ON SALE

     The entire Quinter Bride Series is on sale for $2.99! 

The ebook version of Inheriting a Bride was released March 1^st. So it is now available in both print and electronically. "A delightful western...humor, realism and sweet emotion." -RT Book Reviews on Inheriting a Bride.

 

Next up (print in June, ebook in July) The Cowboy Who Caught Her Eye. The cover art will be coming soon, in the meantime, here’s the blurb:

THE SHOPKEEPER'S SHAME 

Pregnant and unmarried, Molly Thorson knows her livelihood is under threat. The last thing she needs is a distracting cowboy swaggering into view. Especially one who knows she has a secret and still looks at her with desire in his eyes.  

THE COWBOY'S SECRET 

Carter Buchanan knows all about secrets. It's his job to know. And Molly sure has something to hide. But the fear in her eyes touches a place he thought long-ago dead-and now this cowboy can't help but consider exchanging his pistol for a band of gold.... 

Life at the home front continues to be busy. March arrived with a blustery winter storm. Hubby is so tired of moving snow this year, and I’m so thankful he continues to do so. I’m also thankful he keeps my car on the road. I came home last week with the brake light flashing. He informed me one of the lines was almost snapped in-two. (Most likely from driving through the foot of snow last week—I happened to be on the road prior to the snowplows.) Hubby says he’s afraid to tell me I need to consider getting a different car. Last time he said that I came home with my Mustang. (Which left me still driving my old one six months out of the year.) I know I’ll have to retire the Grand AM soon. She’s just been so trusty I hate to part with her. 

Speaking of cars—my son called me the other day to ask if I was brain washing his daughter. When I asked why he told me while he was giving my granddaughter a ride to school, out of the blue she said, “Just think Dad, only six more weeks and we get the pony car out of storage.” Aw, yes, that girl has my heart. 

Only two classes left of my eight week writing class. I’m going to miss it, but will be glad to have one more evening of writing again. Next weekend one of the groups I volunteer for is putting on a Mobster Mystery Dinner—one of those where the murder happens while you’re eating and everyone has to figure out who did it. Promises to be a fun event! Today, we have out-of-town company arriving this afternoon, and a celebration of life to attend this evening, as well as another one tomorrow. 

Until next time, turn your dreams into plans—I know you can do it!

New Reviews

We attended a game fair with our son and daughter-in-law this weekend. Granddog Bear was so very excited. It was like taking a kid to a carnival the way he wiggled in line waiting for his turn. We were very impressed by his performances, although we always are, and seeing his abilities compared to other dogs was eye opening even for us. Now we not only think he’s talented, we know it. Furthermore, his manners are excellent. (I felt bad for some of the other dogs behaviors, and their owners.) But then again, Bear did graduate Top Dog with Honors from obedience class recently.

I’ve received several reviews lately –all for the Quinter Bride series. I do miss those Quinter boys, might have to consider moving on to the next generation. Lots of other things to complete first, though.  Anyway…I so appreciate those who take the time to read and share their thoughts on my stories. It’s a perk that always brightens my day. Here there are:

Four hearts from The Romance Reviews for Wild Cat Bride.

http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3009

Five hearts from Sizzling Hot Reviews for Boot Hill Bride.

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/boot-hill-bride-by-lauri-robinson.html

Five hearts from Sizzling Hot Reviews for Guardian Bride.

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/guardian-bride-by-lauri-robinson.html

Five hearts from Sizzling Hot Reviews for Shotgun Bride.

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/shotgun-bride-by-lauri-robinson.html

Four hearts from Sizzling Hot Reviews for Badland Bride.

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/badland-bride-by-lauri-robinson.html

So very exciting!

Off to get in some writing time yet today. There’s a lot going on in the world. Be kind with your thoughts, actions, and words, it does make a difference.

How-Do!

Here’s Bear, Granddog extraordinaire!  

The sweltering, humid days of the temperature reaching over 90 in Minnesota are here. Yes, it’s hot, but I refuse to complain. Summer’s too short for that. We had two high school graduation parties last weekend, my step-grandson James, and great nephew Tyler. So proud of both of them. Great boys with their futures ahead of them. One party had a dunk tank, the other a swimming pool, to help tackle the heat and we had a marvelous time. 

My sister-in-law from Kansas called to say the gals she works with are reading the Quinter Bride Series, and how she had to prove to them I was her sister-in-law.  Between hubby and I, the poor girl was on the phone for over an hour.  My mother read the first drafts of all my books, and said I could write a million books and Guardian Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 4 would always be her favorite. I now believe it was because the spirit of Jonas Quinter, the father of all those boys, appears in that book.  Mom was so ready to be reunited with Dad.

Speaking of The Quinter Brides, I just received this five-angel review on Badland Bride.

Oh, and I must mention, we are no longer dogless. We inherited my mother’s shih tzu, Pooh.  He’s settled in just fine, and follows hubby everywhere, but then he did that before since this was his second home. He’s a nice little dog, and we are enjoying him, however, the neighbor dog’s nose is a bit bent out of shape. 

I completed the edits on one story and sent it in, and am working on the other two, while also outlining another story. Our trip through Wyoming left me with so many wonderful bits of research I have to get them down while they are still somewhat fresh in my mind. 

Blessings to you all!

Book of the Week

Thank you to everyone who voted for Badland Bride to become the Book of the Week!

Sunshine Award

After a week of gray, gloomy skies and rain, we finally had sunshine on Sunday. Bright, glorious, and over 60 made for a wonderful day! Perhaps it all happened because Paty Jager awarded my blog with a Sunshine award on Saturday. As per the rules, I now must forward the award on to 12 other blogs:

Tanya Hanson

Catherine Bybee

Linda LaRoque

Robin Allen

Celia Yeary

Cheryl Pierson

Deborah Schneider

Beth Trissel

Carol A Spalding

Margaret Tanner

Natasha Perry

Amber Leigh Williams


Another ray of sunshine was the wonderful review I received from Night Owl Reviews for Badland Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 2…A top pick review!

Commuter Rail

I took the commuter train to the cities for a meeting yesterday. It was so nice. Much, much better than dealing with an hour of city traffic. The ride was smooth and quick, but I am such a country hick that I barely slept a wink the night before. I was nervous about losing my ticket. (Really, what would they do? Throw me off the train?) And then I was nervous about missing the connecting bus to get me to the meeting spot. (Again…the worst that could have happened was I would have had to walk ten blocks—not deadly!) Now that I’ve experienced the maiden voyage, I know I’ll use the train at every opportunity, and sleep like a baby the night before.

Last week I received a review for Badland Bride from Love Western Romances and one for Kendra’s Choice from The Long and Short of It Reviews.

I did finish the Guardian Bride, the Quinter Brides Book 4 last week—now I’m working on the dreaded synopsis. I hope to get it done and sent off this weekend.

Oh, and don’t forget the Vikings play on Sunday! 

Three Quick Things...

I received the cover for my Harlequin Historical UNDONE, Wedding Night with the Ranger. Isn’t it gorgeous?


I learned that one of my short stories, Rancher McBride, is up for a CAPA award at the Romance Studio.

I forgot to share another review for Badland Bride on the Mixed Book Bag Blog.

Merry Christmas

Sorry for my delay in posts. We had to make a trip to Kansas. My mother-in-law had a massive stroke. She is stable, and we are hopeful her recovery will be swift. Thanks to all of you who sent thoughts and prayers.

Upon returning home—and besides playing catch-up at work—I had the final preparations to complete for Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog. The event was Saturday morning, and, OMG did we have a turnout! It was wonderfully successful! Sometime today I must get Clifford back into his large cardboard box and on his way to New York via UPS.

We also celebrated Isabelle’s third birthday on Saturday afternoon/evening. Her true birthday is Wednesday, the 23rd. She informed me she is going to Toys R Us on Wednesday to buy a Dora kitchen, so it’s a good thing we celebrated on Saturday. Don’t you wish you could see life through the eyes of a three year old some days?

Jess and I went shopping on Sunday—bless his heart for taking me. I needed the pick-up truck to haul the things I wanted to buy for the kids, but don’t like driving ‘his baby’ if I don’t have to. Tonight I need to buy more wrapping paper so I can wrap those big boxes. I also got my cards done last night and dropped off at the post office this morning. One more shopping trip, and one more trip to the grocery store, and I should be set and ready for Christmas!

On the writing side…I received a wonderful review for Badland Bride from Romance Junkies. Reviewer Audrey says, “BADLAND BRIDE is romance at its finest.”
I’m also very honored to say that I was invited to be the spotlight author at Love Western Romances for January. So please stop by their site and say hi after the New Year.

