$0.99 Sale! Catch 'em while you can!

Psst...In case you need something to read, I've got multiple kindle books up for grabs this week for only $0.99! Catch 'em while you can! 

Win, Love, or Draw: http://amzn.to/2ifcQvx
Love, Stock, and Barrel: http://amzn.to/2i5icJg
Husband Hunting: http://amzn.to/2i5ojx5
Journey to Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2iBFLun
Lone Star Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2i54mXg
My Secret Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2hrfEEF

Interview and #Giveaway!

Howdy y'all! Today I'm featured on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog. She's asking insightful questions, and we're offering a giveaway of a copy of my newest release. Drop by and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.



A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart: HUSBAND HUNTING - Crystal L Barnes - A Chance to W...: Welcome back, Crystal . What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? Oh, I’ve done a lot of different ones, whatever ...

Sweepstakes and Secret Love

Howdy y'all! Love reading inspirational historical romance? Then you'll definitely want to keep reading. I've got two great announcements for you.

• Here's a wonderful opportunity to win a slew of titles, plus a Kindle Fire! There are a host of great authors in this bunch, including Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, Vickie McDonough​​, Lena Nelson Dooley, and...ehem... yours truly. :-) Follow the link to enter: http://bit.ly/historical-inspy





• I've also got a new novella (another short story I quadrupled in length) titled Husband Hunting
  
   that has just released in a new collection with the fabulous Janice Thompson, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Traci Hilton, and Janetta Fudge-Messmer. Snag your copy of My Secret Love today at: 

Guest Post & #Giveaway on Petticoats & Pistols

I'm sharing great research destination sites and a #giveaway on Petticoats and Pistols today. Be sure to drop on by and leave a comment to enter.
http://petticoatsandpistols.com/2016/10/21/hittin-road-crystal-barnes/

A Delightful Story!

After a Fashion by Jen Turano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful story! Jen Turano's After a Fashion will keep you turning pages for hours on end. You won't want to put it down. When Harriet Peabody asks God for "something wonderful" for her birthday, she experiences one of the worst days of her life...or could it be the best in disguise?

I would definitely read this story again. :)

View all my reviews

Kicking Off the Summer Right

Howdy y'all! Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm hosting a giveaway on Amazon. Click the link below and follow the instruction to enter for a chance to win a kindle copy of Win, Love, or Draw (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 1):

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/0e661e96abb2c3e8

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Every eligible entry has 1 in 40 chance to win, up to 2 winners. This giveaway started June 30,2016 1:48 PM PDT and ends the earlier of July 15,2016 11:59 PM PDT or when all prizes have been awarded.

Summer Reading List + Updates

Howdy y'all! I did a bit of catching up on my summer reading list this week. Read 'em each in one sitting. :)

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great romance by Karen Witemeyer! No Other Will Do contains a well-woven mystery, a strong, caring female lead, a hunky hero called upon to defend a women's colony. It'll keep you turning pages until its sigh-worthy ending. Definitely a book to add to your must-read list.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review and thoughts are my own.


The Lady and the Mountain Call by Misty M. Beller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Lady and the Mountain Call is another great edition to Misty Beller's Mountain Dreams series. She kept you eagerly turning pages to the end with lots of twists and turns brought on by mountain struggles and an unpredictable dementia patient. A great read and a definite recommend.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

View all my Goodreads reviews

What are you reading?

Giveaway Updates...

There are only a few days left on these giveaways:

• My novella Signed, Sealed, & Delighted is featured on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog. The winner will be announced this Saturday, June 25th, so be sure to drop by and leave a comment before then to be entered in the drawing. The winner will have their choice of a stand-alone ebook or paperback of Signed, Sealed, & Delighted or an kindle copy of the five-book collection Lone Star Love. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2016/06/signed-sealed-and-delighted-crystal-l.html

• Debbie Lynne Costello is hosting the whole Lone Star Love gang on her blog this week. The giveaway ends the 26th. Be sure to drop by and leave a comment for you chance to win a FREE copy of the 5-book collection. http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/2016/06/signed-sealed-and-delighted-by-crystal.html
• Another giveaway of Lone Star Love that ends on the 26th is on Stitches Thru Time. Visit the blog and comment on any post this week to enter. The more comments you make, the more entries you earn, so be sure to drop by and let us know you're there. :) http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Look-It!

