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.

DUSTIN BY MARGARET TANNER

By Caroline Clemmons

 Last week I revealed the new sweet historical western romance series, Guns for Hire. Charlene Raddon conceived the series, and also created the covers via her Silver Sage Cover Designs. This past Sunday, March 28^th, Margaret Tanner released DUSTIN, Book 2 in the series.

Margaret’s western historical romances are very well-written. Learning she lives in Australia surprised me, because her westerns read as if she grew up in the Southwestern United States. She certainly is faithful to the history and landscape while she creates a great read.

Here’s the blurb for DUSTIN:

Dustin is a gun for hire, living in the shadows of black deeds from his past. He has long harbored feelings for Honey yet feels unworthy.

Honey knows Dustin is redeemable. Can she make him believe this so they can live their happily ever after?

https://www.amazon.com/Dustin-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DT87MCJL/

 Don’t forget my latest release, SIDNEY AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE, Book 6 of my Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides series. By the way, Charlene Raddon designed the book covers for this series. You’ll find it on Amazon in e-book and paperback at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNTP95FD

It's also enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

 Please continue reading my books! I love to write romances with adventure in them. I also love to get the royalties to make up for the time I sit at the computer creating the books. Royalties are the only way I know you like my writing. (Plus, I need the money.)

Thanks for stopping by! 

Romance, Poison, Murder--a Love Story

By Caroline Clemmons

 For years I believed that westerns were written mainly for a male audience. Then I discovered Lorraine Heath’s western historical romances. I was home! From Lorraine’s books, I learned of other writers who wrote similar stories. Two of my favorites are Julie Garwood’s PRINCE CHARMING (yes, I know it starts out in England) and FOR THE ROSES (yes, it begins in New York City).  Maggie Osborne’s PROMISE OF JENNY JONES is another keeper. Have you ever read a more clever book than MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS by Jacquie Rogers?

 I could go on, but now I have to conduct a little business. You knew I’d get around to it, didn’t you?

one of the covers used

 

My western historical is both a mystery and a romance. I love mysteries, you see, and just can’t help myself when it comes to murder, kidnapping, poison, and other nasty incidents. I am a sweet and gentle soul in person (yeah, right), but I am mean to my characters when I write. After all, survival in the Old West was difficult. Authors have to present obstacles for the hero and heroine to overcome. Otherwise, a book would be about a page long and boring.

In BRAZOS BRIDE, Hope Montoya knows she’s being poisoned but has no idea who wants her dead. Weakened, she knows she can’t fight alone, and she enlists Micah Stone to assist her. How? Through a marriage of convenience, which gives her control of her estate that’s held in trust by her guardian. That doesn’t stop the killer, who relentlessly persists in trying to eliminate both Hope and adds Micah as a target. I love a determined villain, don’t you? I mean, of course, that I love to hate the villain.

Besides being close to Hope, the woman he secretly loves. by marrying her Micah receives land on the Brazos River and cash, and both are needed badly. The time is August 1870 and there’s a severe drought that has dried up springs, creeks, and waterholes on Micah’s land. Without access to the river, his cattle are dying of thirst. His two brothers are on hand to help him haul water from Zach’s place in the west. Even with their best efforts, they’re losing the battle.

 Here’s an excerpt of Hope and Micah’s wedding night from near the first of the book:

She looked at her hands. Perhaps she was unreasonable. Or maybe insane for sympathizing with a man who'd had to work harder because of her family.

"I know it is an odd situation. If—if you wear your shirt and britches, I guess it would be all right if you slept on top of the cover here." She patted the bed beside her.

He froze. Not a muscle moved, and he only stared at her. Had she misunderstood? Did he think her offer too forward?

She babbled, "That is, if you want to. You said I should trust you. Well, maybe you would be more comfortable where you are." Why didn't he say something? Would he prefer sleeping in a chair to sharing the bed?

From the street below, she heard raucous laughter and someone called to a man named Ben. Music from a piano, she supposed in the saloon, drifted in through the open windows. A gust of breeze moved the curtains and slid across her skin. In this room, though, there was no sound.

Slowly, he rose and extinguished the lamp as he moved across the room. She slid one of the pillows beside hers then scooted down. What had possessed her to offer him half her bed? Would he think she invited more?

Too late to take it back now, for the mattress dipped as he stretched out. Quaking inside at the thought of him so near, she turned her back to him. She heard his weary sigh, as if he relaxed for the first time in a long while.

"Good night," she offered, and hoped he understood the finality of the phrase.

"Yep. Good night, Mrs. Stone." The mattress shook as he turned his back to her. She felt the soles of his feet press against her ankles. He must be several inches too long for the bed and she guessed he had to bend his legs to fit. She didn't dare turn to see firsthand.

