By Caroline Clemmons
Do
you need something cheerful and uplifting to read? If so, grab your copy of the sweet historical western romance, MURDOCH’S BRIDE, while it’s on sale for 99¢ from May 12th - 16th. Books
can educate and entertain. They can transport you to distant lands and other times.
Books may make us laugh or cry or have us checking under the bed to be certain
no one is hiding there.
Personally,
I prefer a happily-ever-after ending in my reading (and writing). No matter the
obstacle, I want everything to turn out well for the hero and heroine. That’s
why I read and write historical and contemporary romance—and sometimes a time
travel or cozy myster.
A
book I especially enjoyed writing was MURDOCH’S BRIDE. I had a relative like
the aunt in this book. You probably have, too. Charity lives up to her name in
the way she treats her cantankerous aunt.
MURDOCJ’S
BRIDE and the others in the
Loving a Rancher Series were first published in
Debra Holland’s Kindle World. When Amazon cancelled that program, I changed the
supporting character names from Debra’s to mine and republished the books.
Working with Debra was very pleasant, and I hated that Amazon discontinued that
program.
Here’s a bit about MURDOCH’S BRIDE:
Stranded in the snow…
Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edwina from New
York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and several passenger cars burn.
Sweetwater Springs doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to
townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edwina. That
also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until
the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they
to do?
Logan Murdoch and his brother came to Sweetwater Springs to
restock before the next storm arrives. Against Logan’s better judgment, the
sheriff convinces him to take three “innocent, stranded women” to Murdoch
Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, a woman hasn’t set foot in the
Murdoch home in the twenty years since Logan’s mother abandoned them. He
doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted visitors.
Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that
unfold. How could this have happened?
Snowstorms can be beautiful, but deadly
As if being stranded in the snow with a griping aunt isn’t
bad enough, Charity hates that she is powerless and trapped in place. She and
Logan spar from the first time they met.
Here’s an excerpt:
The Murdoch men came inside as Charity came
down the stairs from fetching a clean handkerchief for her aunt.
Logan said, “Ornery old cow.”
Charity gave Edwina her hanky and stomped
toward him. “Mr. Murdoch, may I speak to you privately?”
Surprise showed on his face. “Uh, sure. Guess
we can go into the office.”
He led the way to a room she hadn’t seen,
obviously where the ranch records were kept. “Will this do, Miss Kelso?”
She closed the door behind them. “Logan
Murdoch, you have your nerve calling my aunt names. For your information, she’s
had a horrible life and no one, not her selfish parents, not her cheating
husband, not even her only son ever loved her. And, that includes my father,
who’s her younger brother.”
He stood looking poleaxed. “I never said—”
She stabbed at his chest with her forefinger.
“I heard what you said. You called her an ornery old cow. She may be difficult
sometimes, but if you knew everything about her you’d understand and be patient
and forgiving. You can make fun of me all you want, emphasizing that I’m Miss
and not Mrs., but you treat her with the respect someone her age deserves.”
He moved her hand away from his chest and
leaned into her face. “You might try practicing some of the charity you’re
named for and at least give me a chance to defend myself. I was talking about
our cow. In case you haven’t noticed, I have milk all over my legs and boots
because she knocked against the pail.”
Heat rushed to Charity’s cheeks. She stepped
back. “Oh.”
He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s a
good comeback, Miss Kelso.”
She sensed a blush’s heat spreading across her
face and neck. “Once again, I must ask your pardon.”
“When you’re angry, sparks fly from those big
blue eyes. Reckon I’m lucky I wasn’t set on fire.” He closed the short distance
between them and he brushed a hand gently along her cheek.
She knew he was going to kiss her but stood
frozen in place. He tilted her head up to meet his and pressed his lips on
hers. She thought he would withdraw then, but his arms were around her, pulling
her closer. As if they had minds of their own, her arms encircled him.
When they broke apart, he stared at her with a
horrified expression. “Damn.”
With the realization she’d cooperated in the
kiss and even enjoyed it, horror shot through her. “My stars.”
She took a deep breath and left the office.
You can find MURDOCH’S BRIDE
here: https://www.amazon.com/Murdochs-Bride-Loving-Rancher-Book-ebook/dp/B07G2JY77F/
Ornery cow.
Stay safe and keep reading!
