ONLY WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS

Please welcome USA Today and NYTimes bestselling author, Dr. Debra Holland.  Remember to leave a comment to be eligible for the Kindle Fire 7 Giveaway on Christmas Eve!

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

It’s hard to pick just one because I’ve only had wonderful holidays. But I’ll say that it’s a Christmas Eve at my grandparents when I was five or six. My grandfather had made me a dollhouse, which I still have, and Santa came to the door and handed out presents.

Another was the first year my cousin Mindy was a baby. We had adopted her and had been waiting a long time for her arrival—at least so it seemed to my eight-year-old self. She was four months old and wearing a green velvet dress with a bow on her head. My grandfather was holding her and looking so happy. It was his last Christmas.

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

I have the same “problem” with picking one because they’re all good. I’m very blessed to have a wonderful family.

There was one Christmas when I’d been doing a lot of work as a grief counselor with people who were dealing with the loss of a loved one during the holidays. So that Christmas, I took a few minutes in the midst of all the chaos and just sat and felt the presence of all my loved ones. I thought about how the family would change in the future as we lost people and gained them, and how someday, I’d be an old lady missing many of my family who’d passed on. I never wanted to be the person who said I didn’t appreciate what I had when I had it. So I deeply felt and appreciated my loved ones and my blessings for a few minutes. I’ve tried to do that little ritual at every holiday ever since.

I’m so glad I have taken those moments of gratitude. Three people have died since that time—my grandmother, father, and a young cousin, and a cousin-in-law is gone from divorce. But my nieces and several cousins have been born and my older cousins have married. Another baby is on the way. The love continues, and my memories are good.

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

“Oh, Holy Night”—especially the version by Josh Groban, “Mary, Did You Know”—Clay Aikin’s version, and

“Hallelujah”, Pentatonix’s version

Do you have a Christmas book to share?

I have three, which are available with all my other books at my Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Debra-Holland/e/B004XXKZH8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1512925756&sr=8-2-ent

Tell us about your latest release.

SINGING MONTANA SKY is book 7 of a 10-book series. SINGING MONTANA SKY Summary:

Beautiful, wealthy, and sophisticated, opera star Sophia Maxwell is living the life of her dreams. As the Songbird of Chicago, she's lauded for her pure, rich voice and has a constant circle of admirers vying for her jaded attention. Then, she loses her voice during a performance. Her doctor warns her to rest her larynx or she'll never sing again. Devastated, Sophia retreats to the frontier town of Sweetwater Springs to stay with her sister. She's determined to recover and once again take the stage by storm.

An injury to logger Kael Kelley forces him to return to his parents' home outside of Sweetwater Springs until he can heal enough to return to the logging camp he manages. He's impatient to recover and concerned about his men, who've been left to work under the incompetent overseer who was responsible for his accident.

When Sophia and Kael meet, they have an immediate attraction. The handsome logger is as different from Sophia's sophisticated suitors as can be. She decides a summer flirtation is the perfect way to enliven her boring convalescence.

Then, the unthinkable happens, and the Songbird of Chicago falls in love.

What are your current projects?

BRIGHT MONTANA SKY will be released March 1, 2018. MONTANA SKY JUSTICE will be released August 16, 2018. You can pre-order each of those now.

 

Debra Holland, PhD, Author

NEW RELEASE, SNARE HIS HEART

I’m excited to announce my latest title, SNARE HIS HEART, is now available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZN4CCG. This is number 5 in my Loving A Rancher Series for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series for Kindle World. Whew! That sounds a lot more complicated than it is.

In addition to SNARE HIS HEART, eight other Montana Skies Series books are now released. TANGLED BLOOM is by Dallis Adams, SAVING THE OUTLAW is by Linnea Alexis, HEARTS RHYTHM is by Linda Carroll-Bradd, THE SCOUNDREL’S INCONVENIENT BRIDE is by Crystal Green, GIFTS OF LOVE is by Kit Morgan, REDEMPTION ROSE is by Louella Nelson, WHEN THE HEART HEALS is by Judy Pennell, and LEGACY is by Lynn Winchester. You can see the covers and purchase each book on Debra Holland’s website at http://www.debraholland.com/kindle-worlds.html

SNARE HIS HEART is set in 1887 in and near Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. Those of you who read Debra Holland’s books will recognize many of her characters in this story. My main characters are Forrest Clanahan and Addie Ryan, with Forrest’s stepbrother, Ethan Campbell, playing a large role. Here’s the summary:

How can Adeline “Addie” Ryan deal with pity and sly remarks after her fiancé elopes with her bridesmaid? Usually optimistic, she suspects this event will taint her socially as long as she remains in Atlanta. At her sister’s suggestion, she visits a matrimonial consultant. One man’s letter touches her heart, but can she travel to Montana Territory to marry a stranger?

