REPLACEMENT GUEST - ME!

The author scheduled to appear on my blog for today had computer problems she couldn’t resolve. Instead of her, you have...drum roll, please...ME!

Today I’m discussing a western historical set in 1885, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, available in e-book and in print. The cover is one I especially like and I hope you share my opinion. The model on the cover demonstrates how I was supposed to look, but somehow Fate made a mistake and this woman got my gorgeous hair and beautiful features. Fate’s a bummer sometimes, isn’t it? Sigh.

How I wanted to look but
life is so unfair!

***I’m giving away an e-book download to one person who leaves a comment this weekend. Please be certain you leave your email with your comment so I can contact you if you win.

THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE has received excellent reviews.

"Just when you thought a happily ever after was just around the corner, another corner appears...I want more!" Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick for The Texan's Irish Bride.

"Ms Caroline Clemmons has written a book that was so good it was hard to put down. She had my attention from the first page." The Romance Studio, 5 Hearts♥♥♥♥♥ for The Texan's Irish Bride.

Here’s how I came to write this book. I love Texas history and especially love this time period. I live in cowboy country here in North Central Texas, but still love visiting Central Texas. That’s where THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is set, near Bandera and Medina. That area appeals to me and is the location of real ranches and some fairly famous dude ranches. Years ago, our family stayed at the Mayan Dude Ranch and loved it.  In fact, I can’t get the experience out of my head. So, I decided to write about it and these characters decided to share my head while I did. Yes, writers are a bit odd, but we tend to be harmless. After all, when we get angry, you’re safe because we only kill you in a book. ☺

Medina River
Photo by the author

Also mentioned prominently in the story is the Lost Maples State Natural Area. The steep walls of the beautiful valley create what seems to me an almost cathedral atmosphere. I love the numerous maple trees, which are only native to this one spot in all of Texas and are especially lovely this time of year. This valley used to be a trail for renegade Indians and rustlers to transport stolen cattle. Darling Daughter 2 and I once went through Lost Maples Natural Area on the way home from San Antonio. If you look on the map at San Antonio then follow it to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, you might notice that Lost Maples is sort of out of the way (as in very out of the way), but this is more of that odd author behavior I mentioned. We can’t resist a chance to visit a book setting.

Lost Maples Natural Historic Area
Photo by the author

Here’s a blurb from THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE:

Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed the   handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams.  

Dallas McClintock
Photo purchased from iStock

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s gypsy-like Irish Traveler’s wagon to be tended.  He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything—almost. What is he supposed to do with her wild Irish family?

Here’s an excerpt from THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE from the couple's first night at Dallas's ranch:

Dallas tugged Cenora behind him as he raced up the stairs.

“You’re fair dragging me, man. Show a care o’ me leg bones, will you?”

“I have plans for those lovely, long leg bones,” he promised, but slowed his stride.

“Thank you,” she said, fanning her face with her fingers. Then she tugged on his hand. “Saints preserve us, right now all me thoughts of legs are of winding me own around you.”

“How can you expect me to walk slow when you talk like that?” He blew out the candle and scooped her up.

She nestled against him and her sigh fanned her sweet breath against his neck as he hurried to their room.

When they were inside he kicked the door shut behind them and set her on the bed. He closed the curtains and lit the bedside lamp. Soft light played across her perfect features.

“At last we have privacy without cracks the next morning about our creaking wagon.”

“And tonight when we sleep ‘twill be in a bed that fits yourself with room for me as well.”

“That’s the best part, Cenora, you’ll be beside me.”

He meant it and the thought hit him hard. He’d been plenty mad at their forced union. Still was, in fact, no matter how much he enjoyed their couplings. Considering himself a loner, he hated having a crowd around.
But he hadn’t realized how comforting sharing his life with a woman might be.

The right woman, that is. Dang, he hoped Cenora was the right one. Like it or not, and whether or not those vows were legally binding, he was honor bound stuck with her now. It looked as if he had her family as well.

“I didn’t know to bring me night clothes,” she said with a coquettish glance and slid off the bed to meet him.

After he kicked off his boots and socks, he caught her hands in his. “You won’t need a thing.”

If you haven't read this book, I hope you’re intrigued to purchase THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE.

Available from Smashwords in e-book download:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/212689?ref=CarolineClemmons

Available from Amazon in print or e-book download:
http://www.amazon.com/TEXANS-IRISH-BRIDE-McClintocks-ebook/dp/B008V1UG54/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351832912&sr=1-3&keywords=caroline+clemmons

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