ROMANCE AMID OLD WEST ADVENTURE!

 By Caroline Clemmons

My three historical western romance books in the hugely popular Pinkerton Matchmaker Series are AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA, AN AGENT FOR LYDIA, and AN AGENT FOR JUDITH. I can’t thin k of another series that has sustained the interest of readers for this length of time.

Christine Sterling conceived the series parameters and wrote several of the books. Multiple other authors signed up for release dates and revealed the names of the hero and heroine their story included. Now Barr26 has acquired publishing rights for the series and is in the process of turning each book into an audio version. Although the links below are for Amazon, Barr26 has also made the series available at multiple stores. 

Each of these books features an adventure, mystery, and romance. Research for these three broadened my knowledge of the time period and locations. Writing them turned into an enjoyable experience. Including mystery and adventure in my books is something I love. I hope readers do!

Let me share the three selections I contributed to this popular series. First is AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA. 

The heroine is from the fictional western European contry of Bayergrovenia. I also used that country in SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME. Bayergrovenia is politically neutral like the Swiss. The small country is snuggled between France, Switzerland, and Germany. Magdala and her parents recently emigrated to Washington, D.C. She craves adventure, but she might have gone too far in traveling to Denver to become a Pinkerton agent. Douglas Ryan has been nicknamed “Cloud” by his colleagues because of the startling color of his blue eyes, which some think remind them of the sky on a cloudy day. Cloud loves his job as a Pinkerton agent enough that he will tolerate (under protest) being paired with a woman. He resents his boss requiring he work with a woman—even one as beautiful as Magdala. Cloud and Magdala are sent to San Antonio, Texas, to capture jewel thieves plaguing the Menger Hotel. Can they work together well enough to protect themselves and catch the thieves?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=an+agent+for+magdala&i=stripbooks&crid=3B08JKLHVTVFP&sprefix=an+agent+for+magdala%2Cstripbooks%2C95&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

When Lydia Wood is left at the altar, she believes something beyond her groom’s control happened. Two years with no word hardens her heart. She decides to become a Pinkerton agent and discover what fascinated her lost groom. Pinkerton agent Jake Hunter has finally recovered from injuries that put him in a coma the day he planned to marry. He realizes that if Lydia had been with him, she would have been injured or killed. To protect the one person who means the world to him, he decides to keep his distance from her. As Pinkerton agents, the two are paired to find a gang of dangerous robbers on the run. Lydia and Jake must work together to survive.

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=an+agent+for+lydia&i=stripbooks&crid=2OCQ7ODZPZQHA&sprefix=an+agent+for+lydia%2Cstripbooks%2C101&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

 

Judith McAdams is determined to rescue her brother in New Mexico. In his last letter he wrote that his neighbor wanted his ranch because of the water. She decides the best way for success is to become a Pinkerton agent. Peyton Knight values his job as a Pinkerton agent enough to enter a marriage of convenience with Judith. The woman who raised Judith and her brother insists on tagging along. The group encounters a community terrorized and filled with corruption.

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=an+agent+for+judith&i=stripbooks&crid=1EKKFQHCYZCI&sprefix=an+agent+for+judith%2Cstripbooks%2C96&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

As you can see above, both Magdala a d Judith have thick, dark red hair. I confess that I've wish for that kind of hair most of my life. I even tried dying it once.  Sigh. It's just not the same. 

If you haven’t read these exciting book, why not choose them now? Travel with Magdala, Lydia, and Judith to the Old West where adventure awaits you.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LADY PINKERTONS

 By Caroline Clemmons

 One of the most popular historical western romance series ever is the Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, conceived by the very clever Christine Sterling. The beautiful covers were designed by the late Virginia McKevitt. We were so sad when she passed away earlier this year. Authors lost a kind and generous friend.

When the series became affiliated with Barr26 Publishing, who plan to eventually produce an audio version of each book, the covers had to be changed. I hated to lose my lovely covers designed by Virginia. However, I’m happy to say those provided by Barr26 Publishing were as lovely as the originals.

The first I wrote was AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA, book 28. 4.7 stars. Writing is always hard work, mentally and physically, but I especially loved writing this story. I was able to use two of my favorite locations for the story—Santa Fe, New Mexico, and San Antonio, Texas. Each of those towns is very old and is unique. They were there before the Spanish claimed the land. Our family loves including them on a vacation. Even though they obviously have changed since the Spanish conquistadors, they are still unique. In San Antonio, the Menger Hotel is still a luxury hotel after close to 175 years, refurbished and expanded numerous times over the its reign. Our youngest daughter stayed there during an educator’s conference. The hotel is reported to be haunted, and she was disappointed that she didn’t have a ghostly encounter.

Magdala is ready to add adventure to her life when she learns the Denver Pinkerton office is accepting women as agents. She’s shocked—but not deterred—to learn she has to marry another agent to achiever her goal. She weds Cloud Ryan with the intention of getting an annulment once they’ve captured the jewel thieves plaguing the Menger Hotel. They face grave danger in solving the case.

