Romancing History

Tag: Jodie Wolfe

Protecting Annie Excerpt & a Giveaway

I’m so excited to bring you an excerpt from Jodie Wolfe’s new release, Protecting Annie. Although I haven’t read this one yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Burrton Springs Brides series, Taming Julia.

Be sure to read the details below about the Giveaway before you leave!

About the Book

After twenty years of living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem, she no longer requires his protecting so he’s unsure of his next step.

Annie McPherson needs a change after the death of her father. She accepts a position as schoolmarm, hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky sheriff who continues to question her ability to adjust to life in the west and creates confrontations at every turn.

When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging him into the turmoil, Josh has to decide who he’s willing to defend.

Available on  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Pelican Book Group


A Glimpse into Protecting Annie
by Jodie Wolfe

 

My new book, Protecting Annie is book two in the Burrton Springs Brides series. My heroine in the first book, Taming Julia, was a no-nonsense, rugged female who dresses like a man and spent her life living along the trail. Jules (Julia) was a rough around the edges type of character who had a hard time adjusting to life in a town.

I figured it would be fun to create a heroine for book two who is the opposite of Jules, which is how I came up with Annie McPherson. This heroine is educated, feminine, and well dressed. What she lacks in common sense, she makes up for with her research and book knowledge. Here’s a peek at the opening scene of Protecting Annie.

Burrton Springs, Kansas
August 1, 1876

Death paced close enough for Annie McPherson to smell its rotted breath. A menacing growl rumbled in the beast’s throat. The animal bared his teeth when she attempted a tiny step. Perspiration trickled between her shoulder blades. She cocked her head a fraction of an inch, hoping to spot a bystander, but only a small glimpse of a barren street stretched between the tight alleyway. Her heart hammered beneath her polonaise.

Not a single soul in sight. “Where’s help when you need it?”

Her movement and words caused the monstrosity to circle closer. If Annie’d been on speaking terms with God, it would’ve been a good time to send a plea for someone to come to her rescue. But she’d fallen out of practice of praying over the past years, ever since—

She released a silent breath, shifting her foot in the dirt. The deranged creature snarled and snapped, just short of capturing her wrist in his jaws. Annie tried to swallow but her throat muscles refused to contract.

The wolf settled on his haunches, two feet in front of her. A glistening tongue protruded from his face. His beady eyes stared at her, unmoving. Was the beast contemplating how she would taste, like the one in the tale of Little Red Cap she’d read as a child? A shiver ran down Annie’s spine. She had no desire to be wolf chow.

“Easy, fellow. Don’t eat me. I’m sure I’m not very appetizing.”

It was time to take charge of her fate since no assistance was coming. Annie took a step sideways. Her back scraped against the rough boards of the building.

Why had she chosen to saunter through the narrow passageway and follow the jumbled directions the blacksmith had given her after she’d exited the conveyance? The other townsperson she’d asked had stared at her as if she’d spoken a different language, as if the man didn’t understand English when he heard it. Annie hoped he wasn’t an indication of what type of people lived in town. She’d have to make the best of it since returning to New York wasn’t feasible, not after that louse—

An ominous snarl snapped her back to her current situation. How many times had Mama warned her about focusing on the situation at hand? While she’d been woolgathering, the wild animal inched his way closer. He leapt.


About Jodie

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Connect with Jodie on website, BookBub, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Amazon Author Page & MeWe


Giveaway*

This Giveaway is now Closed!

Congratulations to our winner, Amy Walsh!

Jodie has generously offered one eBook copy of Protecting Annie to a Romancing History visitor. To enter the drawing, be sure to answer this question: What is your favorite thing about historical romance?

*Giveaway ends midnight, November 24th, 2021.*

Author Interview with Jodie Wolfe & a Giveaway!

I’m so thrilled to welcome historical romance author and dear friend, Jodie Wolfe, to Romancing History today. Jodie and I met when I joined her critique group a few years ago. Unfortunately, that group has since dissolved but I am a huge fan of Jodie’s and I know you will be, too.

