Wednesday, December 30, 2009

THE HUSBAND TREE GIVE AWAY




My new book
The Husband Tree
releases January 1st. I’ve already talked to someone who’s found it in a store (HI PEPPER!) and it’s no longer listed as a ‘pre-order’ on Amazon. So it’s out there.

A cynical cowboy has to convince the toughest cowgirl you’ll ever meet he should join her family. . .and then convince himself.
Here's the beginning of Chapter One

Belle Tanner pitched dirt right on Anthony’s handsome, worthless face.
It was spitefulness that made her enjoy doing that. But she was sorely afraid Anthony Santoni’s square jaw and curly dark hair had tricked her into agreeing to marry him.
Which made her as big an idiot as Anthony.
Now he was dead and she was left to dig the grave. Why, oh why didn’t she just skip marrying him and save herself all this shoveling?
She probably should have wrapped him in a blanket, but blankets were hard to come by in Montana. . .unlike husbands.
She labored on with her filling, not bothering to look down again at the man who had shared her cabin and her bed for the last two years. She only hoped when she finished she didn’t forget where she’d buried Anthony’s no-account hide. She regretted not marking William’s and Gerald’s graves now for fear she’d dig in the same spot and uncover their bones. As she recalled, she’d planted William on the side nearest the house, thinking it had a nice view down the hill over their property. She wasn’t so sure about Gerald, but she’d most likely picked right, because she’d dug the hole and hadn’t hit bones. Unless critters had dug Gerald up and dragged him away.
Belle had to admit she didn’t dig one inch deeper than was absolutely necessary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have my author’s copies. So I can give one away! YAY!
For a chance to win a signed copy of
The Husband Tree
and, in the spirit of the season, leave a comment telling me:
Your New Year's WRITER'S Resolution
Or, optional, tell me any resolution...OR...tell me you like yourself fine just the way you are.
Tell me you've failed at resolutions in the past and are sick of even trying.
Tell me you've pledged to lose weight every January 1st of your stinking life and you're done! It's over!
No more!
So SHUT UP!!!!!!!
(uh, that might be about me not you, ignore it)
If I've frightened you so badly you don't want to risk leaving a comment, you can just buy
The Husband Tree
on Amazon
CLICK HERE
And have a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
Yeah, big surprise. Like I had to sign this thing
for you to know who you were dealing with! :)

86 comments :

  1. Hello Mary! You've already got me snickering. I love your "voice" LOL. My writing resolve: Get some worthwhile inspirational proposals out there this year.

    (And guess what? You're one of my inspirations!)

    (The losing weight one is always #1 on any list, but since I didn't manage to do it for our daughter's wedding last summer...well, what's the point now?)

    Happy New Year and Happy creating! oxoxoxox
    Hugs,
    ~Tanya
    www.tanyahanson.com

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  2. Lol... errr, my new years resolution may involve something about losing weight , sorry ;-)

    Really, I just entered a nice challenge for 2010 : 144 books for 2010. We'll see. I think I won't have any trouble with it but it can be fun !

    Congrats on your new release !!

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  3. Congrats on the new release, Mary -- what a great way to start the year. I enjoy your stories and would love a copy!

    I posted writing goals late last night for Camy, so here's the streamlined version: write at least 2k/week on my novel so the draft is finished by the end of summer. Downsize to 1 personal blog and post 2-3 times/week. That's very doable if I write posts while the kids are in piano and ballet lessons each week.

    The weight thing is ever present, but I have to take care of my gimpy foot before I can get back on track with exercise. I really am going to call that podiatrist today. Promise.

    In the meantime, I have fresh monkey bread for breakfast, so grab some before the kids get up. Hey, I'm not worrying about the weight issue til Friday, right? :-)

    Leigh
    leigh at leighdelozier dot com

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  4. Thanks for the preview of the Husband Tree, Mary. You're just so darn clever.

    I'm not one for resolutions, but I do always tell myself I'll floss more this year.

    I'd love to win this book and I'm excited about everything God has in store for us all this year.
    Happy Flossing!

    debraemarvin at the big yahoo in the sky.

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  5. Congrats on the new release! Please enter me in the contest. wmussell[at]hotmail[dot]com.

