Obituary for Caroline Clemmons (Carolyn Smith)

 

Carolyn DeeAnn Smith was born on September 16, 1940, in Hollis, Oklahoma. She moved to Lubbock, Texas, as a child and grew up there. Her parents were Pearson Madison and Lena Mae Johnson.  Pearson had been widowed and had three grown children and one teenager, who went to live with her sister after the marriage. When Carolyn was 10, her brother Donald was born.  

Carolyn graduated from Lubbock High School. She attended Texas Tech University but did not graduate. She got her associate’s degree in Interior Design after she was married, had children, and was living in Florida. Carolyn had a variety of interesting careers, including having her own newspaper column in Windermere, Florida, working for a psychology professor at Texas Christian University, and being the county bookkeeper in Parker County, Texas.  When she retired, Carolyn set out to realize a lifelong dream, that of being a writer. She wrote some contemporary romances and cozy mysteries, but her first love was writing western historical romantic suspense. Most of her close to 100 novels are set in the 1880s. She won several writing awards during the course of her career.  

Carolyn and Lilburn moved frequently. They were married in Dallas and at one point ended up in Weatherford, Texas, living on a peach orchard called Smithhaven Farms. For the last 4 ½ years, Carolyn lived in Fort Worth with her youngest daughter.  

Carolyn was an avid genealogist. She loved tracing her ancestors and collecting their stories and photographs. Carolyn loved to travel. In addition to many states in the United States, Carolyn had traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, England, and her favorites, Scotland and Ireland. Carolyn also liked to look at antique malls. At one time, she had several antique booths in Weatherford and Granbury. She was also a voracious reader.  

Carolyn belonged to the Disciples of Christ denomination since early childhood. She was active in church committees and Sunday school. She was also interested in volunteering for organizations like Catholic Charities and Meals on Wheels and in civil justice. Carolyn was a stay-at-home mother for both her daughters’ childhoods. She was actively involved as a homeroom mother and in the PTA. As a writer, she was generous with advice to novice writers and participated in several multi-author series.  Carolyn was known for her intelligence, her sense of humor, her kindness, and her sweet nature.  

As a child, Carolyn went to her friend Joyce’s 13th birthday party and met Joyce’s 17-year-old brother, Lilburn.  She thought he was very dashing and sophisticated. When she was in high school, they began dating. They would go on to marry and stay married for almost 62 years. Lilburn died last year on May 29, 2025, and Carolyn struggled to adjust. In the end, she died of a broken heart because she just didn’t want to live without the love of her life. She passed away on May 1, 2026.  Carolyn is survived by her grown daughters Stephanie Suesan Smith and Stacy Barbara “Bea” Smith.  

A Celebration of Life memorial will be held for Carolyn on May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a reception meal in the Fellowship Hall. The ceremony will be held at Ridglea Christian Church, 6720 West Elizabeth, Fort Worth, Texas, 76116. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ridglea Christian Church.  

Author Interview: 10 Questions With Caroline

 Introduction: Welcome to Our Little Chat 

Today I’m doing something a little different on the blog—answering ten of the questions readers ask me most often, in one place. Think of this as us sharing a long conversation over coffee (or sweet tea), talking about stories, cowboys, and how a not‑born‑on‑a‑ranch girl ended up writing western romance for a living. 

If you’ve ever wondered how I got started, why I love the Old West, or what a normal writing day looks like around here in North Central Texas cowboy country, I hope you’ll enjoy this peek behind the curtain. 

1. How did you become a western romance author? 

In some ways, the genre chose me. My first published book was contemporary, but when I began writing western historical romances, I felt like I’d finally come home on the page. My dad told wonderful stories about his family’s adventures after they came to Texas in the late 1800s, and those tales soaked into my imagination long before I knew I’d be an author. 

Over time, I realized that post‑Civil War Texas and the American West gave me exactly the backdrop I wanted: rugged landscapes, big risks, and people trying to build something lasting in a hard world—perfect for the kind of love stories I adore writing. 

2. What was the nudge that made you believe you could be published? 

Oddly enough, it came from my mother‑in‑law. She handed me a big brown grocery sack full of romance novels and said, “You could write these.” I had always written long letters about my Hero (my husband) and our children, but I hadn’t thought seriously about publishing until then. 

That unexpected vote of confidence made me look at my scribbles differently. From there, I studied craft, joined writing groups, and kept submitting—filing rejection letters for the IRS and trying again, just as so many other authors do. 