Company is expected to arrive today, so I’m sending you my Christmas wish now. I hope you get everything you asked for, and that your entire Holiday Season if filled with hope, love, and kindness.

Blessing,
Lauri

Releases

The weather here has been unseasonably warm, and that is so delightful! I didn’t even wear a coat today—unbelievable for mid-November. Now, if it would just keep up until February or so.

I forgot to mention last week that Badland Bride was released in ebook. I’m getting wonderful feedback from readers on this story. Some have said they cried at the end, and others have thanked me for such a wonderful ending. I love hearing from readers. (Sigh)

A writer friend of mine had a book released this week. Enchanted Scandal by Tammy Mate', writing as Tammy Sotnos. This is one hot romance. Blurb: MURDER, ROMANCE, MYSTERY, HEARTACHE, SEX... What more could one want in a story? Set in 18th century England with its strict class structure, Baron Campbell, a prominent citizen of the town of Painswick, falls for Samantha, an abused woman of the "labouring-class"... After a year fraught with discord, strife, love, and romance; Samantha expresses her gratitude in prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for the magnificent time I have had with John. He has been a fantastic escape. Not only has he been kind, loving, and wonderful; he has been thoughtful and courageous. Please watch over him, and keep him safe.

Yes, Samantha has reason to worry about John’s safety! If you’re interested in trying out a new writer, I’d suggest giving Enchanted Scandal a go!

It’s deer hunting season here, which means I’m a weekend widow. I’m not complaining-I like to have the house to myself at times. The hours simply fly by when I’m deep in a story. But, I am a chicken. I hate being home alone at bedtime. Thank goodness the dogs don’t deer hunt!

Badland Bride

The e-book of Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides Book Two will be released by The Wild Rose Press on November 6th, HOWEVER, the print book was released last week at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and anywhere else print books are sold. YEAH!

I attended a writer’s retreat last weekend. It was a wonderful time, and I’d highly recommend the ARC Retreat Center for anyone who wanted a little down time. I also spoke to a writer’s group this week. I always enjoy talking with those who understand the voices in my head.

We had snow this week. YES, SNOW! It’s only October! So, as many of you know, I’m preparing to put my pony away for the winter. It’s just so blessed hard to be separated from her. Even my granddaughter was upset when I showed up in a different car to pick her up. “Where’s the pony car?” she immediately asked. She’s 2 ½ (When you ask her how old she is, she says, “2 ½. Don’t forget the half.”)—anyway— I explained the pony car doesn’t like snow. After she climbed in her car seat in the backseat of Papa’s car, she said, “Boy’s cars like snow and girl’s cars don’t.” It is amazing how young we are when we start stereotyping each other, isn’t it?

I’m hoping for a quiet weekend with lots of writing time, how about you?

This and That

The newest addition to our family is home and everyone is doing well. We feel very blessed everything went smoothly. I thought of my daughter-in-law often while writing Badland Bride. The heroine of the story travels back in time and is pregnant. It is her fear of delivering without modern medicine that keeps her focused on getting back to the future.

Speaking of Badland Bride, the final galley has been sent to production and the release date set for November 2009! A wonderful author, Mallary Mitchell, read the story and offered this pre-review: “Badland Bride is an amazingly well-woven story. Lauri Robinson has created not only a wonderful couple, but also a believable family. Skeeter is a charismatic, charming hero, and Lila is a great match for him. These characters are colorful, vibrant, and full of life. They surround you with their wit and realism.”

Other notes: Joyfully Reviewed just posted this review for A Wife for Big John, and don’t forget the Sony E-Reader contest at the Wild Rose Press ends March 17th.

Emails from Readers

I’ve received some wonderful emails from readers about Shotgun Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 1, and for me, these are the ultimate. I love getting reviews from review sites, and of course family and friends often let me know when they’ve read one of my stories, but hearing from a complete stranger is the ultimate. It’s the true reward of writing and I so appreciate people taking the time write me. Here’s one of the many I’ve received lately:

"Fictionwise was having a big sale a couple of weeks ago and I decided to try a few new authors (new to me anyway) along with the books I was looking to purchase. One of the books I bought was Shotgun Bride. I just finished it and I was sobbing through parts of it. I don't remember the last time I was so moved by something I read. It was wonderful and I really enjoyed the story. I loved the dog, I loved the brothers, I liked how her brother redeemed himself at the end. I loved how her trying so hard to be the knowledgeable wife provided her with the resources to save him at the end. It was beautiful and I loved it and will be recommending it to my many reader friends - and also hunting down more of your books to read. "

That is enough for me to ignore the kitchen floor which needs to be scrubbed, not fret over the closet door that barely shuts, and pull up the next WIP! I’ve lost count on the number of people asking about a release date for Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 2. I’m hoping readers like Skeeter’s story as much as they liked Kid’s, and am committed to getting the galley back to my editor this weekend! I’m working on Boot Hill Bride, the third story. It is about the brother Howard, or Hog, and takes place in Dodge City, where his mother’s shotgun forces him to wed Randilynn, a politician’s daughter.

So, to all you readers out there…Thank you! Hearing from you is more exciting than winning a gold medal!

Author Night at the Library

I enjoy events put on by local libraries, and last night I took my mother to one featuring William Kent Krueger. She loves his Cork O'Connor character. Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist, Cork O'Connor, is the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage--part Irish and part Ojibwe. The eighth book in the Cork O'Connor series, Red Knife, was released in September 2008.

It was fun and interesting, listening to Mr. Krueger's writing journey. He's a very animated speaker and had the audience chuckling most of the evening. He said he's contracted to write two more Cork books, but is also writing stand alone stories. After sixteen years of 'living' with Cork, he's ready for a change. That struck a cord, made me think how difficult it must be to write several stories about one person. Every book is like a child, we give it birth, nourish it as it grows, but after sixteen years, I'd think the same character would become like that child who never leaves home. Seriously, Mr. Krueger's books are great, and I'd recommend reading one if you haven't done so.

Other news... I received two reviews this week, one for A Wife for Big John by Night Owl Romance Book Reviews, and the other for Shotgun Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 1 by Joyfully Reviewed. This weekend (beside a Valentine’s Day date with my DH, which is always fun) I hope to finish the final round of edits on Badland Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 2. After this round the book should be ready to go to galley.

I hope you all have a very romantic Valentine’s Day!

2009 Releases

I have five stories that will be released in 2009.

First, in April 2009 will be An April to Remember. April Simonson survives the explosion of the Civil War riverboat the Sultana in 1865, but refuses to leave Memphis until she learns if her brother and niece are still alive. Jerek Brinkley vows to help her, but will his other commitment, to see justice is done to the boat burner, tear them apart?

(Print and e-book)

Next, in May 2009, will be Rancher McBride. Set in northern Kansas in 1879, Josie Hollister drives her last herd of Texas longhorns from the panhandle, determined to remain in Kansas and marry Calvin McBride. But Cal is just as determined he doesn’t want the woman Josie has become—she’s just like Abigail Christenson. Will Cal come to his senses or will Josie head back to Texas, leaving Cal to wed Abigail?

(E-book only)

Also in May will be Doctor McBride, again set northern Kansas in 1879. Emma Binns knows what she wants, Doctor Jake McBride and is willing to do anything to catch him. Jake is tired of running from Emma, but years ago he promised her father he’d leave her alone, and a McBride’s word is worth its weight in gold. Can her father’s mind be changed, or will Jake be trapped by Abigail Christenson before he has a chance to try?
(E-book only)

Then in June there will be Sheriff McBride, the youngest McBride brother, Adam. His story is part of the Lawmen and Outlaw Anthology and is set in northern Kansas in 1879. Hannah Stewart (Carlton) is wanted by the law, and keeping her secret is impossible when she encounters Sheriff McBride. Adam is convinced he can clear Hannah’s name, but will Abigail Christenson, the woman his brothers sicked on him, be the death of him first? Or then again, maybe the man Hannah refused to marry back in Ohio will shoot him before the wedding.

(Print and e-book)

And later in 2009, Badland Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 2, will be released. It‘s set in western Kansas in 1882. Lila Scott is trying to escape her abuser when she encounters Skeeter (Steven) Quinter and gladly accepts his help. Problem is as soon as he takes her to his family’s home, his mother realizes Lila is pregnant and forces Skeeter to marry her. Can another shotgun wedding turn out to be a blessing in disguise for this second Quinter brother?
(Print and e-book)

Oh, and Shotgun Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 1, will become available in print in February 2009. (Shotgun Bride spent four weeks on the top ten bestselling list at Fictionwise. Today it is still in the top 25 at number 12!)

Am I excited? You betcha!