Chivalry’s Promise

I’m doing the happy dance over here. It may not be pretty, but it’s happy indeed. I just released my 7th book. I am standing on my head, excited. I reckon, I’m excited for each and every book I publish. I keep saying, I am still in awe at how God has opened this opportunity up for me. And while I’m not the brightest or the best, I can say, — I love my job! I enjoy the conversation I have with readers about the characters they get to know and the pondering of what’s to come.

This book is a standalone story set in the Wild Texas frontier in 1850. Texas has such a rich history that spans many years involving six different flags that flew over our state. I for one, am a proud Texan, and I love Texas history. This book’s setting takes place in East Texas near the muddy waters of the Trinity River. Those of us that live in this area know and respect the river as she gets moody occasionally. The little town we get to know is a fictitious community called Chivalry based on a real East Texas town.

In this story Mattie travels to Texas on the verbal promise to fulfil last requests of a dying friend. When she arrives, her welcome isn’t quite what she expected. She has just one month to accomplish her goal or leave on the stagecoach. The highs and lows prove to test her resolve as an unsolved death intertwines, complicating her goals. There is even a true, Texas treasure legend thrown in there that might encourage you to do some exploring.

I enjoyed this story so much and many readers have voiced an opinion to see it develop into a series. While I’m still pondering over that, I hope you’ll take a chance and read this story. I have it available in paperback or ebook only over at Amazon. I love to hear feedback and read comments. If you purchase the book, kindly leave me a review. Your thoughts will help other readers decide to take a chance on my books.

What’s next? I’ll be diving into a treasure mystery unfolding in Chalet Dreams book 2. Maybe I can have that ready for you in time for the cool fall weather. Where else can you follow me?

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I am also on Facebook Sufficient Grace Novels @sewblessedtwowrite.

To see this book and all other available books -check out my Amazon profile- Celina Easterling/Author.

Chivalry’s Promise

Mattie Reynolds made a promise to a dying Meg Boldrin to fulfill her last wishes, to mend the strained relationship with her son from beyond the grave. She would make the journey of her life by stagecoach over seven hundred miles to the small East Texas town of Chivalry, receiving a cavalier welcome. Her quick, persistent determination fouls her pure intentions to do right by a grieving son.
Chess Boldrin, Chivalry’s most eligible bachelor is situated comfortably with everything he needs. When Chess and Mattie meet, the temperatures run high and short. Chess avoids her attempts to gain his attention before succumbing to her innocent charm and fiery retorts. Her timing, combined with unanswered questions surrounding the death of his best friend, creates a summer storm. In the end, resolving the hurt of the past complicates his view of the impending future.
Will Mattie deliver on her promise and help Chess understand circumstances fracturing a relationship long before her arrival? 
This 1850s Texas Western is a whirlwind love story. A clean, wholesome, and inspirational romance seeking to honor God even in the boundaries of fiction. 
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (Romans 12:12 KJV)

Blessed Assurance

I’m so excited to announce that the fourth book in the Cultivating Texas Roots Series is HERE! My third book published this year, Blessed Assurance, will be available just in time for Christmas. This book is more like part 2 to Rustling a Heart, where half of the family is away on a cattle drive. Blessed Assurance gives us a peek into the window at what is going on at home. I have brought back some old characters from the first book, Long Journey Home, to catch up with.

These characters have become part of my family and have grown in fiction, just as I have in writing. I hope you’ll take a chance and read this series of books. My books are clean and inspirational with a hint of romance.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;” ~1Tim.1:7

In 1855, Texas life is well established for our frontier families, yet daily living is far from mundane. Sadie Abner’s husband, brother, and ranch hands left and will be gone for months pushing cattle north to Missouri in RUSTLING A HEART. Bess McDougal comes to stay on the homestead escaping her mother’s matchmaking efforts and to help with children and chores during Sadie’s pregnancy. An unexpected critter attack jeopardizes the family’s physical and mental well-being. The most unlikely hero presents himself armed with the Sword of the Lord and the time to give. Not only will the women face their greatest trial, Manatoa and Samuel find their moment of surrender.

Their helplessness in trial gives birth to a stronger, more profound, actionable faith in God.

All of my books are available at Amazon in kindle or paperback versions.

Happy Reading!

Celina

Check out BLESSED ASSURANCE BY CLICKING HERE!

Stevie’s Night Light

Guess what?

I have big news to share.

I am getting ready to release a brand new book in a new genre. I mentally planned for this release to come in August 2020, but thanks to Rona, you will have it much sooner.

