Book Spotlight: Fortune Brawling by @HunterSJones101

Book Excerpt

“Love Wears A White Stetson”
Excerpt from Fortune Brawling
The Fortune Series, Story 2

Fortune Brawling: The Story of Dallas Fortune . (The Fortune Series Story 2.) is set to be released in March 2015. Best selling author Jennifer Theriot has contributed to the novelette and introduces us to Dallas Fortune’s BFF, musician Jodie Marie Jennings from Ft. Worth, Texas. You will also meet a new character named Tom Vanderfleet who recalls a quote from a guitar man long ago…Love wears a white Stetson. Here’s an excerpt from Fortune Brawling, where we meet Tom Vanderfleet.
~~~
THE BARTENDER
The cell phone rang at the exact time the email had stated. Nervously, I punched accept and answered.
“Hello?”
“Hello, please hold the line for Mr. Jordan Simmons.” With a click I was placed into a world of elevator music, wondering if this would be a good call or a bad call. Dallas won’t accept any calls from me or answer my emails. If I could talk to her, we could get this all going the right way. We don’t need lawyers or receptionists or elevator music. All we need is to see each other one more time. I will let her know the truth and we can have a real chance at happiness. If she will just give me that one chance I can explain everything.
A man’s voice brought me to reality. “This is Jordan Simmons calling you from Nashville, Tennessee. Our call will be recorded, as part of the legal procedure we are pursuing. In order to keep our discussion brief, please only answer the question you are asked. Do you understand?”
“Yessir.”
“Your full legal name please?”
Thomas Garrett Vanderfleet IV”
“Address?”
“238 Lookout Lane, Sand Mountain, Alabama 35951.”
“Occupation?”
“Currrently unemployed but…”
Please, only answer the question you are asked, Mr. Vanderfleet. Understood?”
“Yessir, I do.”
“Where you at Bud’s, located at 13786 Ringgold Road, Trenton Georgia 30752 on the night of March 31 of this year?”
“Yessir, I was there.”
“Did you meet a female by the name of Dallas Fortune?”
“Meet her? I married her!”
“Mr. Vanderfleet, may I call you Tom?”
“Yessir.”
“We’re going to follow a logical process of questioning here. Got it Tom? I ask the question you in turn will answer the question and nothing more. Do I make myself clear? Do you understand?”
“Got it, Mr. Simmons. I’m just all emotional like over this.”
“A completely human emotion, Tom. You’ve had a bit of excitement in a short amount of time. I’m here to help you get it all unraveled so that you can get on with your life.”
“What if I don’t want to get on with my life? At least not without her.”
A pen tapped on the table, with the tapping mirroring my heartbeat. After a pause, Jordan Simmons said, “Look Tom, Dallas is something else and one helluva woman, but I assure you, man-to-man, there is not a force on the planet that will make a woman stay with a man once she’s made up her mind to go. Now, I know that from personal experience. Once they’re ready to go, there is no way on earth to make them stay. This is off the record, by the way. No amount of money, flowers or gifts will do it. I know. Hell, I’ll be working til I’m eighty years old. I’ve got two ex-wives, three kids, a 28 year old girlfriend, well actually two 28 year old girlfriends, and I will never make any of these women happy. Look what Liz Taylor did to Richard Burton. He gave her the biggest diamond in the world. Didn’t work. She keeps the diamond. They’ve got what we want. If you get in too deep, you get addicted not only to IT, but to her. Those smart ones work on a man just like heroin or whiskey. You can’t get over IT and you can never get enough of IT. Sounds as if Dallas gave you a big dose of IT. Maybe more IT than you have ever had. Probably the best IT you have ever had. But, I guarantee you, once they decide they are over you, it’s done, it’s over, it’s like Rover and it’s dead all over. Now, can we get on with this? I ain’t got all day.”
“All right Mr. Simmons. You’re a little high strung, but I get your drift. Let’s get on with the questions.”
“To recap; you were at Bud’s on Friday night, March 31, earlier this year. While you were at Bud’s you met a female named Dallas Fortune. You can call me Jordan, if you’d like.”
“Yessir, I did. Thank you Jordan.”
“If you will Tom, please state what type of establishment Bud’s is.”
“Bud’s is what we call here a honky tonk. It has music, alcohol and Bud’s has the best fried boloney sandwiches in the Chattanooga area. On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s there’s dollar beer night from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Wednesday is Ladies Night. All women get in free.”
“Sounds like my kinda place, Tom. Now, tell me what you believe happened that night.”

