About the Book
Book: Three Words and A Kiss (Love that Counts Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)
Author: Sondra Kraak
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: March 1, 2018
When a big-hearted debutante collides with a small-town blacksmith set in his ways, it can mean only one thing—a war of hearts has come to Pine Creek.
Cameron Wallace thrives as both the blacksmith and the minister in his community of Pine Creek. Out of the fires of a chaotic childhood, he’s forged a peaceful life filled with safe relationships and predictable routines. But when the smithy he’s been renting is sold out from under him, the impulsive woman who buys it stokes the embers of emotions he’d rather keep unlit—and even has the audacity to lend a helping hand to his smithy work.
Samantha Klein has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to helping those whom society—and God—have overlooked, be they orphans, immigrants, or injured animals. When her latest attempt to aid a group of Chinese women lands her in a newspaper scandal, her high-society family sends her packing from Seattle. Setting out on her own, she purchases the Pine Creek smithy and hatches another plan for helping her immigrant friends. But only weeks after arriving in Pine Creek, her plan turns to ashes, and she’s overwhelmed by needs she can never hope to meet, including her own need to be seen and cared for. And the one who seems to understand her is the man who won’t let her anywhere near his heart, no matter the attraction that burns between them.
As Cameron struggles to find a new normal, and Samantha yearns for someone to share her burdens, old hurts and dangerous secrets make them both terrified to admit that what they need—and what God has planned for them—just might be each other.
Three Words and a Kiss is the third book in the Love That Counts Historical Christian romance series. You’ll find well-developed characters, witty banter, tender journeys of faith and love, and feel-good happily-ever-afters all set in the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Discover Sondra Kraak’s small mountain town of Pine Creek, and fall in love with the characters who make these historical western romances books you won’t soon forget.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Sondra Kraak is a part-time hobby writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. Life at home with her Michigan-born husband and two teenagers is full of board games, sports watching (Go Blue!), cooking, cooking, and more cooking, and magically multiplying loads of laundry. Don’t ask her to drink eggnog, but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee without fluffy flavorings.
The author of eight historical romances, she’s working on something a little different (a romcom series). But don’t worry, whether set in the past or present, her delight is to provide readers with stories that not only entertain but nourish the soul.
More from Sondra
My name is Lark. I’m thirteen, and these are my interviews with Samantha Klein and Cameron Wallace, the heroine and hero of Three Words and a Kiss. I know Samantha and Cameron because . . . well, you’ll have to read their story. For now, you need to know that it was Samantha’s tender heart that saved me and my two sisters. I asked Samantha and Cameron some questions so you can know them better. I’ll try not to interject my opinion too much, but I can’t help it. Samantha says I’m more bullheaded than a bull, but as a city girl, she has zero experience with bulls.
Lark: Samantha, you grew up in Seattle, right?
Samantha: Yes, with a family who values efficiency, good business management, social status, and formality. They provided an education and opportunities for me that not many people receive, and for that I’m grateful, but what I really wanted was to be understood and seen for who I was.
Lark: And who were you?
Samantha: The young woman who snuck into Chinatown to teach English and who befriended a prostitute.
Lark: If you used to sneak around, why do I get in trouble for doing the same?
Samantha: Because I wasn’t sneaking around with a boy.
Lark: Point made. Let’s move on. You bought a blacksmith shop. Spontaneously. Why would a woman want to do that?
Samantha: I’m a Klein, and Klein’s invest. After I embarrassed my family’s name again, I stumbled onto the opportunity to purchase the Pine Creek smithy and I wanted to redeem myself. As with most of my ideas, they come quickly, and they’re all I can think about until I act on them. Second thoughts? Those are distractions! With the profits from the shop, I wanted to help the underprivileged who are ignored by proper society. Who was going to notice and help these people if I don’t?
Lark: What was your first impression of Cameron Wallace, the blacksmith of the shop you purchased in Pine Creek?
Samantha: He’s got deep eyes that study you intensely. I’ve never thought of myself as interesting, so having those eyes on me often was intimidating. But I’m not one to let intimidation hold me back. Not that I’m brave.
Lark: You are brave, even if unintentionally. Tell me three things you love about Cameron. Only three.