She lay perfectly still, afraid to take a deep breath. Soon his breathing changed and she knew he slept. Outside the open window the town quieted and the distant tinkling of the piano was the only sound. Light from the full moon illuminated the room and slanted across the bed. A soft breeze drifted across her, lulling her in its caress.

With a sigh, she fought to relax, but abdominal pain kept her awake no matter how her body cried for rest. Perhaps if she planned, she’d forget the pain and chills that racked her frame.

Plan, yes. She needed a plan for food preparation when she returned to her home. No, Micah said he had a plan. Oh, dear, once more he took charge when it was her life, her home.

Maybe Aunt Sofia and Uncle Jorge would have left by then and things would be fine. Already she felt more secure. She sensed her eyelids drifting closed and the sleep’s blessed relief approaching.

A gunshot ripped apart the night.

The blast startled her and she screamed as something thudded near her head, showering her hair and face with splinters. Panic immobilized her. What had happened?

Micah dragged her onto the floor as a bullet ripped into the mattress.

 

Did that excerpt entice you to buy the book?

 I hope so because everyone in my family needs an operation. Okay, no one actually needs surgery, but I will appreciate your buying the book. I believe you will enjoy the series which includes Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, Bluebonnet Bride, and others. .

Here’s the buy link for BRAZOS BRIDE:

https://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-Micah/dp/1478172517/

 Thanks for stopping by! 

JOSEPHINE DELIVERS FUN AND ADVENTURE

 By Caroline Clemmons

Reading a series set in a small town lets you become familiar with the characters and keep up with them as the series progresses. One of my favorite series is the Bride Brigade, consisting of seven books. Each prospective bride has a personality unique to her.

In this sweet historical western romance series, Lydia Harrison is upset at the number of men moving away from the town of Tarnation, Texas, because there are no unmarried women and they each want a wife. Lydia decides to do something. She takes her best friend, Sophie Gaston with her to her hometown in Virginia. Lydia places an ad in the newspaper stating her offer of travel and lodging to those selected to accompany her to Texas with the object of matrimony.

The first book of the series is JOSEPHINE, named after my grandmother. The setting is actually a lovely one in Palo Pinto County, Texas that my husband and I discovered on a Palo Pinto County Historical Society Spring Tour many years ago. I’m so glad we were able to take that tour because I fell in love with this location and have used it several times.

This is the newest cover

Blurb for Josephine

Josephine Nailor is desperate to escape a terrible situation. When the opportunity arises via a newspaper ad, she and her best friend slip away from their oppressive fathers and head for Richmond.  Neither can relax until they’re far away from their tiny hometown. With wealthy young widow Lydia Harrison’s help, Josephine and six other young women have a new life waiting in Tarnation, Texas.

Michael Buchanan is fairly content running his mercantile and being mayor of Tarnation. The town is dusty and tiny, but it’s growing. He believes it holds all he needs to be happy—except a wife. There are no available women in town, but he hopes Lydia Harrison’s Bride Brigade will offer a woman he can wed. He is immediately attracted to Josephine.

But Josephine has every reason to mistrust men in general and politicians in particular. Will her misgivings ruin her chance at happiness?

 https://www.amazon.com/Josephine-Bride-Brigade-Book-1-ebook/dp/B015M4FJUY/ 

If you haven’t read this fun and adventure filled series, why not give JOSEPHINE a read?

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

 By Caroline Clemmons

Each of us deserves a happily-ever-after! I’m one of the lucky souls who actually has my HEA with my husband I call Hero. Many of my friends were not so fortunate. In romantic fiction, however, we expect/demand the HEA ending, or at least happy for now. What keeps us reading is discovering how the hero and heroine overcome obstacles and reach their HEA.

When writing, I try to vary plots with each book. Yet, my books tend to have several common themes: redemption, good defeats evil, love overcomes obstacles, and personal fulfillment. But I don’t want readers to dwell on them, other than to sigh with satisfaction at the end.    

That means one or more of the following occurred: love conquered all, the broken heart healed, the hardened heart cracked and welcomed love, characters achieved fulfillment, and those obstacles blocking characters’ happiness have been defeated. What I desire is that readers fall in love with my characters and think of them as real people (as they are in my mind) and want to read my next book. Nothing makes an author happier.  

 One of my most popular historical western romances dealt with good triumphing over evil, personal fulfillment, and overcoming obstacles. Often evil doers believe themselves above the law and unconquerable. In my books, the evil are always caught or dea;t with severely...eventually. I wish that were true in real life, but it sometimes happens. Let’s go with that, shall we?

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is about a marriage of convenience that blossoms into a true love match. NOTE: My later books are sweet, but this series is slightly sensual. The idea for this book came from my grandmother once mentioning a girl in her hometown who quit school because of all the rumors and teasing she was forced to endure about her birth and her grandmother’s hateful actions. Although my sweet grandmother didn’t know what happened to her, I wanted the poor girl’s story to end well.

