Title: JAGGED FEATHERS
Author: JAN SIKES
Genre: ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Book Blurb:
Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master's scars. If only the white rune's magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann. On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann's cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed. A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks. Will these two not only survive but find unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?
Excerpt:
The minute they reached the Double L Ranch, Champion hopped out and joined Mattie and Sheila, running and playing.
Nakina helped Vann carry the last of their things into the barn, where a flurry of activity electrified the air.
Colt reached them in long strides. He clapped Vann on the shoulder and pulled Nakina in for a quick hug. “There’s the couple of the hour. What do you think?” He gestured around the barn where ranch hands lined chairs in rows and caterers fired up their grills. A flower-ladened trellis framed a makeshift altar while soft music filtered from speakers mounted on walls.
“It’s perfect.” Nakina gripped Vann’s hand, and he nodded.
“The ranch hasn’t seen this much activity since I did my last fundraiser. I’m thrilled that you chose it for your wedding.” Colt turned when someone called his name. “Hey, make yourselves at home. I’ve gotta run. Let me know if you need anything.”
Nakina curled an arm around Vann’s waist. “It’s really happening.”
He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Yes, it is. I’ve got to run into town and get my parents, but I won’t be gone long.”
“You sure you aren’t hightailing it?”
“Ha! You couldn’t pay me enough!” He gathered her into an all-encompassing embrace.
She stepped out of his arms and flashed a smile. “Good. Please tell your mom and dad how much I enjoyed meeting them. Their acceptance meant so much to me.”
“They see how happy you’ve made me.” He tweaked her nose. “I’ll be back.” He leaned in for another kiss. “Never forget, I worship you.”
“Hurry. I miss you already,” she murmured against his warm lips.
After Vann left, she wandered around the barn, sidestepping the busy workers.
She spotted a horse stall with a crudely made sign hanging on it, declaring it was For the Bride.
Inside, she discovered a full-length mirror, a dressing table with a lighted mirror attached, and a clothes rack. Colt had covered every detail. Somehow, she had a sneaking suspicion that Rena may have had a hand in it as well.
Tears misted her eyes at the outpouring of love these strangers had shown. They were no longer strangers but coveted friends.
She ran her fingers lightly over the box that held her wedding dress. It had been important to her that Vann not see it, so she’d only glanced at it briefly when it arrived.
Opening it now, she gasped, and her hand flew to her mouth. It was even more breathtaking than she’d first thought.
Lifting the soft white doeskin leather dress from the tissue paper, she carefully hung it on the clothes rack.
Delicate white beads and flowing feathers draped from the shoulders and onto the arms. The sweetheart neckline held a bright silver and turquoise pin at the point that would nestle between her breasts. White lace had been sewn onto the leather, and the contrast was nothing short of magnificent.
The dress was designed to hug her waistline and then fall into an A-line with fringe and feathers around the bottom.
Adele was bringing her white glitter inlaid boots to complete the ensemble.
Her heart longed for her parents and grandmother on this special day. She’d caught flashes of movement in her peripheral vision, and more than once heard her grandmother’s tinkling laugh. They were close by. She could feel them.
An exquisite necklace that had belonged to her grandmother would grace her neck as her something old. The something borrowed was Adele’s boots. The something blue was the brightly colored blue jay feather she’d kept all these years, woven into her flower bouquet of white roses, baby’s breath, and lace.
“Nakina,” Adele’s voice rang out.
With a backward glance at the dress floating on the clothes rack, she pushed through the stall door, hating to leave the last moments of heavenly peace and quiet.
***
Vann cleared his throat. “I have no earthly idea how to pin these damn flowers onto my shirt. I’m gonna go find my mom.”
Colt grinned. “See you at the altar.”
Vann went in search of his mother.
Champion had only slightly resisted when Vann tied a bandana with a rose pinned to it around his neck.
The minutes flew by, and before long the minister asked Vann to join him at the altar.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Jag played a sweet love song on his piano that he’d written for the occasion, while Adele and Colt strolled in arm-in-arm.
They each took their positions, and the minister boomed, “Everyone rise.”
A man dressed in Native American attire appeared at the entrance, holding a pan flute. He slowly advanced, playing a haunting Lakota wedding song.
Goosebumps rose on Vann’s arms, and his breath caught in his throat. He blinked away tears of joy and stood a little straighter.
Amidst the rustle of everyone standing, Vann caught his first glimpse of Nakina with Champion at her side. His heart lurched.
Once the flutist was a few steps ahead, she gracefully drifted into the makeshift aisle covered with soft feathers. She and Champion made their way toward the altar and Vann.
Lights from the ceiling danced on her dark hair, and the soft white feathers on her dress flowed from the breeze of her movement. She was nothing short of an angel come to earth.
Champion whined and looked up at Nakina.
Vann swallowed hard.
Buy Links (including Goodreads):
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3oN4ZcL
What makes your featured book a must-read?
This story shows how two people can overcome physical and mental odds to learn that what they perceive as their weaknesses are actually their greatest strengths. A soldier with a missing limb and PTSD and a psychic attempting to bury and ignore her gift have lots of obstacles to conquer on their journey to finding lasting and true love while struggling to stay one step ahead of the powerful drug cartel that wants them both dead.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card:
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Runs June 6 – June 12, 2023.
Winner will be drawn on June 13, 2023.
Author Biography:
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. She brought the entertaining true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.
And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories.
She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers, book 2 of that series, won an Honorable Mention from Reader’s Favorite, and took first place in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice awards. Saddled Hearts, Book 3, released on October 19, 2022, earned 5-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a crowned heart review from InD’Tale Magazine.
Jan is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
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