do what’s right, even at great sacrifice. When Brett accidently causes Kate to break up with her fiancé, he feels terrible. Determined to get the couple back together again, he puts Kate’s romance-challenged fiancé through charm school and ignores his own growing feelings for her. Brett aims to make things right, no matter the cost to himself.

When and where did you first get the idea for this book?

I played with the idea for four or five years before I actually got around to writing the book. Book ideas generally come to me in scenes. I’ll suddenly visualize someone atop a runaway stagecoach or scrambling over a roof. Then I figure out who and why. The scene that popped into my head for Cowboy Charm School was a wedding scene with a man running down the church aisle yelling, “Stop the Wedding!”

It took me awhile to figure out that the man was a Texas Ranger who thinks he’s saving the bride from marrying an outlaw. He’s mistaken, of course, but his accusations cause the couple to break up. It’s only right that he tries to get them back together, again.

I can’t wait to read this. What a great plot! 🙂

Can you name one of the most memorable characters you’ve written and explain why they still stand out to you?

Once I’m done with a book, I pretty much put it out of my mind. It’s the only way I can give my full attention to any work progress. However, there is one exception: the heroine in A Lady Like Sarah.

Readers won’t let me forget her and though the book was published several years ago, I’m still receiving emails about her. In a nutshell: Sarah’s an outlaw; the hero’s a preacher and they are both in need of a miracle. I think the reason Sarah stands out in readers’ minds is that though she’s lived a hardscrabble life, she has a will of steel and a faith that’s enduring.

Since your books are set in the Old West, do you have a favorite location you love to visit?

I love to visit Texas, where most of my stories are set. Here in California where I live, I enjoy visiting the Gold Country. It really takes you back to the Old West!

What book are you reading right now?

Are you ready? I’m reading Art of Blacksmithing by Alex W. Bealer. No, I’m not thinking of changing professions. The hero in my current work is a blacksmith. Surprisingly, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. The author makes the art of bending steel seem almost poetic.

This is awesome. You’re doing your research. I have no doubt your readers will love you for it! 🙂

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I have a story in The Old West Christmas Brides collection that will be released in October. Also, the second book in the Haywire Brides series, Accidently Married to a Cowboy will be published next summer. Not bad for someone who flunked eight-grade English. Just don’t ask me to diagram a sentence!

I love to hear from readers.

Website: http://margaret-brownley.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Charm-School-Haywire-Brides-ebook/dp/B07CPB154F/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524834439&sr=1-1&keywords=Cowboy+charm+school

It’s been such fun having you here today, Margaret. Thanks for visiting!!

GIVEAWAY!!

Margaret has graciously offered to give away a copy of Cowboy Charm School  to one lucky winner. (eBook or hard copy – winner’s choice) Enter below and it could be YOU! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only. Contest ends September 12, 2018.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!