If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you know there are no secrets. Sometimes a person with evil in his/her heart forgets that fact and does terrible things to conceal a fact everyone already knows. 

 

Here’s the blurb from THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE:

Wanted: one completely improper bride.

Even if Drake Kincaid had placed such an advertisement in every newspaper in the country, he believes he couldn’t have found a better candidate than Pearl Parker...which is just what he wanted. After all, his parents’ will stipulates only that he marry by his thirtieth birthday, not that he marry well. And no one—including Drake’s grandfather, the man determined to hold him to the ridiculous will’s provision—could possibly think tall, bossy Pearl with her ragtag siblings and questionable “cousin” Belle will make a good wife. Until Drake realizes that in her startling violet eyes he sees a beautiful woman with a generous soul...

Their life together may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love—with a breathtaking dose of passion—will make their marriage a true romance.

 THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is Book One of the Kincaids,

 https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unsuitable-Wife-Kincaids-Book-ebook/dp/B004OR1VOO/

 

Excerpt from THE MOST UNSUITABLE BRIDE:

           "What do you mean, stay here?”

          Pearl had wakened cocooned in the hazy glow following a night of intermittent lovemaking with her husband to find him dressing for the ranch. Then he dropped a bombshell on her.

          "You know it's not safe for you to be on your own. Ranch is too isolated. You'll be safer here in town.” Drake stomped his feet to settle each in the boots he wore. He retrieved a blue chambray shirt from his bag and donned it.

          "For how long?” Pearl slid from bed and grabbed her nightgown from the floor.

          "Well..."

          She whirled on her husband, confronting him, "You never intended for me to move to the ranch, did you?” She yanked her nightie on. No one could argue buck-naked.

          "Don't get riled. Women hate the seclusion. You'll be happier in town. Things to do here and people about you.” Drake shoved his shirt into his twill pants without looking at his wife.

          She stepped toward him and pointed at her chest. "What do you know about what makes this woman happy?"

          A crooked smile broke his face. "Aw, I know what makes you happy, all right. Didn't I keep you happy all night?"

          She shrugged away the comment aimed to distract her. "Did you ask me which I prefer? No.” She hoped her glare chilled his randy hide.

          His voice softened, placating. "Pearl, be reasonable. We don't know who's tried to kill you and your family. Someone might be trailing you right now, waiting somewhere and watching the house.”

          He met her gaze. That muscle twitched in his cheek, letting her know he was less than happy with this conversation. Well, that didn't bother Pearl in the least. Some things needed talked about.

          He walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, then took a deep breath and continued,  "Look, the sheriff and his deputy as well as several of the town's leading citizens will be looking out for any newcomer. I talked to the owners of the livery stable, the hotel, the mercantile, all the places I could think of that a newcomer would stand out. If any strangers come around asking questions, the sheriff will find out immediately. You and Sarah will be safer here."

          "You're taking Storm with you?” She hugged her arms, sensing a lost battle.                 

          "Yes, um, with your permission. I can't see him attending teas or shopping here in town. Besides, he's a big help to me."

          Her head came up and her hands fisted at her hips. "And I suppose Sarah and I are just so much baggage?"

          "Now, I didn't say that and you know it.” He held up a hand, palm out, as if to stay her fury. "But you have no place rounding up cattle and getting ready for a drive."

          "It's true we don't ride, but we could learn.” She could learn anything, given a chance. She suspected no chance would come.

          "There's no time to teach you. 'Sides, it makes the cowboys and vaqueros nervous to have women around the cattle. They think it's bad luck. And I can't leave the two of you at the house with only the housekeeper to help you."

          She sagged in defeat. "Okay, Drake. I'll stay here for now, and I'll try not to shame you. But this is only until we know there'll be no more meanness against my family. Don't think you can keep me waiting too long," she warned.

          His face broke into a smile of relief. "You'll see. By the time this is over and things calm down, you'll like this sweet life so much you won't be able to tear yourself away from Grandpa's house."

          "Too much sweet gives a body a belly ache."

          Ignoring that and stepping close, he kissed her on the cheek then nuzzled her neck. "I'll be sleeping tonight in a bedroll on hard ground. Give me a kiss to remember."

          Something to remember. She'd give him something to remember all right. She raised her mouth to his, let him plunder with his tongue. Her tongue did some plundering of its own as she moved her body against him. When their kiss ended, the heat of passion darkened his eyes.

          "When you're sleeping on the hard ground, all alone, you remember that, husband.” Head high, she turned and walked into the dressing room.

  

Best wishes for your HEA. Thanks for reading!