Samantha: He possesses an inner strength that draws people, and it comes naturally. He doesn’t even realize how he brings the community together. He possesses an outer strength, too. Have you noticed his forearm muscles?
Lark: No. Gross. But you’re right. He is tall and strong.
Samantha: And those shoulders. It’s not like he’s a giant, though. I don’t feel overpowered by him.
Lark: You don’t seem to feel overpowered by anyone, that’s one of the things I like about you. But back to the question. You can list one more thing you love.
Samantha: He thinks things through before acting, which makes me feel secure. I tend to not think things through.
Lark: I know. I benefited from one of your spontaneous decisions, although I was taking care of my sisters just fine before you came along.
Samantha: (hugs Lark) I’m so glad I found you.
Lark: Let’s not get mushy.
Samantha: I won’t get mushy about you, but I have more to say about Cam.
Lark: (rolls eyes). You already told me three things.
Samantha: Just one more. I’ll be quick, I promise. I adore how he talks in sermons without realizing it.
Lark: Eww. Who wants to hear a sermon?
Samantha: I know, right? But I think it shows how metaphorically and deeply he thinks. He brings up profound things as if he’s talking about the weather or what he ate for breakfast. I mean, who really thinks like that? And then there’s the way he kisses—
Lark: Nope. We’re done. Thank you.
Samantha: You wouldn’t expect a man who values control and sticks to a plan to kiss in such an unencumbered way, but that’s what’s fascinating. It’s like all that submerged emotion must come out somehow.
Lark: Samantha, I really don’t need to know. I’m going to ask Cameron some questions now and hope he answers with more modesty. Cameron, let’s get the basics out of the way. Your mother left when you were ten, your father drank himself to death when you were fourteen, and the town collectively raised you. Is that right?
Cameron: Yes. I love the people of Pine Creek. They took me in when I was my angriest.
Lark: You’ve been at the smithy since you were fourteen. What do you love about the work?
Cameron: It’s creative. It’s physical. It requires precision. It’s not mindless work that anyone can do with brute strength. And yet, at its foundation, it’s simple. Heat. Metal. Force.
Lark: Will you teach me?
Cameron: (shakes head) Listen, smithy work is dangerous. I’m not comfortable with women learning the trade. Samantha tried, and I was nervous the entire time. The responsibility for safety weighs on me too much.
Lark: I understand, having been responsible for my two younger sisters, but still, I think a woman can do anything a man can do.
Cameron: If you’re that woman, I’m inclined to agree. (smiles) Don’t you want to know some fun things about me? My favorite color? My favorite food?
Lark: (frowns) Who cares about favorite colors? That tells me nothing about who you really are. I want to know your biggest failure. You give off this image of perfection.
Cameron: I do? I must admit I thought my life was perfect until Samantha brought her chaos into my smithy. But in the end, I saw my pride and my need to let go of control.
Lark: Is that why you took down that verse from above the smithy door?
Cameron: That verse about living a simple life and working with my hands—that was just an excuse to keep me from wanting too much. It was my permission to keep life contained and safe. Samantha’s big, emotional way of approaching life helped me see that lie.
Lark: She’s good at being emotional. You never told me your biggest failure.
Cameron: Some things are private. But I’ll say this, I lived years up here (points to head) and never let what’s in here (points to heart) matter. It ate me up. No more. I’m letting the thoughts and emotions mingle. You should try it sometime.
Lark: Are you saying I stuff my feelings? (shrugs) I can’t be good at everything.
Cameron: It’s nice to hear you admit that. You’re extremely self-sufficient for thirteen.
Lark: Almost fourteen, and thank you, but let’s not talk about me. Tell me what bothered you most about Samantha when you first met her.
Cameron: Everything. She waltzed into my routine with these crazy ideas. It put me on edge. But what made me the most nervous was her lack of special awareness. She drifted into my space many times a day, which is dangerous in a smithy. In fact, once . . . (rubs a hand over his beard) . . . never mind. I don’t want to give you any ideas.
Lark: Oh, please. Samantha told me she had trouble keeping her hands—and her mouth—to herself. I would never accidentally kiss a person. Last question. Why did you fall in love with her?