Get your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Magdala-Pinkerton-Matchmaker/dp/1088427979/

 Years ago, our family drove through the harsh and desolate and strangely beautiful area known as “the badlands.” Seeing it made it easy to understand how criminals could hide there. AN AGENT FOR LYDIA, book 43, 4.6 stars, leads the couple to these badlands, where the agents come close to losing their lives while escaping with people they’ve rescued.

Backing up, Lydia Wood was left at the altar by Pinkerton agent Jake Hunter. She had no idea he was attacked and severely beaten and his identification stolen. In fact, he lies in a coma in the hospital. When he recovers consciousness, he realizes that if Lydia had been with him she might have been killed. She’s the most important person in his life. To protect her, he goes back to Denver without contacting her. Lydia is not willing to give up easily and determines to see what it is about being a Pinkerton agent that is so all-consuming.

Get your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Lydia-Pinkerton-Matchmakers-Book-ebook/dp/B0CPQBGP7H/

 

By now, you know I love the Southwest. The state of New Mexico has desert and gorgeous mountains. The state motto of “Land of Enchantment” is easy to understand—especially if you watch the sunsets. Fortunately for Judith McAdams, AN AGENT FOR JUDITH, book 58, 4.6 stars, the search for her brother takes place in one of the loveliest areas. Having Pinkerton agent Peyton Knight and his men accompany her is reassuring, even though she had to enter a marriage of convenience with Peyton. The woman who raised Judith and her brother insists on coming along on the trip, too. The group is in for danger even before they contend with a vicious rancher holding her brother prisoner.

Get your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Judith-Pinkerton-Matchmakers-Book-ebook/dp/B0CQ5M96ZY/

 

I hope if you haven’t read these books, you will. Relax and take an exciting trip back to the Old West. I believe you will enjoy these books as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading!

 

AN AGENT FOR JUDITH! #newrelease #CarolinClemmons

That’s correct—today is release day for AN AGENT FOR JUDITH, Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, book 79. I love this series and hope you do, too. This one is set in an area to which my husband and I love traveling, northern New Mexico.

Here’s the blurb for AN AGENT FOR JUDITH:

Judith McAdams has vowed to rescue her brother. Peyton Knight is determined to protect his group. Together they must outwit a cruel and powerful man.

Judith’s brother in New Mexico hasn’t been heard from since a letter saying he was being bedeviled by a neighbor who wanted his ranch. Judith wires the marshal to check on her brother. When he refuses, she goes to the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Denver. There she learns that as a civilian she can’t accompany a Pinkerton agent on a case. However, if she marries a Pinkerton agent she can become an agent.

Peyton values his job as a Pinkerton agent and is good at being a lawman. To keep the job he reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Judith. Together they will go to her brother’s rescue. Peyton is impressed with the beautiful and spirited redhead—if only she would admit he knows best. He even admires his mother-in-law but how did he end up with her on their trip? At least he’s found three men he trusts to help him rescue the brother.

Their journey is filled with obstacles. Will Judith’s brother still be alive by the time they reach him? When they resolve the ranch issue, will Judith and Peyton part ways?

AN AGENT FOR JUDITH is a sweet western historical romance.

The Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Judith. 

For those afraid of shortened links, the Amazon link is https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Judith-Pinkerton-Matchmaker-Book-ebook/dp/B088HCL5WP/

Excerpt

Judith sat with hands folded in her lap in what she hoped appeared a patient pose. Inside she wanted to rail at the man to hurry. Her brother could be injured and dying as she sat here. She believed Josiah was still alive because she was certain she’d know in her heart if he had passed away.

Finally, Mr. Gordon pushed aside the papers. “What is it you want us to do, Miss McAdams?”

“I want to hire one of your agents to accompany me to the ranch and see what’s happened to my brother. If this bully of a neighbor is creating trouble, I want him arrested.”

“Accompany you?” He shook his head. “Sorry, but we don’t allow civilians on our cases, Miss McAdams.”

“I’m the client, Mr. Gordon. My brother is my only living relative and I insist on going with whomever you send. I assure you I’m quite competent in hunting with gun and bow and can even throw knives with precision. I’ve spent time camping and know how to track as well as any Indian or scout.”

“Hmm. In that case, you should become an agent and marry him. I won’t have a man and woman traveling together in conditions that would ruin your name or put you in danger. The marriage is a paper one that you can have annulled after the case if you wish.”

Good thing she was sitting because that knocked the floor from under her. She was glad she hadn’t mentioned Abigail yet. She sorted her thoughts before replying.

“Becoming an investigator does appeal to me. I believe I have the skills needed to be a good agent.” She shook her head. “But, marriage to a stranger? I’m not sure.”

Mr. Gordon rested his hands on the desk and met her gaze. “Those are my conditions.”

She rose and paced back and forth in front of his desk. “It would only be on paper? You’re sure I can get an annulment?”

 “I am. The official who performs the wedding grants the annulments for those who wish them. I might add that most choose to remain married.”

