I am thrilled to have Jan Sikes here today to discuss her upcoming release, “A Noble Bargain.” I loved the first book and am very eager to read this story!
Thank you, Denise, for allowing me to take over your blog today so I can talk about my upcoming new release, A Noble Bargain. I’m deeply grateful for your generosity and support!
How it all started:
When I wrote A Beggar’s Bargain, I was sure it would be a standalone. However, I was driving home from visiting my sister (a five-hour drive) when some new characters started talking to me. Oliver Quinn came first. I knew he was of Irish descent and that he worked at a sawmill in Arkansas. Then, Rose Blaine began to tell me her story, and it is one of heartbreaking abuse and suffering.
I often wonder if these characters are people who really lived in another time and place and want their stories told. I have no explanation about how it all comes. I just know that it does. And, my theory is that if I am given a story, it’s my duty to do something with it. Stories can come from anywhere when we are open to them.
And that’s how A Beggar’s Bargain got turned into The Bargainer Series. At this point, I am thinking it’s a trilogy, but I hesitate to say as some other characters may pop up and demand that I listen.
I know it all sounds a little crazy, but when we open that creative stream, things show up.
Here’s how A Noble Bargain begins:
Music and laughter drifted around twenty-two-year-old Oliver Quinn as he tipped his paddy cap to a pretty young girl sitting alone on a bench against the wall. He’d had his eye on her since she’d arrived. It didn’t escape his notice that she seemed to fold into herself, mostly staring down at her hands on her lap. Single lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling cast an auburn glow on her nut-brown hair.
The threadbare plain cotton dress and worn, scuffed shoes spoke of struggles that required no explanation.
The year was 1948, and in the small town of Crossett, Arkansas, local dances drew people from all around the area.
Young men showed up in their Sunday best, hoping to steal a dance and, if they were lucky, a kiss from their favorite girl. Old men came with jars of moonshine, looking for a good card game or perhaps a chance to jaw with their neighbors, while their wives gathered in close-knit circles to share the latest gossip or new recipe.
Folks in Crossett worked hard and played hard.
And Oliver did both.
He’d danced with almost every unattached girl since he’d arrived. He loved twirling them around the dance floor, dipping them at the end of the song.
After escorting his latest dance partner back to her parents, with a hand in one pocket, he sauntered over to the young girl he’d been watching. “Howdy.” He gestured toward the crowded dance floor. “Care to dance?”
She glanced up, her face flushing bright pink, then quickly lowered her eyes, but not before Oliver glimpsed the most striking violet blues he’d ever seen. “Don’t know how.”
“Well, then.” Oliver bowed at the waist. “Let me be the first to teach you.”
“I…” She hesitated. “I can’t.”
Oliver followed her quick gaze to two boys around his age leaning against the opposite wall. “Miss, I can assure you I have the most honorable of intentions. Do I need to ask their permission?”
“No. Please.” Tears pooled and her gaze widened.
“Your brothers?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s your ma and pa? I can ask their permission.”
She jerked a thumb toward the back door. “Pa’s out there, but he’s in an awful mood, spoiling for a fight.”
Oliver pulled off his cap and tucked it under his arm. “You got a name? If you don’t tell me, I’m going to call you Violet. You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“Name’s Rose. You’d best be movin’ along. My brothers are heading this way.”
Squaring his shoulders, Oliver stayed rooted. “I’m not afraid, if that’s what you think.”
Her voice barely audible over the fiddles, guitars, and banjos, she pleaded, “Please go. Don’t need no trouble.”
Ignoring her quiet plea, Oliver leaned closer. “Rose, my name’s Oliver Quinn, and I never back down from trouble. Seems to me you came to a dance, and what most folks do at a dance is, well—dance.”
A rough hand on his shoulder spun Oliver around.
BOOK BLURB:
A true testament of character, resilience, and the magic of never giving up.
The year is 1948 and folks in the sawmill town of Crossett, Arkansas, work hard and play hard. Oliver Quinn does both. Oliver is the son of Irish immigrants who firmly believe in pursuing the American dream. His deepest desire is to play major league baseball. He only needs one chance to prove himself.
Rose Blaine is living in a nightmare where dreams don’t exist. She’s suffered for years at the hands of her violent moonshiner father and his partner. During a brutal attack, she must fight back or die. The aftermath is devastating.
Fueled by desperation, Rose strikes a life-changing bargain with Oliver. If he’ll take her and her brother to St. Louis, Missouri, she’ll introduce Oliver to her uncle, a baseball legend.
While their journey is fraught with unseen perils, they forge an unbreakable bond and make surprising allies.
When destiny throws them a curve ball, they must find the courage to create a hopeful future out of the ashes of shattered dreams with newfound fortitude.
UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: https://books2read.com/u/booMQR
JAN’S SOCIAL MEDIAL LINKS:
https://www.twitter.com/jansikes3
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-sikes
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK (Author Page)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes
Thank you, Denise, for letting me launch this book tour at your place. I am deeply grateful!
Thrilled to open up your tour, Jan! It’s a read I’m looking forward to 🙂
Have my copy preordered, Jan – thanks for hosting, Denise!
