Blog Layout

Every Book is a New Adventure -- Book and Author Spotlight

Lori Bates Wright • Nov 30, 2022

Today I welcome guest author Lori Bates Wright as she shares about her latest release, and as she answers tough questions and lets us take a peek into her newest book.


On November 22nd, my fifth book, The Adventuress, was sent out into the world. They say every new book is a new adventure, but this one in particular lives up to its name and will always remain close to my heart. Let me tell you why.

 

First of all, this one was set in Cimarron, New Mexico, surrounded by the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I was born and raised in New Mexico. My grandfather’s family owned a ranch near Cimarron and our family history in northern New Mexico goes back to the 1700s. My papaw was an old cowboy at heart, and his grandmother’s family really did own the local restaurant/saloon/hotel in Cimarron.

 

Secondly, in my research for The Adventuress, I discovered so much history during this time period. The Civil War had come to an end. Hundreds of soldiers came home to find they had no home anymore. They were broken and many were bitter about the terrible losses they had suffered. They migrated westward to the New Mexico Territory, which encompassed modern day New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Nevada and Colorado. Lawlessness became the norm, and corrupt government took over. Hired guns took sides and before long some of the best-known showdowns took place within the counties of New Mexico Territory

 

Lastly, I will always remember The Adventuress as “the book” I was writing when covid paid a visit to my household. I managed to avoid the worst of it, but my husband spent four unforgettable days in the hospital.

 

Not a particularly happy memory, but an adventure just the same!


About The Adventuress:

Former Texas Ranger, Nathan Wolfe, has a reputation as the country’s most prolific gunslinger, El Lobo. Half-Apache and raised in a Spanish mission on the fringes of Cimarron, New Mexico, he knows what it’s like to be an outcast. He’s spent years carving out a name for himself, but when someone sets out to destroy him, he joins forces with the Pinkerton Agency as an undercover priest. All goes as planned until he crosses paths with the spitfire daughter of Augas Jamison, set on helping with the case.
 
Jessa Jamison has a serious aversion to fast guns and is committed to nabbing the ruthless outlaw who killed her father. Certain she’s found an advocate in the tall cleric, she soon struggles with feelings of guilt brought on by her unfortunate attraction to the handsome stranger.
 
As they inch closer to the truth, they discover corruption at every level. No one is beyond suspicion. Soon, the imposter strikes again. Nathan is captured at the scene of the crime and it’s up to Jessa to listen to her heart and prove his innocence before it’s too late.

 

A Sneak Peek:

 

Prologue

Mission San Gabriel

New Mexico Territory

January 1842                                                       

 

           Storm clouds with downy-white centers burst over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains resembling a fine, fur-trimmed cloak. A howling wind surged through Cimarron Canyon flinging shards of sleet and snow against the old adobe mission.

           Father Miguel De La Torre struggled to pull in the wooden shutters, then blew a visible breath into his cold-stiffened hands. Despite the storm’s shrewish tantrum, he had faith that the morn would find them safe. La Tormenta would rage, but he knew from experience the thick walls of the mission would hold them in an ever-protective embrace.

           With a nudge, the hood covering his head pooled in woolen folds around his neck. His hand stilled as something prickled his senses. Something beyond the winter’s blast. Tilting his head, he listened again. There, barely perceptible above the constant roar of the north wind, a weak thud and an odd scratching sound.

           Most likely another displaced branch, yet, instinctively he knew it was more. A visual check of the windows revealed each was completely secure.

           The noise came again along with a pitiful whine.

           Perhaps a kitten had lost its way. Following the cry to large pine doors at the arched portal, he drew a heavy bar from its hasp. Instantly, he was forced to shield his face with an arm as the door blew in on an icy gust.

           A caped bundle toppled inside, crumpling in a heap at his feet.

 

Getting to know Lori:  

How did you get started writing?

My 3rd grade English teacher published a book of children’s writing and included a limerick I wrote at age 8:

There once was a kid with a cold.

“Stay inside,” his mother would scold.

It got very boring,

Cough syrup kept pouring.

“Boy, is this cold getting old.”

 

I decided then and there that I wanted to be a real writer someday.

 

What fun or unique things can you tell us about yourself?

Peanut butter and pickles on white bread is my favorite sandwich.

I took piano lessons for three years – and still can’t play anything recognizable!

I can still to a cartwheel. It wasn’t pretty, but at least I didn’t break anything.

 

What can readers who enjoy your books do to help make it successful?

Follow me on social media. Leave a review on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub. Sign up for my newsletter at www.loribateswright.com.

 

Readers choose books based on recommendations. When you share a graphic or post or leave a review (even if you only leave a star rating) this helps other readers who enjoy a good clean mystery/romance find my books. Plus, you are first to find out about new releases and fun giveaways!

 

About Lori: 

Lori Bates Wright is an author of Christian Fiction who has a soft spot for love stories. Raised in New Mexico, she now lives in Texas with her husband of 40 years. Her two grown kids have blessed her with four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) As an author and seasoned speaker, she has a passion for helping women of all ages discover their God-given strengths.

 

To keep in touch, follow the QR code:


 

 

Share by: