Elly Hays by Lori Crane (Book Excerpt and Giveaway)

Check out this new book by author Lori Crane.

Read an excerpt right here, right now and then

enter for your chance to win some great prizes in

the giveaways listed at the bottom of this post!

BLURB

As the War of 1812 approached, the Creek Indian Nation was in the middle of a civil war. They fought brutally between themselves, as well as with the white settlers who were encroaching upon tribal land.

It was during this time Elly’s family moved to the eastern Mississippi Territory for the promise of low-cost land and fertile soil. She had no idea they were moving into Creek territory – into the middle of a hornet’s nest.

Tafv’s band of warriors taunted them, stealing their property, killing their animals. Just when the family thought things couldn’t get any worse, during one of the Indian raids as Elly’s husband chased the Indians away from the farm, Tafv’s young son was killed in the pursuit. Tafv vowed revenge against Elly’s family, and a final showdown was imminent.

Elly Hays is based on the real-life story of Elizabeth Hays Rodgers and is the epic clash between a fearless warrior with nothing to lose and a young mother on the verge of losing everything.

EXCERPT

She smiled at the thought of the children being able to soon sleep in their own beds in their own room, and she began to hum a lullaby for Jack, who had finally settled into her arms and was looking drowsy. She watched her boys work on the house and the young ones laying out bricks in the yard. For this small moment in time, everything was in order. The children were happy and healthy, the house was coming along, and the new land was everything her husband had promised.

Jack placed his thumb in his mouth and his eyelids grew heavy. She rocked him gently and hummed, as he was falling asleep in her arms. She kissed him on the forehead, then looked up and watched Lizzie and Sarah again emerging from the woods with full buckets of water. Her beautiful girls were laughing and smiling, which filled her heart. As they reached the edge of the tree line, something directly behind them caught her eye.

The man sat motionless in the darkness of the woods, astride a huge black steed. His chest was bare, except for a few beads and feathers dangling from his necklace and his headband. His bare arms were muscular, with a thin band of something tied around his right bicep. His face was covered in red and black paint, but through the color, Elly thought she could make out his high cheekbones and square jaw. On top of his head were two feathers sticking straight up. They twisted softly in the gentle breeze. His face held no expression as he sat still and watched her family. His body was that of stone, and for a moment she thought he was a statue, but what kind of statue would instantly appear in the wilderness? He slowly turned his face toward her, and she realized in shock and horror exactly what she was looking at. When their eyes met, a shiver went up her spine.

BIO

Lori is a historical novelist specializing in the 17th-19th centuries of the American south. She is active in historical preservation as a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the United States Daughters of 1812. She is also a professional musician and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Historical Novel Society. More info available at www.LoriCraneAuthor.com

website http://loricraneauthor.com/

blog http://loricrane.wordpress.com/

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Lori-Crane/e/B00ATIQW8M

GIVEAWAYS

1. EBOOK! Every comment on this post during the book tour (Nov 4-16) will be entered to win an ebook of the 1st or 2nd book in the Okatibbee Creek series, OKATIBBEE CREEK or AN ORPHAN’S HEART. Your choice of Kindle or Nook. One winner will be chosen. Prize will be delivered by email. Winner will be posted here in the comments on November 17, 2013. Visit each stop of the tour to increase your chances. An ebook will be given away at each stop. Tour schedule is posted at www.LoriCraneAuthor.com.

2. $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD! If you sign up for Lori’s newsletter by November 16th, you will be entered into the drawing for a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card. One winner will be chosen. Prize will be delivered by email. Winner will be announced in the newsletter on November 18, 2013. Sign up at www.LoriCraneAuthor.com.

Hurry and enter now!