Independence Day with Anna Schmidt of Last Chance Cowboys: The Outlaw + #Giveaway

Independence Day 


I LOVE Independence Day! It is one of my two favorite holidays—the other being Thanksgiving. Reasons? Both are uniquely American holidays—a celebration of who we are as a people and a country. Also, you know what to wear and pretty much what you’ll be eating plus there are no gifts involved. So two very un-pressured holidays!

In Milwaukee (where I have made my home for most of my life), the big kick-off to the celebration comes on July 3rd. That night there is a spectacular fireworks display at the lakefront (as in Lake Michigan). A bazillion people come from all over to set up their blankets and folding chairs and grills on the grassy slopes of the park that faces the lake. Staking a claim to a primo spot starts a week ahead of time with people marking their territory with string or even crime tape. And the remarkable thing is that NO one stands guard over their claim and NO one disturbs or trespasses on those claims!

As you can imagine with thousands of people crammed into a relatively small area, there’s gonna be trash—and there is, but the amazing part is that most people are very polite about bagging their trash or putting it in the receptacles provided. Even the stuff that gets left is completely cleaned up by noon on the 4th!

The actual 4th is reserved for community activities in the many neighborhood parks and suburbs that fill the city and surrounding area. There are parades with kids on decorated bikes and scooters, bands, politicians seeking votes and hometown heroes. That night there are fireworks all over the place—you can stand in one spot and see them going off up and down the coast of the lakefront.

For me it is America at its best! Regardless of race, political persuasion, ethnicity, religion, gender, or age, we come together as one people unified in a love of a country. Now that’s my definition of America, the Beautiful!!

Last Chance Cowboys: The Outlaw

(Where the Trail Ends #3)

by Anna Schmidt 

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: July 4th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN 1492613029

"'Someone like me?' Is that how you see me, Amanda? As someone people should fear?"
"I don't know what to think," she said. "One minute you seem so dangerous, and the next you're sweet and caring and..."
He took a step closer, his eyes sweeping her face. "And which do you want me to be?" His voice was low; it sent shivers down her spine.
"Both," she whispered, and lifted her face for a kiss.

Amanda Porterfield longs to experience real adventure. So when she's offered a position in bustling Tucson, she leaps at the chance despite unknown dangers--dangers like the mysterious Seth Grover.

As an undercover detective working to stop a gang of outlaws, Seth can't afford the distractions a woman like Amanda inspires. Yet when the fiercely intelligent beauty is thrust into the middle of a heist gone wrong, Seth will fight for a future that may never be theirs...even if it means risking everything he holds dear.

AMAZON | B&N

Where the Trail Ends series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author ANNA SCHMIDT delights in creating stories where her characters must wrestle with the challenges of their times. Critics have consistently praised Schmidt for her ability to seamlessly integrate actual events with her fictional characters to produce strong tales of hope and love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She resides in Wisconsin. http://www.booksbyanna.com/

GIVEAWAY:

Sourcebooks is giving away a copy of Last Chance Cowboys: The Lawman to one reader today (US only, please). To enter, just leave a comment on this post; What are your 4th of July plans? And be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway