WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT COLD WEATHER?

 

By Caroline Clemmons

Brrrr. I've brought out the sweaters and sweatshirts, because winter is definitely here. I was thinking how grateful I am for our furnace and the thermostat to control it. That reminded me that in the time period I write most often, people were not so lucky. I suppose those who used coal were more fortunate than those who had to chop wood. But coal wasn’t always available. When I wrote O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE, I learned facts about coal mining’s history in Texas and elsewhere.

Finn O’Neill is an honorable man who has spent his life trapped by circumstances beyond his control. Through his sister’s marriage to Dallas McClintock in THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, Finn and his family finally experience good fortune.  Finn dreams of a life in partnership with Dallas raising horses. To achieve the dream, he must purchase land. Problem is, he has no money other than the generous salary paid him by his brother-in-law.

Stella Grace Clayton is a loving daughter and school teacher also trapped in a life she hates. No, she doesn’t hate teaching, just that her family lives in a coal town. Knowing her father won’t live a full life as a coal miner, she dreams of a better life for her and for her family. What’s more, she’s determined her younger brother will not be forced into that life. Nor does she want her sister or herself faced with only miners from which to choose a husband—but so far mine workers are the only men they meet.

How do two people from two diverse backgrounds meet? Thank you for asking. ☺

Here’s the blurb for this romantic mystery:

Finn O’Neill longs for his own ranch, his own horses, his own home and family but thought the lofty dream beyond him. Now the opportunity has arisen but to achieve his dream, he bargains with Grandpa McClintock and his nephew to pose as a miner and seek out the person or persons causing disasters at the Farland Coal Mine.

Stella Clayton has witnessed the heartbreak and tragedy of a coal miner’s life. Her family came from England to the promise of a better life only to find the same hardships. She is determined that her young brother will never follow in their father’s footsteps. And she vows she will never marry a man who engaged in that work. She fights to resist charms of the handsome Irishman who’s recently come to work in Lignite, Texas.

When Finn arrives in Lignite, he immediately falls for the beautiful schoolteacher, Stella Clayton. But her father is one of the men suspected of causing destruction. What Finn discovers soon puts him and members of the Clayton family in peril. Can he salvage his dream, fulfill his promise, and protect the woman he loves and her family?

 

O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE is available in e-book and print at https://www.amazon.com/ONeills-Texas-Bride-McClintocks-Book-ebook/dp/B00XM684LQ/ It’s free at Kindle Unlimited.

And here’s an excerpt as Finn and the men on his team are leaving the mine:

Aleski clapped Finn on the back. “You still unwilling to play cards with me?”

“Right you are. Mining is the only stupid thing I do.”

Aleski laughed, as did the other three.

Jose Garza said, “You’re a smart man, O’Neill. The Pole, he will take your money if you let him.”

Aleski said, “Aw, it’s only the scrip. Worthless anyway.”

Ulys Young nudged Aleski. “Not as much as you have. Most of us have lost a part of our pay to you at one time or another.”

Aleski frowned. “You saying I cheat?”

Ulys held out a hand to signal protest. “As good a player as you has no need.”

The Pole’s frown disappeared. “This is what I always say. Everyone is good at something. I’m good at cards. They speak to me.”

“Talking cards? What do they say?” Finn asked with a smile.

“You know that is not what I meant, but they do say ‘there is the ace’ or ‘that man has the king.’ Then I know how to manage my cards.”

“Sure and I’ve known others with that ability, but I don’t have it meself.” Finn wasn’t convinced Aleski didn’t cheat. He won too often for the odds. Still, he might really be smart enough to keep track of the cards played and figure out who had what left in his hand. Was he also clever enough to stage “accidents” without detection?  

Council, Ivan, and Ulys [the married men] split off and walked toward the houses while Jose, Aleski, and Finn [single men] headed for the longhouse.

“I play the Solitaire,” Jose said. “Then even when I lose, I keep my pay.”

“Smart.” Finn said. “By now I’m so tired my brain is mush. Think I’ll take a walk after supper and then turn in.”

They reached the metal tubs and pump for washing up before they went inside to dine.

“Sí, tonight I am especially tired. I tried to keep up with you and Señor Clayton. You two will kill me, but we are sure to win the bonus this month.”

“More scrip to waste at the store.” Finn filled his plate with watery stew and took a chunk of thick bread.

Jose stayed beside him. “No, didn’t you know the bonus is real money? If we win, I will give a part of my salary to the boy who fell and broke his leg. He will be far behind by the time he can work again.”

Finn couldn’t hide his surprise. “Surely Farland will pay for all his care since he works and lives here.”

Aleski laughed as they found seats at the long table. “Are you crazy? Farland will charge him for his stay at the hospital, the doctor’s fees, nursing fee, and every meal he eats. He’ll never get it all repaid.”

Anger shot through Finn. “That’s downright underhanded and makes me plenty mad. I’ll donate some o’ my pay also. And we will win the bonus.”

The Pole nodded and forked up a bite of potato. “I believe so. I’ll keep any cash but I’ll donate my other winnings. After all, some belonged to the boy before he fell.”

“That’s good o’ you both. Mayhap I’ll take up a collection among the single men. Those who are married need every piece o’ worthless pay they can get.”

 

Stay safe and keep reading!