Forrest Clanahan carries scars on half of his upper body he received when he tried to rescue his late wife from their burning home. Her death left a hole in his heart that won’t allow him to love again—but his children need a woman’s guidance and he needs a wife. He offers kindness and consideration—but not love. Never love.

Addie and Forrest unite against threats but can they develop a loving relationship?

Yes, this is another mail-order bride story. I love reading and writing about women who believe becoming a mail-order bride is the best or only opportunity left for them. Would I want to have been one? No, but who knows what we’d do if faced with difficult choices?

When many eligible men moved west, a surplus of marriage-age women were left behind. At that time in history, there were few options left for a woman who didn’t marry. She could become a companion for an elderly relative, become a governess if she was educated enough, or teach school (which required she remain single). Doing anything else lowered her social standing—if she had any.

I’ve read true stories of women who ventured across the country to marry a stranger they knew only by mail. Brides in some of these situations have tragic tales while others are happy—or at least contented. If you’re interested, Chris Enss published HEARTS WEST about several of these real-life mail-order brides.

Years ago, there was a man in our church who had at one time been handsome. A terrible car wreck left his lower face disfigured. Part of his jaw was missing and surgery had left vicious scars. When I first met him, I had to make a conscious effort not to stare at him. After becoming better acquainted with him, I stopped seeing the scars and deformed face. When my mom visited and asked me about the man in the choir who was so badly scarred, I had to stop and think who she could mean. When we take time to know someone, we see the person rather than only the exterior.

That’s what happens to Addie in SNARE HIS HEART. Once she comes to know Forrest, she realizes what an admirable person he is. Here’s an excerpt from SNARE HIS HEART:

As they drew closer, Addie was surprised at the size of the log home. The house was nothing like those she’d been accustomed to seeing in Atlanta. Although the size matched that of luxurious Georgia homes, large logs formed this one’s walls.

What an effort cutting, stripping and hauling all those logs must have been. How had they managed this large two-story home? She supposed the men had made the shingles for the steep roof, too.

A huge barn and several other buildings were near the home. Biscuits and Rowdy milled around the grounds and turned toward the wagon. Biscuits shaded his eyes as if watching them.

“That’s a beautiful home and large. How many bedrooms does it have?”

“Two downstairs, one’s for a housekeeper if we can ever afford one. The other is for older guests, say if your parents wanted to visit or when we get too old to climb the stairs. On the second floor, there are seven including ours.”

The number of rooms surprised her. “I suppose without a local hotel, you have to provide for travelers in the area. Do you have guests frequently?”

“Not since my wife died. Beg your pardon, I meant my first wife, Evie. Admit I’ve been a mite standoffish since the fire. Figure most folks won’t want to stay here bad enough to look at me in the bargain.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “Trust me, Forrest, I know how petty a few people can be, but you underestimate the largest percentage. Mrs. Norton told me you’re a fine man and a hero, so don’t you think others will feel the same way?”

He dipped his head. “No matter how they feel about my character, they won’t want to look at me. I don’t blame them. Shaving and combing my hair is a chore I’d like to avoid.”

“You could grow a beard.” She smiled.

His eyes sparkled with humor. “Pffft. On half my face? That’d look even weirder than now.”

“I’m more interested in the person than the appearance. I should explain now that I was engaged to a handsome and charming man. He left me at the altar and eloped with my bridesmaid. She had been—after my sister Julie—my best friend.”

“Ouch, that must have been a bitter pill to swallow.”

“Not as much as it should have been. What drove me out of Atlanta were the gossips. I simply couldn’t take the pitying glances or the spiteful glee from some of my so-called friends.”

“I certainly understand. Guess your bad luck was my good fortune.”

She touched his arm before she caught herself. “Oh, how nice of you to say that, Forrest. I hope you mean it.”

“I do. I’ve needed help and wanted a wife. Especially the girls need a woman to guide them but all three children need to be taught their lessons. I’ve tried but I’m so tired in the evening plus some days they’re in bed as soon as I come in and we eat. Winters I have more time indoors but chores have to be done year ’round.”

“I hope life will be better for both of us now.” And she still had a good feeling about the success of this adventure.

Congratulations again to Judy Loughman, who chose Adeline “Addie” as the heroine’s name. (In the same contest, Vanessa McBride chose Vanessa as the heroine’s name for an upcoming title.)

I hope you’ll read and enjoy SNARE HIS HEART and that you’ll love Addie and Forrest as much as I do. If so, please leave a review!

SUMMERTIME IS HERE--AND A SALE!

Summertime… and the livin’ is not so easy for me. For the past several days, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has had orange ozone alert days with warnings to stay inside if you have health problems. We can see the air, which is never a good thing. That’s how we know it’s summer in these parts.☺

As for me, I’m a fan of cool weather so this is definitely not my favorite season. I stay close to the A/C and keep ice water or cold Dr Pepper handy and my ceiling fan swirling overhead. Although I don’t enjoy the 96 degrees F we had today, I enjoy a lot of things that happen this time of year.

For instance, graduations. Matthew Rogers, the grandson of my longtime Lubbock friend, Iris Dial Rogers, has graduated from high school. How can he be old enough? Only a few years ago (or so it seems!) I was one of Iris’ bridesmaids when she married Clarence Rogers. Then, when their daughter Clarissa married, I served cake and punch at the reception—along with Darlene, another of Iris’ former bridesmaids. We each wore the brooch Iris had given us as a bridesmaid gift for being in her wedding. Time flies when you’re not looking!

For a small fee, you can harvest your
own lavender at the Lavender Festival.

I enjoy the festivals held throughout the state—probably they’re throughout the entire country but I only keep up with local events. Over the weekend near Gainesville, the Lavender Festival was a success. Not as large as the one at Blanco, Texas, it’s still a fun outing. If it continues to grow, they’ll have to increase the size of their café. The café offers lavender flavored ice cream, tea, and other foods seasoned with lavender. I have lavender-flavored peach jam for my breakfast toast. Mmmm.

Speaking of peaches, the Parker County Peach Festival will happen on July 8. Hero and I used to own a peach orchard. While I'm quite content to no longer have that responsibility, I still miss eating a peach fresh from the tree. Peaches never taste sweeter than when you pluck them, wash them, and take a bite. Washing is optional, of course, but we chose to do so. While we owned the orchard, we picked fruit early in the day and were finished by about half past nine. Peaches last longer if picked before they get too heated in the day. I also last longer if I'm inside before that time. ☺

Daughter Bea, left, and me at
one of the Parker County Peach Festivals.

I no longer traipse from vendor to vendor at the Festival, but I used to enjoy seeing each booth. I've helped with several of them. I've baked peach cobbler for one organization to sell by the bowl. Another time I helped serve peach ice cream for the church. One year, I organized the Old Fiddler’s Contest. It isn’t called that because the participants were old men or women, but the idea of fiddlers as part of a Texas county event is an old, old tradition. 

Book one of ten

By the way, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, Livia J. Washburn writes a delightful series containing peach-themed books that are set in Parker County. Livia also writes as Livia Reasoner and with Cheryl Pierson owns Prairie Rose Publications. In addition to writing under both her names, to editing and creating covers for Prairie Rose, Livia edits her husband James Reasoner's books. She has a bunch of pets and is active in family care. I don't know what she does in her spare time. ☺

Usually (in any season) I can be found indoors in my nice air-conditioned, pink-walled office sitting at the computer and keying in words like crazy. If you read this blog regularly, you are aware that I just released LORRAINE, Bride Brigade book six. Thank you to those who’ve bought this book! If you haven’t purchased it, you can do so at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725WQ6XG. (Hint, hint.)

My current project is another in Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series for Kindle Worlds, SNARE HIS HEART. Skhye Moncrief has designed the cover except for the title linking my series about ranchers within Debra’s series. The reason is I have just come up with a series name, Loving a Rancher Series.  What do you think? Does that work? I am loving this new story and will be eager to learn your reaction on July 15 when it’s released. 