I had this book idea stuck in my head a few years back and toyed around with the story line a bit. This book was so much fun to write. The eighties were exceptional years for most of us, so why not dive into a fiction based in our childhood days before electronics consumed our lives?

 Here’s a teaser….

Junior High in 1987 ends with an epic pizza day that Stevie Brady and nemesis Resin Martin soon wish to forget. At his wit’s end, her father sends Stevie to stay with her Grams for the summer in rural Cinder Veil, Texas. The soon to be freshman finds her entire world lit up as she unexplainably travels 60 years into the past to Alabama. While surviving this new world and working through her own desertion issues related to her Mom, Stevie befriends a widow to uncover her painful secrets. Little does she know that the intriguing light of summer would hold the key to the mystery of Belle Lynavid and to the peace she so desperately needs. This Christian youth fiction is brimming with suspense for the adventurous preteen with a clear positive spiritual message. 

 Let the Chalet summer mysteries begin…

Yep, this book is a Christian cozy youth fiction mystery with a time travel twist. What more could a teen gal want in a story? Don’t worry, I didn’t forget the guy! I think you’ll be surprised it’s a fun read for all ages.

You can follow me here on WordPress @ www.sufficientgracenovels.wordpress.com

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On Facebook @ Sufficient Grace Novels

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On Amazon @ http//:www.amazon.com/author/celinaeasterling

Wait!

This is the post you have been waiting for! I have fantastic news to share and who doesn’t love good news, right?

Rustling a Heart, Book 3 in Cultivating Texas Roots, is now available at Amazon. You have your choice between traditional paperback or the digital ebook. Whichever your preference, I sincerely hope you try it. This book can stand-alone if you only want to read this one or look up the whole series.

I WANT TO BUY THIS BOOK!

I greatly enjoyed writing this book. Meredith has a challenge with her independent ways and the handsome Texas Ranger, who happens to be in the right place at the right time. Saddle up for a trail drive with Ollie and the rest of the cowboys to get Kershy’s cattle to market. Things get a little wild and hairy — read to find out if they make it to Missouri.

I dreamed up these families about four years ago. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, life for me changed in ways that I could not have imagined. I look back now and count my disease as a blessing of sorts. I realize that sounds silly to you, but it has forced me to slow down, smell the flowers on the roadside, and try my hand at things I never had time to do.

Cultivating Texas Roots is about a couple of fictitious families that settled in present day Centerview and Hopewell communities near to where I call home. Texas was a very different place in 1845. These two families weather life together in ways I hadn’t imagined possible when we began this journey.

Did you notice my cover model? Like book 2, I chose the young lady specific for the cover. She is a dear friend of ours with a lovely personality. She is wearing an original ball gown I named “the Catella.” I made this gown for my elder daughter a few years ago for living history reenactments.

There is a fourth book, Blessed Assurance, I hope to deliver to you by March 2021, and there is a fifth book on the back burner of my mind. 

Thank you so much for reading along with me and supporting my books. I appreciate your candor and praise. Drop me a review on Amazon below my books if you can. Reviews are critical and appreciated. You can even follow me on Amazon, check out my Author profile. Follow- Sufficient Grace Novels – on Facebook to stay up on book signings and giveaways! If you want to join my email fan list for additional insights, drop me a line at sufficientgracenovels@gmail.com.

Spring is coming, and you need a cattle drive drama in your life!

Happy Reading!

Celina

TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK

Face Lift

I did it again, but this is the last time. I promise. I changed the cover on Long Journey Home, I just didn’t love the self-made covers.

I have learned so much on this journey myself. I started out with just a story in my mind and the desire to see if I could tell it. A thousand corrections and a few hundred sweet readers this book is still going into its third year! God has turned a stressful time into my life to a productive ministry, and I’m more surprised than you.

And you wanted to know what Manatoa looks like, don’t you?

Many ask about the next book, “Rustling a Heart” is book 3 in the Cultivating Texas Roots series. I hope with fingers crossed I can have it out to you by Christmas.

Book 4 “Blessed Assurance,” has a good start going.

Will there be a book five…? You’ll have to wait and see.

Drop me a review, they are so helpful!

Thanks for your support and Thank You, God, for this fantastic job I get to enjoy!

-Celina

Did she say, a SALE?

