About the book, A Beggar’s Bargain
- Genre: Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction
- Publisher: Fresh Ink Group
- Date of Publication: March 12, 2024
- Number of Pages: 324 pages
- Scroll down for Giveaway!
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 for time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
But 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.
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About the author, Jan Sikes 
Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author, although she’s been an avid reader all her life. 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 put down the pen. She continues to write fiction in a variety of genres and has published many award-winning short stories and novels.
Jan is an active blogger, a member of Story Empire, a devoted fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
Connect with Jan:
WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | X (TWITTER) | NEWSLETTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON | GOODREADS
My Thoughts 
While I’m not typically a fan of the forced marriage trope, I am familiar with author Jan Sikes’s work, and trust her ability to tell a good story, so I gave A Beggar’s Bargain a chance, and I’m so glad I did. From the first page to the last, this book is a tender, honest, period piece that shows the real meaning of “chosen family” and the strength behind such creations.
I found myself completely absorbed by Laykin and Sara Beth’s story – how they formed a partnership, then welcomed ‘Uncle Seymour’ into their home to become a team, adding stray humans and animals as they went along, showing that kindness is a universal quality, and trust can be restored even after it’s been lost.
Sikes’s language in this book is plain, but not simple, and while the details of this story were definitely gritty, with challenges and villains that wouldn’t be out of place in a classic western, the way she made everyday people seem special and interesting reminded me of Laura Ingalls Wilder – if the Little House books had been written for an adult audience.
Maybe, then, Jan Sikes is one of Wilder’s spiritual successors, because this tale about a Little Farmhouse in Missouri has the makings of a classic. It’s also the first book in a series, and I’m excited to learn what happens next.
Goes well with cold tea and warm cornbread… or coffee and homemade chocolate cake.
Giveaway
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FOUR WINNERS:
Two winners receive $20 Amazon gift cards;
Two winners receive eBook copies of A Beggar’s Bargain
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 4/19/24)
Visit the Other Great Blogs on This Tour
Click to visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page for direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily, or visit each blog directly:
| 04/09/24 | Forgotten Winds | Guest Post |
| 04/09/24 | Hall Ways Blog | Book Trailer |
| 04/10/24 | The Clueless Gent | Review |
| 04/10/24 | LSBBT Blog | Excerpt |
| 04/11/24 | The Book’s Delight | Review |
| 04/12/24 | The Page Unbound | Author Interview |
| 04/13/24 | Bibliotica | Review |
| 04/14/24 | StoreyBook Reviews | Top Ten List |
| 04/15/24 | It’s Not All Gravy | Review |
| 04/16/24 | The Real World According to Sam | Excerpt |
| 04/17/24 | Rox Burkey Blog | Review |
| 04/18/24 | The Plain-Spoken Pen | Review |
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Great review! i love what you said about the language being plain but Still rich. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you SO much for your candid review! Your kind words and comparison to Little House on the Prairie warms my heart and I am deeply grateful! Thank you!