SNARE YOUR HEART'S hero is scarred from his attempt to save his late wife from their burning home. His scars don't show on the cover because they're on the right side of his face and body. Because of the puckered reminders of the fire, he avoids people he fears will be shocked by his appearance, Yet, he needs a wife to care for his three children, to cook, and to clean. She will also need to teach the children because they’re too far for daily trips to and from school in Sweetwater Springs. Not a romantic start, but the heroine sorts him out by the end of the book—as you knew she would. Those spunky heroines always win their man's heart, don't they?

Amazon has a 99 cent sale during June on several of the Kindle Worlds books. You can get the entire list at http://debraholland.com/kindle-worlds.html Mine on sale are THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS and BRIDE'S ADVENTURE. You'll find them listed on Debra's website and on my Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Caroline+Clemmons While you're at my author page, please click follow. You'll be notified whenever I have a new release or there's a sale on one of my books.

I hope you'e enjoying the weather wherever you are. Thanks for stopping by today!

OUR LATEST PROJECT MEANS GREAT READING!

Each of us has projects in which we participate—whether it’s a business, civic committee, PTA, church group, or other. I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in four of Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Kindle World releases. I enjoy participating in this Kindle World and already have what I believe is a great title for the July release.

Here are March’s releases (in author’s alphabetical order):

BAILING WIRE PROMISES by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Healer Fantine Pomeroy and five children, aged five to eleven years, are the only survivors of an orphanage fire. She vows to transport them safely to another orphanage, and then she can return to her music studies. But she soon discovers the task may be more than she can handle.

Bounty hunter Pete Andrews is beaten after delivering his last bounty. Unsure if robbery or retaliation is the motive, he sets out to lay low and make a visit to his brother in Morgan’s Crossing. Unable to leave them on their own, he promises to get the woman and children safely to the next town. When he suspects his old life has followed him and threatens the group who has become dear, he vows to protect them. But, will that be enough?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Promises-Novella-Entertainers-ebook/dp/B06XP61NY8/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XP61NY8&pd_rd_r=3FFSH5XAJK2F98SHW80G&pd_rd_w=6EKYz&pd_rd_wg=d4vqk&psc=1&refRID=3FFSH5XAJK2F98SHW80G

BRIDE’S ADVENTURE by Caroline Clemmons

After a distressing visit to her brother in Oregon, Amelia Douglas returns to her friends in Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. The millinery shop she establishes is popular with area women—except for two troublemakers. When she believes her life is near perfect, a major problem arrives that requires her quick thinking.

Sean Murdoch has made up his mind that Amelia is the one for him. He tries to bide his time until she’s had time to get her business flourishing but he’s finding waiting harder and harder. When trouble arises, he lends his support to her decision.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Brides-Adventure-Novella-ebook/dp/B06XNW554S/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XNW554S&pd_rd_r=65CWQB03BYNYXKQHWV6K&pd_rd_w=NgRNE&pd_rd_wg=dnMKD&psc=1&refRID=65CWQB03BYNYXKQHWV6K 

ELOF’S MISSION by Linda Hubalek

This is a sweet historical romance set in 1886 in Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series Kindle World. Although this book stands alone, its storyline follows after NOLAN’S VOW.

Elof Lundahl, a former Fort Ellis soldier and friend of Nolan and Holly Clancy, delivers a grave marker to a Montana cemetery for Holly’s father’s grave. After this task, he plans to travel to Kansas to start a new life near friends.

Linnea Meyer, a Swedish mail-order bride, is at the same cemetery burying her husband of eight days. Now homeless, Linnea and Jamie, her six-year-old stepson, accept Elof’s offer to travel with him to Kansas.

Elof falls in love with the widow and child, but he needs a job and home before he can offer them anything. Then Jamie’s grandparents arrive unannounced, changing all three of their lives.