Jodie’s newest release, Taming Julia, released February 14 from Pelican Book Group. Before we chat with Jodie, here’s a little bit about her and her new book.


About Jodie

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She’s a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Jodie loves to connect with readers on BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads and on her Amazon Author Page.


About the Book

Tagline: A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn’t what the minister ordered.

In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Google Play Pelican Books


Excerpt from Taming Julia

Matrimony News, February 6, 1875 edition

Minister bachelor aged 27, height 5 feet 10 inches seeks genteel, honest and first-rate homemaker with a desire to serve God. Must be willing to marry by proxy and arrive in Burrton Springs, Kansas by May 1.

~*~

Burrton Springs, Kansas, Saturday, May 1, 1875

            Dear Lord, please don’t let that creature be my new wife. Drew Montgomery swiped the sweat trickling a path down his neck and shoved the new hat back on his head. He squinted, taking in the lone passenger stepping from the stagecoach. At least, he thought it was a woman. He shielded his eyes from the sun, taking in the britches.

            Britches? A gun belt strapped to a slim waist. He gulped. A rifle rested on her shoulder, and she wore a Stetson situated low on her brow. The figure shifted sideways, and Drew groaned, fearing his proxy mail-order bride had arrived by the look of all the curves. He squared his shoulders and crossed the street.

“Are you Montgomery?” Her coffee-brown gaze seared through him.

He snapped his gaping mouth shut and nodded. “Y-yes.”

“Name’s Jules Walker.” She shoved her hand into his and shook it so hard his teeth clattered. “I reckon, Jules Montgomery since we’re hitched.” She waved a slip of paper in his face. “Got the paper here to prove it. So are you my husband or not?”

Drew caught a whiff of dirt. He coughed and cleared his throat.

She peered at him as if he were a chicken with one leg.

“I’m Drew.” He managed to choke the words out. “Isn’t your name Julia?”

She scrunched her face, pushed her Stetson from her head, and allowed it to dangle from the string around her neck. Her brown hair scattered in disarray, slipping from a shoulder-length braid. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve been called Julia. Like I said, name’s Jules.”

“But…” Drew let the word hang between them. No matter. “Where’re your things?”

“Got my knapsack and that there.” She pointed to the top of the stagecoach. He expected to see a trunk, but a saddle rested there instead. What kind of woman brought a saddle into a marriage? What kind of woman showed up dressed like a man? No. No. Something was terribly wrong.


Interview with Jodie Wolfe

Fast Five

Dogs or Cats? Dogs. We had a standard poodle for over 17 years.

Coffee or Tea? Tea – hot or cold depending upon the season.

Bookmark or Dog Ear Pages? Cringe. I never understood why people would dog ear pages. I use bookmarks for sure!

Mexican or Chinese Food? Chinese food.

Kindle or Paperback? Paperback. I love having the physical copy in my hands.

Author Q&A

RH: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How long you’ve been writing? How many books you have published and what era(s) do you write in? If you’re comfortable sharing some personal details about yourself that would be great! Readers love to know about an author’s daily life.

JW: I wrote my first novel when I was 13. That story was a mystery. But ever since then, all I’ve written is historical romances set in the 19th Century, other than the nonfiction etiquette book that went along with To Claim Her Heart.

Taming Julia is my seventh book.

RH: To Claim Her Heart is fabulous! I really enjoyed that book and am looking forward to reading Taming Julia. Fans of romantic fiction love a cute meet. How did you and your significant other meet?

JW: We met at college. I lived off campus at the time. My roommate was going to be leading an evangelism committee meeting and there were two people on campus that needed a ride, so I was designated to pick them up since I had a car. One of those two ended up becoming my husband. 🙂

RH: That’s so fun! Who knew a simple favor would end up leading you to your Mr. Right? What do you like to do when you’re not reading or writing?

