“The Story Behind a Story”
More than a
decade ago, Susan K. Marlow, treasured
friend, former student, and author of several best-selling historical series for kids and YA had an idea for Christian western for older readers.
I loved it. We brainstormed, and I encouraged
her to submit a proposal. She did and received permission to submit sample chapters and a synopsis. The book was turned down because
of too much plot and not enough romance. However,
the editor said, “Without a doubt this is one
of the best written stories I have seen in some time. You do write very well."
I
suggested co-authoring by adding the necessary romance and finishing the chapters that were as
yet unwritten. Susan refused. She didn’t want to be known as a
romance writer.
A couple of years later she said, “Take it. Do what
you like with it. Just don’t put my name on or in it.” I laughed all
the way to my computer.
Most of Susan’s sample chapters
remained intact. I edited and finished the story. Romance
Rides the Range, first of a 4-title series, came out in 2010 from the same company that
originally turned it down. Those who know us both try to figure out
what is “hers, mine, and ours.”
Susan’s recently published Courageous Love ties up her wonderful Circle C
Milestones series. I love its exciting plot and it has enough romance so the history of this newly revised edition of RRR can be told.
Read
more about this talented author and her books.
* * * ROMANCE QUARTET titles stand alone, but old friends and enemies from the first title play important parts in the other titles as well.
Romance
Rides the Range, Book One
Sarah Anderson refuses to become a drudge for
her stepfather after her mother’s death in 1882. Or the property of a riverboat
gambler to pay her stepfather’s debts. She flees from her Missouri home and heads
for California to find her brother, trusting God to protect her on her perilous
journey.
Once-bitten, twice-shy Matthew Sterling, owner
of the Diamond S ranch, vows the San Juan River will run dry before he ever
trusts another woman.
Does God have other plans for Sarah and Matt?
Romance Rides the River, Book Two
Life on the Diamond S Ranch will never be the
same after Dori Sterling arrives like water through a broken dam.
Cowboy Seth Anderson is determined to fight
adversity and keep the faith, but he can’t prevent floods or stop the
undercurrents menacing the ranch and the girl he loves.
Only God can help the dedicated young man and
rebellious girl navigate the troubled waters and get past the log jam that
blocks their way to love.
Romance at Rainbow’s End, Book
Three
Seven
years after Ellianna and Timmy are sent to California by their despicable
father, Ellie is haunted by his sins. Surely she can’t be the answer to the new
minister’s prayers for a wife.
Joshua Stanhope is plagued by doubt. Is it
right to tie Ellie down as a frontier town pastor’s wife when she can touch
lives as San Francisco’s “Sierra Songbird”?
Romance
at the Hacienda, Book Four
Timothy Sterling scoffs at love at first sight
until he meets lovely Angelina Montoya. Tim is smitten, but suspects “Angel” is
less angelic than her name
Fresh from convent school, Angel loves hacienda
life. Her beauty and charm attract many suitors, but Don Fernando insists she
marry a wealthy man more than twice her age.
How can Angel refuse and still honor her
father?
4 comments:
What a great "story behind the story!" ROMANCE RIDES THE RANGE is a terrific book, and I never would have guessed that two authors collaborated on its first few chapters. The plot is seamless and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
This was a well-kept secret for years . . . so glad the story could finally be told. Thanks for comment, Sandy.
I would have never guessed! It's like getting the best of both worlds in one book. Fun to know the story behind the stories.
And now all four novels are available as ROMANCE QUARTET, a KIndle collection!
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