Fresh Fiction Blog | Amanda McIntyre | Say “Whoa!”(Recapturing the spirit of the holidays) Dec. 2013

Quiet. Calm. Peace. Serenity. Gratitude.

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we could wrap such gifts and give them at will to those around us, in some cases—even to ourselves?

You can.

In the chaos of the holiday season, its easy (and I’m guilty as the next guy) of getting swept up in the madness! Maybe it’s a sign I’m getting older when I realize that the commercials, the frantic looks on shoppers faces, the jockeying to be the first to open on Black Friday makes me want to dig my heels in a bit and say, ”Whoa!”

Go ahead. Try it. Say, “whoa!” this year, at least once or twice. For yourself. For others. Stop and give a few coins to that bell ringer standing outside the store, offer your place in line for the harried mom with three kids and a full cart of groceries, maybe be a second more patient behind the slow driver in front of you. Do we become so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we allow life to fly past us at such a frantic pace and never really catching the tiny moments that make it all worthwhile?

In my holiday-set story, RUGGED HEARTS, it’s part of Aimee’s determined goal to bring the simple spirit of the holidays to Wyatt Kinnison, the man known in town as “the Grinch of the Ranch.” With a little help from an unexpected winter storm, a few of her enthusiastic second-grade students and a close brush with fate—Wyatt begins to see what things he’s deprived himself of and allows himself to stop and see all that he has to be grateful for. It’s the heart-warming first book in the Kinnsion Legacy series and maybe…just maybe, it will help you to stop a few moments and remember the true joys of the season.

I’d love to hear what you are grateful for this holiday season! Tell me how you’ve received a random act of kindness, or perhaps what means most to you this season.

One winner will be chosen at random to receive a special holiday gift of a $25 gift card from Amazon.

To each of you this season, remember that it’s the tiny moments today, that will be the big moments one of these days. May you have a peace-filled holiday and a new year of things to be grateful for!

Rugged Hearts

Rugged, quiet, hardworking, Wyatt takes his position as head of the Kinnison family seriously. But the scars of betrayal by the women to whom he once trusted his heart now prompt his stark, simple game plan, and no one in hell is going to convince him any differently. What matters most, besides the welfare of his brothers, is to manage the ranch left to him and never risk his heart again to something as foolish as love—but after meeting Aimee, Wyatt begins to realize that a man should never say never to a determined second grade teacher.

When vivacious, resilient Aimee Worth loses her twin sister in a tragic accident, she makes the choice to live out her sister's dream of teaching in the small mountain community called End of the Line, Montana, never suspecting she'd meet her Mr. Right in the middle of nowhere—he just doesn't know it yet. Used to challenges, her spirit shatters the perceptions that have kept him isolated from living life beyond the ranch, proving to him that when it comes to love, the greatest risk is not taking one.

Comments

I admit you are a new to me author but after reading the blurb for "Rugged Hearts" I am hooked.
(Wanda Craighead 12:04pm December 4, 2013)

I love your words, "it's the tiny moments today, that will be the big moments
one of these days." We certainly need to take in the tiny moments and not
let them slip by. I am very grateful for my family, that I still have both
parents that are in relatively good health,that we all live close and I can see
my three precious grandchildren often.
(Melanie Backus 1:06am December 4, 2013)

I'm most thankful for health of my family, also the many friends. Makes a great life. I love cowboy stories, so looking forward to reading your books!
(Barbara Wells 7:36am December 4, 2013)

The best random act of kindness was the year an anonymous
person gave my son (with autism) an iPad. The note said to use
it to be the best person you can be. We are still honored by
this gift.
(Robyn Roberts 8:25am December 4, 2013)

I also am most grateful for those random acts of
understanding and kindness to my son who is on the autism
spectrum. He tries so hard... and some people respond by
giving him a few minutes of their time. If they only knew
that their actions may be relished by him (and me) for
years! They mean so much. We often go to the local theme
parks - he's a real theme park nerd :-))) so my best
memories are usually from one of the parks.
(Linda Townsend 8:43am December 4, 2013)

Sounds like a good read - bah humbug cowboy. No ramdom act of kindness but love Robyn's comment. How wonderful of than donor.

I am thankful for my friends and family and the good health.
(Pat Lieberman 8:44am December 4, 2013)

We as a family try each year to show kindness to one or more families. We
also like stress free holidays.
The book sounds really good and I love this quote “the Grinch of the
Ranch.” Thank you for the giveaway chance.
Shared and tweeted
(Lori Meehan 9:15am December 4, 2013)

LOVE YOUR BOOKS HOPE I WIN I NEVER WON ANYTHING IN
MY LIFE AND I REALLY WANT TO WIN SOMETHING!!!!
(Shelly Caggiano 9:16am December 4, 2013)

I am thankful for having a roof over my head, after losing my house not too long ago, and having to live in a pop-up camper with my Husband and dog, leaving most of our belongings behind. I'm also thankful for our 2 kitties, who have taken the place of our dog, who passed away suddenly, 3 years ago. They are the loves of our life!! I'm also thankful for my good friends, friends whom I've made over the years and still have, and friends who I will make in the future. They help keep me going.
I'm looking forward to reading your book, since I've run across a few "Grinches" over the years. Have a wonderful Christmas, and the very best of New Years'!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:34am December 4, 2013)

I'm thankful I'm alive. I did try to kill myself a few years back. The holidays are very hard having no one to spend them with. This book has been on my list to read. I always have wanted to win a giftcard.
(Cathy Thomas 10:22am December 4, 2013)

What means the most to me is being with my wife and kids. A few years ago i had gotten very sick and spent 4 months n the hospital,my only fear was i would never see them again.
(Richard Randazzo 11:04am December 4, 2013)

I just loved Rugged Hearts! I am rereading this again as part of my Christmas reading. Can't wait to see you again next year.
(Margie Hager 11:19am December 4, 2013)

As always, I'm most thankful for my family. Christmas time tends to make me nuts but the "time with family" part makes it worthwhile.
(Angela Hoagland 11:55am December 4, 2013)

I am thankful that my family is near... always there when they are needed! Happy Holidays!
(Colleen Conklin 12:08pm December 4, 2013)

I am grateful for my family and friends.
(Pamela Jaenke 12:12pm December 4, 2013)

I am most grateful this season for my job. It helps me to
support the family it is flexible so I can work around and
assist through family emergencies/difficulties. My boss had
given me this promotion fairly early. It was a leap of
faith on their part since I had stepped back into the
workforce in an entry level position after being a homemaker
for over one and a half decades.
(G. Bisbjerg 1:13pm December 4, 2013)

I am thankful for my good health and my family. That is all that I really wish, because I think it's the most important thing to have. Thank you Amanda!
(Nicole Laverdure 1:50pm December 4, 2013)

I think the older I get, the more I "Whoa!" It's okay if things aren't picture perfect. What needs to be done will be done. Looking at decorations with the grandkids or celebrating daily mass during the Advent season reminds me of what's important.
(G S Moch 1:52pm December 4, 2013)

I'm most grateful for the family I have left to celebrate the Holidays with. We have lost two beloved members of our family this year, and it just makes me appreciate the ones I have left. It also brings to mind something my grandfather once told my mother when she asked him what he wanted for Christmas. He told her that all he wanted was a little bit of her time. Remembering that always makes me say "Whoa!" and makes me take time to spend with my loved ones - even if the dishes need washing or the clothes need washing. It's more important to spend the time with family because you can never get that time back.
(Tonya Coley 2:15pm December 4, 2013)

I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband and 2 crazy
boys... I enjoy spending time with them and in the case of
my boys Love seeing their faces light up when Santa brings
them gifts... Also seeing them take part in our churches
christmas program is also very special for me. I had the
pleasure of meeting you at LLRAW this year and being
introduced to your books. :)
(Jeannie Platt 2:53pm December 4, 2013)

I'm my grateful for the health of my family and the devotion of my animals.
(Sue Farrell 3:05pm December 4, 2013)

What means most to me, not just this time of year, but all the
time, is being with my family -especially family I don't get
to see often enough.
(Margay Roberge 3:09pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful for my kids, including the married in one, my (patient) husband and all of our dogs. Our Frenchton had puppies. She is 1/2 French Bulldog and 1/2 Boston Terrier. My daughter's dog is a French Bulldog. They mated, and our Frenchton had 8 adorable puppies by C-Section. She and all the puppies lived. We have a lot to be thankful for this year!
(Sandy Fielder 3:25pm December 4, 2013)

I am grateful for my family and my health, after a breast
cancer diagnosis last year.
(Sharon Berger 3:40pm December 4, 2013)

I am very thankful that my daughter had access to a hospital quickly and then survived emergency surgery.
(Elaine Seymour 4:34pm December 4, 2013)

This holiday season I am grateful that the whole family is getting together for the first time in five years...I am so looking forward to seeing many dear faces and giving (and getting) huge hugs...Skype is nice, but happy to have our global family together again in person!
(Amy Baker 4:36pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful that my family is healthy and that we will all be getting together to celebrate Christmas together.
(Maureen Emmons 5:09pm December 4, 2013)

im grateful to have my family whole for christmas
(Jennifer Mathis 5:40pm December 4, 2013)

