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I dipped my brush into a puddle of blue paint and added depth to the shadows cast by the moon. “Could Mason love me with more depth than I put in my paintings?” Careful not to over-exert myself, I set my brush aside and changed into pajamas.
As I grabbed a small water from my mini-fridge, the door creaked open, and I jumped. Dad stood in the doorway; his brow furrowed with concern. His eyes flickered over my painting before meeting mine, as if he could read my thoughts.
“You’ve been painting a lot of dark landscapes lately,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I sighed, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip of water. “I’m fine, Dad. Really.”
“Your medication…” he started.
“Already took it.”
“Sweetheart,” —his frown deepened even as he used the nickname only he was allowed to call me— “I just want you to be safe.”
“I know, Dad. But I can’t live like this forever.”
“What do you mean?” His voice was strained. He didn’t want to offend me, but I could tell he was worried.
“Living under your watchful eye,” I said, my voice barely audible. “I want to move out. You and Mom were my age when you bought your own place.”
“Absolutely not!” His face paled. “You need someone to take care of you. What if you have a seizure when you’re alone?” Then he pointed to my trembling hand at my side. “See, someone’s gotta keep an eye on you!”
“I need some independence. I need to try and live as normal a life as possible,” I replied, hiding my hand.
He paced the room, hands clenched into fists. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you, Jessica. You’re all I have left.”
“Nothing will happen,” I mumbled, trying to quell my own fears about living on my own. “I’ll be careful. And besides, you’ve taught me how to manage it, right?”
“Right.”
“Then trust me, Dad.” My heart ached as I saw the worry etched in his face.
“Okay,” he finally said, though I could tell it pained him. “We can talk about it more later. But for now, promise me you’ll always be careful.”
“I promise.”
“Oh, and you left this downstairs.” He handed me the journal.
“Thanks.” I took it and set it on top of the stack of notebooks on my desk. Dad kissed my forehead and left the room.
Ash is the newest book in the Guns for Hire series.
An outlaw looking for a fresh start.
A schoolteacher who might hold the key to the entire town’s salvation.
Ash “Shotgun” McCrae can never make up for all the wrong he’s done. After leaving a notorious outlaw gang, he thought he’d discovered the peaceful existence he’d been looking for when he found work laying tracks for the railroad in Rivers Bend. Yet, when trouble shows up in town, he fears he may never free himself from the burden of his past.
Schoolteacher Kate Cummings stands as the one bright light in contrast to the curious looks and behind-the-glove whispers blowing through the town. The arrival of Padraic “Patch” Rooney and his gang challenges the small-town serenity she holds dear. Still, her steadfast trust in Ash awakens the strength of courage within them all, giving rise to the collective defiance against the approaching danger.
In a deadly game of dangerous outlaws and secret schemes, Kate and Ash must decide whether they are willing to risk everything for their love, including their lives.
Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.
A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.
When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate.
After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home.
By Caroline Clemmons
Occasionally, I send a newsletter to my subscribers. The news also includes a contest, sometimes a recipe, and often information on books by my friends.
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The title comes from that old saying, "Happy is the bride the sun shines on." Hero and I were married in the evening, and there was a full moon. It was a magical night!
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Heather was taking a math test when Mr. Scarlett, the vice principal, called her out in the hall to ask if she knew where Julie was. He was unusually stern.
“She has Phys Ed this period,” Heather said. Shouldn’t he know that?
“She’s not in class,” Mr. Scarlett said. “She wasn’t in Computer Applications first period, either. Your mother says she didn’t stay home sick.”
“No, she left before I did,” Heather said. She was mystified, and as the situation sank in, she experienced the first shudder of real fear. Julie liked school, and she would never cut classes. Their parents would kill them if they even thought of such a thing. They were not overly strict, but they were firm in their expectations that their daughters would always do the right thing.
She dug her cell phone, silenced during class, out of her purse, and dialed her sister’s number. It rang four times and went to voicemail. “It’s me,” she said. “Where are you? Call when you get this.”