    Losing weight? After the amount I've eaten over the last two weeks, I've resolved to wait until January 7th before stepping on the scale and doing my best to drop some weight in the menatime.

    As for writing, I like what Camy said about getting a novel finished and will likely adopt that. (I think I can do 430 words per day.)

    I also need to come up with weekly goals for getting agented. My RWA chapter is hosting a 'Rejection Collection" contest where people pay $5 into a pool and then the person with the most rejections at the end of the year wins the pot. I'm determined to make getting a contract the only reason I won't win it.

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  6. LOL! Well, I don't usually make resolutions, but I'd like to try to complete two manuscripts this year.
    First chapter sounds great! I really liked her in the other book (name escaping me right now) so I can't wait to see who you hook her up with. :-)

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  7. I cannot wait to read this! So fun to see this romance develop because I love this heroine.

    My kind of gal. Snarky, tough, opinionated, rough-n-tumble.

    Why didn't you name her Ruthy???

    Just thinking out loud.

    Writer's resolution: To contract at least 4 more books.

    And to write six, including the two half-done.

    Always strive to stay ahead of the curve. Go big or stay at home. If it doesn't kill you, it can only make you stronger...

    Are you beginning to understand why my children move away????

    Speaking of curves we are NOT discussing diets in my presence, I've got two days left of total decadence and then...

    And then...

    Cole slaw and salad for a month. good think I LIKE cole slaw.

    But for today I brought fresh chocolate cream pie, coffee for all including a vanilla caramel nut by Timothy's coffee house (one of my friends gave me a Keurig coffee system for Christmas, oh my gosh, I'm so totally addicted now to my steady stream of PERFECT CUPS OF COFFEE every time. no more burned taste, or thick coffee... I'm thoroughly spoiled. And happy.)

    And I've got fresh, hot bagels from the local Jewish bakery, so chewy, doughy and wonderful that your mouth just can't hardly wait to bite into one. They're that good.

    Ruthy

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  8. Hi Mary. Resolutions are not my thing, since I usually forget them within a week, but this year I am committed to listening to the NT all the way through. Our preacher says that is the way it was intentionally meant to be utilized and I'm sure it will enrich my life a great deal.

    I can't wait for this book. I have been reading all your back list and I love the humor that just sneaks up on me!

    Happy New Year, and may you sell a bazillion books this year!

    Wilburta Arrowood

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  9. Mary, love the cover and the first chapter of your book!! Resolution for 2010...I have named 2010 my "Extreme Makeover" year. I am making some changes that will be all about giving back to me! I have given to way beyond sacrificial to so many groups etc. and have put me on the back burner but I feel compelled by God to change it up - not to stop giving to others, but to no longer sacrifice my health, etc. in the process. I am excited...I have set resolutions over the years but this is a themed year with a promise to me - Extreme.

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  10. LOL! Too funny!

    I have a resolution to be nicer to my brothers...That may last until January 2nd, though! HAHA!

    bookwormann93@gmail.com

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  11. resolutions?? what are those? i think i used to make them back in highschool (yea, back when i was young and foolish). why make promises to yourself that you can't keep? live in freedom instead and when something needs to be fixed, let God tell you what it is and you can work on your stuff together.

    OR... maybe i should say, I resolve to win more book giveaways this year (or at least enter more).

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  12. That excerpt reminded me of how we bury our pets! Whoa. Quite the visual.

    My resolution in 2010 is to finish projects I started in 2009.

    And never mind about losing weight -- but I would like to work up to walking 45 minutes to an hour a day.

    schrock[dot]ann[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. Good morning, Mary! It's nice to see someone not worry about New Year's resolutions. I'll make a few important ones and forget the rest.

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  14. Oh, this book looks interesting! :-)

    As far as my New Year's Writing Resolution, I'd like to finish my second manuscript and start submitting to agents before the end of the year.

    forgravebooks [at] gmail [dot] com

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  15. MARY!!! You brat, you ... teasing me with that opening! Can't wait to read it, girl.

    My #1 New Year's resolution is to do treadmill/Bible/Prayer BEFORE I hit the computer rather than after ... kind of like tithing the first 10% of my day. Sooo hard because I like to eat my peach oatmeal while reading the Seeker blog and e-mails and then before you know it, BOOM ... I've been on the computer an hour or so. Sigh.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  16. Mary, thanks for starting my day with laughter. I cannot wait to read The Husband Tree! Belle is a hoot. Does your d/h ever wonder about your tendency to kill off husbands? LOL

    My two resolutions are to spend time with God and exercise each day. I figure God will get my head on right and exercise will help get rid of those holiday pounds. I may tweak Vince's suggestion in Seekerville yesterday and make monthly resolutions. That might help me stick to them. Worth a try!

    Ruthy, the chocolate cream pie is the best ever!!!!

    Janet

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  17. Mary, I can't wait to read this new book. I'm so intrigued by the excerpt!
    This year I am going to try to lose weight (like every year). I actually already joined Weight Watchers...
    I am also going to try to live a more frugal lifestyle... The About.com's guide to frugal living is already helping with that.
    Good luck to you in the new year!

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  18. I can't wait to read The Husband Tree! It sounds like such a fun read.

    My writerly goals are pretty simple. Learn to write the dreaded synopsis and start submitting to contests. YIKES! It is time to get some feedback. Yep. Just another step in the process. :)

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  19. My writer goal this year is to write every day... and to edit my NaNoWriMo project... and to do NaNoWriMo again.

    I have lots of writing resolutions.

    I can't wait to read it!

    http://thereadersthoughts.blogspot.com/

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  20. Wow, what a stimulating and inviting beginning. Toss my name in for a win.

    Resolutions are always the same: to do better at a hundred things while eating less. This year I have to add a new one: continue to write while practicing patience with husband in forced retirment. He is ever present now or his crumbs and socks are! He can't quite grasp that while I am writing, his hunger and questions are not of supreme importance! :)
    Am anxious to start a new year!

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  21. Yeah, when I didn't lose weight for my 25th high school reunion, I pretty much knew it was over, Tanya. Nothing was going to be big enough.

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  22. Emmanuelle...beautiful name by the way...as long as you didn't resolve to PERSONALLY write 144 books, good luck.

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  23. Monkey bread, Leigh? Whoa, I might just give you a book for reminding me of Monkey Bread.
    Good for you with the goal to FINISH, FINISH, FINISH. YAY FOR SEEKER FRIENDS. (interesting....seeker friends sounds kinda Amish don't you think?)

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  24. Floss or floss not, there is no try.

    I think Shakespeare said that first, Debra

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  25. Good morning, Mary!

    Writing resolution for 2010: Learn how to craft a good proposal. :)

    Weight loss...yeah, working on it...sigh.

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  26. Good Morning Walt. I think it was Missy's RWA Chapter that gives a round of applause for anyone who's gotten a rejection. Because a rejection means you've got a book. You're actively seeking a publisher. It's another brick in the career you're trying to build. So the rejection pool sounds like a great idea. Good luck with your writing.

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  27. Jessica...two manuscripts?! Great. Good luck.

    Good morning Ruthy. I need to definitely name a character after you. Just as soon as I write a book with a woman serial killer. (inside joke)

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  28. Wilburta, Resolutions are not my thing either. I think three times in my life I've stuck with a diet past....noon on the first day.

    Yes, that's my usual diet. I skip one breakfast. Soooooooo, not impressive.

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  29. Bette, cool resolution. I love the EXTREME idea.

    I need to take a chance now and then. I live such a safe life. We are BURIED in snow at my place. Crazy. Ridiculous really. I left my outside Christmas lights on for SIX DAYS because I didn't have the gumption to wade in to the place to unplug them.

    So, I suppose that doesn't qualify for my extreme-ness.....but it's not January 1st yet, now is it???

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  30. Annabell, I had brothers. I think being nice to them is beyond the call of duty.

    Michelle, I think I gave up on resolutions about the same time I quit holding my breath and touching the roof of the car every time I drove or rode past a graveyard. That was highschool, too.

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  31. Ann, if Belle had time for pets, I promise she'd treat them a lot better than she treats Anthony. And by the way, the pets would treat Belle better than Anthony treated her.

    Cara, do you really make resolutions? Do you keep them? I'm humbled.

    And Sarah, good for you with the writing. Finish your second book! YAY, do it.
    Of course you all know (because I tend to tell the same stories over and over again...sorry) that I had TWENTY finished books on my computer when I got my first contract.
    I don't know if that's a monument to hard work, determination and passion...or if it's OCD. But anyway, keep writing.