Always grateful for my family and my faith!!! ALWAYS!
(Bonnie Capuano 5:52pm December 4, 2013)

My family means the most to me. My health hasn't been the best this year, but my family is there to help me when I need it.
(Marcy Shuler 5:58pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful that my family is healthy. I don't get to see my adult sisters and brothers very often but am glad when I hear from them and that they're doing well. My oldest son's twins (boy & girl) will get to celebrate their first Christmas this year (they're now 7 mos. old). Western romance is my most favorite genre...so I can't wait to read Rugged Hearts, and I'm grateful it's out in paperback.
(Linda Luinstra 6:01pm December 4, 2013)

I am so blessed to have the family I have, even with all our warts, whines and tears. We love each other and no matter where we are in this big country of ours, we always know that one of us needs a little telephone call to say hi and that we are loved.
(C Culp 6:30pm December 4, 2013)

I live in a nursing home, so it means a lot to me that my sister, brother-in-law and niece visit me and keep in supplies I need. Without their help and visits I don't know where or how I'd be.
(Carol Woodruff 6:38pm December 4, 2013)

I so enjoy hearing about people and their random acts of kindness, especially when it comes to people so less fortunate. I think so many people forget about little things that mean so much to others this time of year. I think I feel most grateful to help someone or do small favors (esp. for the elderly).
(Rich Cook 6:40pm December 4, 2013)

As we age all that running around slows down . Thank goodness.
Let the others enjoy the craziness of the Holidays. I'll have
some hot coco and read a good book. :-)
(Deb Pelletier 8:22pm December 4, 2013)

My husband & I took care of my mother for 6yrs, she was in a nursing home also & we went to see her every week & took supplies to her. I am thankful that my husband & family supported me through all this & at the time of her death this year. We try to help out all our family when they need us.
(Lois Imel 8:26pm December 4, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your new book: RUGGED HEARTS. I love the
sexy western book cover too! I am first of all, thankful to
God for giving us his son Jesus Christ to save all of us
from our sins. I am grateful for family and friends and my
husband of 25 years supporting me in many ways. I am
thankful for our 4 little dogs loving us too. I would love
to win and read your new book this Christmas. Thank You very
much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:41pm December 4, 2013)

I don't receive random acts of kindness but I give them. I am a true believer in paying it forward & have done so throughout the year.
(Susan Coster 8:52pm December 4, 2013)

My family and my health. Thanks for a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 10:01pm December 4, 2013)

I do a few random acts of kindness through the year, nothing major, just little things! I'm grateful for my family and our health. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Martha Lawson 10:29pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful for my family and friends. I can't think of a recent act of kindness to me, though I did let someone in front of me in line yesterday.
(Janie McGaugh 11:05pm December 4, 2013)

I am thankful for family and friends
(Lucinda Schmaltz 11:46pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful for my loving husband, who helps out a great deal & never complains when I'm not able to do things.
(Christine Schultz 11:57pm December 4, 2013)

I'm grateful that my Mom is alive today. Last Christmas, she got seriously sick and the doctors in the hospital didn't expect her to make it past New Year's. She beats the odd and made it through this year's Thanksgiving and hopefully Christmas and New Year's.
(Kai Wong 12:10pm December 5, 2013)

I'm grateful for family too. They mean the world to me.
(Mary Preston 4:19am December 5, 2013)

I love all the comments you've received so far. It makes me even more thankful for the life I have and the family, and job, husband and pets. We lost my brother this year very unexpectedly and that makes me appreciate my family and how we support each other all the more. Your book looks fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy holidays to everyone!!!
(Nancy Reynolds 11:06am December 5, 2013)

Thank you for the awesome giveaway. I'm most thankful that I'm not homeless.
(Terri Childress 11:54am December 5, 2013)

I'm just thankful to have a happy, healthy family.
(Deidre Durance 3:00pm December 5, 2013)

Awww, what great ideas. We have gotten very spoiled since our granddaughter came along. We take her to Disney every year at Christmas time. Its no easy trip of course. But it is loads of fun. And we aren't focused on all the madness. Just her.
(Lisa Hutson 7:51pm December 5, 2013)

I love holiday stories. I cant wait to read this one.
(Denise Austin 10:45pm December 5, 2013)

Since my Mom fell serious ill, I have been on my best behavior in not to upset her since her illness left her with a weak heart. I value every day that she is still with my family.
(Kai Wong 1:08am December 6, 2013)

