Flowers and Stone by Jan Sikes is a Snuggle Up Event pick #biographicalfiction #fiction #giveaway
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    • Nov 13, 2023
    • 5 min read

Flowers and Stone by Jan Sikes is a Snuggle Up Event pick #biographicalfiction #fiction #giveaway



Title: FLOWERS AND STONE


Author: JAN SIKES


Genre: BIOGRAPHICAL FICTION


Book Blurb:


Dive into an epic love story set deep in the heart of Texas. In 1970, the lives of Darlina Flowers, a young go-go dancer, and Luke Stone, a wild rebel Texas musician, become intertwined in a passionate journey. The wild ride of their love story will make you laugh, cry, and root for their success. With this book, you will: • Experience one of the most heart-wrenching love stories of all time • Feel the rush of emotions as you are taken on a wild ride of love, music, and nightlife • Uncover the power of love to make a difference in life The book includes a riveting true story of two people from different worlds who come together in a powerful way. Get a glimpse into the wild honky-tonk bars of Texas, the struggles of a young go-go dancer, and the wild rebel Texas musician. Follow Luke and Darlina on their passion-filled journey as they navigate their unpredictable future, and find out if their unyielding love will survive the test of time.


Excerpt:

“Mr. Johnson, this is the little gal I told you about that works for Marketa.”


Sonny Johnson came from behind the desk and put his arm familiarly around Darlina’s waist. “I hear you girls are causing quite a stir over at the Faded Rose. What’s your name, sweetheart?”


“Darlina Flowers.”


She expertly freed herself from his grip, having become accustomed to groping hands.


“What’s the matter, sugar?” Mr. Johnson asked.


“Nothing, sir. Let’s keep this strictly about business if you don’t mind.”


Mr. Johnson glanced at Randy. “Go on back and tend to things out front.”


Randy shook his head. “I can’t, sir. Luke Stone told me not to let her outta’ my sight.”


“Oh, so you’re one of Luke’s women,” he sneered at Darlina.


“I’m not anyone’s woman, sir. I understand you may be interested in having some go-go girls here at The Silver Spur?”


Sonny Johnson’s eyes roved over Darlina’s body, undressing her. He sat back down behind the desk. “I’m looking for something to draw more of a crowd on weeknights, and I think go-go girls might be just the thing.”


“Marketa does get quite a crowd on the nights we dance.” She wasn’t exactly sure she wanted to work for this man but kept those thoughts to herself and hoped the expression in her eyes didn’t give her away.


“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you bring some of your dancin’ girlfriends for an audition this Tuesday night?”


“I can ask some of the girls over at the club and see if they’re interested.”


“You just tell ‘em Sonny Johnson is interested, and they’ll be here. We’ll have auditions at five o’clock on Tuesday. You come and show me what you can do.”


She glanced toward the door, hoping this meeting was over and she could return to listening to the band.


“Take her back to Luke,” he instructed Randy.


Darlina extended her hand to Sonny Johnson. “Thank you, sir. It was nice meeting you.”


Randy and Darlina had barely started down the hallway when Luke Stone appeared out of nowhere. “I’ll take it from here, Randy.”


“Sure thing, Luke.” He walked briskly away.


Darlina confronted Luke. “What is it with you? Do you think I can’t take care of myself?”


Luke took a long, deliberate draw off his King Edward cigar, then draped his arm around Darlina’s shoulders, “That’s not it at all, sugar. I know Sonny Johnson and his cronies real well.”


Darlina pushed his arm away and faced him squarely. “I don’t even know you, Luke Stone, and you sure don’t know me, and you’re suddenly acting like I’m your property or something.”


Luke grinned and, without warning, pulled Darlina close and French kissed her. A tingling around the base of her spine sent a hot flush through her body. His cologne, mingled with the taste of tobacco on his tongue, left her fighting to breathe. She melted into the ferocity of the kiss. Then, she remembered he had a wife and resisted the urge to kiss him back.


She pushed away. “You’ve got a lot of nerve to kiss me when your wife is sitting at the table waiting for you.”


Luke chuckled. “Wife? What wife?”


“Mary.”


“Mary’s not my wife.”


“Well, she certainly is something, and I’m not gonna be involved in anything between you and her.”


Once again, Luke laughed as if thoroughly amused. “Little lady, I don’t know where you came from, but either you’re a damn good actress or the most naïve little girl I’ve ever run into.”


Darlina raised her chin. “I’m not a little girl. I’m a woman, and I may be naïve, but I’m not stupid and apparently am not the kind of woman you’re looking for.”


Luke narrowed his eyes. “How in the hell would you know what kind of woman I’m looking for?”


“Obviously, one that will go to bed with you and your wife or girlfriend or whoever she is.” Darlina trembled, and tears lingered near the surface. She steeled herself against the emotion.


Luke chuckled. “Well, at least you figured that much out.”


Darlina stomped away without a reply. Luke took her arm and turned her back around. “I want to know more about you, honey, and I promise I’ll earn your trust.”


Darlina jerked her arm free and continued walking back to the table.


Luke returned to the stage, picked up his red Telecaster, and started singing again without another glance her way.


Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):






November is a time to be thankful. What are you most thankful for this year?


I am most thankful for the true story and the relentless urge to tell it that launched my writing career ten years ago. Without that story and all it encompassed, I wouldn’t be an author today. It opened up an entirely new and different world for me.


Why is your featured book worth snuggling up to?


Flowers and Stone is a true story that rivals any fiction creation. Love is at the heart of the story—an undying love that neither time, distance, or prison bars can destroy. Snuggling up with a love story is satisfying, but knowing the story is true, and everything did happen makes it snuggle-up worthy!


Giveaway –


One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon gift card



Open internationally.


Runs November 1 – 30


Drawing will be held on December 1.



Author Biography:



She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. She brought the entertaining true story to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books, accompanying music CDs, and a book of poetry and art.


And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories and novels, which includes her latest romantic suspense series.


Jan is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.


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