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  32. Hi, Julie. I need to read my Bible more faithfully. First think in the morning doesn't work for me though. I stagger out of bed ten minutes before I need to be in my car on the way to work.

    My whole life would be better if I started the day with the Bible on the treadmill

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  33. When Janet says POUNDS she really means TWO, the lowest plural you can get.

    I wished I had some...some...what's the word I'm looking for....self-discipline, that's it.

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  34. Hi, Mary! Congratulations on "The Husband Tree"! My resolution for 2010 is to thrive, not just survive. To open my mind, not just my ears, and listen to good advice from good people. I have hit the half-century mark, but you are never to old to learn. I also resolve to eat lots of chocolate, drink lots of coffee, and read lots and lots of very good books!

    Happy New Year!

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  35. James, Stephanie and Kayley, let me know how Weight Watchers works for you. Of course I live so far from anyone I'd never get to a meeting. I suppose they have online chapters though.

    No excuse.

    Hi, Sherrinda....good luck in the contests girl. Takes courage to put yourself out there for the world (or even a couple of contest judges) to see. God bless you.

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  36. Justina, you did nano, good for you. I sort of did Nano this year but I did it privately, but just set goals (HEY, that's kinda like a resolution!) and wrote a LOT. But I can't turn off my internal editor. I just don't seem to be able to do that. So I keep going back, getting new character touches I need to weave in, twist the past to fit the future I have beheld.

    But I did get a LOT of writing done.
    I got a book done in October and November this year. (well, maybe a week in December...but I don't think I got started right at the beginning of October either.

    A whole 90,000 word book. That's a new personal best for me.

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  37. Hi, Erica baby. I am your biggest fan.

    Has everyone read Erica's absolutely fantastic book? The Bartered Bride. It is fun, fast paced, fantastic. I can't wait for more Erica.

    Buy it HERE

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  38. Virginia that is so amazing that you said you're going to eat more chocolate.

    Such a coincidence.

    Because I spend last night vowing to STOP EATING SO MUCH CHOCOLATE. That was after an unfortunate incident involving a bag of chocolate covered peanuts that melted in the car, then froze...the car was left outside...the the entire back was turned into one HUGE chocolate covered peanut. Then I started eating 'just one'.

    I spend a good two hours last night SERIOUSLY regretting that.

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  39. Oh, Mary, what a way to start my day! This book sounds just TOO GOOD! If I don't win it today I'll run out and get it this weekend.

    I've made four resolutions for this year:
    1. Continue to write at least one hour per day. I've kept this up since June (with a minor derailment over the holidays), now I'm aiming for a whole year.
    2. Finish the current WIP.
    3. Go back and finish the previous WIP and beat that sucker into decent, marketable shape.
    4. Get back to marketing the other two completed ms, now that I have the money to do it.

    The writing I can control, more or less. With DH and my boys and one manic rabbit, everything else remains in flux...

    easpurlock at comcast dot net

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  40. Hey, speaking of Erica and her wonderful book, I hope it's OK to give her a promo here -- she's the featured author over at Favorite PASTimes this week (http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com/). Check out the interview if you have a few minutes!

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  41. Hi Mary!
    I mulled over resolutions yesterday and came up empty. I'm throwing the diet one out the window. I'm going to wing it this 2010! I'm going with the flow and seeing what each day brings!

    Can't wait to read Husband Tree!

    Happy New Year to you all!

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  42. LOL, so funny. I have heard great things about your books, but have never had the chance to read them yet. :( My New Year's goal is to finish the polish edits on my WIP and finish the rough draft on my second WIP. Plus read 100 books in a year- yours would help. :D

    Thanks for the chance.

    caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. EC Darlin' you have just condemned yourself to NOT winning. Only fair to warn you. :)

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  44. KERRI C!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    DID YOU EVEN HEAR THAT YOU WON TAMARA ALEXANDER'S BOOK?

    Maybe you had her email and talked straight to her.

    If not, email me and I'll get your name and address to Tamara.

    mary @ maryconnealy.com

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  45. Casey (and everyone) if you don't win and you are interested in buying the book....hard situation to imagine but oh WELL...go to the library and ask for it.