This is the second story in the Kindle World/Grooms With Honor series, so be sure to read the first book, NOLAN’S VOW, also. Then follow the series with ANGUS’ TRUST in July.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Mission-Kindle-Novella-ebook/dp/B06XNNJ1Z1/ref=pd_sim_351_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XNNJ1Z1&pd_rd_r=G39EG2XMVRY78Z15W32X&pd_rd_w=fHYup&pd_rd_wg=r5t8v&psc=1&refRID=G39EG2XMVRY78Z15W32X

WHAT THE HEART DESIRES by Judy Pennell

Catherine Winchester chose following the family business over saying yes to Carl Adam's proposal. Now it's a year later and she desperately wants to renew the relationship. Can she find him? And if she does, can he forgive her and do his part to build a bridge from their broken past to a bright new future?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Desires-Kindle-Novella-ebook/dp/B06XP5323B/ref=pd_sim_351_4?_encodingUTF8&pd_rd_i=BO6XP5323B&pd_rd_r=AMP8BXZV065Y0GNY15CK&pd_rd_w=2fc6Q&pd_rd_wg-DQWbT&psc=1&refRID=AMP8BXZV065Y0GNY15CK

In addition to the characters Linda Carroll-Bradd, Linda Hubalek, Judy Pennell, and I contribute, readers will find Debra Holland's characters play parts in our books.

Thank you to readers who made MURDOCH'S BRIDE an amazon bestseller! I hope you will enjoy seeing Amelia Douglas and the Murdoch family again in BRIDE'S ADVENTURE in Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory in 1887.

Let each of us know what you think of these four releases. If you enjoyed them, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. If you didn't like them, remember what your grandmother taught you. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Now that you mention it, it was my grandmother who taught me that, but I'll bet your mom and/or grandmother said the same thing to you.

Happy Reading!

NEW RELEASE -- BRIDE'S ADVENTURE!

Announcing a new release is such fun! This one is in the Montana Sky Series and is titled BRIDE’S ADVENTURE. I promise you that writing this book was difficult. My personal life while I was writing this book was proof of Murphy’s Law—“Anything that can go wrong, will”. Everything is getting all sorted now, thank goodness. I'll give away an e-copy of BRIDE'S ADVENTURE to two people who comment on this blog post.

I do hope you enjoy reading BRIDE’S ADVENTURE! Fans of Debra Holland’s books will meet numerous characters you recognize. If you've read my previous Montana Sky release, MURDOCH’S BRIDE, you’ll see my characters re-appear in this book. This story genuinely is an adventure for heroine Amelia Douglas as well as a romance. The main characters for BRIDE'S ADVENTURE, Amelia Douglas and her hero Sean Murdoch, were introduced in MURDOCH'S BRIDE. I enjoy series where you read about characters you met in another book and I hope you do, too.

WHAT IS A KINDLE WORLD?

Several people have asked what a “Kindle World” is. Amazon has numerous “Kindle Worlds” but the one in which I write is Debra Holland’s. This means that Debra Holland does not write in this world, but chose authors to take characters from her popular Montana Sky series and write a book in which Debra's characters are secondary "supporting cast" and use her locale. In this instance, I’ve set BRIDE'S ADVENTURE in Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory in 1887.

TRUE FACTS ABOUT THE SETTING

This part of the United States suffered a tragic summer of 1886 and winter of 1886-87. A terrible drought struck in 1886 that started in Texas and moved upward toward Canada. Some farming and ranching areas received only 2 inches of rain that summer. Crops, gardens, and animals as well as people suffered. Following this was the coldest winter on record. In Montana Territory, temperatures reached minus 40 degrees in some places. Animals and people froze. Even many ranchers who survived went bankrupt and were forced to move on. 

THE FUN OF FICTION

The heroic ranchers in my stories were forward thinking men who planned ahead and were able to survive. That's fortunate for them and for the heroines. ☺  

WHY NOT READ ALL OF MY KINDLE WORLD BOOKS?

This is my fourth Kindle World book in this series. The first two are AMANDA’S RANCHER and THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS, each of which was set mostly in Morgan's Crossing. The third is MURDOCH’S BRIDE, set in Sweetwater Springs. 

Skhye Moncrief designed the covers for these books.

Here’s the blurb for BRIDE’S ADVENTURE:

After a distressing visit to her brother in Oregon, Amelia Douglas returns to her friends in Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. The millinery shop she establishes is popular with area women—except for two troublemakers. When she believes her life is near perfect, trouble arrives and requires her quick thinking.

