(Ooops. Sorry … hit the wrong key, but that just means you get to enjoy Jan’s post a day earlier than expected! Happy reading!

A NOBLE BARGAIN
Today’s very special guest is fellow author Jan Sikes, who is celebrating Release Day for her newest book, A Noble Bargain. I know you’ll enjoy reading all about this one, and will gladly help Jan get the word out by sharing where you can.
Welcome to The Write Stuff, Jan, and take it away, my friend!!
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BLOG TOUR STOP #7
Marcia Meara
Thank you, Marcia, for allowing me to take over your blog today to talk about my new release, A Noble Bargain. I’m deeply grateful for your generosity and support!
WHOO HOO! TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!

I’ve already talked some at other blog stops about Rose and Jack being brother and sister. But they have another brother, Harlan, who is the oldest. Harlan is hardened by life, much like their father. Because he is older, he is subjected to a more intense level of violence. As the story progressed, I began to feel sympathy for Harlan and I didn’t want him to be a bad guy. In his heart, he wasn’t. He was a true victim of circumstance. I’ll share a scene that shows how Harlan is left to deal with their father in a drunken state.
EXCERPT:
Rose hurried to get out of her new clothes and into her faded nightgown. A single curtain separated her tiny corner of the house from the kitchen. Jack and Harlan’s cots were a part of the living room, and her father occupied the only bedroom. At least they had indoor plumbing. The house they’d left behind in Hamburg didn’t. She hoped she’d never have to use another outhouse as long as she lived.
What a night.
She fell asleep thinking of Oliver’s easy way of conversing and his mother’s delicious cooking, only to be jarred awake a couple of hours later by a thunderous crash.
Harlan’s voice followed. “Come on, Pa, let me help you to bed.”
“Get your hands off me.” The words came out slurred.
She lay deathly still, barely breathing, waiting for what would come next.
Another thud vibrated the floor. “I said don’t touch me.”
“Just tryin’ to help, Pa. Suit yourself.”
She could picture Jack huddling in his bed, eyes squeezed shut, pretending not to hear. Tears leaked out of the corner of her eyes.
Harlan’s boots hit the floor one at a time, and bedsprings creaked.
She waited. Maybe Pa would spend the night on the floor. Or maybe he’d eventually make it to his bedroom. She hoped for the latter and that he’d sleep late in the morning.
Some things are difficult to write. I could picture the scenario so strongly in my mind when I wrote it. Do scenes like this evoke emotion in you the way they do me? Let’s talk.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: https://books2read.com/u/booMQR

JAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA 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)

A powerful excerpt. I can imagine it was difficult to write.
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Thank you, Darlene. Yes, violent scenes are hard for me to write. They go against everything I am in life.
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Oh, poor Harlan. Yeah, if he ends up being a bad guy, I can understand why. I wonder where the story will take him!
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Thank you, Priscilla. I went back and forth about what to do with Harlan, but I like the way it all wound up. 🙂 No spoilers. 🙂
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A captivating new story. Violence is sadly part of our lives. Thanks for sharing the news, Marcia! Best wishes, Michael
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You are right, Michael. Sadly, violence exists. Thank you for stopping by.
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Hi Marcia, thanks for hosting Jan. This extract is a tough read.
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Thank you, Robbie. It was hard to write.
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❤️🔥
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A wonderful feature Marcia to help Jan launch her new book which looks amazing. ♥
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Thank you so much for your support, Sally.
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I have A Beggar’s Bargain in my Kindle and am going to add this one as well. A powerful excerpt! ❤ ❤
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I sincerely hope you enjoy A Beggar’s Bargain, Trish. And thank you for your interest in A Noble Bargain! Hugs!
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A super excerpt, Jan. Thanks to Marcia for hosting you today,
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Thank you, John!
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😊
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Looking forward to this one! That’s a great cover as well!
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I am happy you like the cover, Joy. The publisher did a great job with it.
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This excerpt will easily bring the reader into Roses world of fear. I wanted to turn a page or click for more. Thanks for the share, Marcia. Good luck, Jan! 🙂
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Hi, Nancy. Your comment is exactly what I was hoping for. I am glad it drew you in. Thank you for visiting!
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Hi Jan, thanks for sharing. A good excerpt that keeps us guessing. All the best with sales.
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Thank you so much wpbloger1. I appreciate you stopping by!
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Huge congrats on your release, Sister! I’m really happy this book is now available to buy. Readers are going to love this story. My heart went out to Oliver and Rose and I’m so happy with the way the book ended. I remember what a difficult time you had writing certain scenes and how they left you shaken but you did a fantastic job and handled everything with sensitivity. I hope Jack’s book, which comes next, will be a page-turner. Love you, Sister.
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Thank you so much, sister! Yes, parts were hard to write, but necessary to move the story. I’m really getting anxious to write Jack’s story. I have a couple of questions I need answers to before I can really dive in. I appreciate your support SO much!
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That’s a moving excerpt. It’s been wonderful following Jan’s blog tour, reading about her fabulous book.
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Thank you, Tim. I’ve loved seeing your face pop up at each tour stop!
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That perspective-taking is powerful. Nice excerpt and visit.
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Thank you, Jacqui!
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My heart went out to those kids, Jan:) I had a very hard time putting the story down last night. I needed to know if they were going to be okay. It isn’t easy to write those scenes but you did it so well. I can’t wait to get back to the story tonight. Happy Release Day!
Thanks for hosting, Marcia xo
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Oh, thank you so much, Denise. I am thrilled that you are enjoying the story! Thank you for leaving a comment here.
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That would be a difficult scene to write, Jan. My heart goes out to Harlan for having to be the one to deal with their father.
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All the kids had to deal with his increasing violence and I just had to give them a chance to escape. No spoilers. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Teri!
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Powerful imagery and important yet hard sharing and a compelling story, Jan and thanks to Marcia for sharing it💓🙏🏼
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