    If they don't have it, well, you remember how Elin Woods reacted to the National Enquirer and the photos of Tiger and his girlfriend?

    I suggest an approach of equal attention gathering. No violence of course. And if the police and television cameras come, definitely spell my name right while you're being interrogated...by the TV people. Leave it out with the police.

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  46. Hey, Mary! Sorry to hear about your car. I do try to keep a bag of chocolate chips in the house to help when "the chocolate urge" hits. I can tell you this from personal experience: If you fall asleep on a single chocolate chip, your body heat will melt and magnify the lone chip beyond belief into a definite "Spray and Wash" moment : )

    Yes, I am going to eat a lot of chocolate in 2010. This year of 2009 is the worst year of my life, and I am trying to figure out where I made my mistakes. I ate less chocolate in 2009 than in any other year of my life. I am thinking that might be one of the things I did wrong, and it could have contributed to the debacle of 2009. I am happy to report that I have been gifted with sweets, treats and good eats from my wonderful friends this holdiay season. All those goodies that I am consuming (even as I type) have given me a head start for the new year.

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  47. My writing resolution is to write at least 3 short stories in 2010. One fiction and two non fiction. I have ideas for each of them....I just need to do it! :)

    I cannot wait to read this book....loved Montana Rose and my Mum is reading it right now and loving it too!!

    crittyjoy {at} gmail {dot} com

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  48. I'm hooked already and would love a chance at the giveaway.

    So, if the price of admission is revealing one writer's resolution, here goes. In 2010 I will complete one new novel. And I will polish up three other manuscripts that are collecting dust and get them into circulation again.

    Candee[at]CandeeFick[dot]com

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  49. Hey Mary,
    My resolution is to survive another year of editing a certain author's books! (And I won't say the author is Mary Connealy.) Just kidding! By the way, I did see this book in a Lifeway in MS, too. And it is a great read as all of Mary's books are. I am getting ready to start your new book in your new series, Mary! You know I am so excited about this one! Have a great New Year!

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  50. Lets see my Resolution.....To start writing again...i've taken a break, and that needs to end. lol.

    I can't wait to read the Husband tree!!!

    Happy New Year!

    Rae
    Raebyuel(@)gmail(.)com

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  51. My resolution, with the Lord's help, is to read through the Bible again this year. And to continue blogging on the books I read.
    Please enter me. Thanks.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  52. ME ME! LOL

    I'm actually waiting on Amazon to deliver mine, but I can use the other one for a giveaway!

    I resolve to read every book you publish!

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  53. Well, every year I only last a few days with my resolutions, but this year I resolve to be different and at least stick it out for January! :)

    My resolution is to start a blog about books I have read. My cousin inspired me, and I think it will be a nice way to get back in the habit of writing for fun.

    Congrats on the new book, I'm looking forward to reading, so I would love to be entered! Thank you, and Happy New Year!!!!!!!

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  54. Go for it Critty Joy. I love those ideas that dance in my head. And I love knowing you share my books with your mom. I just LOVE IT! To think I'm writing something that would appeal to all ages.

    And Candee...four manuscripts? Cool, good for you. Keep working.

    Hi, Aaron. I've got your newest book in my hands...it came slipping in through holidays and blizzards. As brave as anything Rudolph ever did. I can't wait to get to it, I LOVED Under the Tulip Poplar and am eager to read A Bouquet for Iris.

    Buy it HERE

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  55. Good luck in the drawing, Renee and good luck with the new blog venture. Let us know how it's going so our Seeker Friends can stop in.

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  56. I've heard so many good things about this book. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

    My goals are to write, write, write, revise, revise, revise, query, query, query.

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  57. Hi Mary:

    If you changed the first chapter so that it was the hero burying his third wife in the same haphazard manner, would that make you feel good, warm and fuzzy about vicariously becoming wife number four? : )

    I think Belle is the kind of woman that mother’s warn their sons about. Is this a book about Belle Starr? Is it a western “Taming of the Shrew”? Is the hero going to be Grisly Adams? I sure hope it comes out in Large Print so I can read it and find out!

    I gave my resolutions yesterday but I will offer a New Year’s Aspiration – which might be a better idea because aspirations can guide us beyond where willpower can take us. (I like that. :))

    My New Year’s Aspiration is to just get the Call. After all, the good book says, “For many are called…” (Matthew 22:14, KJV). Then why not me?