JW: I like to knit and spend time with my husband. He’s my hero!

RH: I’ve always wanted to learn to knit. I bet you make some lovely blankets for your grandchildren, right? Which 3 words describe the type of fiction you write?

JW: Hopeful, quirky, inspirational.

RH: Quirky definitely fits which is why I loved To Claim Her Heart! Our books are our babies, with that in mind, do have a favorite amongst your published stories? If so, which one and why?

JW: My favorite story that I’ve written is Taming Julia. I think I like it the best because my heroine was such a fun, quirky character to write about.

RH: She must be a real handful based on that tagline and excerpt you shared. What unpublished story do you have in your stash that you really hope sees the light of day someday? 

JW: I wrote a story set in a lighthouse in Camden, Maine. It needs a bit of rewriting before it could possibly see the light of day. Someday I hope to do that.

RH: That is such a different setting than your westerns that your known for. I think a story set in a lighthouse sounds wonderful. Do you have a favorite quote from your recent release you’d like to share?

JW: “Josh said couples kiss after they’re hitched. Should we try it? I’ve never done it afore, but I reckon we could give it a shot.” She puckered her lips and waited.

Drew took a big step backward

Had she used the wrong word? Jules wrinkled her brow, trying to recollect what her brother had said. Had he called it a peck? Nah, couldn’t be. That’s what prairie chickens did when they found a tasty bug.

RH: ROFL. That’s hilarious and really showcases the humor in your books. What was the inspiration behind your recent novel?

JW: I wanted to explore what would happen if a guy advertised for a wife and who showed up was completely opposite. What would he do, especially since they married by proxy before she arrived.

RH:  I’m absolutely obsessed with mail order bride stories, another reason I’m looking forward to reading Taming Julia. If you were to pick a particular Scripture verse as the theme of your novel, what would it be? Why?

JW: Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  Psalm 61:1-2

God is always available to us; all we need to do is to call out to Him.

RH: Amen! I love that verse. When and where is your story set?

JW: Part of it is in a made up town in Kansas, but there is one scene that takes place outside of Blanco, Texas in a place called the Narrows. I had the pleasure of visiting it a couple years ago.

RH: I’ve never visited Texas but its definietly on my bucket list. Who would you cast as the hero and heroine for your story?

JW: I would pick Doris Day for my heroine and Chris Evans for my hero.

RH: Oh my, Doris Day! I just picture her as Jules! How fun! Fans of historical fiction & romance love the details that your research provides. Was there anything particularly interesting that you learned while researching your book that you were able to use or not use in your story that you’d like to share?

JW: The most fascinating thing I researched when writing this book was the whole era of mail-order brides. I was able to read some of their stories. Some worked out, some not so much.

RH: That is so true. On a trip out west, I picked up a little book on mail order brides and it was filled with actual advertisements. It also had stories of some real marriages arranged via the Matrimonial News. I just find the whole concept so fascinating! What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

JW: That we can trust God to be working in our lives, even when we can’t see it.

RH: Yes, He is always working behind the scenes for our good. It brings me a lot of peace to remember that. What are you working on now?

JW: I’m working on a sequel about Josh, Jules’ brother. It has a working title of either Wooing Annie or Protecting Annie. I’m also working on a book set in the town where I went to college. It deals with the theme of belonging and is called Hannah’s Quest.

RH: They both sound wonderful. I had so much fun chatting with you, Jodie. Thanks for visiting with my readers.


Giveaway**

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

CONGRATULATIONS TO PERRIANNE ASKEW WHO WON THE KINDLE COPY OF TAMING JULIA!

Jodie has graciously offered a free Kindle copy to one Romancing History reader. To be entered in the giveaway, please tell us your thoughts on being a 19th century mail order bride. Do you think you could answer an advertisement and marry by proxy like Jules?

**Giveaway open to U.S. residents only and ends midnight, March 11, 2020.

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