I discovered this week that my Marriage & Mayhem series is now available on Barnes & Nobles! I nearly cried when I saw it. :) If you've read any one (or all) of the stories and care to share your review there, I'd be so grateful.  

Link to: Barnes & Noble - Crystal L Barnes

Upcoming Giveaway...

Tomorrow I'll be on Preslaysa Williams's blog talking about my summer reading list and offering a giveaway of any one of my books to one special commenter. Hope you can visit. http://www.preslaysa.com/blog/

Parties & Goodies

Howdy y'all! You're all invited to a new Facebook group called "All Roads Lead to Texas," created by authors Janice Hanna Thompson, Marcia Gruver, Vickie McDonough, Kathleen Y'Barbo, and yours truly to celebrate the release of our brand new collection, Lone Star Love.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1611589815825326/

All week long (from May 23rd - May 27th) y'all can join us in this room for Texas-themed conversation and lots of chatter with the authors. At the end of each day the "author of the day" will give away one copy of the book (ebook only) and a special gift. You don't have to be present to win prizes, but you do have to pop in and out and leave comments in order to be entered. And don't fret! If you can only visit with us one or two days this week, we'll be happy to have you. Please share the word with your friends. The more, the merrier! And while you're at it, please go ahead and pick up a copy of Lone Star Love, now available on Amazon for only $0.99! (That's quite a bargain for such a lengthy collection!) You'll adore these tall-as-Texas tales!

Sneak Peek

Howdy y'all! Today I'm over on Stitches Thru Time sharing a sneak peek into the new collection I'm in titled Lone Star Love. I'm super excited about this blessing and am looking forward to it's official launch next week.
https://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/05/shhmums-word-til-monday.html

Doubly Delighted

Howdy y'all! First, thanks to all y'all who helped me choose the cover of my new release. You're awesome!

Second, I'll be giving away a FREE autographed paperback copy of Signed, Sealed, & Delighted to one of my newsletter subscribers to celebrate it's release this month. The drawing will be held on 5/21/2016 so be sure to sign up before then. Sign up here (https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/subscribetobarnesbulletin) or on my website www.crystal-barnes.com

Already a subscriber to my newsletter? No worries, you're already entered. =)

Originally released as "Let's Make a Deal", Signed, Sealed, & Delighted is more than double the length and packed with more fun, faith, and friction than before.

Her father's dying wish changes everything...

After years of working in the Cater Springs’ clinic, Sarah Asher never planned on marriage. However, she neglected to mention that to her pa. Determined to fulfill his dying wish, despite her well-informed fears, Sarah marries Joseph Matthews but only after a few signed and sealed promises. One in particular—he can kiss any dreams of sharing a room with her goodbye.

Joe has never had any luck with women, and marriage doesn’t seem prone to change that. Sarah might be a handsome filly and his only ticket to inheriting the ranch promised him, but she’s pricklier than a barrel cactus and more temperamental than a Texas tornado. Keeping his distance from her should be easy. Only it isn’t. The beautiful woman attracts trouble and constantly requires saving, putting her well within arms’ reach.

Will signed promises seal their fate to a loveless marriage, or can Sarah move past her fears to find a love worth delighting in?

Surprise Sale!

Surprise Sale!!! For a limited time, Love, Stock, & Barrel is on sale on kindle for only $0.99. Grab your copy before it's too late. http://amzn.to/1U0lQ15

It's a shotgun wedding... with the gun pointed at her?

Help Me Pick

Hey y'all! I've been working on lengthening a short-story (originally called "Let's Make a Deal"). The rights revert back to me on May 1st. I'm hoping to get it up to novella length by adding back in deleted scenes and so on. This story kind of kicked off the whole Marriage & Mayhem series. It's about Joe Matthews and Sarah Asher. Here's what Publisher's Weekly said about it...

“‘Let’s Make a Deal’ is a diverting story by newcomer Crystal Barnes that conjures a headstrong young woman of the Old West. She agrees to an arranged marriage but stands her ground when it comes to consummating the union—until she actually falls in love.”

