Congratulations to Cynthia D’Alba for winning a free book from Barbara’s backlist! Yay, Cynthia!
I’m delighted to have talented and really nice Barbara White Daille as our guest today. A Harlequin American author, she writes books with a lot of heart and love that are getting her a lot of fans and great reviews. I asked her a few I asked her a few questions, and here are her replies. She’s giving one of her backlist books to a lucky commenter, so be sure to leave a comment. I’ll announce the winner here on Wednesday. (It’s a print book, so U.S. only.)
Edie, thanks for hosting me here today for a stop on my blog tour to celebrate the release of THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER, which just debuted this Tuesday!
Tell us about your latest book, please.
THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER tells the story of rodeo star Caleb Cantrell.
After growing up dirt-poor and looked down upon by folks in town, Caleb took off while he was still a teen, headed for fame and fortune. A near-fatal injury destroys his rodeo dreams, and he returns to his hometown. His goal is to settle scores with the folks who’d done him wrong—and then leave them all behind for good. Despite his rocky reunion with his high-school sweetheart, he finds his interest in her still going strong. And all of a sudden, he’s got a hankering to hang around.
Is this part of a series?
Yes, although the books are not marketed as such by my publisher because the books don’t appear back-to-back. The series is set in the small town of Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico, and has a cast of recurring characters. The first book is called A RANCHER’S PRIDE. THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER is the second. The third, HONORABLE RANCHER, will be out in August 2012.
I see several themes in The Rodeo Man’s Daughter. It’s a reunion story, a secret baby story and a second chance story. All stories that tug at the heartstrings. Is that your plan?
I like to create stories that have some emotional aspect. Partly because I know these themes are popular with my readers and partly because I enjoy writing the type of books I love to read. Heart-tugging stories are some of my favorites.
What’s up next for you?
HONORABLE RANCHER, out in August. This book tells the story of Ben Sawyer, a man whose best friend died an Army hero. Ben’s fighting to keep the promise he made to take care of his friend’s family. He’s also struggling to keep his hands off the woman he’s loved from afar since kindergarten—his best friend’s widow.
Barbara White Daille
www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Have you read a book or seen a movie lately that touched your heart?
Barbara, thanks for being our guest. The Rodeo Man’s Daughter sounds wonderful, and I know you’re getting rave reviews. I’m looking forward to reading it!
I recently read It’s A Dog’s Life by Dale Mayer. Different from her other books, but that tugged on my heart. (I’m a sucker for pets in a book.)
For movies, I have to say The Help. When we saw it, I made sure I had a lot of tissues in my purse. And I used them! There were also a lot of smiles.
Hi Barbara!
I’m looking forward to this one! and An Honorable Rancher sounds great, too!
My DH and I watched 50/50 last night. (I’ve been trying to watch funny stuff) well, it was very touching- but not as funny as I thought it would be. I cried.
The last book that actually brought me to tears was (believe it or not) Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole. Talk about a tortured hero…
Laura, now I want to see 50/50. Thanks for the recommend!
Such a fun fun book!
Congrats, Barbara. Having fun on the tour?
Hi Barbara. Your book sounds great. Love the cover. I watched the movie Courageous recently and it was a very powerful, touching story.
Hi Barbara,
Love the sound of this book! Interesting that it’s part of a series but not marketed as such by the publisher. Book 3 sounds wonderful too. Love the heart tugging themes! Good luck with your tour and best wishes for wonderful sales.
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …On tap today…
Hi Barbara and welcome to MM. Congrats on the new release. Do you enjoy writing series?
A movie that recently tugged at my heart was Priest. I was quite surprised I even liked it, but I’ve watched it several times and enjoyed it every time. In books, I’m always suckered in by Suzanne Brockmann’s stories. What a rush!
Good morning/afternoon!
I’d meant to be here much earlier… Long, boring story.
But I’m here now and looking forward to chatting. A big “thank you” to Magical Musings and especially to Edie for inviting me to visit.
On to messages!
Hi, Edie – thanks for your kind words!
I loved writing THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER and learning about everyone in it. I hope you like the story!
Like you, I’ve had the pleasure of reading and enjoying Dale’s story. Haven’t seen The Help yet, but thanks for the heads up.
I love a book or movie that makes me bring out the tissues.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
Laura – thank you!! I hope you enjoy both books!
Isn’t it funny what things bring us to tears? Or, for that matter, what tickles our funny bones?
I guess all our emotions are subjective. But luckily for writers–and filmmakers–there are many triggers that touch a wide audience.
Thanks for commenting!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
Hi, Cyndi!
So glad you enjoyed THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER!
Yes, I’m having fun.
Looks like you’re having a good time celebrating, too.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
Hi, Crystal!
Thanks a bunch.
It’s sometimes the luck of the draw with covers. I had great luck with this one–as I’ve had with the covers on all my books.
My first book had the absolute SWEETEST! little boy on the cover, and they’ve just been great since then, too.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
Dale – thanks for the kind comments and good wishes! Much appreciated.
