I have been a fan of Charlene Sands a long, long time. As a closet Harlequin Desire reader, I never miss a Charlene Sands release, and so I was so thrilled to hear that Charlene had signed on with Tule to write one of the rodeo stories for this year’s Montana Born imprint. Charlene also happens to be the launch author with this year’s Copper Mountain series and her story is amazing and garnering many many 5 star reviews.
For my readers who know Charlene, you’re going to love her blog (and new book!). For those who don’t yet know her, so glad you’ve got the chance to meet her now!
Welcome, Charlene to my blog and my incredibly supportive readers!
In reality I would imagine the cowboy life wasn’t all too glamorous. They ate dust on the cattle trail, fought Mother Nature’s wrath in scorching heat and raging storms and gusty winds that swept the hats from their heads and blew grit in their eyes. They fell asleep at night, their exhaustion a blessing against the hard-packed ground that was their bed.
But there’s just something honorable, worthy and soulful about a cowboy that pulls at all my heartstrings and makes this New York born, California implant… bleed cowboy.
I know why that is. It’s easy for me to explain. Back in the days of my early childhood, my father, a wonderful ex-Army Sergeant, turned entrepreneur, had a gift for storytelling that entranced his two young daughters. And what were the stories about? Well, they weren’t about princesses or silly rhyming cats or female superheroes. No, these stories came directly from his own passion, the history of America. My dad, bless his soul, read four thick books a week and could tell you any detail you wanted to know about General Armstrong Custer, (his favorite subject) the American Revolution and our founding fathers, the Civil War, the plight of the American Indians and the American Cowboy.
As a young girl, I’d sit on my parent’s bed on Saturday mornings and implore my father to “Tell me a ‘tory.” Being the grand storyteller that he was, Dad would concoct a fascinating tale about the bad guys of the west and interject ME, as the Sheriff Who’d Saved the Day! I’d be Sheriff Charlene in the town of Cinnamon Toast Ridge and the tall tale would take on a life of its own. As we grew older, my father would entertain us with fascinating facts about history at the dinner table. And it wasn’t so much a lesson in history, but of life. As I look back on those times, I can only hold those treasured memories to my heart.
Of course, it was also the time of Bonanza and Gunsmoke and Rawhide. Like every young girl, I had a crush on the Ponderosa’s Little Joe. Small wonder that the first book I’d ever published from Kensington was about a down-on-his-luck rancher, titled Chance in a Million. And my very first Harlequin was a historical western titled Lily Gets Her Man. Since then I’ve written many modern day western series, including the bestselling, The Slades of Sunset Ranch and The Worths of Red Ridge.
My office is filled with western inspiration, from one-of-a-kind metal art horses that rise above my computer, to bookshelves filled with western facts and special art, mostly given to me by my dearest friends.
Claim Me, Cowboy, comes right from my heart. It’s a story about second chances and shows how love conquers all. Montana cowboys (of course) and the Copper Mountain Rodeo, babies and broken hearts in need of mending all play a part in this story. Tyler Warren is a man with a bitter past, who has come home to Summer Simmons Nichols, the girl who’d married his best friend. Prepare for secrets to be revealed and strong characters to emerge. Tyler is a man’s man. He’s the hero I’ve always wanted to write. And I’m so grateful to Jane Porter and Tule Publishing, for giving me this chance to write my story as I see fit.
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Charlene Sands is a USA Today bestselling author penning steamy and emotional contemporary romance and stories set in the American West. She’s been honored with the National Readers Choice Award, the Cataromance Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Booksellers Best Award. Her book, The Texas Renegade Returns was honored with Romantic Times Magazine’s Best Harlequin Desire of 2014.
Charlene knows a little something about romance. After daydreaming about the cute boy with the long blonde hair and dazzling blue eyes two lockers down from her in high school, to her amazement he asked her out on a date. And he’s been continually amazing her for the past thirty years.
When not writing, Charlene teaches childbirth and baby care in her community. Her perfect day includes reading, drinking iced mocha cappuccinos, walking the Pacific beaches with her hubby or dragging him to the latest romantic comedy movie.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Itunes | GooglePlay
Charlene’s Website | Charlene on Facebook
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It’s a real treat to have you as a guest, Charlene! Thanks so much for stopping by. Readers, to celebrate Charlene’s new release, Claim Me, Cowboy and the entire new Montana Born Rodeo series, we’ve got a special treat for you! Leave a comment below for Charlene and you’ll be entered to win this prize package – and it even includes one of Tule’s very popular handmade pottery mugs featuring the wonderful state of Montana (and Marietta is the little red star)! Contest ends Monday with winner announced on Tuesday. Good luck!
Love Cowboys! Welcome to the Tule fold!
Thanks so much Denise!
My humble thanks to Jane Porter for inviting me to her blog today. She’s an amazing person and talented writer who shares her love of writing with the world! Chime in today and tell me what you think about cowboys, rodeos, bad boys, babies in romance stories and lost loves!
I have been a fan of Charlene’s for a long time too. I was so excited when I heard she was writing a book for Tule. I loved the new rodeo book she wrote.
Janine – you are too kind. I’m glad you enjoy Claim Me,Cowboy so much!
I love Cowboys and Montana. I’ve never been out of Texas but I know I would love Montana!
Hi Brandy,
I’ve never been to Montana either, and most of my books are set in Texas as my father-in-law lives there and I’ve visited often. I’m writing a book now about a Texas rancher called Twins for The Texan…guess what, about a widower rancher with twins, just like the title says. I’m told books with Texas or Texan in the title do very well. Texans sure do love their state!
Wonderful blog today! Thanks I’m looking forward to reading this.
Thanks
Penney
Gotta love those cowboys!
Hi Penney
I’m glad you like the blog and I hope you equally enjoy the story!!
Hi Charlene, Loved reading about you and your books. I will be sure to start reading right away. And your western inspiration looks great. Love the horses on the wall.
Hi Elisabeth – I don’t even think the picture does those horses justice. They take up one third of the wall and are glorious in person. I treated myself to them, they are one of a kind, art with certificate and everything. They do inspire me every day. As close as I will come to having my own horse.
can’t wait to read the story of Ty & Summer. so glad you are writing for Tule.
enjoyed this blog post and finding a new to me author!
Hi Girlfromwva… Thanks for the welcome to Tule. I hope you do enjoy Ty and Summer’s story. Nice meeting you!
Love cowboys myself 😉
I’m with you Susan!
I love a good cowboy story! I really enjoyed your blog post.
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for stopping by to say hello!
I adore your books, Charlene, and like you I have a weakness for cowboy stories. Really enjoyed Claim Me Cowboy. Congrats! on publishing with Tule.
Thanks Robena! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. I had a good time writing it. I appreciate you stopping by!
Hi Charlene, congrats, my friend! You know I love you, your cowboys, and the stories you tell about them! Wishing you much more success!! Xoxox
Hi Tanya
Thanks my friend! I hope to see you soon. And I love all your stories too! You are a great writer! 🙂
I have been reading your Harlequin Desire books for a long time, love them. I’m glad you are writing now for Tule too, love their stories.
HI Linda
Seems like I’ve been writing those Desires a long time now. And Tule is something new and different and exciting! I appreciate your support and friendship!
Love love love cowboys!!
Me too, Barbie. Thanks for stopping by today!
Love Cowboys! Love Jane to pieces! and love Charlenes Books to!!
Thanks for the chance
Hi Diana
Thanks for the kind words, I agree about Jane too, a wonderful person!
I have loved your Desire books! Looking forward to reading this new book. 🙂
Hi Lynn
I’m hoping you enjoy this, it’s a bit different than Desire, but still a tight and fulfilling romance. Gotta love a tortured hero. :}
Hi Lynn
I’m so happy that you’re a Desire reader too. I hope you enjoy Claim Me, Cowboy. 🙂
Love Cowboys! Can’t wait to read. Welcome to the Tule family!
Hi Shari,
Thanks for the welcome from another Cowboy Lover!
Welcome Charlene,those look yummy,love reading your books always enjoyable!
Hi Vickie.
Good seeing you here! Thanks for the kinds words about my books. 🙂
Sounds great. Can’t wait to read it.
Hi Donna
Thanks for stopping by to say hello!
I am so excited to read the new story and get to know a new-to-me author! Thanks for telling us about yourself. I love hearing about inspiration!
Hi Kerry
Nice meeting you and I hope if you pick up the story, you enjoy it! Have a great day!
Thanks for the giveaway! Love the mug. My dad makes handmade pottery. It’s so cool.
Hi Jessica,
Oh, I bet your father is talented. I always thought that pottery making would be a really fun thing to try.
I am a fan of both of these ladies! Can’t wait to read the new book.
I am relatively new to Charlene’s books, but the few I have read so far I have absolutely loved! Looking forward to reading more 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway!
-Casey
caseroo7(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Casey,
I’m glad you’re a reader and hopefully a fan. I think you’d enjoy Claim Me, Cowboy. There’s a lot of story packed into those pages!
Nice seeing you here!
Happy Release Day Charlene. Aou already know dear friend I do read your books and I love them all. I will be buying the wonderful book for my mom and I to read. Congrats to you on your new book. *hugs*
I will post it on my facebook page letting everyone know about your new book as soon as I can.
Hi Kaylee!
Thanks for your kind words. It’s fun to celebrate my release day with friends!
I’ve done my fair share of day dreaming about guys and cowboys, how awesome that you got to have yours come true!
Hi Colleen.
Thanks so much!
Hi Callie
That’s so true. I enjoy a manly man cowboy with a heart of gold.
Always enjoy Charlene’s books! 🙂
Thanks Colleen. Nice to see you here!
I love native american, cowboys, rancher’s, and bronco riders!
HI Pamela,
Gee, sounds like we enjoy the same types of stories!!
Welcome! I can’t wait to read your book. I love stories about cowboys!
Charlene,
Though we’ve known each other a long time, we’ve never had the chance to work together before. I’m thrilled to be in this series with you and can’t wait to read your first story for Tule. Love the story about your Dad. My dad was also a city cowboy who got me hooked on the west. It was definitely a bonding thing. Rawhide. Bonanza…We’re of the same era! Congrats on the new book. Hugs, Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I’m excited too to be in the same series with you! I have long admired your writing! The rodeo series is fun, and I hope readers embrace our Marietta stories!
I loved Claim Me Cowboy, I gave it 5 stars and reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads. WTG Charlene you took me away!
Hi Bonnie
Oh, I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed my story! This is a great way to meet!! Thanks and thanks!!
Welcome to Tule! Love, Love all the Montana books. I am enjoying your new story! Looking forward to reading more of your books.
Hi Kimberlyindy
I am a fan of Marietta books too. Happy to meet you here and thanks for your support and welcome!
Charlene’s books are memorable. I loved the photo of your dad and learning about the stories and history. Best wishes and happiness.
Hi Elaina…thanks for the kind words. My dad was a special man, and it’s nice to give him the credit he deserves! 🙂
Sounds like a good book. Love Cowboys!
Hi Shelly K
Thanks for stopping by today! Gotta love those cowboys!
I too have been reading quite a few of Charlene’s books. Thanks for giving me such sweet dreams, Charlene (and Jane)!
Hi Laney4
I miss talking to you! I’m mostly on FB now, but I do hope you are on my newsletter, so you can keep up with all my fun stuff. It’s nice to know my stories give good dreams. 🙂
Love Charlene’s books, welcome to Tule! Looking forward to reading this one. If you have not read anything by Charlene before you are in for a treat, she is one of my faves! You will not be disappointed!
Ahhh, thanks so much, Pam!! Those kind words just made my day!! Thanks for the welcome too. It’s nice to be among the Tule team!
Claim Me Cowboy is going on my TRL. Sounds like a winner o me. I adore cowboys. I really enjoyed you telling us about your Dad.
Carol L
HI Carol
Well, let me know how you enjoy the story after you’ve read it. I hope you’ll adore my Tyler Warren. And thanks for mentioning my dad, he was a special man.
Love reading and writing cowboy stories, especially when they are part of the Tule Publishing magic. It was so lovely to be in the rodeo series with you and can’t wait to see what happens at the Copper Mountain Rodeo for Tyler and Summer:)
Hi Alissa
I think your big day is tomorrow. I plan on reading your MB Rodeo book too. Thanks for sharing and stopping by!
Well, I guess I need to go stock up on the series. I like to read them all in a row, so this works for me. I have never read your books, but I am looking forward to reading them.
Hi Anna,
Well, I hope you enjoy the entire series set in Marrietta, Montana. It was fun to write a small town book again and I do hope you’ll try my stories. I write lots of cowboys!
Congratulations on the release of Claim Me Cowboy! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amandas!!
Charlene, cowboys do live a hard life. But I’m with you On their appeal. Xx
I love Tule books, especially their Cowboys. Looking forward to reading your book.
I love learning about authors I haven’t read yet!!!
I do love a cowboy. I must say that those metal art horses are just stunning. I’m inspired and I do not write.
Would love to read..my great aunt drove thru cowboy country in the 1950s in a cross country drive..Charlene would love to read about the romance and adventure..they helped her when she was heading alone towards a desert and guided her to a safe road.
looks interesting
Although I’m a confirmed beach girl, the concept of second chances really tugs at my heart. Sounds like a great read.
Hi Charlene Congratulations on the release of Claim Me Cowboy! wonderful book.
Congrats on your release!
Who doesn’t love a Cowboy!
Congrats on your release, love Charlene’s books and I do love me some cowboys.
Charlene is a new to me author. Thanks Jane for the introduction! Hope you write many more books for Tule Charlene.
Congratulations to #37 Carol L for being the winner of this prize package! Carol, shoot me an email with your mailing details soon so we can get prize to you.
Have a great week, everyone!
Thank you you Jane and Charlene. I sent the email.
Carol L
love all your books! can’t wait to read this new one!
Oh, so wonderful to read about the new release. Will certainly check it out!.
Hi, site says 89 comments and I can only see up to #53.
Is something going on with the site?
Thx!
Larger number is because replies are added in too.
Good luck with the draw!
Love this very much so