3. Where do your story ideas come from? 

Everywhere. I often say I have more ideas than I could write in a million years—the idea is the easy part. My father once told me a creative person could write a story about a fly speck on the wall, and I truly believe that; there’s always a story if you look closely enough. 

Sometimes it’s a bit of family history, a quirky news item, or a “what if” that won’t let go. For example, a single line about a girl in my grandmother’s town helped spark The Most Unsuitable Wife, and a conversation about time‑travel tropes nudged me toward writing Out of the Blue. Once I decide which idea to tackle, I plot it out and let the characters lead me through the details. 

4. How much of your own life shows up in your books? 

On the surface, not much—I haven’t time‑traveled, faced down outlaws, or arrived in a frontier town as a mail‑order bride. But on the emotional level, quite a lot of my life is there. I believe we are the sum of everything we’ve seen, heard, read, or experienced, and we draw on that “inner well” when we write. 

My long marriage to my late Hero, my Texas roots, the people I’ve loved and lost, all shape how I write about commitment, home, family, grief, and second chances. I don’t lift whole events from real life, but the feelings are absolutely real.  

5. Are your characters based on real people? 

Not directly. I don’t take a specific person and drop them untouched into a book, but bits and pieces of many people filter into my characters—an expression from one relative, a stubborn streak from another, a kindness I noticed in a stranger. 

I also use a structured approach to characterization that I’ve refined over years of learning from craft teachers and teaching a class called “Characterization Made Easy.” I want my heroes and heroines to feel believable because they have flaws, strengths, and internal logic, not because they’re copies of anyone you could meet at the grocery store. 

6. How much research goes into your westerns? 

Quite a lot. Even if most of it never shows up directly on the page, I need to feel “soaked” in the time period and setting for the story to feel right. That means digging into everyday details—how people traveled, communicated, cooked, dressed, and earned a living—as well as bigger historical events. 

I pay close attention to continuity and anachronisms, too. In a craft blog post, I joked about how jarring it is when a man arrives by coach, gets off his horse, and then gets back into a carriage—those sorts of errors throw readers out of the story, so I work hard to avoid them.  

7. What does a typical writing day look like for you? 

I’m not a morning person, so I ease into the day. When I sit down at the computer, I start by answering email, commenting on blogs, and checking in with my Facebook groups. By the time I’ve finished that, my brain is awake enough to dive into my current work‑in‑progress. 

I try to write every day, though some days the words end up deleted the next morning. Around six o’clock, I usually take a break to watch a movie with my husband in earlier years; now I still keep that evening pause in some form, then often come back later and write a bit more. 

8. Do you ever struggle with writer’s block? 

Like most writers, I have slower periods and moments when the next scene feels stuck. When that happens, I “trick” myself out of it. One method is to read back a few paragraphs and start writing as if I were telling a friend about the story.  

Once I’m talking myself into the scene in that informal way, I usually slide back into real drafting. Occasionally, I hit simple exhaustion and have to step away for a day or two. During those times, I give myself permission to rest and read instead of forcing words that will likely be deleted. 

9. What length do you most enjoy writing—short stories, novellas, or novels? 

Now that I’m indie‑published and have more control, my favorite length is the novella, usually 30,000–50,000 words. It gives me room to develop a strong central romance, include secondary characters, and build a believable setting without taking as long as a full‑length novel.  

My second favorite is the full‑length novel; I’ve written many and still enjoy that deeper dive when the story demands it. Short stories are fun in small doses and work well for anthologies and special projects, but they’re not my primary focus. 

10. What are you working on now, and how can readers keep up? 

I’m always juggling ideas and projects, from new installments in existing series to stories for multi‑author collections and themed sets. Because things shift, the best ways to see what’s current are: 

• Visiting my About and Books pages for series lists and new releases. 
• Checking the Reading Order Guide to see where new books fit into existing worlds. 
• Dropping by this blog, A Writer’s Life, where I share news, features, and guest authors. 
• Signing up for my newsletter.
• Following me on Facebook and other social platforms, where I post updates and chat with readers. 

Wherever you join me, I’m grateful you’re along for the ride. 

Thank You for Reading—and Asking 

Every question you send—about heroes and heroines, research, writing days, or where to start reading—reminds me that these stories live not just in my imagination but in yours as well. Thank you for caring enough to ask, for spending your reading time in my western worlds, and for recommending my books to friends. 

