A Beggar’s Bargain

Let’s all welcome Jan Sikes today. She has a new story to share with us. Jan is one of my Story Empire partners, a great author, and a good friend. Check out her newest, and don’t forget to use those sharing buttons. I know Jan has done it for most of you.

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Thank you for generously offering to turn your blog over to me today, Craig. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to talk about my new book, A Beggar’s Bargain.

Anyone who knows me knows how important music is in my life. And I am drawn to unusual musical instruments. So, for this story, I gave my female protagonist a thumb piano to play. I don’t know if any of you have ever seen this instrument, but I comes in varying shapes and sizes. It is also known as a Kalimba and is believed to have originated in Africa thousands of years ago.

Here’s a short excerpt that shows Layken Martin’s surprise when he hears her playing.

The strains of a haunting melody drifted through the open front door, followed by a mournful harmonica.

He stepped out onto the porch.

Sara Beth sat on the porch swing, Cuddles at her side. On her lap, she held an odd-looking small wooden box with an array of metal keys on which she tapped out the melody.

Uncle Seymour sat on an overturned box, blowing on a harp.

Layken stood for a long minute in wonder. He’d never thought to ask Sara Beth if she played an instrument. And that reminded him about her fascination with the radio when she’d first stepped foot in his house.

As soon as he got the crop planted and watered in, he vowed to check it out and see if it still worked.

They stopped playing, and Layken clapped. “I had no idea you both played music.”

“Me and this old harp have been friends many a year.” Uncle Seymour tapped it against his pants leg.

“What is that you’re playing, Sara Beth?”

She cast a shy glance in his direction. “A thumb piano. My mother taught me to play.”

“Well, I’ll be. Never saw one of those before. It sounded awful pretty. Will you do another?”

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Several years ago, my late husband and I owned a small music store, and I came home from work one day to find that he’d traded something for a thumb piano. I had more fun trying to play it. What about you? Have you ever seen this instrument? Let’s talk!

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.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK:

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BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://youtu.be/G6vMqD4SuQ4?si=aZG6RCZbFlhJfuxB

 

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