Sean Murdoch has made up his mind that Amelia is the one for him. He tries to bide his time until she’s had time to get her business flourishing but he’s finding waiting harder and harder. When a problem arises, he lends support to her surprising decision. 

Here’s an excerpt from BRIDE’S ADVENTURE:

Amelia smoothed the front of her gray traveling suit before she gathered her valise. Thank goodness the rails had been cleared of the accident and she could take the train all the way to Sweetwater Springs. Would the Murdoch family be there to meet her or would Charity or Sean come alone?

Steam hissed as the train screeched to a halt. Passengers stood and gathered their belongings. How different this arrival was than the one in February when there had been a locomotive accident in the snow followed by passenger cars burning. Remembering that time sent shivers through her body.

When Amelia stepped off the rail car, Charity hurried forward to embrace her. “You’re finally here. We were so worried when you asked me not to write you at your brother’s address. You have to explain when we get to the ranch.”

Charity held Amelia’s shoulders as she stepped back to assess her. “Amelia! I’m so happy to see you in something besides black.”

“John liked me in pastels and I decided I do too. Strange as it sounds, I feel as if I’ve come home.” She hugged Edwina Murdoch, Charity’s aunt and wife of Kevin. What confusing family relationships.

Kevin, father of the Murdoch clan, hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “About time you got back here.”

Charity’s husband, Logan, dutifully pecked her cheek. “Good to have you back. Give me the claim check and I’ll fetch your trunk.”

She held her breath when Sean Murdoch grinned and kissed her cheek. “Our adventurer returns. We’ve been curious as all get out about the goings on in Salem.” He held her a bit longer than necessary or proper.

“The story is long so I’ll wait until we’re at your home to relate my tale. You’re correct, though, I’ve had an adventure—far more than I expected.”

Many thanks to those of you who made MURDOCH’S BRIDE another Amazon Kindle World bestseller! You boosted my morale and my career. I appreciate your help more than I can express.

I’m always happy to hear from you at caroline@carolineclemmons.com. Don't forget to comment if you want to be entered for the giveaway.

NEW RELEASE, AMANDA'S RANCHER, A KINDLE WORLD NOVEL

This is my first experience with writing for a Kindle World. Mine is Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series. Another first for me, writing a book set in Montana. Writers have to keep stretching and engaging in new forms of their craft so they don’t go stale.

Raising my hand and freely admitting that this book about ate my lunch. While I love Debra Holland’s books, I had to reread her Mail-Order Brides of the West to jot down all the names and descriptions. I believe I got them true to her portrayal.

When the world is one I’ve created, I have the setting and characters firmly in my mind. While I remembered the characters from Debra’s books, that didn’t mean I could describe them. I also had to visualize the setting she’d laid out. Fortunately, one of the other authors in the world, Lou Nelson, worked with Debra and created a map. What a help!

When I saw stretching, I really stretched with AMANDA'S RANCHER. I worried so much writing this book that I about made myself sick. However, my beta readers told me it’s a great book. You can imagine my relief!

My story in this world is AMANDA’S RANCHER. Here’s the blurb:

One desperate young woman.

A chance meeting.

A life-changing outcome.

Growing up in a brothel, Mara O'Sullivan battled public disdain and contempt, but always remained kind-hearted and gracious. After testifying against vicious bank robbers, her life is threatened and Mara must find sanctuary far from everything she knows.  

One train ride changes her life as she fatefully meets a half-sister and a niece she never knew existed. But when circumstances end her sister's life, Mara makes a promise that she'll raise her niece as her own and take her sister's place as Preston Kincaid's mail-order-bride. As Mara and Preston grow closer, their marriage no longer seems like a ruse, but a relationship of love, passion, and desire.

Mara's past comes back to haunt her and she finds herself in danger—will her new husband forgive Mara's deceit and protect her as his own? 

Here’s an excerpt of AMANDA’S RANCHER:

They reached the church and Preston jumped down from the wagon and came around to help her alight. With a smile, he lifted Iris high over his head before he set her on the ground. Her giggle brought tears to Amanda’s eyes.

That was the first time she’d ever heard her daughter make the girlish sound. Iris had smiled, spoken, but never laughed until she met Preston Kincaid. For that alone, Amanda would be the best wife she knew how to be.