We try to look back at the years past, rekindle those memories and some of our departed loved ones. We keep their memories alive with the stories we share from the times we had with them.
(Darci Paice 1:24am December 6, 2013)

I know it has been said before but I too am grateful for my family. I am blessed to have three wonderful children and a dear husband. I am looking forward to spending the holidays with them.
(Kathleen Yohanna 5:05am December 6, 2013)

Wouldn't we all love to heal a broken spirit, and have a HEA.. :-)
(Lori Howe 8:42am December 6, 2013)

I love cowboys and this really sounds so good thanks so much
(Denise Smith 8:47am December 6, 2013)

Always grateful for my family. I look forward to reading this book...love holiday themes.
(Bonnie Capuano 8:49am December 6, 2013)

I work at Pier 1 Imports and I love it when random customers
will open the door when I'm carrying something heavy/large.
You'd be surprised how many DON'T!
(Karin Anderson 10:35am December 6, 2013)

Corny as it sounds, my children and husband are the things I am thankful for. I married at 18 years and 3 months and was told it would not work! Now 30 years later I have a daughter who is a teacher, a son who is a policeman, my youngest daughter is at University studying archaeology and my husband and I are still very much in love - so take that you doubters!
(Barbara Hanson 10:39am December 6, 2013)

I'm grateful for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
(Wilma Frana 10:52am December 6, 2013)

I am most grateful for my family and my health.
(Sue Galuska 10:56am December 6, 2013)

I am fortunate to have a wonderful family and some good friends. They brighten my part of the world.
(Anna Speed 12:46pm December 6, 2013)

one christmas, while living in florida, i received the greatest act of kindness i have ever witnessed. i was a single mother with three small children. wehad just been abandoned by my husband and i had recently started working. i was struggling just to make ends meet, and i knew there weren't going to be any presents for the children on christmas. i said something about how torn up i was, because christmas had aleays been a big deal in my home. to my surprize, on christmas eve, i answered the door, and there stood santa clause, in all his glory, wool suit and great big beard,(it was 95 degrees) he had very expensive toys and clothing for the kids and even had beautiful things for me. it was the owner of the company that i worked for, and he stayed quite awhile, till his suit was soaked through with sweat. when he left, he hugged us all, and said that some of his helpers might be by later to check if we liked our gifts. about an hour later, three of the managers showed up with three trunkfuls of groceries and edible goodies and even a grocery store gift card for 100$. i will never forget how kind people can be to a relative stranger. and the kids remember that christmas as well.
(Sue Hieber 1:06pm December 6, 2013)

Thank you for your eloquence, you have aptly put my feelings into words. I am most thankful for my family, near and far. As we age, health problems have crept into our everyday lives but we are all hear and happy!
(Kimberley Coover 3:17pm December 6, 2013)

I'm thankful for my pets. Have a lovely holidays.
(Leslie Davis 4:29pm December 6, 2013)

I'm thankful that the whole family will be together this year
and that we have a new addition who is 15 months old - really
looking forward to him taking it all in.
(Diane Sallans 4:52pm December 6, 2013)

We've been through a lot, particularly healthwise, so I'm
thankful for family & just the fact we're here & together. We
don't have much, be we do have each other.
(Kay Martinez 5:15pm December 6, 2013)

I think I'd have to say I'm thankful for my family. After losing my dearest and closest sister, well, I'm grateful for my nephew and my one remaining sister.
(Vennie Martinisi 5:24pm December 6, 2013)

I'm grateful for my new job that I like. It's so nice not to have to worry about money this time of year.
(Laura Gullickson 5:38pm December 6, 2013)

my grandchildren are the most important to me and I am grateful of them every day.
(Janet Gould 6:33pm December 6, 2013)

I wasn't much into westerns until this year when I read one of Lori Handeland's. It
was great. So, I'm thankful for westerns!
(MaryAnne Banks 7:05pm December 6, 2013)

I'm thankful for my dear husband and kiddies - who are now not so little (16 and
18).
(Molly Wilsbacher 7:50pm December 6, 2013)

i am greatful for my family and my job!!
(Jennifer Beck 9:24pm December 6, 2013)

love your books... can't wait to read this one
(Mari Kenobi 10:17pm December 6, 2013)

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Amanda McIntyre | Say “Whoa!”(Recapturing the spirit of the holidays) Dec. 2013

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Rugged Hearts

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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Amanda McIntyre | Say “Whoa!”(Recapturing the spirit of the holidays) Dec. 2013

AVAILABLE

Rugged Hearts

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors