Roberta Writes – Blog Tour: A Beggar’s Bargan by Jan Sikes #readingcommunity #fiction #farm

Picture caption: Blog Tour banner for A Beggar’s Bargain featuring the book cover against a landscape of crops growing under a big blue sky

Thank you, Robbie, for turning your blog site over to me today so I can talk about my new book, A Beggar’s Bargain.

Sara Beth is my female protagonist in the story and she has a pet rabbit that she takes with her everywhere she goes. While her father only wants to get rid of the rabbit, Layken Martin accepts it as part of Sara Beth. Here’s an excerpt where he meets Cuddles.

When he shot her a glance, she quickly swiveled toward the window.

“What’s your bunny’s name?’ he drawled.

“Cuddles.” Her heart thudded. She prayed he wasn’t about to insist that she make him into a stew.

‘Is Cuddles a boy or girl?”

“Boy.”

“Seems pretty special to you.”

Cuddles chose that moment to hop out of Sara Beth’s arms and onto the seat. She reached for him. “Sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“He got out of my arms.”

“So?”

“So, my father would have tried to toss him out the window.”

Layken rubbed the bunny’s long ears, then angled toward her. “Let’s get one thing straight here and now. I’m not your father. I’m nothing like him. From what I’ve seen, he’s a poor excuse for a man. He should be ashamed of the way he treats you.”

***

I love giving pets to characters and the more unusual the better. I’ve never written any chracter who had a pet rabbit, so this was fun. It gave the opportunity for a little comic relief and in certain situations upped the tension (when an owl tried to snag it for breakfast). At the same time, it can get repetitive since the bunny can’t make any sounds and only hops around. So, I had to get creative. Still, it added to the story.

What’s the most unusual pet you’ve ever given any of your characters? Let’s talk.

Picture caption: Promotional banner featuring the book cover and a picture of a young girl holding a rabbit

Book blurb

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

Only the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.

If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

Picture caption: Book cover depicting a rundown barn, an old farm truck and a dog

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: https://books2read.com/u/3nqqEo

BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6vMqD4SuQ4

About Jan Sikes

Find Jan Sikes

108 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Blog Tour: A Beggar’s Bargan by Jan Sikes #readingcommunity #fiction #farm

  1. Including a pet or an animal in a story is always a good idea. Most readers can empathize with the love of a pet. A popular animal in my Amanda Travels stories is Ali Baba the camel in Amanda in Arabia. Although Rupert, the Main Coon bookstore cat in Amanda in England, is another favourite. I love the idea of a bunny as a pet.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Thank you, Robbie, for showcasing Beggar’s Bargain. And a big congratulations to Jan, with good wishes galore for the book’s success!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I answered your comment earlier, Craig but WP decided to wipe it out along with others. Ugh! Anyway, what I said was that you just might be the king of unusual pets. Noodles is a great example. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

      Like

    2. I’m answering your comment for the third time, Craig. WP keeps deleting them. So, if several suddenly show up, please accept my apologies. You just might be the king of unusual pets for sure. Noodles is a good example. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Yay! Then my work is done, Staci. 🙂 I’m so glad you like both Layken and Cuddles. They are both wonderful characters. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and leave a comment.

      Like

    2. Thank you, Staci! I’m so happy my mission is accomplished. 🙂 I loved both of these characters and was so happy to bring them to life. Please accept my apologies if my comments show up multiple times. WP keeps deleting them. Ugh! I appreciate your support!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Hats off to Jan! I finished this book over the weekend, and she’s got a true winner on her hands. I highly recommend A Beggar’s Bargain to anyone who hasn’t already snatched up a copy.

    Thanks for hosting, Robbie, and best wishes to Jan!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much, Mae. For some crazy reason, WP keeps deleting my comments, so my apologies if suddenly several pop up. I deeply appreciate your recommendation for A Beggar’s Bargain! It means so much to me.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Lol! You sound like my youngest granddaughter, Priscilla. She is forever rescuing insect, frogs and lizards and tries her best to keep them alive. Thank you so much for stopping by and for adding your recommendation!

      Like

    2. I responded to your comment, Priscilla, but WP decided to wipe it out. Ugh! What I said was that your comment reminded me of my youngest granddaughter. She is forever rescuing insects, frogs and lizards and tries to keep them alive. 🙂 Thank you for your added recommendation for A Beggar’s Bargain!

      Like

    3. I’m answering your comment for the third time, Priscilla, so please accept my apologies if it suddenly shows up multiple times. Your comment makes me think of my youngest granddaughter. She is forever rescuing insects, frogs and lizards. 🙂 I appreciate your endorsement of the book!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Sounds fab, Robbie and Jan. This is an interesting premise.

    I love the rabbit touch.

    Jan, have a great blog book tour! Your book might pop up on one of the blogs I follow. That would be cool.

    Cheers to both!

    Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment