Good morning, beautiful souls. I am SO excited to share the good news that A Beggar’s Bargain has won the Page Turner Awards Contest in the Historical Fiction Category!
What readers are saying:
“Living rural and on a farm, Jan Sikes captured the feeling of home immediately in A Beggar’s Bargain. The story puts you right there. Anyone who appreciates a feel-good tale will enjoy this read.” Kitty Royse City
“I’ve read Jan Sikes before, always enjoying her stories, but this book is an entirely different league. The writing is both earthy and pristine, and shorter chapters keep you eagerly flipping pages.” Mae Clair
“I stayed up reading this novel long after I should have been sleeping, but these characters experience some devastating circumstances, and I had to see what happened. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming story. Recommended for readers who enjoy slow burn romance, character-driven novels, and small town settings.” T Polen
I deeply appreciate every single review, every comment and every share of A Beggar’s Bargain! It was a new venture for me and some part of me thinks maybe I’ve found my writing niche, but who knows. The stories seem to have a mind of their own. At any rate, I am honored by the two awards it has received!
My granddaughter had her violin recital yesterday and not only played a solo, but played in three group ensembles. I am so proud of her. She has a natural musical talent.
Last week turned out to be a mixture of wonderful blessings and ended up with a injury. My daughter and son-in-law were on an anniversary cruise, so I spent the week at their house taking care of the two girls and the two dogs. One of those dogs is a twenty-two pound puppy who still has a lot to learn. Long story short, my daughter had asked me to take him to the vet for his final vaccination. He is terrified of the car, but I finally picked him up and put him in. He cried for a good part of the way over, then threw up. Of course, it couldn’t possibly be throw-up on the floorboard or somewhere easy to clean up. It went between the seats prompting me to take the car in for detailing once I got him back home. I tried giving him a bath, which ended in complete disaster. So, when my granddaughter got home from school, she tried to help me bathe him. Again, it ended in complete disaster, water all over the bathroom floor and an injury to my right hand. We finally took him outside and finished washing the shampoo out of his fur with the water hose. The next day I went for x-rays and thankfully, no fracture, just deep bruising on my right hand. I cannot make a fist, open a jar lid or anything that requires closing my hand completely. But it will heal and I will not attempt to try and give the puppy a bath again. 🙂 Lesson learned. It’s a good thing he’s super cute, because he is a handful!
In other news, I’ll be leaving later this week for my great-nephew’s wedding in Lubbock, Texas. The great part is my brother and his wife are coming with me and the biggest bonus is that we will get to visit with my sister!!!
The year is winding down. I am a little frustrated with myself that I’m not making better progress with the new book in The Bargainer Series, but it is what it is. A Bold Bargain will be published sometime next year. I’m not giving myself any time stress. I want the story to unfold organically.
In the meantime, I am deeply grateful for all the wonderful reviews for the second book in the series, A Noble Bargain!
Here’s the Amazon AI generated summary of what customers are saying: Customers praise the book for its heartwarming story about kindness overcoming a violent background. They find the characters engaging and the writing quality to be excellent. The story is described as poignant and well-written, keeping readers hooked until the end. AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
And I want to share some news about another book that I read and LOVED!! So proud for Author, Joy York for this prestigious win!
You can read my 5-Star Review HERE Congratulations to Joy!
In personal news, we lost a true icon in Texas music this past week and the tears have flowed. Tommy Alverson was a staple in the world of Texas music and the loss cuts deep. His battle with cancer ended on November 15th. We were so fortunate to have met Tommy while Rick was still alive and it was an honor to feed him and his band when they were in the area to play. Then after Rick passed away, Tommy’s Family Gathering was the first music festival experience for me, and it opened up a whole new world of music and friends. Just a few days ago, a group of musicians got together and created a tribute song using titles from songs Tommy wrote. You can find it HERE.
These are a few photos of Tommy and a pen and ink drawing Rick did of him. I hope you enjoy and that you’ll take time to check out his vast music catalog. The world of Texas Music will never be the same.
That’s it from me this morning. I know I am behind on visiting your blogs, but I will attempt to try and catch up over the next few days. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this bit of inspiration.
What a wonderful post, Jan. Congratulations on the well-deserved award. And congratulations to Joy as well. I love your pup, and I’m sure he’ll settle down soon. Thankfully, your hand is healing. 🤗
Thank you, Gwen. So glad you stopped by. And you are right about the puppy. He will eventually calm down. 💕
Hi Jan, it is a shame you injured your hand. Puppies are boisterous and also strong. Wonderful news about your granddaughter. It is fabulous when children find a talent to nurture early in life. I’m sorry about the passing of your friend. I saw it on FB. Hugs.
A busy week for you. Congratulations and wishing you rapid healing.
Thank you, Craig!
Wonderful to be so good busy Jan. Looks like you had your hands good and full. And congrats to Joy on her award. <3
I cannot imagine having nothing to do, Debby. 😁 Thank you for stopping by and for the congrats!
I’m with you on that Jan! Gotta keep busy! 🙂
Ace is adorable. I trust he’ll calm down a little when he’s older. I had luck going outside and quietly pouring water on my dog instead of having him get into the bath or spraying him. It took forever, but … well, the things we do for our furry loved ones! Sydney is so pretty–a mini Mimi!
Awww, thank you, Priscilla. You are right. Ace will eventually calm down and he is super cute. I am happy you stopped by!
Congratulations Jan! Well done!
Thank you, Dan!
That is great. Congratulations ! 🥇🏆🥂
Thank you, Thomas!
Congratulations for the amazing award, Jan! It is so well deserved! I appreciate you including Protective Instinct on your blog. It was so sweet and supportive of you to do that. Congratulations to having such a talented granddaughter too!
Thank you so much, Joy. It was my pleasure to share Protective Instinct. Such a good story! 💕
Congratulations on the award, Jan. That is a terrific honor.
Thank you, John. I am thrilled!
I know would be as well
A mixed week, Jan. Some great news, some hard times, and some sad news. Congrats on the well-deserved award, glad your hand isn’t fractured after the puppy puking incident, and sorry to hear about Alverson’s passing. Enjoy the wedding and let all other stress dissipate as you celebrate love. <3
Thank you, Diana. It was a week of highs, lows and injuries. But I’m still standing. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Congrats on the support and success of your latest book, Jan!
Thank you, Erika!
💖
Huge congrats, Jan! I am SO happy for you 🙂 It definitely is your best to date. Sorry about your hand, and I hope it heals fast. Love the end quote. Xo
Thank you, Denise, for the congrats and good wishes! So glad you enjoyed the quote.
First off, congratulations on the award for A Beggar’s Bargain. I haven’t picked it up yet but will later in the week when I make my weekly Amazon donation. 🤣
I love dogs, but gosh they can be an adventure sometimes. I’ve owned one or two practically my entire life. Some of your tales sound awfully similar to some of our own. Our current pooch hates anything loud. She is the most sensitive dog we’ve ever owned. Fireworks are absolutely the worst despite all our efforts to comfort and medicate her.
Thank you for the congrats, Pete. I am thrilled that the book is on your radar! You’re right about the dogs. This puppy will be a good dog once he gets a little training, but not sure he’ll ever like a bath.
Congratulations on your award, Jan! Your great writing sure deserves it. It’s too bad that Tommy Alverson died.
Thank you, Tim. I appreciate the congratulations and kind words. And I agree about Tommy. We lost a Texas music icon.
Congrats on the award, Jan. That has to feel good. It looks like the music genes run in the family too. You must be so proud of your granddaughter. Enjoy the wedding and no more wrestling with lively puppies. xo
Thank you, Darlene. I appreciate the congratulations and yes, it feels great! It’s always uplifting when our work is appreciated. I am extremely proud of Sydney. She also plays piano and is getting really good on both instruments. Absolutely NO more wrestling with the puppy. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!
Wowee!! Congratulations on the award, Jan and what terrific recognition of your book. The reviews are wonderful too and you do right to let the third book develop organically and as you have a chance to write it. Congrats also to your talented granddaughter – did you have lots of tissues to hand?😀😀 Oh no, your poor hand, I’m glad nothing is broken but a severe bruise is nasty – I hope you have a chance to give it a chance to recover. Wishing you a fabulous time meeting up with family at the wedding – enjoy, my friend! hugs, Annika xx ❤️
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Annika. I appreciate you stopping by! I also appreciate your words about letting the third book develop organically and not rush it. Going into the holidays, writing time will be scarce. Have a great week and again, thank you for visiting!
A huge congratulations on your award, Jan! So thrilled for you! Your granddaughter is amazing, too! Sending healing energy for your hand. Have a lovely week. xo
Thank you so much, Mary! I appreciate the congratulations, kind words and healing energy!
Jan, I’m just amazed at Sydney’s talent. That little girl succeeds in everything she tries to do. She can dance, play the violin and the piano, is an excellent actress and the list goes on. Simply amazes me. I’m so sorry about Tommy. He was truly one of a kind. He found success in the musical world but he was just a warm, genuine person. I’ll bet he and Rick are jamming up in heaven with Hank Sr., George Jones, Elvis, and so many others. Now to your award! I’m so excited that Beggar’s Bargain was chosen as Best Historical Fiction!! That should put all those doubts about your writing to rest. The first time you told me about it, I knew it was a special story. And so is A Noble Bargain. Rest your hand and let it heal then get busy writing! Love you, Sister, and can’t wait to see you on Friday! 🙂
Kudos to your granddaughter. My daughter too played violin exquisitely and successfully. I know about that joy. Yikes about the dog! Dogs don’t always understand kindness to their owners, do they? My 130-pound Lab tried to tear my finger off on a walk the other day. All OK. Have fun at the wedding!
Oh goodness, Jacqui. A 130 pound dog could do some damage. How cool that your daughter played violin. I love getting to watch her. Thanks for stopping by.
A big congrats on the award, Jan – well-deserved! You’ve got a lot going on. Sorry about your hand, but you’re right – he’s an adorable pup. Have a great time at the wedding reconnecting with family!
Thank you, Teri! I am so thrilled that A Beggar’s Bargain won!! I appreciate you stopping by.
Both books A Beggar’s Bargain and A Noble Bargain are wonderful reads. To be reading a book a seeinf the little town of Everton, MO in it is fantastic. The entire feeling captured of the community is exactly the way people in Everton are. A Noble Bargain allows the readers to see what happened with characters from the first book as well as telling a new fresh story. We have new characters to love, Rose, Oliver and Jack.
Oh, thank you so much for your comment! I am so glad I chose Dade County to set these stories in!