I have my copy ordered too, Teri 🙂
Whoo hoo! Thank you, Teri!
Fun snippet. Thanks for sharing it.
Sounds like a good read, Craig 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Craig!
I loved the first book, Jan! Can’t wait to read this on! Just preordered!
Yay! Thank you Joy!
Same here, Joy 🙂 Can’t wait!
Congratulations, Jan! What a great kick-off for your book! Denise/Jan–can I use that first graphic (about Noble Bargain on tour) in my post this Friday? I love that idea!
Hi, Jacqui. First of all, yes, that is the blog tour banner you are to use on your post. Did I fail to send it to you? Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!
It is a great banner, isn’t it Jacqui? I see Jan answered you so I’ll just say thanks for dropping by xo
Jan, I remember when you called me so excited that you had the idea for a second Bargainer book and I really loved the premise. I also can’t forget when you called me after you’d heard the song that sparked A Beggar’s Bargain. Strange that you first thought it’d be a short story, then after letting it sit for a while, you made it into a book. And now a series! I love how things evolve into something bigger than what we first think. I do believe we are led to write things and we do have a duty. Wouldn’t it be awesome if these ideas are coming from a long dead author? I hope we get to find out one day. Love you, sister. I’m so proud of you for writing this series that has become deeply personal. You pour your heart into each.
Thanks for stopping by, Linda 🙂 I love Jan has such strong support, and I agree we are lead to write stories.
Thank you for stopping by, sister. Yes. I remember each of those moments and it is amazing how a single idea can evolve. I love that you are on this crazy journey with me.
I just know you have another hit on your hands. Best wishes, Jan.
Thanks for hosting, Denise.
I’m thrilled to be hosting for Jan, Staci 🙂 I have that same feeling, too.
Thank you so much, Staci!
It’s real nice of you to be a host for Jan’s book launch tour, Denise. The great extract and blurb got me interested. I’ll be checking it out.
I’m happy to be kicking off Jan’s tour, Timothy 🙂 I loved the first book and have a feeling this one will be just as good!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the post, Tim. I am glad it grabbed your attention.
I’m glad too, Jan. Thanks for being such a great writer.
That sounds like a fun book. It is interesting how you came up with the idea for a sequel.
It does sound like it’s going to be a great read, Thomas. I always enjoy the behind the story and how it came to be.
Thanks, Thomas. It is funny how things can evolve.
It’s exciting to see that Jan Sikes has a new release for pre-order. I’ve downloaded her e-book today.
It promises to be a good read, Linnea 🙂 Thank you for dropping by!
Whoo hoo!! Thank you, Linnea!
I enjoyed the excerpt. I hope Oliver makes it out of there without getting bruised and beaten!
That’s my thought, too, Priscilla:)
Thank you for taking the time to read the post, Priscilla. Oliver is quite capable. 😃
Hi Denise, thanks for hosting Jan, and I’m intrigued by her backstory, the extract, and the book blurb. Another one for the home library. Congrats to Jan! xo
I have a feeling we will all enjoy this read, Lauren 🙂
Thank you so much, Lauren! I am thrilled that you enjoyed the post.
A super excerpt, Jan. All the best on your newest. Thanks, Denise for hosting.
Happy to be kicking off Jan’s tour, John:) Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks a million, John!
I used to feel like stories were channeled from some alternate reality, Jan. It sounds like you have the same experience. And definitely a summons to write. Congrats on the new book. I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for the wonderful opening tease. And thanks, Denise, for hosting!
It does feel like we are channeling the stories many, Diana 🙂 Does give that extra push to write it. Happy to get Jan’s tour started a thank you for stopping by!
I love that you have the same experience, Diana. Maybe the stories are really channeled from somewhere out in the ether. Thank you for stopping by!
The blurb is great. I’m interested in giving this one a read after life settles down for me in a few weeks.
Yay, Pete. Hope things smooth off for you and you will have time to read. Thank you for stopping by!
I loved the first one and can’t wait to read this, Pete 🙂 Hope life settles down for you!
Hi Denise, this is a really good extract. Thanks for hosting, Jan.
It really is, Robbie. Can’t wait to read it!
An engaging excerpt! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you, Liz. I appreciate the support!
You’re wecome, Jan!
It sure is, Liz! Always appreciate your sharing 🙂
Fantastic intro and blurb. Great to see Jan and her newest book featured today Denise. I shall look forward to this series. Congrats to Jan. xo
I know the first book is fantastic and so looking forward to this one, Debby. You have some good reading ahead. Xo
No doubts! <3
I wanted to keep reading! Your book sounds wonderful,so I pre-ordered a copy. Should I read the first book if this is a series? Congratulations Jan! 🙂
The first was good but not sure if you have to read it first, Kay.
Thanks
Love this excerpt, Denise. And congratulations, Jan. I really do need to catch up on reading now. On my ‘witing’ list!!
This is a read I’m looking forward to, Judith. I don’t think I’ll ever catch up on my reading!
I love it when the characters talk to us and share their stories! Here’s to many more stories in the series 🙂
Congratulations Jan. I like the excerpt, it is really compelling. I’ll catch up with your new release.
Thanks for stopping by, Balroop. This looks to be another great read.