Tuesday, February 19, 2013

BLUEBONNET BRIDE RELEASED!

Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate the release of the third book in my Men of Stone Mountain series, BLUEBONNET BRIDE. It's true that I'm more than a little biased, but I love this book. This is Joel's story, the eldest brother who has been head of the family since the death of their parents. 

To add to the celebration, I'll give away a free copy of this book to one person who comments on this blog.

Blurb for BLUEBONNET BRIDE

He’s a by-the-book Texas sheriff; she’s on the run from a murder conviction...

When a tornado provides Rosalyn with the opportunity to escape the gallows, she collects her daughter Lucy and flees. They travel far enough West that Rosalyn believes she’s gone to the ends of the earth. She hopes she and Lucy will be safe in this remote North Texas town where she embarks on a new life as a dressmaker. If only she could avoid contact with people, especially the handsome sheriff who pops up every time she turns around. She fears either she or her chatterbox daughter may slip and reveal too much.

Joel Stone has been content with his life, even if it’s not the one he’d dreamed. His younger brothers are married and living nearby, his aunts have moved to Radford Springs, and he is respected for the efficient job he does as sheriff. When he meets the new widow in town, his instant attraction staggers him. She appears uninterested, but he is determined to win her hand in marriage. 

But life doesn’t turn out the way either Rosalyn or Joel plan. They overcome temporary obstacles, but what of the secret she protects? Can he save her from the gallows?




Excerpt from BLUEBONNET BRIDE

When the stage was out of sight, Joel ambled inside the hotel. James rested a hip against the reception counter while the lady newcomer instructed the porter about her luggage. The desk clerk leaned over the open register staring as if he’d never seen a woman before.

Her sultry voice floated like music. “I want these two trunks stored downstairs, please, but the valises and boxes will go up in our room.” She raised her veil.

Joel removed his Stetson and gazed into her eyes. Eyes that were like warm coffee. Eyes so tempting he could have leaned over and lapped them up. He caught himself before he actually bent toward her. 

“Is something wrong, sheriff?” She stood straight, one arm around her daughter.

Flustered at being caught staring, he stammered, “No ma’am. Welcome to Radford Springs. I’m Sheriff Joel Stone and you’ve met our preacher, James Billings.”

“Pleased to meet you both. I’m Mrs. Dumas and this is my daughter, Lucy.”  

She pronounced her name “doo-mahh” in the French way, and her voice mesmerized him. A nudge from James waked him from her spell so he could answer. 

“Sorry about that fellow gaping at you earlier. Caught him cheating at cards. Forced him to leave town. Want you to know we keep a nice town here.” What the hell was wrong with him? He rattled on like a windmill in a storm.

“I see. He won’t be returning then?”

“Not while I’m sheriff.” Joel thought she appeared relieved. Probably she was dog-tired from her trip. “Will you be staying here long?”

“My daughter and I might settle here. We’ll know in a few days. Now, if you’ll excuse us, my daughter needs to lie down. I wouldn’t mind a bath and then a week’s sleep myself.”

“Let me know if I can help you in any way.” Like washing your back, drying you off. Joel wanted to slap himself. He struggled to push thoughts of her bathing from his mind. 

James smiled at her. “The hotel dining room has the best food in town. Shall I have them bring you and your daughter up a meal? I believe roast beef is served today, and there’s usually cobbler of some kind.”

“Which explains the heavenly aromas. We would appreciate your kindness, Mr. Billings, if you could have two meals sent to our room. Now, gentlemen, please excuse us.” She turned and guided 

Lucy up the stairs.

Joel still stared at her as if mesmerized. 

James clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, Romeo. Let’s get some lunch before your eyes fall out of your head or flies take up residence in your mouth.”



Thanks for stopping by!


2 comments:

Sarah J. McNeal said...

Wow, those are some obstacles the heroine has to overcome. Well, i believe in love overcoming all odds so I vote for the sheriff winning her hand.
The Men from Stone Mountain series sounds so interesting, Caroline.
I wish you great success and happy sales.
starcriter at yahoo dot com

MK McClintock said...

Congrats on the new release Caroline!