FUN CHARACTERS

By Caroline Clemmons

While writing is hard work, some characters make it fun, too. When I wrote the book STUART, I thought him a perfect match for the woman I had in mind. You might recall that I think of my characters as friends who come to life in my books.

Georgina Potter of Baltimore, Maryland received hurtful treatment from her family. From the time her younger sister Virginia could walk, she demanded whatever Georgina had. Their parents doted on Virginia and allowed her to have what she desired.

While they praised Virginia, Mrs. Potter continually criticized Georgina for her choice of  clothes, her blond hairstyle, and her failing to be as graceful and popular as her sister. Of course, her feelings were hurt, but she hid her pain. That is, until Virginia stole Georgina’s fiancé. Their marriage sealed Georgina’s determination to escape Baltimore before the couple returned from their honeymoon—even if it meant marrying a stranger as a mail-order-bride.

Georgina left for Colorado vowing to make a success of the life awaiting her. When she arrived, her groom did not meet the stage. After learning he was in the saloon, she strode to the swinging doors. Of all things, she found the man who had sent for her had recently married a saloon girl. Jilted again! Her temper boiled over with sarcastic remarks. When the saloon girl grabbed Georgina’s hair, she retaliated, and the fight became a doozy.

The sheriff marched both women to jail and fined each $50.00. The saloon girl’s husband immediately paid her fine. Georgina only had $1.33, so she stayed stuck  in jail. She refused to wire her parents for money. What would happen to her?

Join the fun as bachelor Stuart tackles fatherhood with a baby he rescued.

https://www.amazon.com/Stuart-Bachelors-Babies-Book-10-ebook/dp/B084GFPRGL/r

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRING ON THE BRIDES!

 By Caroline Clemmons

The bachelors of Tarnation, Texas threaten to leave unless marriageable women come to town. Wealthy widow Lydia Harrison and her friend Sophia Gaston travel to Richmond, Virginia, where Lydia was raised. Lydia interviews young women who respond to her newspaper notice, but not everyone is accepted. Seven girls travel to Tarnation and live with Lydia until they find a husband. Lydia hosts receptions, dances, and dinners so the women can meet the sixteen bachelors she has invited to participate.

Each story in the Bride Brigade Series stands alone but is more fun if read in order. They are avaible in e-book and paperback. The books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.Most of the characters get at least a mention in the other books.

 

Here is the summary of Book One, JOSEPHINE:

Josephine Nailor has good reasons not to trust men, especially those who hold an office. She isn’t even certain she wants to marry, but takes a job assisting the owner of the mercantile, Michael Buchanan. He, on the other hand, is happy owning the store and being mayor. All he needs now is a wife.

 

https://amzn.to/46puLWk

 

Here’s an exciting excerpt:

She was exhausted by the approach of closing time. Gunfire cracked and she heard galloping hooves.

Michael reached under the counter for a gun. “Get into the backroom until this is over so you won’t get hit by stray bullets.” He raced out the door and down the boardwalk.

Mrs. Horowitz, wife of the butcher, stepped away from the windows where she’d been admiring a display. “Those awful cowboys have no care for the town’s residents. They must be drunk to act so carelessly.”

“I expect you’re right. If they were intent on robbing the bank, surely they’d come in quietly to evade notice. You can step through the curtain behind you, and you’ll be in the storeroom. There’s a chair you can rest in until those men are stopped.”

Disobeying her employer’s order, Josephine stood at the side of the window so she was protected by the wall but could look out. The sheriff, his deputy, Michael, and a handful of other men with guns drawn tried to apprehend the rowdy cowboys. One of the ruffians darted toward the store.

Dear Merciful Heaven! Terror struck her and her knees almost gave way. The man who’d attacked her had returned with his friends. Was he after her or bent on destroying Tarnation?

Unable to turn away, she watched the man make his way slowly toward the mercantile. This time she was prepared. She raced to grab a skillet intent on cracking the man’s skull if he came into the store.

Mrs. Horowitz peeked through the curtains. “Miss Nailor, come in here with me. You can’t fight guns with a pan.”

“The man who attacked me is headed this way. I’ll dent his head if he comes into the mercantile.”

The other woman inched closer. “Do you see my Claus? Oh, I hope he’s not trying to outgun those men.”

“Besides Mr. Buchanan, the sheriff, his deputy, Mr. Kendrick, and Mr. Evans are there.  Mr. Pettigrew also appeared. Oh, no, Tom Boyd is weaving down the road as if nothing is happening.”

“My, my, he’s no doubt so drunk he doesn’t know anything is going on.”

“Run back into the storeroom, Mrs. Horowitz. That man is almost here. He’s likely to shoot you if he sees you when he comes through the door.”

Aleida Horowitz scrambled toward the curtain. “What about you?”

“He won’t see me until too late. Hurry!” Josephine flattened herself against the wall behind the door.

No sooner had the woman slipped through the curtain than the cowboy rushed toward the counter as if he expected her to be crouched behind the island’s safety. As soon as he was inside, she swung the heavy iron skillet with all her might.

He dropped but not before she heard a burst of gunfire outside. She turned and saw Michael slump in the street’s dust. As her heart dropped to the floor, she screamed, “No!”

 

This is the series order: JOSEPHINE, ANGELINE, CASSANDRA, OPHELIA, RACHEL, LORRAINE, and PRUDENCE.

 

 

THE PASSING SEASONS

 by Caroline Clemmons

Welcome Fall! Our weather is a little cooler. Several types of trees are getting Falll colors that show well among the dark green live oaks. I am  aware our Fall display in North Central Texas is nothing compared to New England. But this is where I live, and I'm enjoying my community.

Many people love summer’s heat, lying in the sun and getting a tan, participating in or watching summer sports, and just having sunny days. Perhaps I'm eccentric, but I'm so much more comfortable in cooler weather. Spring and Fall are mu favorites.

 As a child, I enjoyed things like climbing trees and softball in our neighborhood, but that's about the limit of my athletic acytivity. Usually, I was indoors reading comic books or playing with my paper dolls or writing little stories about a princess rescued by a dashing knight. The stories didn't vary much and didn't have many obstacles. Comic books gave way to Nancy Drew and paper dolls to riding my bike.

Now I love taking drives in the Fall and seeing all the trees and hedges changing color. With our recent rains, the grass is still green, which makes it even more attractive. My youngest daughter and I make great plans about what we're going to do to the yard. But not now—next spring.

I look forward to reading, writing, and watching movies on TV. The stories I write don’t feature a princess (with one exception), but are about  strong women ready to assist the valiant hero defeat the villain. Hmm, maybe they haven’t changed as much since I was a young girl as I’d thought.

My two precious daughters and I are slowly recovering from my dear husban’s recent death---although I don’t suppose anyone ever actually recovers from the death of a loved one. Some days are better than others, of course. I'm sure many of you have gone through the same thing. At least  I am feeling more positive and cheerful.

As the passing seasons are a part of life, so are the passings of our loved ones. It's all part of some great plan we don't understand, but we must have faith things are under control by the Almighty.

 

GATHERING THE FACTS

 By Caroline Clemmons

An author friend and I were talking recently about starting a new book or series. It's always an exciting time, but there are many factors that go into laying the background for a series. For instance, in my recent book SHAD, for the Guns For Hire series, I deliberated where to have the action happen. Back in the Depression (the big one), my father-in-law as a young man worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, the CCC. This was about the time of the Works Progress Administration, the WPA. My father-in-law felt lucky to be assigned to a work crew up in the northern New Mexico forest. He had photos that showed how pretty it was there. The pictures were black and white, but you could visualize the beauty.

A friend had a cabin at Questa. She talked about how much she loved the area. She would sit on her front porch and watch the wildlife. She even saw a bear go by, but it didn't bother her, fortunately. Her description sold me on that location. I got off the beaten path and started checking locations that would work,  chose the area, then made up the town.

 You see, if I used a small town that was real, I'd have to be careful to put in the right streets, the right buildings, and so forth. If I make up the town, I can place the buildings I want just the way I need them. So, that's what I usually do for my books—with a few exceptions, such as Santa Fe and San Antonio. It's fun to create a new community.

I have been to northern New Mexico, but not the exact place where I said in the book. I've been to Taos. As I mentioned, one of my friends has a cabin at Questa, a town I used in SHAD. I looked online to see what features it had. (The internet is such a blessing for research.) I was surprised to find Questa has a walled downtown that sounded interesting. But I didn't want my main set there. I made up the town of Ben Rock. I visualized a large rock shaped like a flat bench, sort of hanging on the side of a mountain over this town, like a bench for a giant.

 Next, I had to learn the type of ranching and farming, or whatever was going on in that area. Goats as well as cattle stock the ranches. Another aspect I must consider is the weather—the temperatures, the rainfall, when the first snow falls, and when the last snow falls. Frequently, I use weather in my books as I did in SHAD. You might think I do too much research, but having actual things correct in my fictional stories is very important to me.

 You can see that there's often a lot of research before authors begin writing, and more popping up while they’re immersed in the world they’re creating.

 Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading.

An Interview with Hamish Adams by Caroline Clemmons

 

Welcome, Readers. Today we have a guest who's a bit different than our usual visitors. Hamish Adams is the father of Avonleigh, our heroine in SHAD in the Guns for Hire series. Mr. Adams is an impressive man with the air of one used to being in control. He’s dressed in dungarees and plaid shirt. As he enters, he is removing his western hat—probably a Stetson.

CC: Come in, Mr. Adams, and have a seat. I'm so glad you're here today so our readers can meet you.

HA: Thank you for inviting me today, but don't know why you thought anyone would be interested in what I had to say.

CC: Our readers will be very interested. You've had such an exciting life. Why don't you tell us about growing up?

HA: Well, I grew up in the Scottish Highlands not far from Loch Loman. Sure is pretty country up there but there just isn’t enough land available to the likes of me. You see, I had my heart set on being a rancher. Sure was hard to leave my family, but they understood and gave me their blessing. I'd heard about free land out West so that's where I headed. Met a man in Texas who told me about this part of the country in northern New Mexico Territory.  I sure am glad. I never saw a place so pretty and now I live here.

CC: You certainly have a nice ranch, at least that's what I've heard. As I understand it, some of it is federal grazing land but some of it is your own land. Is that right?

HA: Yes, ma'am that's right. My wife and… um … maybe I should back up and mention I met my wife in Boston. I fell in love with her immediately first time I saw her and she latched on to me, too.  We had a short courtship, then came West. She was the love of my life. We set up this ranch and I built a house—of course, it was small, but we were happy there. (Grows solemn and looks wistfully at the wall for a moment, then shakes his head.) I don't guess I'll ever get over losing her.

CC: That must have been hard, having a small child and no wife and trying to get your ranch running. How did you manage?

HA: If it hadn't been for the Montoya family, I don’t know what I would have done. Lupe and Marcia Montoya saved me. Marcia took charge of the house and my darling girl. Lupe continued to help me as my foreman and best friend. As their family grew, they were like my family. Sure are fine people.

CC: When did your current struggles start?

HA: When that low-down rascal Larkin bought the spread to ours. We hadn't had any trouble from that side until he arrived, then he wanted to buy my  ranch. I refused to sell. You can't tell me that isn't why I got shot in the back.

CC: Oh no, that sounds terrible! I'm so glad you survived.

HA: Only because Lupe heard the shots and came to investigate. He found me lying on the grass and took me home. I needed a doctor in the worst way, so Lupe and his two sons snuck me out of the house … oh it’s complicated. They eventually got me to town and the doctor.

CC: Goodness, that was fortunate as well as complex. Since you're here today, it must mean that everything all worked out.

HA: Harumph, not by a long shot. My darling girl had a confrontation with that Larkin, who tried to hold her hostage, but she got away. Fellow name of Shad found her and saved her life. (He chuckles and his eyes sparkle with humor.) Not sure that young man realizes she has set her cap for him, so he might as well just give up. Seems like a real nice man, but I told him I'm gonna shoot him when I'm well. He didn't even look worried. (He stands and gestures with his hat.) Ma’am, I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me. I see a couple of Larkin’s riders out the window and I sure don't want them to catch me here. Lupe’s waiting for me out back, so I’ll slip out that way. Thank you for inviting me.

CC: Thank you for coming, Mr. Adams. I wish you and your daughter the best of success in getting your ranch back and getting rid of all those troubles. Well, readers, Mr. Adams has left the room and is on his way somewhere else. I surely hope he's successful, don’t you?

If you haven’t yet read SHAD, I hope you'll be intrigued and want to fall into the adventure and into romance. SHAD's at Amazon and is also in kindle unlimited as are all my books. click HERE to buy  SHAD.

  Thanks for stopping by—keep reading books!

What Is Your Guilty Reading Pleasure? by Stephanie Suesan Smith

 I am reading a werewolf romance novel right now.  Normally, I read nonfiction like history, true stories that are not true crime, science books, and romantic suspense.  I blame Laura Hunsaker, who writes on Smart Girls Read Romance on the 26th of each month.  This time she asked the important question,

" If you're allergic to dogs, would you be allergic to werewolves?"

Jewel, my miniature Poodle, on my messy bed.