—Publisher’s Weekly, for “Let’s Make a Deal” from A Kiss is Still a Kiss: A Short Story Collection

I'll be re-releasing it under a new title -- Signed, Sealed, & Delighted. But first I have to settle on a good cover. I could really use y'all's opinions.

Which cover do you like best?
Which catches your eye first?

Pulling Back the Curtain

Howdy y'all! I'm over on Emilie Hendrix's blog today, pulling back the curtain and revealing some behind the scenes info about Love, Stock, & Barrel, plus I'm offering a special coupon within the post. Hope you can stop by today. The coupon expires tonight.
http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/03/crystal-l-barnes-writer-wednesday.html

Special Spring Sale

Would you like an autographed paperback copy of one (or both) of my novels? I'm having a post-book-signing sale on my author eStore. For a limited time only, you can save 15% on your order. Simply use the code SIGNINGDEAL when you check out.

CLICK TO ORDER YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY TODAY

Coupon expires March 9, 2016 at 11:59 pm Central so don't wait! Order today!



Win, Love, or Draw (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 1) 
Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

Now he’s back.

Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?




Love, Stock, & Barrel (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 2) 
Hiding from a rat of a fiancé, Dinah Lexington makes tracks for Texas and who she hopes is her late mother’s relative. She’s seeking answers but finds more than she bargains for when she gets caught in a shotgun wedding—with the rifle pointed at her.

Russell Cahill can’t believe his father is demanding he marry the feisty redhead. The sharpshooting female would only add to his troubles, but how does one argue with a gun and an attraction he's fought to ignore?

Sparks fly. Secrets surface. Loss threatens.

Will a dream for love shatter forever, or will the pair find a marriage worth lock, stock, and barrel?

CLICK TO ORDER YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY TODAY

A Special Treat

I had a great time signing and selling books today at Lottie's Books. An added bonus was seeing my two novels get placed on her shelves up next to some great authors. :)

Feeling blessed. :) Have you felt God's blessings today?

Special Event This Weekend

Howdy y'all! This Saturday I'll be at Lottie's Books in Huntsville, TX answering questions about my Marriage & Mayhem series, plus selling autographed copies of both books (while supplies last). I'd love to see you, so make plans to drop on by.


Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

Now he’s back.

Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?




Hiding from a rat of a fiancé, Dinah Lexington makes tracks for Texas and who she hopes is her late mother’s relative. She’s seeking answers but finds more than she bargains for when she gets caught in a shotgun wedding—with the rifle pointed at her.

Russell Cahill can’t believe his father is demanding he marry the feisty redhead. The sharpshooting female would only add to his troubles, but how does one argue with a gun and an attraction he's fought to ignore?

Sparks fly. Secrets surface. Loss threatens.

Will a dream for love shatter forever, or will the pair find a marriage worth lock, stock, and barrel?

Hop on Over

Hop on over to Preslaysa Williams' website today. I'm sharing a bit about my newest story Love, Stock, and Barrel, plus a bit about myself and my writing life. :) Would love to see you there. :) http://www.preslaysa.com/friday-five-with-crystal-barnes-winner-announcement

Debut Novel Release!!!

Howdy y'all! I'm so excited for one of my Texas writer buddies today. Fellow redhead author, Annette O'Hare's debut novel Northern Light releases today! Yeehaw!
Love Civil War romances? Here's one for you to try. Annette really brings the time and setting to life and her love for history pours through the pages.

Click on the title cover to grab your copy today. :)

Civil War has robbed Margaret Logan of all she holds dear, including her beloved New Orleans home and her fiancé. When her family moves to the desolate Bolivar Peninsula to manage a lighthouse that is no longer there, all her hopes for a normal future are dashed. Her world is rocked once again when a wounded Yankee soldier washes ashore needing her help. Despite her contempt for the North, Margaret falls in love with Thomas Murphy. As their love blooms, Margaret’s sister is overcome with neurosis, and her mind slowly slips away. Bitterness, psychosis and depression yield a decision fueled by contempt. Will one fatal choice cause Margaret to lose the man she loves and condemn Thomas to death?

