Linda Ford and Free Books!

Their marriage is a business arrangement but will working together enable them to see beyond the painful lessons of their past?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Becoming Us, by Robin Jones Gunn, is subscriber:

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Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Linda Ford, author of the western historical romance, Cowboy Groom (Crocus Mountain Publishing, July 2019).

Linda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head, often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage.

In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted 10, and lived her dream. She lives on a small ranch in western Alberta, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.

Linda still finds a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction in creating imaginary worlds, only now she does it on paper or rather, at the computer.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I have had an African Grey Parrot for about 30 years now. He will likely outlive me and have to go to one of my children or grandchildren. He talks a lot but only when he chooses to, never when we want him to show off for guests. He is a little (that’s an understatement) particular (as in neurotic) which is a well-known fact in the family. He doesn’t care for toys but loves to tear up cardboard (must be corrugated) and books, so I give him old books to shred.

Wow, he sounds like a book character himself!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Cowboy Groom.

Stella’s fragmented childhood made her vow that her own children would know the security of putting down roots. With her husband dead, she can’t manage the farm on her own. Without help, she is in danger of losing her homestead…and her dream.

Bruce and his Aunt Mary were only supposed to be passing through Glory, Montana. Bruce owes everything to his aunt. She’s the only one who believed him when malicious rumors threatened. Her fragile health requires they stay in Glory, but without a livelihood, how can Bruce support them both?

A marriage in name only would be advantageous for both Bruce and Stella. Aunt Mary sees what they don’t and forecasts they will soon fall in love. Is it possible that living together, working together, and sharing their past in quiet evening hours will make it happen? Or will the lessons of their past keep them from seeing that they are perfect for each other?

What is it about Stella that will make your readers care about her?

Stella’s father was a wanderer who promised to settle down but never did. He disrupted her life over and over and taught her the foolishness of trusting a man and his promises. She has sacrificed everything in the hopes of providing stability for her children and yet she is about to lose it all unless she agrees to marry Bruce. He has promised to stay but she knows she can’t count on a promise like that. She’ll accept his help for now but always, in the back of her mind, she is preparing to manage on her own.

Tell us in a few words a scene in your novel and name a song or piece of music that would make a good soundtrack to the moment.

They meet when Bruce carries his injured Aunt Mary into the preacher’s house seeking help. Stella’s young son, Donny, makes an impression on Bruce. Stella is wary of a man who would insist on traveling even though his elderly aunt needs rest. Yet a marriage of convenience offers the only hope she can find. Fearful of losing her farm, she struggles to trust God through this trial.

A song that echoes the moment is "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms".

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

This is really hard.

I’ll have to go with Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. It’s not a new book (release date 2017) but I recently got my hands on it. Friends separated by WWI correspond throughout the war, so the story is told in letters. Normally, I don’t care for that and for a story that has two different time lines but this one was done so well. And has a satisfactory ending. It’s a book I have marked ‘worth reading again.’

I appreciate your thinking of a good read even when it wasn't easy--we all like to know what books others recommend. Life is too short to read bad fiction! 

What are you working on now?

My son and his wife recently moved to the Porcupine Hills in SW Alberta. A stunningly beautiful place ideal for ranching. So of course, that got my imagination fired up. I did a little research and am currently writing an historical series in that setting. It’s about four brothers who are ranching there in the 1800s. So far the series has no name, nor do the individual books. The best way to hear what I will call them is to sign up for my newsletter.

Where else can readers find you online?

I have a website www.lindaford.org. On the top left hand side are two sign up options for my newsletter (one offers you a free book). I am on Facebook

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Oh goodie. I get to ask you a question. I’m curious as to what stories readers like best. In my genre—historical western romance—is there anything you really like and/or things you have seen enough of? Do you like family stories? Mail-order Brides, Marriages of convenience, adventure, travel…anything at all? Thanks so much for feedback.

Thank you Trish for allowing me to visit.

My pleasure! Thank you, Linda, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Linda has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

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Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE