Friday, October 03, 2025

Courtship, Love, and Happily Ever After Under the Lone Star Sky by Caroline Clemmons

 


When I think of the rugged cowboys, resourceful ranchers, and spirited heroines who populate my Texas-set novels, it’s the dance of romance on the dusty frontier that lingers sweetest in my memory. History may remember the hardships, but I love to weave in the joys—especially the age-old rituals of courtship, proposals, and weddings under the wide Lone Star sky.

Barn Dances and Stolen Glances

Social gatherings were the heartbeat of rural communities, and nothing stirred excitement quite like a barn dance. Imagine lanterns swinging overhead, fiddles singing into the night, and young women twirling in homemade gowns. For many, these dances offered a rare chance to meet someone new—or perhaps steal a shy smile from the neighbor’s son across the hay bales!

Chaperones kept a watchful eye, and etiquette mattered: holding hands during a waltz was the closest most couples got to intimacy in public. Still, plenty of secret notes and glances were exchanged over lemonade before the last song.

Courtship, Texas-Style

Romance on the frontier took determination. Suitors braved muddy rivers and wide, lonely miles simply to pay a visit. Calling hours—usually on Sunday afternoons—were observed with formality. More than one nervous cowboy practiced a proposal speech as he rode to her door, hat in hand.

Young ladies embroidered handkerchiefs or baked tea cakes for the gentlemen they favored, sending subtle signals of affection. And while arranged marriages weren’t the norm, practicality often guided the heart as much as passion. The capable ranching wife was admired as much as the pretty belle.

Popping the Question: Proposals on the Prairie

Proposals reflected the times—sometimes earnest, sometimes sweetly awkward. Favorite tales from my research and my own stories include tokens like carved wooden boxes, hand-picked wildflowers, or family heirloom rings. The words themselves held as much weight as any gift: “Will you make this place a home with me?” had all the promise a prairie couple needed.

Weddings Under Wide Texas Skies

Weddings could be elaborate affairs when supplies allowed, but more often they were simple, heartfelt ceremonies in a church, a family parlor, or under an ancient oak. Neighbors gathered with food and laughter, and the celebration went on into the night. Afterwards, couples might honeymoon on horseback—literally—riding back to their new lives together.

Love Stories That Inspire

These true tales of courtship and love are what inspire every “happily ever after” in my books. Whether it’s a barn dance kiss or a sunrise proposal, the heart of Texas romance still beats strong today—and I’ll keep writing it as long as readers keep turning the pages.

So, dear friends, if you ever wonder where my sweethearts and heroes find their courage and hope, look no further than the traditions and dreams that shaped our Texas past.

Sign up for my newsletter and get more glimpses into my inspiration and into the Texas past.  Get a free novella, Happy is the Bride, as a thank you. Sign-up form in the widgets.

Yours on the trail to romance,
Caroline

Wednesday, October 01, 2025

Outlaw Ever After by E. Elizabeth Watson


Outlaw Ever After
by E. Elizabeth Watson
Buy Links:


Book Blurb:

They took everything. Now he’s come back to claim it—and her—in this broodingly intense and sexy Highlander romance that will delight fans of Karen Marie Moning and Lynsay Sands. 
 
When she was just a lass, Peigi Grant attended a wedding—one that quickly turned into a night of bloodshed and grief. Through it all, there were whispers of the Comyn heir, a boy accused of the crime, who mysteriously disappeared. 
 
Now it’s fourteen years later, and Peigi’s never breathed a word to a soul about that fateful night…or her role in helping the boy escape. But she never would have dared imagine that sweet boy turning into a roguish warrior who could shatter her heart and her reputation. 
 
Alexander is drawn to Peigi by her clear, sweet voice. Her loveliness—along with an uncanny sensation of fate—tempts him to lay down his war scythe forever. But his clan, his lands, and his very birthright were stolen by the Grant clan…and vengeance still calls to him. 
 
They don’t know his true name. But the Grants will come to fear his wrath…even if it destroys the one person who could tame his wild, Highlander heart. 
 
Outlaw Ever After is an intoxicating, enemies-to-lovers romance between two people fated to fall for each other…even if it sets all of Scotland ablaze. 

Excerpt:

The entire village roared with laughter at the man in the song’s folly for flirting so shamelessly, the children laughing because the adults were laughing, and a muscled arm swung around her shoulders, pulling her tight between his legs as Alex guffawed.

“Such a rogue still got what he deserved.” She giggled, leaning into his embrace.

“A good thing he never met yer brother, songbird,” he jested to more laughter.

She looked back at his bruised face and sewn coat, proof of how close he’d come to that. Yet she saw nothing but affection sparkling in his eyes. He laughed so heartily as if he had not a care, in a world that punished so unfairly.

And she wanted his kiss again. Wanted it so badly. Wanted to believe his declaration that he’d win. Wanted to reverse the wheel of time. She reached up. Cupped his cheek.

His breath hitched against her wrist, as if disbelieving her touch. His gaze holding hers, he turned his lips into her palm and pressed a kiss there.

Song after song, the evening progressed. Her hair was limp from melting flakes, her slippers kicked free and her toes tucked beneath her hem, nestled into the straw. The snow accumulated but the bonfire melted it in its inferno. The songs grew easy. The folk grew merry and danced, ate their bread and drank their ale and chanted Samhain blessings, in preparation for going Souling on the following eve.

“More, mi lady! More!” called villagers.

“Sing the one about the fox and crow!”

“Nay, a good country reel would do!”

They volleyed their choices at her like arrows upon an adversary, as ewers of ale made rounds and splashed into tankards and the folk linked hands around the fire.

“Sing something gentle,” warbled a voice through the commotion.

Joslyn? Why was she here? Peigi looked about and spotted the woman holding a babe on her hip, rubbing its eyes. Joslyn did live in the healer’s hut when not helping at the castle.

One lullaby popped to mind: Alex’s song. The song that had lured him to her.

She strummed a soft chord.

“Lullaby sweet bairn of mine...”

The chatter hushed.

Strummed the next chord.

“Sleeping sweetly in the pine...”

Her cheeks felt hot from the flame. The flute remained silent, and she let herself slip back to that greenwood, let herself think about that summer day when the man at her back had begged her to see him again, had lain in the grass beside her.

That wind whipped again, the bonfire roaring. Her eyes closed as the bone flute finally joined in and fluttered in her ear. Snowflakes twirled through the air like those playful leaves.

“Bright green eyes, rest peacefully...”

She opened her eyes, could see reverence twinkling in Joslyn’s gaze.

“For the world isna what it’s meant to be...”

Alex’s flute trailed away. Only the crackling bonfire, burning low, spoke into the night. She looked up at him— him chewing his cheek, his eyes glistening. His thumb touched her mouth, his fingers slipping into her hair over her ears to cradle her cheek. He studied her lips, uncaring of their audience, and in sooth, she’d become so relaxed, she’d forgotten any discomfort.

The sky dark as pitch was studded with celestial crystals, the clouds having long since moved on.

His lips descended to hers. Brushed like a breeze, always gentle, belying the exuberance with which he seemed to live his life.

And she sank. Into memories. Months of missing him and feeling unworthy crashed over her as a tear slipped down her cheek. It was only lips touching, and yet, she writhed within for more, desperate to feel wanted as a soft growl of desperation reverberated through him, caged in his chest. A taste of what he’d been missing, poured into a simple touch as his breathing came in and out erratically, as if holding everything back...

His forehead again rested to hers, eyes pinched tight in pain. “I need ye,” he gruffed. “Like Pan needs his nymph, like a body needs air, for I’ve been suffocating—”

A whistle whirled. Laughter and clapping erupted.

She yanked back and touched her mouth. Her cheeks were hot. Barely a brush of skin and yet, her lips stung, when her shame receded as Joslyn’s soft smile and misting eyes met hers. Here, among these folk who seemed to accept Alex so, away from the trappings of fanfare and notions of noble honor, she felt...at home. Like this was their wee village on the shore, like she’d once set her heart upon having.

Author Bio:   



Award winning and bestselling author E. Elizabeth Watson is convinced life is better with good coffee, chocolate, and a pair of hiking boots. A former archaeologist and biomed research coordinator, Elizabeth spends her days penning heroes ranging from kilted Scottish warriors to Texas cowboys crowned with Stetsons. Whether in kilts or pearl snaps, her heroes wear plaid!

Get swept away to the Highlands of Scotland or the badlands of West Texas in her adventurous tales where love conquers adversity.

She currently lives on a mountainside in West Virginia with her husband, sons, and various pets. Always honored to hear from readers, make sure to follow her on Facebook, Bookbub, TikTok, Goodreads, and Instagram.




 

Monday, September 29, 2025

Forever Cowboy: Montana's Rodeo Cowboys by Nan Reinhardt


Forever Cowboy:  Montana's Rodeo Cowboys
by Nan Reinhardt
Buy Links: 

 Book Blurb:


It was supposed to be just a vacation fling…


43-year-old Beth Dykeman’s life is spiraling—her 20-year marriage is over as is her career in Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce. Now back home in River’s Edge, Indiana, she’s grieving the end of her dream to have a family. Hoping to restart her life, she books a relaxing long weekend at a spa in beautiful Montana. But Beth arrives only to discover she accidentally booked a stay at a working dude ranch in the middle of Marietta’s 87th Copper Mountain Rodeo celebration weekend.  

When he’s not competing, 36-year-old bronc rider Del Foster works at the Aspen Springs Ranch. He’s ready to hang up his spurs. This rodeo will be his last competition before he finally settles down and buys his own small spread to train cutting horses. 

Their instant chemistry shocks them both, and on her last night, Beth indulges the attraction, knowing she’ll never see Del again. But fate has a way of changing plans and challenging assumptions. Can Beth and Del both have what they never knew they always wanted?

Excerpt:

Del could’ve stayed at the overlook for hours, simply watching Beth’s breathless exhilaration. He followed her gaze to the soaring mountain and the valley floor, a patchwork of still-verdant fields with the town tucked in among them. Marietta had been his home for so many years, and the beautiful mountains and valley had become so much a part of his very being that he often forgot to simply bask in the . . . what was the word she’d used? Glorious. He forgot to breathe in the gloriousness of it all. 

A ghost of a smile hovered on her mouth. Speaking of glorious. She was perfection, standing there with her arms out, her eyes taking in the scenery, her lush lips curved upward. He ached to kiss her, to touch her soft cheek. All he had to do was take one step, reach out, and she’d be in his arms. He blinked. 

What the hell is the matter with me? 

Clearing his throat, he pushed off the fence post and backed up. “We should go. I need . . . um, I need to get back with the . . . the . . . you know, stuff for Noel.” 

She turned to him. “Of course. I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen anything so—” She caught her lower lip in her teeth, revealing a tiny chip in one front tooth. An imperfection that made her even more perfect. She crossed her hands over her heart and shook her head. “No words.” 

It was the softness of her gaze that nearly undid him. It was also what kept him from giving in to the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her stupid. She wasn’t a small woman, but somehow, she seemed fragile, vulnerable, and she brought out all his protective instincts, while at the same time, a hunger so intense he felt it from his head to his toes and everywhere in between. 

As they walked to the truck, he said, “I remember when I first came here, the spectacular scenery took me by surprise. Nothing like it in Boston.” 

She quirked one brow. “I thought I detected a bit of back East in your accent. You’re from Boston?” 

“Yeah, but I’ve been here a long time—long enough to be considered an official Montanan. Tell me about your home,” he said, as they pulled back onto the two-lane highway that fed down into Marietta. “Indiana?” 

“River’s Edge.” Beth leaned back against the headrest. “It’s . . . beautiful in its own way too. It’s right on a big bend of the Ohio River, and it’s full of history and art and music and good people. I was gone for twenty years, except for holiday visits, and so much has changed since I left. I feel like I’m going to have to learn the town where I was born all over again.” She gave a little shrug. “I’ll confess I haven’t made much of an effort since I’ve been back.” 

Del glanced over. The joy that had emanated from her at the overlook had faded and there was that sad smile he’d seen off and on since she’d arrived. “Why’d you leave Nashville after your marriage . . . you know, ended?” It was a deeply personal question and maybe he had no business asking, but she’d already told him she was recently divorced. 

“Nashville is Doug’s town.” 

He waited, hoping she’d elaborate and, after a pause, she continued. “He loves it there, and I was so young when we got married, it never occurred to me to not love it too.” 

“You were there for twenty years?” 

She nodded, and he debated whether to ask the question he really wanted the answer to. They rode in silence for a few more minutes, then he gave a mental shrug and went for it. Hell, in for a penny, as his grandmother used to say. “What happened?” 

She clasped her hands in her lap. “It was about babies.” 

“Babies?” 

“The divorce. Well, not entirely, but we’d been trying for a long time—years. Everything. It got expensive, but I wanted children, and my ex wasn’t interested in adoption.” She lowered her voice to a deeper pitch. “If I’m going to have kids, they’re going to be my kids.” She gave a little choked laugh. “It never happened. Apparently, I have a hostile womb.” She tipped her head to glance at him. “Sorry. TMI.” 

“No, it’s okay. So, no kids . . .” 

She looked rather sheepish for a second, then she squared her shoulders. “We grew apart. He was fine not having a family. I was devastated. I wanted what I grew up with—lots of family—parents, grandparents, sister, brothers, cousins. I just couldn’t seem to get past it, and that turned everything between us sour. He hated how sad I was. I hated how easily he let it all go.” 

“So you left? Went home to Indiana?” 

“Not immediately.” She snorted. “We became an age-old story. He couldn’t deal with my unhappiness, so he found a distraction and gave me a reason to go.” 

Del didn’t know what to say to that. He’d seen so many marriages disintegrate because the two people simply weren’t on the same page. Especially guys on the circuit—rodeo life was damn hard on marriages, due to the extensive travel involved, the high stress of competition, the risk of significant injuries, and the constant time away from family. 

Author Bio:


Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, small-town romantic fiction for Tule Publishing. Her day job is working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, however, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, woman in her prime. Nan lives in the Midwest with her husband of 52 years, where they split their time between a house in the city and a cottage on a lake. 

Social Media Links: 


 

 

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Food in 1880s Texas by Caroline Clemmons

 


Growing up, the prevailing opinions about food prior to the first World War was that it was badly prepared, didn't taste very good, and came with a free side of food poisoning much of the time. Some of that was the conceit of people trying to map current tastes in food onto a different culture.  Some of it was well-founded, depending on where in North America you lived and how much money you had.

People didn't understand that disposing of waste near water sources, even groundwater such as a well, caused diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases.  The lack of refrigeration made meat a major contributor to the problem. Food preservation techniques could allow harmful bacteria to grow in even canned meat and produce if the cook made a mistake preserving the food.

Most Texans, the ones I write about, ate for fuel rather than taste.  Meat was served at almost every meal.  Breakfast would be some sort of meat, usually pork, eggs, if the cook had access to them, cornbread, coffee, and milk.  Dinner, the noonday meal, was usually the largest, featuring boiled or roasted meats sweetened with molasses or honey, vegetables when available, soup, beans, and more cornbread. Supper often consisted of leftovers from dinner.

Most families ate primarily pork and corn, with beans, fresh or canned vegetables, any fruit found near the settlers, and coffee.  Wheat flour was a luxury because it could not be grown here.  Corn was served at most meals, including cornbread, tortillas, hominy, and corn dodgers (cornmeal fried in salt pork grease). Boiling the water for coffee killed most water-borne disease-causing organisms, but water used for drinking or cooking could be dangerous.  Ranchers were able to eat more beef, but killing their cattle ate up their profits, so it was done sparingly.

The meat settlers ate most:

  • Salt-cured pork - the most common protein, often called "sowbelly" 
  • Beef jerky - dried, salted, and much more brittle than modern versions 
  • Smoked meats - preserved in specially built smokehouses 
  • Wild game when available, including deer, rabbit, and whatever else they could find
I guess their blood pressure would be high with all that salt, but they worked hard and sweated a lot, so they may have needed all the salt.

I am working on a new series, Women Who Helped Shape the West.  I am also working on a cookbook about the foods in my books, with recipes that don't have that side of food poisoning.  


Blessings, 
Caroline

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Rogue Cowboy by Sinclair Jane

 


Rogue Cowboy
Bad Boys of the Rodeo
by Sinclair Jayne

Book Blurb:

She knows he’s wrong. He’s convinced he’s right. He’ll prove it with a kiss that reignites their past. 


Texas Cowboy and former Special Forces soldier Cole Jameson isn’t just in Marietta for the Copper Mountain Rodeo to close a family business deal. He’s there to win the heart of the cowgirl he married in secret before deploying. He wanted to keep her safe and give her time to follow her dreams. But he always intended to return and make their marriage sizzle. 

Horse Trainer Riley Telford always knew her hero, her fantasy Mr. Perfect, and savior would return and politely demand his freedom. She’ll graciously let him go because she can’t be the wife he deserves. Riley’s miles away from the vibrant, adventurous girl he fell in love with during a whirlwind weekend. But Cole’s confidence, relentless charm and soul-searing kisses fill her with a dangerous longing and a desperate hope. 

It was a marriage of convenience, but as the rodeo competition races to the end, can Cole convince Riley their marriage can shine, or will her doubts and fears forever keep them apart? 

Excerpt:

“There’s no us,” Riley hissed. 

“We’re married. That’s a hell of an us,” Cole countered. And he wasn’t skulking away, especially when Riley was holding on to her pain like it was a damn security blankie. 

“We’re not really married,” she insisted, paling. “You only married me because there was a slim chance of a child.”  

She sounded so sure. And Cole had been in protector mode, but after, when he’d had some time and distance, he didn’t regret his decision. Not ever. Would it help to tell her? Unlikely. He felt like he was picking his way to a mine field to find a safe position to set up for a mission. 

“You didn’t want to marry me.” She nodded her head, dashing away her tears and pulling her feet out of the river and crossing her legs. 

“I don’t say or do things I don’t mean.”  

She looked at him like he was crazy. Yeah. Should have kept his mouth shut, but better to pull off all the Band-Aids. They could heal from here.  

“I don’t even have a ring,” she said like that meant something. Maybe it did. 

“You want a ring?” He had one. His mother’s. He’d not known if that would have creeped her out considering, so he’d never picked it up on one of his visits home. 

“No,” she said, her voice leaked frustration. “Because we’re not really married.” 

“We are. That’s why I’m at the rodeo. Courting.” 

“Why now?” She still hadn’t taken a bite of her food, and his sharp gaze noticed she was thinner now than she had been as a teen. Ranching was hard work, but he was beginning to doubt she was taking care of herself. 

Should have come sooner. 

“You were young. In a tough spot. We made choices under pressure. I wanted to give you time to recover and figure out what you wanted from life, and I owed the government another four years that turned into five and then another six months.” 

It had seemed double that. 

“You stayed away from me for almost six years because of logistics?” 

She sounded offended, and that gave him hope. 

“I keep my word, Riley. To my family. To my government. To you.” 

“I’m not not noticing that I was third on that list.” 

He laughed and pushed the last bite of the bagel sandwich into his mouth, savoring the taste. 

“You’re my wife. I suppose I should bump you up to the top of the list.” 

She looked adorable, as if her face couldn’t figure out what to do—go with frustration or humor. 

“I told you not to use that word.” 

“I made a vow.” 

“Shshshsh. Button it. I told you don’t use the M word or the W word and definitely not the V word.” 

Riley looked around wildly as if someone was going to jump out of the bushes and gotcha them but considering how close they were to the downtown and the fairgrounds, it was surprisingly peaceful with the sound of the water and birdsong mixing with the wind through the grasses and trees along the creek that ran on the backside of the courthouse and Crawford Park. In the distance he heard a horse whinny and another answer. 

He could only push her so far so fast. 

“That’s a lot of letters,” he said thoughtfully. “Lotta words to remember to not say. Vow? Married? Wife?” He kept his face expressionless, maybe just a hint of innocence, just to rile her a bit to see that flash of fire. 

“I know you’re trying to get a rise outta me. But I’m serious. Those words are off the list. Forbidden. I mean it. Zip it.” 

She even did a zipper movement across her lips that was adorable, and Cole felt everything in him ease. They were not as far apart as he’d imagined. And she needed him. He hadn’t expected that. He should probably feel bad that he wanted her to need him. He’d never be the most advanced, self-actualized man. But he’d take the narrow opening and bust through. 

“We’re married,” he pushed his point. “Not saying the word doesn’t make it not true.” 

“We’re not really the M word.” She scowled, dipped her feet in the river again, to get the dust off from the rock, and waved her feet in the air, scattering luminescent drops that sparkled in the sun. He took her socks out of her boot, unrolled them. 

“The M word,” he mused. “Muscular. Munching. Marvelous.” 

“You are such a comedian,” she said. “I never saw this side of you before.” 

They’d had so little time. And initially, she’d been off-limits—too young and his Special Forces teammate’s sister. Then she been hurt, and he’d been determined to protect and avenge her and stay out of prison. Not that he’d tell her any of that. 

“My socks.” She held out her hand. 

“Mmmmmm,” he agreed. “More M words. Mandatory. Mountain. Mystify.” He caught both of her feet in one hand. Even her feet were beautiful. Delicate. He took out another bandana from his pocket and dabbed her feet dry while she stared at him with huge eyes. He rolled on one sock and then the other. 

“Mission accomplished.” 

He held out a hand, pleased when she grabbed on, and he pulled them both to standing. 

“Cole,” she said urgently. “You deserve your freedom.” Her voice was choked. “We barely knew each other, and then I screwed it all up.” 

Author Bio:



Sinclair Sawhney is a former journalist and middle school teacher who holds a BA in Political Science and K-8 teaching certificate from the University of California, Irvine and a MS in Education with an emphasis in teaching writing from the University of Washington. She has worked as a developmental editor with Tule Publishing for nearly twelve years. Writing as Sinclair Jayne she’s published thirty plus short contemporary romances with Tule Publishing. Rogue Cowboy is her seventh rodeo cowboy romance set in Montana. Married for over twenty-nine years, she has two adult children, and when she isn’t writing or editing, she and her husband, Deepak, along with their pup Chai are hosting wine tastings of their pinot noir, rose and chardonnay at their vineyard Roshni, which is a Hindi word for light-filled, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Second Chances by Alana Lorens


Second Chances
by Alana Lorens

Book Blurb:


No one escapes adversity, but everyone deserves a second chance. 

SECOND CHANCES begins the day attorney Inessa Regan receives a pink slip after ten years of faithful service. She’s been a mid-level associate her whole career, partners telling her what to do, providing her with an office and everything she needs. Thrown out into the legal world on her own, she doesn’t know how she’ll survive.  Her neighbor brings her first client, Kurt Lowdon, a young Iraq veteran with cancer, who’s looking just to have a will made. Inessa struggles to give Kurt what he needs, and he helps make it easy for her. 

Once his immediate needs are met, he takes her under his wing and brings her more clients as well as a place to open an office to see them. Things begin to fall together for her, including a very special friendship with Kurt that becomes something more. But his past military service, and the friends he’s made there, begin to cause problems for them both, as well as issues his drug-addicted sister delivers to his doorstep. He still hasn’t kicked his cancer, either, and Inessa wonders if falling in love with him is a blessing or a curse. 

Excerpt:

It really was pink. 

 Inessa Regan stared at the terse document she’d taken from the cream-colored envelope left on her desk. Sounds of the busy office outside her door faded, and blood rushed to her face until it was as florid as the paper in her hand. 

 She leaned against the desk, her breath sucked away. The words blurred through tears she couldn’t control. No matter how polite the language or painfully insincere the partners’ mild apology and explanation, the result was the same. After ten years practicing law with the firm of Venda and Spinelli, Inessa was out. Cold. 

A pink slip. 

 That burned her the most, took that punch in the gut and twisted the fist deep. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to find a piece of paper that shade of rose in an office with sophisticated navy-on-cream stationery. Intentional, then. 

 Bet it was the young blonde bimbo Franco Venda hired. Inessa was sure old Franco’s wife hadn’t approved that girl. Back when Inessa, a nondescript brunette with thick thighs,  interviewed, the wife had chosen her as “non-threatening.” That’s me—proud winner of the Least Likely to Appeal to Anyone contest. 

 She’d started as a summer intern, although no spring chicken. Thirty-two years old, just out of law school, no husband, no children, no agenda other than paying back the obscene amount of money she’d borrowed to finish. She was grateful for the opportunity, worked long, hard hours, and would have stayed in the old brick building till she died. 

 Apparently, someone had a different idea. 

Author Bio:


Alana Lorens (aka Barbara Mountjoy) has been a published writer for over 45 years, including seven years as a reporter/editor at the South Dade News Leader in Homestead, Florida, after working as a server, a pizza maker, and a floral designer. She writes non-fiction, romance, adventure, and suspense novels.  

