Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Thankful Author 2017- Barbara Bettis


Writing about what I’m thankful for this year has presented quite a problem. Not because I have nothing for which to be thankful—but because it’s hard to single out one thing. The last 12 months have given me a deeper appreciation of—and thanks for—my faith, family, friends, and writing.

Of those four, I’d like to share my thanks for family—my siblings. I have two brothers and a sister, of whom I am the oldest by a nine-and-a-half through twelve-and-a-half year span. Although I have fond memories of them as babies and young children, my oldest brother was in second grade when I graduated from high school. Then I was off to college, marriage, children, and life on the West Coast—missing most of my three siblings’ essential school and growing years.

Over the next years, while we were all friendly and supportive of each other, the geographical distance of my home and theirs (one lived in Florida) was such that we all didn’t get together an awfully lot, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas and an occasional gathering elsewhere.

I tried to attend all niece and nephew graduations and weddings. We four called on each other’s birthdays, and everyone sent Christmas gifts across the miles to the others’ children.  Still, I always felt I wasn’t as close to them as I wanted to be. And when I examined the problem, I realized it was mostly my fault. I have a tendency to get all wrapped up in day-to-day living and before I know it, time—and life—have flown by.

Then this summer, the chance presented itself. My brother in Florida unexpectedly came to visit, and we drove up to surprise the other two siblings.

In that week, a bond that had languished for much too long was renewed among the four of us. We laughed and reminisced—and dragged out embarrassing photos—of many special times we’d forgotten. We came to know each other better than ever. And I realized all over again just how much I loved my two pesky young brothers and my little sister (who at 5 feet 11 inches was the only one to inherit her father’s height. I’m 5 feet 3).

Since then, we’ve remained in touch, frequently calling and dropping notes, and plans are underway for another ‘sibling week out’ next year. The week will again be spent at our brother’s place in the country, so we won’t be roughing it. And we’ll even allow his wife to stay. J Not just because she’s a great cook, either. Because she’s the sister  of our hearts.

So, yes. In 2017 I’ve had much to be thankful for. But one of the best things is the renewal of the bond between my siblings and me.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.


Blurb:

He must pursue his enemy; she must protect her people. Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?

When her elderly husband dies, Lady Katherine fakes her own death and disappears into the forest with others escaping the brutish new lord. Determined to protect her people, she knocks the wrong man senseless. But Lord Henry isn’t an enemy, he’s the brother of her childhood friend. Although his tender confidence tempts her, she’s bound by duty.

Henry of Chauvere has found the one lady he wants for his own, never mind she’s tied him hand and foot. When he learns the king has ordered her to wed Stonehill’s ruthless new master, he insists Kate seek haven with his sister. But she won’t desert her friends. Henry vows to solve her problem, provided he catches a traitor before the threat from Kate's past catches her.


When a daring rescue compels Henry and Kate to join forces, their attraction grows into love. If only duty didn’t drive them apart.

Excerpt:

Kate drew the dagger sheathed at her waist and set to the knots at his wrist. “Two days ago, soldiers began searching for strangers. Friends at the castle told us a traitor roamed the forest, and Sir Mortimer gave orders to apprehend or kill him.”

“Then it appears Sir Paxton has reached your lord and recruited help. He has a talent for
spinning tales.”

The ropes gave way and Kate stepped back.
Henry massaged his wrists. “Your men tie a good knot. Have a lot of practice, do they?”

Kate jerked her gaze to his face. He jested at a time like this? Yes, blast the man, a smile lurked at the corners of his lips.

Her glance slid from his mouth to his eyes, and she gasped. “Your poor face. Here,” she handed him the dagger and waved at the binding around his ankles, “you cut while I pour more water. If that wound isn’t cleaned, it may turn bad.”

She’d retrieved the bowl from the floor where she’d dropped it earlier and turned to fill it with cool water when a pair of strong hands gripped her shoulders. A deep, rough whisper brushed her ears.

“Never give a weapon to the enemy.”


Buy Links

AMAZON;  TWRP;  B&N

18 comments:

  1. How wonderful you were able to reconnect and form new bonds with your siblings. My hubby comes from a family of four siblings, and some of the best times we have are when we're all together (There are 17 of us now.) laughing and loving on each other.

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    1. What a joy "Filled" place that must be, Debra. Siblings--and their families--are invaluable!

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  2. Great post, Barbara! So glad you reconnected with your siblings. I have two brothers, and over the years, their support has been invaluable. As always, wishing you the best!

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    1. Thanks, Judith. I'm so glad you have a great bond with your brothers. Several years ago, my sister offered to help me move--and we laughed that we could do anything the guys could do--it just took us longer. Much longer :)

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  3. A beautiful post Barbara. I'm glad you reconnected. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you Charlotte. Isn't it odd the way things turn out? Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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  4. Such a touching post. I, too, reconnected with siblings this past summer. Unfortunately it took a serious illness to break through. But we all agree, there's nothing like family.
    Best of luck with Lady of the Forest. I LOVED it! (And wrote a review.)

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    1. I'm so glad you and your siblings reconnect too, but I hate that it took illness to do it! And thank you for your kind words--and support!!!--for my book:)

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  5. Oh, Barbara, what a beautiful post. I think I need to call my siblings. I miss them so much! Happy Thanksgiving! Psst...love your stories, too!

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    1. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Mary. And yes, call your brothers and sisters. Time has such a way of slipping by! (thanks for the kind words on my stories!! :) )

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  6. Barb, Lovely post! Just goes to show that time and distance can't destroy ties of the blood. Have a wonderful holiday season, my friend!

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    1. Hi Laura! So good to see you :) True about distance--sometimes we can live just across town and be farther from someone than across state! Happy holidays to you :)

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  7. I too have a spread out family, one of which is a much younger sister(13 years). Although face book is a huge time drain I have found a grouping we created on messenger for just us three girls to really helps us keep in touch. All the best to you all.

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    1. Lin, your private FB a great idea. The age difference with your youngest sister sounds like mine with my sister. Even though we saw little of each other as she was growing up, we've become good friends and I value that relationship. Thanks for being here :)

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  8. You have an interesting family. I'm glad you were able to reconnect. Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Thanks, C.B. Yes, it's an interesting family, all right LOL. Thanks for stopping by--and Happy Thanksgiving to you :)

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    1. I've really enjoyed being here today. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and thank you, Angela, for hosting this lovely theme. I'm thankful for all of you!!

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