As for the stories, I can still spread the word about the books being connected. I call them “the Flagman’s Folly books.”
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
Hi, Misty – and thanks for the welcome.
Yes, I do enjoy writing series. Since I always love the characters in my books, it’s a special thrill to be able to go back and visit with them again.
Sort of like rereading a book or (as you did) rewatching a movie you enjoy.
Haven’t seen the movie, but I know what you mean about Suzanne Brockmann’s books. She tells a powerful story.
Thanks for commenting!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
I saw Beastly on DVD last night. Yeah, I know it’s a teen movie, but I really loved it. A modern take on Beauty and the Beast– it was sigh worthy. I haven’t read the book, but I think I should!
I’ve only been reading Cowboy romance for a couple of years, so I’m still catching up. Cowboys are yummy
Barbara’s books sound wonderful! I’m thinking they might make me weep a bit.
Brenda Hyde`s last blog was …Cowboy Crack: Interview with Vivian Arend
Hi, Brenda – I love anything that’s a take on the Beauty and the Beast story.
And wow! I never even thought until you mentioned it…but THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER could sort of qualify…maybe…. LOL
Caleb is wounded both in mind and body (from his past and his rodeo accident). He’s also a hero carrying a grudge and out for revenge. That probably makes him beastly to some readers all by itself! But I hope his first scene in the book helps the reader understand why he is the way he is.
As for weepy–sure hope so. I don’t go for buckets of tears, but people tell me my characters do tug at their heartstrings.
If you pick up any of the books, I hope you enjoy them!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …More Book Release Fun!
I’m excited to read the book. How much is the price? You’ve made a lovely review here. I’m thinking to buy this soon!
-Tiara
Tiara P.`s last blog was …how to pick up girls
Barbara, it’s great to have you here and congrats on your new novel! (Thanks, Edie, for inviting her.
)
As for recent books or movies that have touched me — I’ve been getting weepy just watching the previews for “The Vow.” I imagine that will be an emotional one when I finally go to see it…
Marilyn Brant`s last blog was …My "Strength"…Isn’t Exactly An Organized Office
Welcome, Barbara! Whew–wasn’t sure I’d make it by here today. I’m one of the lucky few who have already read the book. It’s such a heartwarming story, and I love the characters in Flagman’s Folly. So now I’m already counting down the days to August.
Okay, no laughing, but the most recent movie I caught was Bridesmaids. (I know, I need to get out more!) But what surprised me about that movie was that I was expecting broad comedy, and yet there was lot more heart-tugging than I thought possible. I really found myself rooting for that heroine to turn her life around.
Anyway, Caleb’s plight definitely touches the heart of the reader. He’s so stoic and proud and—wait, I’ll stop myself. I’ll start spoiling the book if I’m not careful! Congrats on the new release!
Hi, Tiara – thanks so much for your interest! If you look for THE RODEO MAN’S DAUGHTER, I hope you will enjoy the story.
The price marked on the paperback book is $5.25. The e-book version costs less.
At my publisher’s website and in other places online, the books and e-books are sold for less. Some stores you go into will sometimes price books at a discount, too.
Thank you for asking! And I’m glad you liked the description about the story. I had a lot of fun writing this book.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Hi Barb, thanx for joining us here at MM and congrats on the release of The Rodeo Man’s Daughter. Sounds like a winner.
Hi, Marilyn! Thanks. It’s a pleasure to be here, as always.
Isn’t it great when the anticipation builds for a book or movie we just know we’re going to love?
And as far as I’m concerned, the more emotional, the better. Tears are a great stress-reliever!
Thanks for posting.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Amy – watch those spoilers, girl! LOL I find myself doing the same thing.
Thanks for the kind comments about the story and Flagman’s Folly. You’ve had a bird’s-eye (and early-bird) view of the place, so you know how much I love all those characters.
As for the heart-tugging moments in a comedy, I think they tend to go hand-in-hand. At least, in the books and movies I most enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by.
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Liz – you’re very welcome.
Thanks for the kind comments!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Barbara, welcome to Magical Musings, and congratulations on your new release!
Michelle Diener`s last blog was …Keeper of the King’s Secrets Reviewed in Publishers Weekly
Michelle – thanks a bunch. A pleasure to be here!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Good blog, Barbara. You are so mean letting us know about the next book so long before we can have it!
Mary – thanks!
And sorry about the teaser. I didn’t mean to…I’m just so happy to have two books out this year, I got carried away. And I LOVE poor Ben’s predicament. LOL
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Thanks so much for the comments so far.
I’m actually crashing early as the flu is kicking my butt at this moment. But I’ll be back in the a.m., so comment and question away!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …The tour continues today!
Hi, Barbara, welcome to MM! I just watched The Help. LOVED IT!
Karin* Tabke aka Harlow!`s last blog was …National Bestseller
Hey, Karin – glad to hear another postive comment about that movie.
And thanks for the welcome!
Barbara White Daille`s last blog was …On Tour–and Talking Heroes