She is the author of the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyers series, which draws on her years as a family law attorney in the state of Pennsylvania. One of the causes close to her heart came from those years as well–the fight against domestic violence. She volunteered for many years at women’s shelters and provided free legal services to women and children in need.  

Alana resides in North Carolina, and she loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. She lives with her daughter, who is the youngest of her seven children, and she is ruled by three crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages. 

Author Links: 


Website http://Alana-lorens.com 

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/ 

Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens 

Amazon Author Page  https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEMtSxd6FQQ 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alana-lorens 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alanalorens.bsky.social 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_lyndi/ 


 

Friday, September 19, 2025

BRING ON THE BRIDES!

 By Caroline Clemmons

The bachelors of Tarnation, Texas threaten to leave unless marriageable women come to town. Wealthy widow Lydia Harrison and her friend Sophia Gaston travel to Richmond, Virginia, where Lydia was raised. Lydia interviews young women who respond to her newspaper notice, but not everyone is accepted. Seven girls travel to Tarnation and live with Lydia until they find a husband. Lydia hosts receptions, dances, and dinners so the women can meet the sixteen bachelors she has invited to participate.

Each story in the Bride Brigade Series stands alone but is more fun if read in order. They are avaible in e-book and paperback. The books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.Most of the characters get at least a mention in the other books.










 

Here is the summary of Book One, JOSEPHINE:

Josephine Nailor has good reasons not to trust men, especially those who hold an office. She isn’t even certain she wants to marry, but takes a job assisting the owner of the mercantile, Michael Buchanan. He, on the other hand, is happy owning the store and being mayor. All he needs now is a wife.

 

https://amzn.to/46puLWk

 

Here’s an exciting excerpt:

She was exhausted by the approach of closing time. Gunfire cracked and she heard galloping hooves.

Michael reached under the counter for a gun. “Get into the backroom until this is over so you won’t get hit by stray bullets.” He raced out the door and down the boardwalk.

Mrs. Horowitz, wife of the butcher, stepped away from the windows where she’d been admiring a display. “Those awful cowboys have no care for the town’s residents. They must be drunk to act so carelessly.”

“I expect you’re right. If they were intent on robbing the bank, surely they’d come in quietly to evade notice. You can step through the curtain behind you, and you’ll be in the storeroom. There’s a chair you can rest in until those men are stopped.”

Disobeying her employer’s order, Josephine stood at the side of the window so she was protected by the wall but could look out. The sheriff, his deputy, Michael, and a handful of other men with guns drawn tried to apprehend the rowdy cowboys. One of the ruffians darted toward the store.

Dear Merciful Heaven! Terror struck her and her knees almost gave way. The man who’d attacked her had returned with his friends. Was he after her or bent on destroying Tarnation?

Unable to turn away, she watched the man make his way slowly toward the mercantile. This time she was prepared. She raced to grab a skillet intent on cracking the man’s skull if he came into the store.

Mrs. Horowitz peeked through the curtains. “Miss Nailor, come in here with me. You can’t fight guns with a pan.”

“The man who attacked me is headed this way. I’ll dent his head if he comes into the mercantile.”

The other woman inched closer. “Do you see my Claus? Oh, I hope he’s not trying to outgun those men.”

“Besides Mr. Buchanan, the sheriff, his deputy, Mr. Kendrick, and Mr. Evans are there.  Mr. Pettigrew also appeared. Oh, no, Tom Boyd is weaving down the road as if nothing is happening.”

“My, my, he’s no doubt so drunk he doesn’t know anything is going on.”

“Run back into the storeroom, Mrs. Horowitz. That man is almost here. He’s likely to shoot you if he sees you when he comes through the door.”

Aleida Horowitz scrambled toward the curtain. “What about you?”

“He won’t see me until too late. Hurry!” Josephine flattened herself against the wall behind the door.

No sooner had the woman slipped through the curtain than the cowboy rushed toward the counter as if he expected her to be crouched behind the island’s safety. As soon as he was inside, she swung the heavy iron skillet with all her might.

He dropped but not before she heard a burst of gunfire outside. She turned and saw Michael slump in the street’s dust. As her heart dropped to the floor, she screamed, “No!”

 

This is the series order: JOSEPHINE, ANGELINE, CASSANDRA, OPHELIA, RACHEL, LORRAINE, and PRUDENCE.