As someone who is too allergic to dogs and cats to be the veterinarian I wanted to be, the question intrigued me. When I get a new dog, I sniffle and sneeze for two or three months before I get used to the dog. After that, I have no problem as long as I keep the dog clean. Good thing, too, because my dogs sleep on my bed, lie on my furniture, and basically expand to fill any available space.

When I explained that, the authors on Smart Girls had a spirited discussion about whether a person would be allergic to werewolves in their wolf form and whether that would carry over to when the werewolf was in human form. It was a lot of fun. I realized that I had not read any werewolf romances and didn't know much about them. In the spirit of research, I read a couple of the werewolf romances in Kindle Unlimited. Unexpectedly, I found I liked them to read when I wanted something to distract me, but couldn't read something I had to think about. Sort of a book to curl up with on a down day and be distracted for an hour or two.
Laura writes paranormal romance with a pal under the name Kenzie Maclir. You will have to read her books to see if the poor allergic woman is too allergic to the werewolf to be his mate.

So, what books do you read that are a guilty pleasure?

THE REASON WHY By Caroline Clemmons

One of my favorite artists is Norman Rockwell. He captured emotion with paint that conveyed a story. After President Franklin Delano Roosevelt introduced his concept of the Four Freedoms, Rockwell created these amazing illustrations of those rights for The Saturday Evening Post.

The ideas enunciated in the Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms were the foundational principles that grew into the Atlantic Charter declared by Winston Churchill and FDR in August 1941; the United Nations Declaration of January 1, 1942; President Roosevelt’s vision for an international organization that became the United Nations after his death; and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948 through the work of Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Four Freedoms are:

1. Freedom of Speech:

The right to express one's opinions and ideas without censorship or restriction.

2. Freedom of Worship:

The right to practice one's religion or belief without fear of persecution or discrimination.

3.  Freedom from Want:

The right to a basic standard of living, including access to food, housing, healthcare, and other necessities.

4. 44. Freedom from Fear:

The right to live without the threat of violence, aggression, or war.


These freedoms were not only a statement of American ideals but also a call to action, inspiring the war aims of the Allied forces during World War II.

The text of the "Four Freedoms" speech, delivered by FDR, is available here.

I look forward to a world founded upon the four essential human freedoms. The first and most important freedom is freedom of speech and expression. As a writer, this freedom is particularly important to me. I hope you will also use your freedom of speech and expression in a positive way to make the world a better place than you found it.

During this time of unrest and fear of what’s in store for our country, please keep our inalienable rights, as outlined in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights, in mind. As you celebrate July 4th, remember it’s America’s Independence Day.

Happy Fourth of July! Thanks for stopping by.

Join my mailing list HERE.

EATING HUMBLE PIE By Caroline Clemmons

 

As you read this I am having a large slice of humble pie because of all the errors in my latest release, SHAD, Book 7 of the Guns for Hire series. When I published the book, I had no idea the file was corrupted by failing software. Hero had always kept my computer working efficiently. He was such a brilliant man and supportive of my writing. But, that horrible disease Parkinson's had been taking away his memory for longer than my daughters and I realized. Sure enough, the ancient version of Word I had been using deteriorated. I unpublished the book when I learned of all the mistakes it contained.

Fortunately, Darling Daughter 1 installed the latest software for Word, and that is what I'll be using to correct the file for SHAD. When the corrections have been made and thoroughly edited, I will relaunch SHAD. 

Please accept my sincere apology for this occurrence. The illness, terrible decline,  and passing of my beloved Hero have kept me unable to focus as I drift through days locked in grief. Those of you who have lost a cherished spouse will understand. I've known Hero since I was twelve, though of course I did not date him until years later. Ours was a long and happy marriage, and I'm grateful for the years we shared.

Don't let my experience with SHAD keep you from reading all the wonderful books in this series. Three books are still to be released. Two are up for preorder.

Thanks for stopping by.

BOOK BIRTHDAY! by Caroline Clemmons

 Father’s Day weekend is an important celebration for most of us. For me, it’s even more momentous. Drum roll, please!

Father’s Day is the launch of my latest western historical romance, SHAD, Book 7 of 10 in the popular Amulti-author Guns For Hire Series! I’m so excited for you to read this book.

For the past seven years, Shad Stone has been a bounty hunter. A loner for the most part, his gruff exterior hides a tender heart and a quirky sense of humor. He’s known as a man who slips in and out like a shadow to capture the criminals he seeks. I hope you’ll love him as much as I do.

The beauty he encounters is Avonleigh Adams, only child of widowed Hamish Adams. She’s wounded and on the run from the murderer who’s stealing her family ranch. The wanted assassin believes he’s killed Hamish and is determined to wed Avonleigh.

Here’s the blurb:

 A bounty hunter with nothing left to lose. A wounded woman with everything at stake. Can love survive when danger rides with every shadow?

Shad Stone’s dreams of owning a ranch are shattered when his uncle’s reckless actions wipe out his savings. Now, Shad is determined to capture a high-value outlaw to rebuild his future—even if it means facing a ruthless criminal protected by a dozen gunfighters and a corrupt lawman. But fate intervenes when a storm drives Shad to shelter in a cave, where he finds Avonleigh Adams, badly injured and on the run from the very man Shad is hunting.

Avonleigh’s family has lost everything to the outlaw who stole their ranch and shot her father. Though Shad knows rescuing her will complicate his mission, he can’t abandon a woman in need. As they join forces against overwhelming odds, Shad must decide if he can trust Avonleigh—and if he dares to open his heart again.

Can one man stand against a gang of killers? And can the woman he saves teach him that sometimes, the greatest reward is love?

Perfect for readers who love sweet western historical romance, bounty hunter heroes, frontier adventure, strong heroine stories, romantic suspense westerns, redemption tales, and found family romance.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4jJ0Lt3

SHAD will soon be available in paperback and audio formats. It is enrolled in Kindle Ulimited.

Thank you for stopping by today.

SUCCESS FOR ASH!

By Caroline Clemmons

ASH by Jo Ann Roberts is a huge success! I hope you are one of many who purchased and read Book 6 in the Guns For Hire Series. If not, grab your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/Ash-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DXMWC1PS/

Here's the blurb:

An outlaw looking for a fresh start

A schoolteacher who might hold the key to the town's salvation.

Ash "Shotgun" McRae can never make up for all the wrongs 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 of the burdens from 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.

                                                    

And while you're at Amazon....

Please remember my book, SHAD, is available for preorder now for its June 15 release at https://www.amazon.com/Ash-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DXMWC1PS/.

COME JOIN ME!

 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. 

If you aren't already a subscriber, why not sign up? You'll receive a FREE copy of the novella, HAPPY IS THE BRIDE. Isn't that a sweet cover? My husband, Hero, created it for me.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/B1RnRgs 

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!

If you're married, was the sun shining on your wedding day?

Thanks for stopping by.

DEVON BY CARRA COPELIN

 

By Caroline Clemmons

Dear Friends, have you been keeping up with the releases of the popular Guns For Hire Series? Another book just released on the 15^th, DEVON, by Carra Copelin. I’ve known Carra for twenty years, maybe longer. We met at a Fort Worth, Texas writers group and became friends. But, let me tell you about DEVON.

 

Devon Black returns home after months on the trail. He finds his father dead and his mother barely alive. Before dying, she urges Devon to find “the thieving murderous devils” and make things right. Consumed by grief and anger, Devon vows to avenge his parents deaths, determined to track down the killer or killers.

Kerrie Appleton prepares for her father’s first sermon in the newly built church on Sunday morning, hoping it will be their best day in a long time. However, when her brother, Billy, returns, he reverts to his old ways. She sees a wanted poster for her brother which says he killed an older couple and stole their money.

Devon tracks Billy and his gang to the small town of Abilene, Texas, where he meets Kerrie Appleton. Together they work to plan the best way to capture Billy Appleton and his gang to keep Kerrie, ber father, and others safe.

Will Kerrie be able to soften Devon’s hardened heart and convince him that the future is their destiny?

https://www.amazon.com/Devon-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0D2XKJ2SL

 

The excitement continues as the series unfolds. I’m eager for you to read my book, SHAD, when it’s released June 15^th. If you haven’t already done so, why not preorder it now?

https://www.amazon.com/Shad-Guns-Hire-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B0F2GF9S35/

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

SHARING TIME

 By Caroline Clemmons

So many of my friends are wonderful authors. The three below are writers I met through a group of women who once wrote for Precious Gems, a line at Kensington. The line is no more, but I’m happy to say these ladies are still writing great books!

 

LIZ FLAHERTY

BACK TO McGUFFEY’S

**Special Price!

The one that got away

Could Kate Rafael’s day get any worse? First she lost her job, then her house burned down and now her ex is back in town. Apparently, Ben McGuffey’s taking a break from being a big-city doctor to help at his family’s tavern and reassess the choices he’s made for his career.

Ben ends up giving Kate a hand, then giving her kisses and finally, a second chance. But when a local teenager shows them both a glimpse of what it means to be a family, Ben wonders if having kids in small-town Vermont would clash with his ambitions. Or can he truly come home again to Kate?

https://www.amazon.com/Back-McGuffeys-Liz-Flaherty-ebook/dp/B00JZFL4LA/

LUCINDA RACE

WEDDINGS & WANDS

A Paranormal Book Store Cozy Mystery, Book 12

Enjoy this witty, small town paranormal cozy mystery by award-winning and bestselling author Lucinda Race.

Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murderers are multiplying.

In less than a week, wedding bells will ring for Greg Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie—and bookstore owner and witch Lily Michaels. Lily’s to do list is already miles long. Adding “solve a murder” wasn’t part of the plan. But they have little choice when Lily discovers a dead Elemental witch across the street, revealing a grudge that threatens to upend not just their big day, but the entire Pembroke Cove coven.

Weddings & Wands is the twelfth novel in the A Book Store Cozy Mystery Series. Although each book can be read as a standalone, it is best to read them in order. This is a humorous, small town, cozy mystery that guarantees the culprit is caught. Happy reading!

https://www.amazon.com/Weddings-Wands-Paranormal-Witch-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DSLZDTJ5/

 

NANCY FRASER

CAMELLIA

Garden Belles Mail Order Brides, Book 6

From the time she was four years old, Camellia Sutton has been told she’s “Too smart for her own good”. It all began when she started reading storybooks to her older brother. When her mother took the books away, Camellia began telling him the stories verbatim from memory.

Now at twenty-four, with a degree in medical research, she’s looking to escape her previous life in Saint Louis and get away from those who want to stifle her intellect. When a new friend suggests she locale to Oregon as a mail-order bride, Camellia is hesitant.

Widower Owen Marshall teaches mathematics at the Univesity of Oregon. He can handle his lesson plans and his students just fine. What he can’t handle is his nine-year-old daughter. When his longtime friend and housekeeper suggests he needs a wife, he disagrees. Not to be discouraged, the woman takes matters into her own hands, initiating contact with the Garden Belles matchmaking service.

If Camellia agrees to relocate and become Owen’s bride, will he honor his promise to allow her a career? Can two people with exceptional intellects create a loving family so they can all live happily ever after?

https://www.amazon.com/Camellia-Garden-Belles-Mail-Order-Brides-ebook/dp/B0DYBVJ7RX/

These ladies write fun, romantic books that appeal to all readers of romance.

Thanks for stopping by.

KIRK - BY CHARLENE RADDON

 By Caroline Clemmons

My friend, Charlene Raddon, is a prolific writer of heartwarming western historical romances and time travel. In addition, this very talented lady creates book covers at her Silver Sage Cover Designs, http://facebook.silversagecoverdesigns.com. I’m happy to announce that Charlene has a new book, KIRK, coming out on April 15^th, Book 3 in the sweet western historical Guns for Hire Series. By the way, Charlene created the series. Didn’t I tell you she’s talented?

 

 

Her book plots are always unique. She has the knack of taking the villain and turning him into a hero—with the help of a feisty and determined heroine. Her new book is one I can hardly wait to read. It’s available for preorder now so that it will magically pop up on your e-reader on release day.

Here’s the blurb for KIRK, Book 3 of 10, Guns for Hire Series:

Kirk Redick, a former preacher, is faced with either letting his brother be forced into the job of a hangman or accepting it himself. He chooses to take on the hated work until he finds the man who framed his brother.

Observing a hanging at Red River Crossing, Adina Kinnaird is touched as she overhears the hangman comforting the condemned man. When Kirk is shot, she helps him escape the gunman and the angry mob.

Traveling from town to town, Kirk and Adina search for the man who framed his brother and find themselves falling for each other. Kirk doesn’t want her living in the danger he faces every day.   

In a showdown with the outlaw, Adina is shot. Kirk’s heart stops. He doesn’t want to go on without her. Will capturing the gunman be enough to clear his brother’s name and give Kirk and Adina the freedom to live outside the shadow of the hangman’s noose?

 https://www.amazon.com/Kirk-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DT7R89N8/ 

Series books already released are CREEK and DUSTIN. Don't miss any of this exciting adventure romance series!

Thanks for stopping by.