It is the middle of August here in Texas, and that’s no joke. If you aren’t familiar with our version of summer heat, that means heat advisories, blowouts, need for water, and overall miserable conditions outside. These outdoor conditions make it optimal for indoor writing. And I’ve had a little of that going on lately. I am kind of excited about book 3 and 4. The photoshoots for the covers have happened and what I need now is time. Time to finish the stories and get them together for you.

Some great news is I reworked, Long Journey Home this week. Long Journey Home is the first book in my Cultivating Texas Roots Series. I went through and policed the typos and a few little errors that plague the pages. I do so appreciate the readers that love my stories already and have patience with my less than perfect moments. However, I am feeling so much better about that I think I am going to host a sale!  Keep your eyes peeled for sale coming soon!

So, what can you do? I am so glad you asked. Hmm… Reviews. YEP! REVIEWS are so essential to us authors. They help other readers like you make decisions when deciding on a book. The help our rankings at Amazon. They encourage us…authors to keep writing! So, if you can, leave one on Amazon, my facebook page, or even my WordPress page I will save you a glass of sweet tea. You don’t have to say a whole bunch .. just what you thought- and everyone has an opinion, right?

My books are available at AMAZON! You can follow me on Facebook@sufficientgracenovels and here on WordPress @ sufficientgracenovels@wordpress.com

I also have a blogging nonsense page over at sewfewspoons@wordpress.com, where I wade through a chronic illness life by writing and living one day at a time.

Many Blessings!

Celina

I Have NEWS!

Happy sweltering sticky boob month. It is kinda miserable here in East Texas and that my friend is good news. It means I can guilt free camp out in the house and do what I love. Okay, sure, after the dishes, laundry, and I’ve cleaned the house- then I can sit down and plod away at the keyboard. Everyone wants to know about book 3 already.  I am knee deep into this one and it is really kind of exciting. I don’t even know how this one will turn out.

I did want to share with you that I changed the cover on my first book, LONG JOURNEY HOME. It is the first book in my Cultivating Texas Roots Series. Long story made short I was forced to change the very first cover and didn’t much care for the second. Hopefully, this third time will be the last. My distributor, Amazon has not changed it on their website if you go looking for it but, I promise if you place an order you’ll get the new design.

The next big news I have to share is a book signing is coming up.  This annual signing event is a group effort from our local writers, Leon County Writers Anonymous, in conjunction with the Elmer P. and Jewel Ward Memorial Library. I will be present with fellow authors having our works on display for signing and purchase. There was even a fabulous article submitted to our local newspaper detailing the event. I am excited about it. It is a chance for friends and family to come out and share in the celebration of another book release.

We have an exciting give away happening at this event. If you would like more information on the signing or to be entered in the give away, check out our Facebook page for all the details. Leon County Writers Anonymous.

I write fiction because we need to escape reality sometimes. I really love me some Texas. Who doesn’t a heroic Texas Ranger Romance? Historical means you can learn history while you indulge in a gripping story. It’s Christian because that’s just who I am. If you love all these things you’ll want to try my stories. I took all these things and wove them together to make a tale that might have laid the foundation for families in our East Texas County today.

Support a Local Author- we have to eat too!

 

Book Rendezvous

Today for sure has been a day like no other. I woke up late, clipped my hair in a bun and ran out of the house. A few errands before I found my way to the beauty shop in town. My daughter who happens to be my beautician needed my hair or rather my hair needed her. At birth I got a double dose of fine thin hair and it was starting to look poor at old haggardly lady lengths. Yes, kinda like Smeagol now that you mention it. She got me all fixed up. I shoulda took a selfie! 🙂

Then on to lunch with the ladies for fabulous productive conversations. We do have a good time when we gather. The next destination would be a place where we writers feel most at home. The place where paper, ink, and dust has mingled in just the right conditions. A house of genres, themes, and styles. Have you quite got it yet?

Yes, the Library. I do like the library as do my children who have spent a portion of their lives looking at all the chapters of possibilities. I had many readers who needed to pick up their books today.  I set this as our rendezvous. Can I tell you? I am out of books! I sold all of them! Know if I could sell like this to people that I don’t know- well, my husband could work a lot less and take me on vacation more.

It has been an epic day – coasting on a cloud. I am so very thankful to those who graciously purchased my books in person or online. It does come in the kindle form or traditional paperback. I do hope you enjoy this new book and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the subject.

Big news coming up, I have a book signing scheduled in the month of July. We will gather with our fellow local writers and put forth our works of art. That is always exciting as we each draw different people and we enjoy the fellowship. Stay tuned for more details as that draws near.

If you can find a place to do a review like Amazon, Google Books, Book Bub, Barnes and Nobles, or even my Sufficient Grace Novels page on Facebook – I really, really, appreciate it! Book Reviews are how we sell more books!

Happy Reading!

Celina

PS. What do I write?

I have two books out- Long Journey Home and Between Two Fires. They are both Historical Christian Fiction set in the 1850’s here in Leon County, Texas. The early years of Texas history lived out in fiction form. I would not be afraid to let my nieces read them. I have had several men read them and love it too. Give me a chance!

Between Two Fires

I am so very excited to debut the new cover for my second book in the Cultivating Texas Roots Series.  Seriously, I am so giddy excited.

Coming Soon!

Meet the Hartmann’s

 

Did you read my book?  If not, it’s not too late to pick it up before book 2 makes its debut. When I began this project, it was as much of journey for me as it was for my characters.  The fictional family I wrote of indeed feels like my people. I have dreamt them up in my mind and have imagined their story.  I have plotted their steps and felt their revelations.

Why did I choose this surname or hereditary name for my characters?

Fabulous question, Hartmann is a family name on my Father’s maternal side. This decision was one of the hardest and most daunting deliberations I found myself in.

The name means, “Hartmann is a Germanic surname. It is less frequently used as a male given name. The name originates from the Germanic word “hard” or “hart”, which translates to “hardy”, “strong”, “bold”, or “brave”. “Mann” is a suffix meaning “man”, “person”, or “husband”.- Wikipedia

The setting is rural East Texas in 1845. Texas was a wild frontier at that time.  Texas was a young state that had just entered statehood with baggage that plagued Texians. I knew that my characters would need to be strong to live during this time frame. While my family is from a different region of Texas than portrayed in the setting of the book, the dedication, and strong foundational fortitude is much the same.

Names are awesome and how they change over time and place. Some names seem to ride the test of time like, John, Adam, Mary, and Sarah. Rarely, does a person receive a name that they adore. It does seem to be right of passage for a child to want to change their name to something more suitable, popular, and less scrutinized by other children. While other names are easily associated with a particular personality. I have known a great many Bill’s that own car lots or some other business. Some names seem old to us- and foreign. Lottie, Inez, Isum, Zular, and Weeder Fae are just a few female names from our family tree. I am not entirely sure I spelt that last name right- but that’s how I remember Granny saying it!

Much to everyone surprise our names will stick with us longer than we thought. The Bible says, we will be known as we are known…(I Corinthians 13:12). Mothers, choose wisely- for we are stuck with that name. Call me old fashioned but, try not to name your little one after the newest boy band or the hay baler in the pasture. You’ll succeed until baby decides he doesn’t like it and so adopts a “nickname.” I couldn’t help but feel the same pressure for my characters. Written in ink they’d have this name for eternity and maybe you noticed how the nicknames just slid right in there.

Take a look at the picture below. This is close to home for me, these are my people, just four generations ago. These are the Hartmann’s. I didn’t pattern my fictional characters directly after the family I descended from but rather borrowed their strong name. No different really than Hollywood, I took my own liberties. In my mind, when I close my eyes to envision the story I tell, this is who I see. Pretty awesome right! ? If we could just step right into that picture and have a look see. I love how they captured life around them. They didn’t zoom in and crop out the world but rather included it in their shot.

In Long Journey Home, Oliver and Sarah, affectionately nicknamed Ollie & Sadie are two grown children orphaned on their way to fulfill their father’s hopes and dreams of a new start in Texas.

I found it interesting that so many people were migrating going to Texas during this time. It was common to find an empty house with the letters, “GTT” painted on the door.  Everyone knew they were “Gone To Texas.”

No doubt we are what we are today because of these strong willed determined ancestors. I suppose that is where our deep sense of arrogant state pride comes from. There is a real life story here to tell and with God’s grace, it would be an honor to tell it. Until then, our journey must continue through the cobwebs of my mind.

The adventure for the Hartmann’s is far from over.  What would a western be without a handsome Texas Ranger? The law was dashing, brave, and lived on the back of a horse heroically dispensing justice.  The paths of our siblings meet with the Texas Ranger guaranteeing their lives to be changed forever.

If you did read, Long Journey Home, if you would be so kind as to leave me a review.  You can leave it on Google, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Facebook, or in the comments here.  Reviews matter so much to us and it’s the best and simplest way you can show your support for your favorite author.

What great names do you have tucked away on your family tree?

Thank You for taking this journey with me!

Blessings,

Celina