    Happy New Year.

    Oh, and I think everyone should look on your web site for all those country music song titles. Start the year with many good laughs.

    I’d like to add to your list that great love song: “Only a Fool Could Love You”.

    Vince

    P.S. Doing these posts is sure a lot more fun than revising my WIP. I think there is a resolution in here somewhere.

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  58. I think my resolution is what most women resolve but don't succeed at losing some pounds. I'd love to win your book. Thanks

    Happy New Year's to you.
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  59. Still figuring out writing goals, but I lost 43 pounds this year and I resolve to lose at least 43 more in 2010!

    Your book sounds great!

    jprivette1(at)roadrunner(dot)com

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  60. Vince I've written some seriously battle axe women. I could see burying one of those with some relish.

    :)

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  61. Mocha with Linda...you are such a good girl.

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  62. Abi, are you the Abi who posted on Petticoats & Pistols last week?

    Because I just got the comments you left...today. They finally loaded. Ah, the mysteries of the internet.

    And Mary Bailey I am so proud of you and in awe and humbled...and bitterly jealous but that's my own cross to bear. Pay no attention to that.

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  63. My writer's resolution for this year is to finish at least one novel, if not two. And market the heck out of my book that will be published this year (lyrical Press, no pub date as of yet though). Oh and snag an agent....that has been my resolution for the past, oh, 4-5 years.

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  64. So I hopped over here because I heard a certain funny author had to be out in the cold for a special event, but she seems to be here, or be back or at least someone that LOOKS like Mary is posting, and she sounds like Mary, and she's BELOVED like Mary...

    If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

    It's Mary, LOL!

    And y'all look like you're doin' fine, so I'm helping myself to a new coffee, caramel vanilla nut, with sweet cream...

    Time for a mid-afternoon kick in upstate.

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  65. I would love to win this book. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your books. I have even bought a copy of them for our church library. I have promised myself to give more hugs, say I love you more often and get to church more often in 2010.

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  66. Throwing dirt on your dead husband's face? For that I bestow on you the honorary name Captain Hook. LOL
    My resolution is to maintain my momentum. 2009 was a frenetic year, but very productive for me. This year, I want to finish/polish my two ms's, send out my full to the two who requested it from the star contest,(this week)and hopefully land a contract and an agent. I hope also to build CROWN marketing network, and continue to learn all I can absorb on the craft. Love Vince's thoughts on aspirations versus resolutions. I'll go with that.
    Love to read that book, Mary. I am still fighting through my TBR pile to get to your previous two. : )

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  67. Have I mentioned that everyone needs to read The Husband Tree? I think I've said something about it before, but...hmmm.... ;-)

    It was a great pre-birthday present for myself, Mary. Love it!

    I would say my resolution is to lose weight, but I started that before the new year and my REAL goal is to live better - if losing weight follows that goal, then yipee.

    Adding 5, 10 (or...er...more) pounds per kid is fine when you have one (and aren't magnetically drawn to anything covered in chocolate), but multiply that by 5 and...well... enough said :-)

    Attend ACFW & enter the Genesis. I've already started saving and have even given my BEST pouty look to my parents so that they've already agreed to give a super nice early christmas present :-) Woohoo!!

    I want to meet you wonderful Seekers in person. (WARNING - I have a tendency to hug...often)

    Happy New Year

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  68. Mary,

    What a hoot of an opening. You make me want to quit writing. Not really, but I'm really glad I'm not expected to write like Mary Conneally because I'm certain I couldn't pull it off. It's a good thing we each have our own unique voice.

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  69. Kathleen, you must move me higher on your pile. You'll thank me girl.


    By the way, thanks Ruthy and I'm back.

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  70. PEPPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I've been blaming the babies, too. These things happen.


    Ruthy has seven or nine kids and she's skinny as a rail. To her I say, Shut up.

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  71. Shannon, Hi. thanks for stopping in. You do NOT want to write like me, you want to write like YOU. And you already do, I'll bet. So yay for you, girl. Happy New Year

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  72. I am absolutely dying to read this book!