“Hmph, I can assure you that I won’t.” She resumed her seat. “All right, I seem to have no choice but to agree to your conditions. Who is this agent you wish me to marry? I hope he’s your very best investigator and quite strong.”

Mr. Gordon signaled to someone behind her. “Send in Peyton Knight.”

Soon a handsome man strolled into the room. He was above average in height—likely several inches over six feet—with dark hair and blue eyes. His wide shoulders gave the appearance of strength in spite of his trim waist.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Have a seat. Miss Judith McAdams, may I introduce Peyton Knight? Peyton, Miss McAdams has come to hire us to help rescue her brother in New Mexico Territory.”

Peyton nodded to her and took a seat. “What part of the state and what kind of trouble is he having?”

Archie slid the letters into a large envelope. “I’ll let her tell you after your wedding.”

Peyton jumped to his feet. “What! Archie, I told you I don’t want to get married right now.”

He looked at her. “No offense intended, Miss McAdams. When I do marry, I’ll choose who I wed.”

The director sent him a stern stare. “Calm down. You know this will be a marriage on paper only, and your bride will be going along as your partner. If you plan to continue as a Pinkerton agent, that is.”

Peyton stabbed a finger at him. “You know danged well I do. You also know I don’t want a woman partner to babysit while I’m on a case.”

Judith stood up. “Babysit? I’ll be the one babysitting. I can out shoot, out hunt, and out track you any day. No one has to babysit me. In addition to going as an agent, I’m also the client. So, if I agree to marry you—a big if—then you’ll be working for me, understand?”

He tapped his chest. “I work for Pinkerton Detective Agency and I take my orders from Archie Gordon, not some prissy redhead.”

Archie put two fingers to his lips and whistled. “Stop this. You can continue this discussion after the wedding while you’re on the way to New Mexico. Right now, Peyton, go pack your gear. You’ll be going as a wealthy man looking to buy a ranch. Get outfitted as such.”

Peyton glared at his boss then stomped from the room, muttering under his breath.

I hope your interest is piqued. I love this story and hope you will, too!

I'll be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to someone who comments today. Be sure and leave your email in case you're the winner.

SNEAK PEEKS!

By Caroline Clemmons

This is an exciting time in my writing. I have many projects in the works and want to share a few with you. The rest of 2020 is filled with book launches and 2021 has numerous titles already scheduled. Of course, as well as being available in e-book and in print, all my titles are free in Kindle Unlimited.

The closest release will be at the end of next week on the 19^th when I publish AN AGENT FOR JUDITH, book 79 in The Pinkerton Matchmaker Series. In fact, you can preorder this one now and it will show up on your e-reader magically on release day. AN AGENT FOR JUDITH required a lot of research but I enjoyed it. Hero and I love northern New Mexico. Writing about the area was hard work, but also a pleasure. Virginia McKevitt did the cover for this title. I wish my hair were like the model's. I wouldn't mind looking like her either. In case you want to preorder AN AGENT FOR JUDITH, click https://mybook.to/Judith 

July 1-July 31 is Christmas in July, sponsored by Cheryl Wright. She’s an Australian author who writes the Old West as well as if she had lived there. She’s also an incredibly nice person. She’s rounded up a slew of bargains for your summer reading.

On July 7 DESPERATE IN DELAWARE, book 11 in the Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Series, will be released. This is a column in the tradition of an early Dear Abby column. People write in and The Lovelorn offers advice. Mina Stapleton goes west to visit her cousin and, hopefully, meet a husband. Austin is glad to have a wife, but his legal battle against his neighbor keeps him on edge. Winning against the neighbor is the only way to save his cattle and his ranch. DESPERATE IN DELAWARE is now available for preorder at https://mybook.to/Mina.

August 4 is the date a Secret Project will release… shhhh, it’s a surprise for later!

August 18 will be the release date for LOUISIANA BRIDE, book 12 in the North and South Series. This book takes place in 1862. While the Civil War rages, people still find romance. Phoebe Boudreaux and two of her friends aid Captain Cody Claiborn's escape before he’s sent to a Union prison. How could bringing food to those who need it be criminal? Although he willingly goes with them, he lectures them on the dangers of treason for their part in his escape. But, can they get him to safety and then to his ship before they're caught?

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE, Golden Legacy Series, will release September 18. That puts the callous descendant of a pirate in the clutches of a desperate widow close to losing her ranch. Charlotte Dunn surprises herself when she finds an injured man who appears to have amnesia. A woman will concoct quite a story when faced with losing her livelihood and the ranch her late husband worked so hard to found. With a case of amnesia, Brett Craig has no choice but to believe the lovely widow and her children. After her stern lecture that this is the only time they can lie, her stepchildren help her trick this man into helping them. His soft hands soon have blisters. Is he on the way to being reformed?

There are more releases coming your way. If you haven't followed me on BookBub, please do so. You'll be notified when I have a new release. Here's the link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caroline-clemmons

Keep reading!