Readers can find Annette on the Internet here:

• Website: www.annetteohare.com
• FB Author Page: www.facebook.com/annetteohareauthor
• Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/AnnetteOHare
• Pinterest Page: www.pinterest.com/annetteohare
• Amazon Page: http://goo.gl/SZ2y2g

My Goodreads Review:

Northern Light by Annette O'Hare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

War-torn hearts find love, forgiveness, and healing in this Civil War romance by Annette O'Hare. Set mostly on Texas's Bolivar peninsula, Northern Light is an insightful twist on the Good Samaritan story and what can happen when we open our hearts to God's instruction and wisdom. Thanks for letting us share in your story, Annette. Keep learning and sharing. :)


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

View all my reviews

Join me at Lena's Blog for an Interview & Giveaway

Howdy y'all! Today, I'm being interviewed on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog, sharing tidbits and a sneak peek at my story Love, Stock, & Barrel. Be sure to leave a comment when you're there to be entered in a drawing for a free copy of Love, Stock, & Barrel. Hope to see you there. :)

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2016/02/love-stock-and-barrel-crystal-l-barmes.html

Happy Valentines! Here's Your Present from Me #Freebie

Happy Valentines y'all! I'm spreading the love all around this weekend. :)

Win, Love or Draw (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 1) is free for a limited time.
Grab your free copy here: http://amzn.to/1MzJcVK
Hurry, the sale won't last!

Win, Love or Draw (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 1)

Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

Now he’s back.

Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?

Happy Valentines Day Y'all! 

Guest on Seriously Write

Howdy y'all! Today I'm a guest on Seriously Write. Sharing what little I know about memes. Want to know what they are and tips on how to make one? Swing on by.
http://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/2016/02/marketing-memes-by-crystal-l-barnes.html

Giveaway Alert!

We had such a blast at the launch party. Thanks to everyone who came and participated. You made my night. :) For those who still want to win a copy of Love, Stock, & Barrel, I'm hosting a giveaway on Amazon. Feel free to tell your friends (and enemies :) )
Follow the link below to enter:
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/5bdc6e7c5975e2bf

Love, Stock, & Barrel is Here!!!

Howdy y'all! No doubt, we've all heard of shotgun weddings, but how about a shotgun wedding with the gun pointed at the woman? Well, I took that what-if and turned it into a novel. A novel that releases today! Yeehaw!

Love, Stock, & Barrel is book 2 in the Marriage & Mayhem series, and boy is there mayhem. Don't worry if you haven't read book 1. These stories can stand alone.

A bit about Love, Stock, & Barrel:

Hiding from a rat of a fiancé, Dinah Lexington makes tracks for Texas and who she hopes is her late mother’s relative. She’s seeking answers but finds more than she bargains for when she gets caught in a shotgun wedding—with the rifle pointed at her.

Russell Cahill can’t believe his father is demanding he marry the feisty redhead. The sharpshooting female would only add to his troubles, but how does one argue with a gun and an attraction he's fought to ignore?

Sparks fly. Secrets surface. Loss threatens.

Will a dream for love shatter forever, or will the pair find a marriage worth lock, stock, and barrel?


Want to learn more and have a chance to win a free copy of Love, Stock, & Barrel? Join me this evening at 7pm Central for my Facebook Launch party. Click the following link for more details. 
https://www.facebook.com/events/532347610274618/

Hope to see y'all there!

Great Titles and Great Stories!

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What great titles, and what great stories!
I L-O-V-E loved the first novella (The Husband Maneuver) by Karen Witemeyer. Dead-eye Dan has met his match. :)
The second novella (Her Dearly Unintended) by Regina Jennings left me wanting more. :)
The third (Runaway Bride) by Mary Conneally - what a fun ride and sweet romance! Can't help but love a Texas Ranger who sweeps in and sweeps a gal off her feet. :)
Novella #4 (Engaging the Competition) - Melissa Jagears wrought such unique and complex characters in an engaging romance.

I'd definitely recommend this collection. I'm even contemplating reading it again. :)


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

Petticoats & Pistols #Giveaway

Howdy y'all! I'm super excited to be a guest on Petticoats & Pistols today! Come join the fun, learn new behind the scenes tidbits about Win, Love, or Draw, and hear about a fear God helped me overcome. smile emoticon ‪#‎bookgiveaway ‬http://petticoatsandpistols.com/…/welcome-to-the-junction-…/