    I just posted this on Camy's post yesterday. My resolutions are to be a calmer, more positive, less critical person in 2010. Also, I want to lose weight, something I really need to get serious about. But it's such a mental thing, losing weight. It's all about wanting it bad enough to really do what it takes. But how do you make yourself want to do it? That's the real trick.

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  73. I don't make resolutions because when I break them (and I always do) I feel like I've broken a promise to myself. So instead I have 'intentions'... things I intend to do but if I don't it's no big deal. The pressure's off and I'm more likely to accomplish my intentions.

    I'm on my fourth novel and this year's intention is to finally get serious about seeking agent representation.

    THE HUSBAND TREE sounds delicious. I love the opening! I wish you all the best with it.

    Carol
    caroljgarvin [at] gmail [dot] com

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  74. he..he..
    I always prefer to blame my weight on someone/something else. Kids, chocolate, chocolate....chocolate

    Why actually ADMIT anything? ;-)

    (sigh)
    Then Holy Spirit pops up and reminds me that the least ripe fruit on my spiritual vine is self-control...and it's a bigger problem than my belly width.
    So
    I guess the REAL resolution is to start giving God more control and giving me less - trusting Him and prioritizing my...hmm...wants (because, He'll supply my needs)

    Ugh...
    That hurt to confess right here for all of Seekerville to read.

    Praise God, that He loves me anyway and always... whew

    Oh, btw, everyone NEEDs to read The Husband Tree. And laugh...hard...for long periods of time :-)

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  75. Hi Mary, I was actually here this morning, but my housecleaner arrived and I couldn't get back to it until now. Yikes.

    But the bagels were delicious Ruthy. Loved the beginning of THE HUSBAND TREE Mary. Can hardly wait to read it. Even as I read Montana Rose I was waiting. smile.

    Happy New Year.

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  76. I have never made resolutions, but I have an idea of what I'd like to accomplish usually. This year however, the dreaded Lose Weight showed up on my list. I gained 35 pounds in the past three months (insert screaming here) some due to a medication issue, but the rest was from feeding my face from gaining the first 20. ugh.

    I blog every day, so my writing goals for this year is to continue to blog every day for 2010.

    I found your link on PWs comment section. Looks like you've got a fun book there!

    Kristin - The Goat

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  77. The snippet from your new book certainly leaves me wanting more. I'd love to win a copy! I'm one who doesn't even bother with making resolutions because I never keep them. I could stand to lose some pounds and would make that a resolution if I had any will power!
    ~Doris
    dorisandpete@hotmail.com

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  78. I resolve to sleep more this year. :)

    Please put me in the drawing for your free book. Yay.

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  79. Hi Mary!

    The book sounds great.

    Writing goals: Get another romance manuscript finished, polished and circulating and also to query agents.

    Rose
    RRossZediker at yahoo dot com

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  80. I heard 65% of American's are overweight. So, here's a question, if the majority of people are over weight, is it really, technically, overweight anymore. Or are 35% of American's UNDERWEIGHT.

    I think majority rules and this is the weight we choose to have be normal.

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  81. HEY! SOMEONE FROM THE PIONEER WOMAN!!!!!!!! I LOVE THAT BLOG!!!!!

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  82. HI Mary,

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

    I would LOVE to read your latest masterpiece...

    I'm one of those people who don't make any new year's resolutions....but if I did, I would like to keep a 'gratitude journal.'

    And I, too, love the Pioneer Woman...

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

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  83. My resolution is to lay off the Mountain Dew. I just flipped out on my dad because he drank the last drop from the 2L in the fridge! :-P Seriously I probably drink 2L of that stuff everyday! It's poison!

    Oh yeah I would love to win The Husband Tree! :-D

    XOXO~ Renee
    steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  84. I'm adding to my resolution...I'm going to visit the Seeker blog more often so I don't miss a thing! :-P

    XOXO~ Renee

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  85. Mary, what a great sounding book. I want to know more about this woman and her collection. I am reading your book Gingham Mountain right now.
    Writing resolution: to finish the book I started for NaNo and begin editing it.
    Happy New Year.
    Diane

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  86. Since reading Montana Rose, I have been waiting none too patiently for this book to come out. lol

    As for my resolutions, I want to finally finish revisions on my own manuscript. It feels like I've been doing them much longer than I have. lol

    leesmithwriting{at}yahoo{dot}com

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