Cameron: (smiling) She sees the world differently from me, and it brought me freedom. Her love is extravagant. It knows no boundaries, and I don’t deserve it. And now that we’re married, that issue with her drifting into my space isn’t an issue. What man complains that his wife can’t keep her hands off him?
Lark: Probably no man. And this is a good place to stop asking questions before I get sick.
Cameron: Now who’s blushing?
Lark: I don’t blush. Our time’s up. I think I hear my sisters calling.
Interview with the Author
1)What does success as an author look like to you?
Success for me is writing a satisfying story. If I’m happy with the scope of the romance and the journey of the characters—and I’ve infused the story with banter and romantic tension—then that’s success. I just love stories and telling them. Of course, it helps my family when I make a bit of money, too.
2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?
I’m probably more like my hero, but I connected with my heroine. I want to be big-hearted like her, someone who can be full-steam ahead and isn’t afraid of what others think. Both Cameron and Samantha live out of deeply rooted principles and ideals, and that definitely connects with me.
3)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?
The kissing scenes. Those are always the hardest for me. They are such intimate moments. I want to honor the intensity of a kiss while respecting my reader’s expectations for a sweet romance.
4)What inspired this book?
My inspiration came from multiple things. For one, my dad is a pastor, and I knew I wanted to write a character with a heart for pastoring people. Another inspiration was my experience growing up around refugee families in Seattle in the 1980s and 90s. I wanted to include the experience of a group of often overlooked people, the Chinese immigrants who worked so hard in our country in the late 1800s. The inspiration for the group of girls who call themselves the petticoat posse came from growing up with a fun group of girlfriends at church and having a playful rivalry with the boys.
5)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
I’m a big Bible nerd. I love to study scripture. It’s as much a hobby for me as writing stories, which is why I pursued my master’s in biblical studies years ago. There is no way I can choose one favorite, but my usual answer for this type of question is Psalm 119. But I also love Genesis, Isaiah, John, and James.
The verse my parents chose for me when I was born is Colossians 1:9, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
A verse that is currently in season in my life is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
6)What is your vacation spot?
I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and every other year my family would drive the backroads to Estes Park, Colorado, for a two week family reunion. We’d hike all over Rocky Mountain National Park, play volleyball and lots of card games, shop the touristy places, and enjoy the beauty. Eventually, one of my uncles retired early and bought a property there big enough to house all of us. I’ve spent over a year of my life just at this “vacation spot” and it’s become like a second home to many in my family.
7)What are you reading right now?
I read many books at once. Fiction-wise, I’m reading Nichole Van’s Loving A Lady, and Cindy Steel’s Rebel Summer. In non-fiction, I’m reading Every Woman A Theologian (Phylicia Masonheimer), Loved to Life (Ann Voskamp), Surprised by Hope (N.T. Wright), and The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (Tim Alberta).
Blog Stops
Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3
Artistic Nobody, May 4 (Author Interview)
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5
Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 7
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 8 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, May 8
Vicky Sluiter, May 9
Guild Master, May 10 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 12 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 13
Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 15
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sondra is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.
Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.
Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.
Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working onone of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.
To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a 2.5” x 9.5” poster of Psalm 46:5 and 10-11 illuminated by artist and calligrapher Timothy Botts, a signed copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card, a glass stylus, and 5 bookish stickers!!
Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred
Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.
To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a copy of the book!!
War brought them together, but one lie holds the power to separate them forever.
Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.
To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!
It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.
Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support. With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves.
To celebrate his tour, Todd is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.
Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.
To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!
Leena, Kahn, Casey, and the other Underground Book Readers continue their journey to the free land. They encounter strangers in the forest, discover new mysterious towns, and face new challenges for their safety. Their travels lead them across treacherous landscapes and through enemy territory, where danger hides deep in the forest and valleys. Weathering harsh conditions, encountering unexpected allies, and enduring long, perilous paths, the Underground Book Readers rely on their faith and each other to persevere. Their goal is to reach parts of the United States not under the control of the World Force. They long to find a place to live in peace and see their families. But as they approach the mysterious Reunion Crossing, one question remains: will they finally reach the free land—and what will be waiting for them when they arrive?
Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.
To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.
Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!
In the rugged Montana Territory, a Boston socialite’s bid for freedom collides with a rancher’s quest for a family.
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Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.