Short Snippet Saturday posts will be less frequent. I’ve decided to post to this theme no more than once a month.
You’ll still see a snippet now and then, especially with a new book coming out. Today, I’m posting an excerpt from Howdy, Ma’am. This is book one of three in the Bull Rider Series. The books in this series have been revised more than once since publication. All the back matter had to be updated, too, so I took the opportunity to revise and hire a new editor.
In fact, my newsletter is ready to be sent to subscribers, but I’ll wait until after Memorial Day. It’s never too late to get signed up to be notified of new releases and important book updates.
For an overview of what Howdy, Ma’am is about, and to give you an idea of why Velia ended up in Tucson in this snippet, I’ll include the Blurb.
Blurb
Bull rider Caulder McCutchen has a good chance of winning the converted buckle this year, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. He hires a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes. When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?
Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband. She moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. While trying to resist his heated embraces and gentle nature, she hopes to find the right answer before the season ends—to remain in her self-appointed exile, or give in to a happily ever after.
When the season ends, who wins the real prize?
Just thinking of Howdy, Ma’am (The Bull Rider Series) makes me smile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would be hard-pressed not to as a serious cowboy lover. Amazon Reviewer from Night Owl Reviews.
Here we go:
Velia waited in front of her new home while the movers unloaded 
the last of her belongings. This place would be home for now. Home until she was ready to go back on the road with her camera. In a couple days, she would sign the lease on the small building in town to start her new photography business.
Home, until her life began again.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder and stepped out of her car. Removing sunglasses, her eyes narrowed against the bright Arizona sun. She swiped roseate-colored lipstick across her full lips and blotted them against each other. When the movers finished, she paid the balance with a money order. Glancing around at the dry desert environment, she took a deep breath and wiped sweat from her brow.
She stomped sand from the bottom of her flats then took a step forward, stopping in front of the broken-down steps. With a mournful sigh, she whispered, “Home.” She placed her purse strap over her shoulder and looked to the second level. Standing straight, she pulled her shoulders back and headed inside, careful not to catch a toe in the cracks of the damaged steps.
Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com
Time to live again.
When she went inside, Alice Smith, her landlady, met her at the door.
“Please come and have some tea, dear, before you get started upstairs.” The elderly lady escorted Velia to the kitchen. “You try to get used to living here if you can. I hope a couple old fogies don’t bother you too much.”
Velia gave a subtle smile. “I’m happy to be here.” This was peace. This was what she needed.
Thank you for reading.
Images: Pixabay
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel 
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