(C) 2015 Ra Jones Publishing

The Buzz on Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid characters cause the story to unfold before you
By Ghost Writer
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Fortune Brawling is a short yet wild read. It starts off pretty much near the end. Through several points of view, you are then exposed to morsels that solve the questions you’ve asked in the beginning. All of the (rather vivid) characters get their stories in while you watch the picture build before you. It’s a great, quick read for when you need to take a break from life and get in a good laugh. Warning: You will find yourself wanting to grab some whiskey, listen to country music, and read more.

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it
By Lilian Roberts
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

“Fortune Brawling” by Hunter S. Jones and Jennifer Theriot is a great short book that will leave you delighted and looking for more. It kind of reminded me of Thelma and Louise 🙂 I laugh out loud in many of the situations Fortune finds herself in. This is Nashville TN the capital of country and wild life for the entertainers. The book is very well written and the characters adorable. I loved each and every page of it and found it very hard to put the book down. I am a fan of both the authors and this book was amazing. It exceeded my expectations and I want to see more from them. What a great job!!!
The plot is unfolding in a very pleasant way and the reader will be eager to turn the pages. I know that this book is great for everyone who wants to spend time with a very entertaining book and for those who need excitement, thrill and laughter in their lives. You will not be disappointed. A book worth having for sure.

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a hilarious story !!! Can’t wait for more !!!
By Book Nook Nuts
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

This is an amazing short story. If you enjoy movies like Thelma and Louise this book will be great for you.
We have Dallas Fortune she is a roadie musician for none other than Dolly P and she has gotten herself into one hell of a pickle. But not only did she get herself into trouble she brings her best friend and fellow musician into it.Dallas does something that requires a lawyers help.
Jodie well she gets help from two different directions.This is simply a feel good laugh your pants off book. It’s a POV book and I like those.
I can not wait to see what happens next.
I recommend you pickup book 1 in this series but I guess they could be stand alones.

How To Purchase

Fortune Brawling and Fortune Calling by Hunter S Jones are available through our bookstore.

About The Author

Learn more about Hunter by reading her interview and connecting with her through her author page.

Additional Books by Hunter S Jones

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Interview with @HunterSJones101, Author of The Fortune Series

Hunter S Jones, author of Fortune Brawling

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

It’s a very long story and I really do not know how to explain it in one interview. Thanks for asking, though.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Books? Novels, novellas, short stories? I’m very prolific, at this point. As to a favorite…isn’t that like asking a parent which child is their favorite? I love the creative spiral of September Ends and how poetry is a main ingredient of the novel’s prose. Yet, I love the story of Tennessee musician Dallas Fortune in The Fortune Series.

“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters – Tweet style

Drunk & Disorderly? What was Dallas thinking? Love & Marriage? Check out #FortuneBrawling Story 2 in The #Fortune Series, the life & loves of musician Dallas Fortune

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

Yes, story 2. There WAS an outline for the series, but like most things artistic, an outline doesn’t always stay on place, does it? We shall see where The Fortune Series goes. I LOVE the new man in Dallas Fortune’s life, Tom Vanderfleet. But, there’s the good looking fortune teller, Ernesto Lorenze. And, what will happen with the relationship between Dallas & Nashville’s guitar god, Billie Joe McAllister?

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Oh my, I really do not know, except the Fairy Godmother HAS to be Dolly Parton. Ernesto Lorenze was based on the looks of Foo Fighter’s drummer, Dave Grohl, but otherwise, I’m open to suggestions.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Generally, the moral of the story is love conquers all, if only for a brief time.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

Yes. Please see above…

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

So many authors, so little space…How do you expect me to list everyone love and admire here?

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

“Believe nothing that you hear and half of what you see.” Southern Proverb; “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Mark Twain; “Writers happen in the best of families.” Rita Mae Brown

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you very much for your support. I appreciate everyone that has taken the time, and will take the time to read one of my stories. Your love and generosity mean a great deal and I thank my lucky stars for each of you, every day!

You can purchase Fortune Brawling through our bookstore and connect with Hunter S Jones through her author page.

Additional Books by the Author

(Click the cover for more information)

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Interview with Jennifer Anderson @JenniA8677

Imterview with Jennifer Anderson

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

Probably about 6 years ago, I took my writing seriously. I connected with other writers and crammed like my life depended on it and I’m still learning. But before then, I’ve always been creative. Carrying on imaginary conversations with the characters in my head. When their lives seemed more interesting than my own, I put pen to paper and voila! I also discovered the emerging YA book market, which rehashed my love of reading and high school! Aww, young love!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

My books are like my children, I forget names and dates! Kidding. I’ve published 6 titles, 4 are part of a series. A short story for an anthology and I have 2 titles releasing in 2015 for Turquoise Morning Press. Hidden in my computer, I have 1 NA series I’m currently pitching and 2 YA titles that will not see the light of day!

“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters – Tweet style

A girl, her BFF, a map and a hot guy along for the ride. The prize? A long-lost mother, money and freedom. Finding You, #NA #2015release

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

None of my current WIP or releases for 2015 are part of a series. My YA, Tumble and Fall, has series potential. I have a NA series that I’m currently pitching and it is expected to have 3 books total.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Oh goodness. Well, for my NA, Finding You, releasing in March 2015, I’d picture Ian Somerhalder as Jackson, my male lead, and Emilia Clarke as the female lead, Jessica.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

To be honest, when I read, I look for an escape and reading for a message feels like that taints my escape. I don’t harbor any ill will towards writers that do it, because I think, especially teens, messages are needed to deal with life. Times are different than when I was a teen and they have harder issues to face. If a reader can’t pull a message from my stories, then I hope they can laugh, or love or cry along with my characters. Let my writing provide an escape.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

Yes. Finding You, NA, releases March 2015 and Tumble and Fall, YA, releases November 2015. I’m crossing my fingers for 2016 releases!

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

Love Sarah Dessen, Abbi Glines, Monica Murphy, and Rachel Van Dyken. I also have a love for emerging authors. They might not be NY Times Best Selling status but they rock, like Amy Spalding, Julie Anne Lindsey, and Margaret Ethridge.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

You gotta fight for your right, to party.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Without them, I don’t get to do what I do and thank you. And send me questions. I love to interact even if its for virtual coffee.

Watch for the release of  “Finding You” in March and connect with Jennifer Anderson through her author page.

Book Spotlight: Southern Winds A’ Changing by Elizabeth Carroll Foster

Book Excerpt

Suddenly, angry shouts interrupted her (Allise) thoughts. She went … to the living room door and heard Edward R. Murrow say, “The National Emergency Council released its findings concerning the South.”
Rooted …, Allise saw her husband’s face tighten and flush … it read like a high fever registered on a thermometer. “Where in God’s name does he get off saying the South is the nation’s number one economic problem? Bunch a damn Yankees and New Dealers thinking up lies to tell about us! Never say anything good about the South.”
Disgust flooded her mind. Throwing a surreptitious look in Quent’s direction, she returned to the kitchen, with him and Sam behind her. Seated at the supper table, Sam said, “Quent, you ought to know, I’m looking for—“
“Listen, Sam, I don’t give a rat’s rear end about that farm. Daddy isn’t here anymore to push me. … I want no part of the farm. It’s yours.” In his forceful way, he added, “I’ll keep books, handle money, pay bills, but don’t talk farming … If you go bankrupt … that’s your problem.”
An awkward moment played between them. Then Sam stood with clenched fists. “Gawd damn you, Quent!”
Her husband rose up, and Allise rushed between them. … “Get out! Go beat each other until you are rid of whatever drives such hatefulness. Our son is watching …”
Sam sank back onto the chair. “Come here, Petey.”
Quent … grabbed his hat, and slammed the door … Allise wanted to take Sam’s hands and tell him that his brother was not himself. She knew she must not.
Sam … pulled the pale-faced, puckered child between his legs, … She watched his protective gesture … “Darling,” she said to Peter, “your daddy and Uncle Sam love you. Daddy isn’t himself tonight. He’ll return soon.” She held out her arms …
Sam stood. … See you soon, Petey. Allise.”
… she wondered how Sam felt about Quent giving up control … In the settlement of Daddy Joe’s estate, Joe’s Market had gone to Quent and the farm to Sam. They had divided the money … and his will stipulated the brothers were to share profits if the Filbert Street home sold. Sam was to live there until such a time.
Allise thought … Maybe if Quent is free of the farm, he will spend less time at Rooster’s. Since learning he went there, she had heard of other church-going men who gambled at the dive.
At times, Quent’s steel-blue eyes, veiled and insensitive, gazed into a place that closed her out. How can my heart feel heavy when it’s empty of his love?

The Buzz

5.0 out of 5 stars
By Barbara D. Chaplik, Amazon

Southern Winds A’ Changing This is a very timely book with scholarly research on the Civil Rights activities of the 50s and 60s. It is factual and gives enough background for even a Yankee to be able to transport herself to the South. Gentle understanding and a critical eye regarding the segregation of the south. This author, Elizabeth Foster, is very talented and brings social issues to the reading public, clothed in an interesting and entertaining novel. Excellent character development. A thoroughly enjoyable novel. I’m ordering two more copies for gifts.

5.0 out of 5 stars
By Linda Lou, Amazon

Although Southern Winds A Changing is not the type of book I am normally drawn to read, when it was being discussed by a group of my friends I decided to purchase it. To say I was more than pleasantly surprised is an understatement. It is well researched, very well written and definitely holds your interest.
I found it a particularly timely novel and lends a touch of understanding and insight to many of our current problems.

5.0 out of 5 stars
By Janet Enders, Amazon

I truly enjoyed reading this book because it historically describes the racism, religion, and social situation in the South, especially in provincial areas, when racial inequalities and tensions were very evident. The two women in the story have a special bonding and strong friendship that endure through years of conflicts with society and with their own family members. I highly recommend reading this book.

How To Purchase

Southern Winds A’ Changing by Elizabeth Carroll Foster is available through our bookstore.

About the Author

You can learn more about and connect with Elizabeth Carroll Foster on her author page.

Interview with Elizabeth Carroll Foster

Interview with Elizabeth Carroll Foster

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I began writing in the early 1960’s. I had completed the Famous Writers Correspondence Course on writing fiction. A racial remark heard when I was 15 years old had danced around in my head all those years. To rid myself of it, I started a novel in 1967.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written and published three books, Southern Winds A’ Changing, a novel; Follow Me: The Life and Adventures of a Military Family, a memoir; and Musings, Mutterings, and Aw Shucks, a collection of short stories. Southern Winds A’ Changing is favored.

“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters – Tweet style

“Musings, …,” shares stories with eclectic characters, some of whom embellish true experiences, and show real love, disappointment, friendship.

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

I have thought of writing a follow up to Southern Winds A’ Changing, showing what happened to two of the characters–one white, one black. However, I have a futuristic book started.
When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

The latest, a collection of short stories, isn’t adaptable to film; however the novel, Southern Winds A’ Changing, is. I would like a young, redheaded star that can play Allise in her early 20’s, and Meryl Streep to play a strong Allise in her later life. For African American Maizee, a gentle, loving mother sort, such as the star of “Help.” Quent, Allise’s first husband, would need to portray biases and hatefulness. Their son and daughter would pattern themselves after their father. Nate, Maizee’s son by Quent, would be played with tolerance, intelligence, and bravery. Dro, Allise’s second husband, is loving, supportive, and tolerant.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

The novel, Southern Winds A’ Changing, conveys the idea that racism and intolerance is still a monumental, relevant problem in our nation, and we had better get a handle on it.
“Follow Me: …,” the memoir, depicts long and many separations of husband and father from wife and children, the children’s experiences of changing schools in midterms, of living in a Third World country. And yet, wife and children conclude that the sum total was a happy life with many wonderful experiences.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

“Blast Off,” is the working title of a futuristic novel I am just beginning. If it looks like it will fly, a great deal of research will be required. It will not be coming out soon.

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), Pat Conroy, John Grisham

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. (Constitution of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) [1946]
Literature is the effort of man to indemnify himself for the wrongs of his condition. (The Conservative) [1842]
I believe that reason and not creed defines the search for truth, that God embraces all people equally, which leads me to believe that truth and spiritual meaning can be found in all faiths.
Honesty is praised and starves. (Satires I, l.74)

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want my readers to think about history, to ponder why a character might think and act as he/she does, to enjoy humorous stories and wonder what was underlying in other stories.

You can purchase “Southern Winds A’ Changing” through our bookstore and connect with Elizabeth Carroll Foster through her author page.

Interview with Richard Emmel

Interview With Richard Emmel

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I wrote the book in 2007. Phillis Wheatley and the lives of the many unappreciated black children I have taught were my inspirations.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Louisa is my first book.

“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters.

Louisa inspires one to both read and learn no matter the circumstance.It is a historically accurate novel.

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

I am writing a book on Sally Hemings and a memoir.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Thank God! I would select people with animated faces. An acceptable screenplay would say more through facial expressions than lines. The dialogue would have to make clear that even in Boston slaves were abused. Finally, the genius of Phillis should be emphasized multiple times.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Louisa appreciated reading and writing and so should you.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

I have written about a third on each of two books.

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

David McCullough, John Hope Franklin, and Frank McCourt to name three.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for being a reader.

You can purchase “Louisa” through our bookstore and connect with him through his author page.