READY FOR ADVENTURE?

What kind of romance stories do you enjoy? I like stories that have a good romance but also something to put the main characters in jeopardy. I don’t want anything too bad to happen to them, but there has to be the chance of perilous circumstances.

BRIDE’S ADVENTURE, Loving A Rancher book 4, is one of my favorite of my stories. Amelia Douglas is daring and intelligent. Readers were introduced to her in MURDOCH’S BRIDE, in which she was one of the stranded travelers on the Murdoch ranch near Cottonwood Springs, Montana.

After the death of her husband in Chicago, Amelia’s in-laws with whom she and her husband had lived asked her to leave immediately. Fortunately, her brother Charlie in Oregon tells her to come there and stay with him. Being stranded in a snowstorm en route was an adventure, but nothing like she finds when she gets to Salem, Oregon.

After a couple of daring stunts, Amelia realizes she is pushing her luck and endangering her brother, so she returns to Cottonwood Springs. The adventure doesn’t end there, though.

This book was one of Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series for Kindle World. Now that Amazon has deleted the Kindle World program, the rights have reverted to me. If you haven’t read this book, I hope you’ll order it. It's available as an e-book and in print and is also in KU.

If you read it previously, please leave a review. When Amazon deleted the Kindle World program, they also deleted all the reviews.

The universal Amazon buy link is http://getbook.at/adventure

Here’s an excerpt of BRIDE’S ADVENTURE:

A silvery-gray sky greeted Amelia when she left the train in Salem. She spotted her brother’s tall form and hair the same blond shade as her own. She waved and a big smile split his face as he hurried toward her. Charlie looked good until he was closer and she became aware of lines furrowing his forehead and at the corners of his blue eyes.

His hug lifted her off her feet. “You look even prettier than I remembered.”

She laughed with joy and the relief of seeing him again, “You’re as silver-tongued as ever. I’m so glad to see you. Even though I’m a Douglas now, we’re all that’s left of the Baxter family and I want us to always remain close.”

“We will, Sis.” He squeezed her shoulders and gestured to a man beside him. “This is Tony Ward. He and I work together and share a house, but there’s plenty of room for you. Tony, this is my sister, Mrs. Amelia Douglas.”

The handsome man was tall and well-dressed. His dark hair and brown eyes were a contrast to her brother as he bowed slightly. “My pleasure, Mrs. Douglas. Charlie has spoken of you often.” His accent reminded her of Chicago, but not quite—maybe further east.

She linked her arm with that of her brother. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Ward. I’m excited to finally be here.”

The man nodded at the valise she’d set at her feet. “If you give me your check, I’ll get the rest of your luggage.”

She fished the claim ticket from her purse. “How kind of you, Mr. Ward. Mine is a brown trunk. While you do that, I need to send a wire.”

As his friend claimed her trunk, Charlie stuck by her side to the telegraph operator’s desk. She sent a telegram to Charity letting her know she’d arrived.

Her brother glanced over his shoulder at Tony. “Play along with whatever I say and don’t divulge any details of your plans. Tony’s always watching and listening but I’ll try to explain later.”

Her breath caught as a vice clamped around her chest. Her earlier fears were justified. A dozen questions popped into her mind, but Charlie’s expression silenced her.

He kissed her cheek and whispered. “Don’t be afraid, only extra cautious and act naïve.”

Hardly reassured, she wondered what had happened to her brother. Whatever the problem, it involved Mr. Ward. She forced a smile for the man as he and a porter approached with her trunk on a cart.

HERO'S PROSPERITY THEORY + FALL INTO CASH

Hero and I grew up in Lubbock in West Texas. His grandparents had a country store at a crossroads south of Lubbock. Now it might be called a convenience store, but that wasn’t what it was then.

Theirs was the grocery store for those not prosperous enough to drive into Lubbock or who didn’t want to invest the time. They had a meat counter and canned goods. I’m not sure how much fresh produce they had, but I know some was offered. Hero’s grandparents had a peach orchard beside the store. They sold gasoline also, not like the mega-stations today, but with only two pumps.

This type of grocery store didn’t have air-conditioning, so the building was warm in summer. Usually a couple of large fans turned to keep the air moving and help with West Texas’ summer heat. Fans made the store bearable but didn’t help chocolate, which got a funny white look on top even though it wasn’t melted. In summer, these stores usually stuck with several peanut products, Payday candy bars, Big Hunk candy bars, jawbreakers, etc., and Hero’s favorite—the peanut patty.

I don’t know if peanut patties are sold nation-wide or if it’s a Texas thing. If you’ve never had one, let me describe them for you. They are usually round, though some come in state shapes. The raw (shelled but unroasted) peanuts are poured into a red-colored candy then into molds.

Don’t confuse a peanut patty with peanut brittle. Different thing. Also not a praline. The candy is not as hard as brittle or as soft as a praline. Peanut patties have a one-of-a-kind taste.  

Hero noticed that in prosperous times, patties included more peanuts. In bad times, fewer peanuts meant more of the red, sugary candy. He jokes that he can tell the state of the nation’s fiscal health from a peanut patty.

What nostalgia writing this post arouses! With fondness, I can recall the smell of the old country stores. They used to sweep with some kind of oil to keep down dust and the fragrance lingered. They were usually dimly lit and carried a little of everything.

Each summer, Hero, his mom, and siblings went to stay a week or two with his grandparents to deep-clean the store. His grandparents’ home was built onto the rear of the store. Needless to say, Hero and his siblings were not fans of their forced-labor duty. Hero and his brother had to sleep on floor pallets in a screened-in porch and could see the night creatures—some of which tried to scratch through the screen.

Hero learned valuable lessons from helping his grandfather. For instance:

A customer comes in and says, “I want a pound of bologna.” You ask, “How do you want that sliced?”

A customer comes in and says, “Give me three slices of bologna.” You slice it thick. Simple law of survival.  

At the time Royal Crown Cola contained more ounces than other soft drinks, so RC was a popular drink. If you didn’t buy a bag of peanuts to pour into the bottle, you bought a big Moon Pie. I wonder if there are country stores left where people still by Moon Pies and drink a big RC?

I know peanut patties are still popular. Occasionally Hero buys one to remind him of his roots and have a yummy treat simultaneously. And, he can do an analysis of the country’s prosperity while enjoying his peanut patty.

By the way, yesterday was the release for my friend Joan Reeves' novella in the box set, A CHRISTMAS SHE'LL REMEMBER. This set includes books by seven USA Today and NYTimes bestselling authors: Joan Reeves, Mimi Barbour, Patricia Rosemoor, Tamar Ferguson, Alicia Street, Ev Bishop, and Stephanie Queen. All this for only 99 cents! Here's the link: http://a.co/8LcrFpe  

Please remember my latest releases, MISTLETOE MISTAKE (a Christmas story) and PRUDENCE, Bride Brigade book 7. You can find them on my Amazon Author Page with my other releases:

https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/red=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1508190901&sr=8-2-ent

Also take note that three of my Loving a Rancher Series of the Montana Sky Series Kindle World books are on sale for only 99 cents each. They include MURDOCH'S BRIDE, BRIDE'S ADVENTURE, and THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS. They'll be on sale all of October. 

Please pass the word! Many, many thanks to those of you who've already purchased them!

Fall into Cash $250 Giveaway!

October 15th to November 15th

The holidays are just around the corner.

Are you in need of some extra cash?

Here is your chance to win some!

The winner of this giveaway will receive $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com Gift Card.

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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.