Inside the church, Mrs. Norton handed Amanda a bouquet of daisies secured with a white ribbon. The interior was plain with wooden benches and an altar raised one step above the rest of the floor. Although there were several windows, none had stained-glass as did the churches she’d seen in Georgia.

The minister was waiting at the front of the church and wore a black frock coat and matching string tie. His brown hair and beard were thickly streaked with gray. He stood at a simple lectern with what looked like a Bible in one hand while he conversed with another man.

Amanda was surprised only one other person besides Reverend and Mrs. Norton were in the sanctuary. She’d supposed Preston had many friends in the area and thought at least his ranch hands would attend. The second man turned and proved to be an older version of her groom who came forward to greet her.

Preston cupped her elbow. “Amanda and Iris, this is my father. Most folks call him Tom, but I call him Papa.”

Amanda smiled at the handsome man who must be around fifty. He was tall, but maybe an inch shorter than his son. Silver sprinkled the same dark hair. “May I call you Papa, too?”

He beamed his pleasure and his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d be honored. And in the absence of your father, may I walk you down the aisle?”

“Would you? I’d be ever so grateful.” She laid her hand on his arm. Nerves had set in and she needed his support or her knees might give way.

Preston said, “Iris, why don’t you stand with me while my papa walks Mama to meet us?”

Iris shook her head. “Mommy, not my old mama?”

Preston frowned. “Old mama?”

Panic sent bile into her throat that threatened to choke her. Don’t throw up on your wedding dress. “Perhaps you remember my mother recently died.”

Sympathy shone from his blue eyes. “Of course.” He took Iris’ hand in his and strode to the front.

Mrs. Norton began playing the piano. She nodded toward Amanda. Papa Kincaid gently led her up the aisle.

Walking toward her husband, Amanda was conscious of Preston’s stare, as if he could see into her mind and knew her for an impostor. Although he held Iris’ hand, the intensity of his blue gaze unnerved her. She wondered if he was disappointed or if he were as numb as she.

Thankful for the presence of her future father-in-law beside her, she tightened her hold on Mr. Kincaid’s arm.

In response, he patted her hand her where it laid on his sleeve. Without looking at her, he whispered. “Steady as you go. We’re almost there.”

Iris gave a tiny wave and Amanda couldn’t resist smiling at the child. The little girl truly was a blessing. Focusing on Iris gave Amanda a target she could face.

When they reached the front, Mrs. Norton ceased playing. Preston took the bouquet from Amanda’s hands. “Iris, would you hold this for Mommy so she and I can be married?”

Iris looked at him adoringly and reached to receive the flowers. Reverend Norton opened his Bible and began the ceremony. Preston took Amanda’s hands in his. She was conscious of his calluses, but also of the size and strength of his palms dwarfing hers.

When the minister indicated, Preston slipped a ring onto her finger. This new one belongs to me, even if my groom doesn’t know my true name.

After the ceremony, Preston brushed his lips gently against hers.

Iris clapped a hand across her mouth in surprise then said, “Mommy? That man kissed you.”

Preston knelt eye-to-eye with her. “I’m your new Daddy, remember? Mommy and I were just married and now I can kiss her whenever she says it’s okay. Do you think you can call me Daddy?”

Iris nodded. “Are you gonna kiss me too?”

He smiled broadly. “I certainly am.” He leaned forward and gave her a loud smack on the cheek.

The child giggled. Twice in one day this kind man had made Iris happy. Amanda owed Preston all her wifely devotion.

Buy Link for AMANDA'S RANCHER is http://amzn.com/B01BL0HKPK

I hope you'll give AMANDA'S RANCHER a read and let me know how you like it at caroline at carolineclemmons dot com. If you do like it, please leave a review on Amazon! Positive reviews are so helpful to authors. Many venues won't let us promote our books unless we have a certain number of 4 and 5 star review.

ROMANCE NOVEL HEAT LEVELS

I write all heat level except erotica. I think whether or not the couple has sex depends on the characters and their situation but some readers don’t understand the difference in the ratings. Please let me explain the way I see these ratings.

 Sweet – This involves no touching below the neck except the arms and hands. I have written sweet novels over the years. More of them later than earlier. A great author to read for sweet romance novels is Debra Holland and her Montana Sky series and Mail Order Brides of the West series. Another, if you like humor, is Kirsten Osbourne. My sweet novels are O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE, WINTER BRIDE, STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS (novella), TABITHA’S JOURNEY (novella), LONG WAY HOME (novella), STONE MOUNTAIN REUNION (a short story) and the contemporaries HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME and mysteries DEATH IN THE GARDEN and ALMOST HOME. One of my favorite sweet with a hard edge series is the 1947 serial WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED by Geri Foster. This is superb writing that keeps me hooked on every line. I feel as if I know these characters personally.

Sensual – Many of my novels fall into this category. There’s consummated sex but it’s not of the super-steamy variety. Those include GABE KINCAID, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME (novella), THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, OUT OF THE BLUE (time travel), MAIL ORDER PROMISE (in the duet MAIL-ORDER TANGLE with Jacquie Rogers) and the contemporary BE MY GUEST. In fact, some of sex scenes are between a hero and heroine who are married. Those would be BRAZOS BRIDE (now free), THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE (now free), THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, BLUEBONNET BRIDE, McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE, and THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE. If you like sensual novels, you’ll enjoy reading books by Cynthia Woolf, Callie Hutton, Jacquie Rogers, and Sylvia McDaniel.

Steamy – Involves more graphic sexual terms and longer sex scenes. I’m not sure I’ve written any novels in the steamy category, but if I have it’s the contemporary SNOWFIRES.  Someone who does steamy extremely well is Anna Jeffrey. Her THE TYCOON and THE CATTLEMAN will leave you breathless. I can hardly wait until she releases the third in the Sons of Texas series, THE HORSEMAN. In the meantime, you can preorder her super steamy DESIRED for only 99 cents.

Erotica --  Graphic and may include BDSM. One I’ve read that was well-written was by Sylvia Day. Other well known authors are E. L. James and Desiree Holt. I haven’t written anything in this genre.  

Every reader has specific expectations from a novel. Whatever you want from your time spent reading, there’s a romance novel waiting to take you on an exciting adventure with a happily ever after ending.

YOU'RE INVITED TO MY PARTY!

Yay! Thursday’s a big, big, big day for me. My latest release, McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE, book three of the McClintock series, went live yesterday. The Facebook Launch Party is Thursday, July 16th,  from 7:00 until 10:00 pm EST. This is a big party with super great guests and prizes all evening.

Here's the schedule in EST:

7:00 – 7:05 I’ll welcome everyone.

7:05 – 7:30 Cynthia Woolf, author of recently released MAIL ORDER BARON in her Brides of Tombstone Series, will kick off the evening.

7:30 – 8:00 Jacquie Rogers, author of another of her Owyhee Series, MUCH ADO ABOUT MUSTANGS, will jump in.

8:00 – 8:30 Callie Hutton on Tuesday launched THE HIGHLANDER’S CHOICE in her Marriage Mart Mayhem Series and will stop by.

8:30 – 9:00 Debra Holland, whose next Mail Order Brides of the West Series, PRUDENCE, will be released August 18 (and is available for preorder), will join us.

9:00 – 9:30 Hildie McQueen, author of BEAUTY AND THE HIGHLANDER, Moriag Series Book One, will help celebrate.

9:30 – 10:00 Caroline Clemmons -- I’ll wind up the evening and announce the Grand Prize winner of a $25 gift card. 

Sara Benedict of Your Elemental Solutions will be hosting and helping out with the pesky behind the scenes stuff.

Here’s the link: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1026510107373989/  

I hope you’ll attend! WooHoo, what a line-up!

After I revealed my cover, I had an attack of nerves and had a second cover designed by Skhye Moncrief. Here’s the new cover:

I love the new cover. What do you think?

If you’re as eager to read the book as I was to write about Nettie and Josh, here are the links to purchase McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE.

Amazon US     AmazonUK    Amazon Canada   Amazon Germany  Amazon Australia

Kobo and, if not already, soon will be available at Nook, Google Play, and Apple  

McCLINTOCK'S RELUCTANT BRIDE is also available in print from Amazon and Create Space and will soon be available from Barnes and Noble.

I’m excited and can’t wait to see who shows up to receive prizes and participate in the event. 

Hope to see you there!