DON'T MISS THE 99¢ SALE MAY 12 TO MAY 16

 

By Caroline Clemmons

Do you need something cheerful and uplifting to read? If so, grab your copy of the sweet historical western romance, MURDOCH’S BRIDE, while it’s on sale for 99¢ from May 12th - 16th. Books can educate and entertain. They can transport you to distant lands and other times. Books may make us laugh or cry or have us checking under the bed to be certain no one is hiding there.

Personally, I prefer a happily-ever-after ending in my reading (and writing). No matter the obstacle, I want everything to turn out well for the hero and heroine. That’s why I read and write historical and contemporary romance—and sometimes a time travel or cozy myster.

A book I especially enjoyed writing was MURDOCH’S BRIDE. I had a relative like the aunt in this book. You probably have, too. Charity lives up to her name in the way she treats her cantankerous aunt.

MURDOCJ’S BRIDE and the others in the Loving a Rancher Series were first published in Debra Holland’s Kindle World. When Amazon cancelled that program, I changed the supporting character names from Debra’s to mine and republished the books. Working with Debra was very pleasant, and I hated that Amazon discontinued that program.

 Here’s a bit about MURDOCH’S BRIDE:

Stranded in the snow…

Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edwina from New York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and several passenger cars burn. Sweetwater Springs doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edwina. That also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they to do?

Logan Murdoch and his brother came to Sweetwater Springs to restock before the next storm arrives. Against Logan’s better judgment, the sheriff convinces him to take three “innocent, stranded women” to Murdoch Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, a woman hasn’t set foot in the Murdoch home in the twenty years since Logan’s mother abandoned them. He doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted visitors.

Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that unfold. How could this have happened?

Snowstorms can be beautiful, but deadly

As if being stranded in the snow with a griping aunt isn’t bad enough, Charity hates that she is powerless and trapped in place. She and Logan spar from the first time they met. 

Here’s an excerpt:

 The Murdoch men came inside as Charity came down the stairs from fetching a clean handkerchief for her aunt.

Logan said, “Ornery old cow.”

Charity gave Edwina her hanky and stomped toward him. “Mr. Murdoch, may I speak to you privately?”

Surprise showed on his face. “Uh, sure. Guess we can go into the office.”

He led the way to a room she hadn’t seen, obviously where the ranch records were kept. “Will this do, Miss Kelso?”

She closed the door behind them. “Logan Murdoch, you have your nerve calling my aunt names. For your information, she’s had a horrible life and no one, not her selfish parents, not her cheating husband, not even her only son ever loved her. And, that includes my father, who’s her younger brother.”

He stood looking poleaxed. “I never said—” 

She stabbed at his chest with her forefinger. “I heard what you said. You called her an ornery old cow. She may be difficult sometimes, but if you knew everything about her you’d understand and be patient and forgiving. You can make fun of me all you want, emphasizing that I’m Miss and not Mrs., but you treat her with the respect someone her age deserves.”

He moved her hand away from his chest and leaned into her face. “You might try practicing some of the charity you’re named for and at least give me a chance to defend myself. I was talking about our cow. In case you haven’t noticed, I have milk all over my legs and boots because she knocked against the pail.”

Heat rushed to Charity’s cheeks. She stepped back. “Oh.”

He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s a good comeback, Miss Kelso.”

She sensed a blush’s heat spreading across her face and neck. “Once again, I must ask your pardon.”

“When you’re angry, sparks fly from those big blue eyes. Reckon I’m lucky I wasn’t set on fire.” He closed the short distance between them and he brushed a hand gently along her cheek.

She knew he was going to kiss her but stood frozen in place. He tilted her head up to meet his and pressed his lips on hers. She thought he would withdraw then, but his arms were around her, pulling her closer. As if they had minds of their own, her arms encircled him.

When they broke apart, he stared at her with a horrified expression. “Damn.”

With the realization she’d cooperated in the kiss and even enjoyed it, horror shot through her. “My stars.”

She took a deep breath and left the office.

 

You can find MURDOCH’S BRIDE here: https://www.amazon.com/Murdochs-Bride-Loving-Rancher-Book-ebook/dp/B07G2JY77F/

 

Ornery cow.

Stay safe and keep reading!

 

99¢ SALE AND $5 AMAZON GIFT CARD FOR SOMEONE!

By Caroline Clemmons

I’m still celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. MURDOCH’S BRIDE is only 99¢ today through March 22^nd. MURDOCH’S BRIDE is book 3 of my Loving A Rancher Series. MURDOCH’S BRIDE was born as part of Deborah Holland’s Kindle World, in which I enjoyed writing in tremendously. But then Amazon killed the Kindle Worlds. (Still so sad that happened.) Details for the prize are at the end of this post.

MURDOCH’S BRIDE won an Amazon Bestseller bonus. Yes, Amazon gives bonuses for bestsellers. I don’t mean every orange ribbon you see. The bestsellers to which I’m referring are books that meet some higher criteria known only to Amazon. I’m sure my book was at the bottom of the scale, but I was thrilled to get a bonus!

When the Kindle Worlds were killed by Amazon, I changed the characters and place names that belonged to Deborah Holland and her Kindle World and kept the book in publication. This is such a fun book I couldn’t abandon it. Recently, I changed the covers of books in the Loving A Rancher Series. If you haven’t yet read MURDOCH’S BRIDE, now is your chance to do so at a bargain price.

Warning: MURDOCH’S BRIDE is a sweet, clean western historical romance, but it does contain a curse word, which is damn. As you can see in the excerpt, sometimes it’s appropriate.

Stranded in the snow…

Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edwina from New York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and the passenger cars burn. Cottonwood Springs doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edwina. That also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they to do?

Logan Murdoch and his brother came to town to restock before the next storm arrives. Against Logan’s better judgment, the sheriff convinces him to take three “innocent, stranded women” to Murdoch Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, a woman hasn’t set foot in the Murdoch home in the twenty years since Logan’s mother abandoned them. He doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted visitors.

Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that unfold. How could this have happened?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Murdochs-Bride-Loving-Rancher-Book-ebook/dp/B07G2JY77F/

 

The Murdoch men came inside as Charity came down the stairs from fetching a clean handkerchief for her aunt.

Logan said, “Ornery old cow.”

Charity gave Edwina her hanky and stomped toward him. “Mr. Murdoch, may I speak to you privately?”

Surprise showed on his face. “Uh, sure. Guess we can go into the office.”

He led the way to a room she hadn’t seen, obviously where the ranch records were kept. “Will this do, Miss Kelso?”

She closed the door behind them. “Logan Murdoch, you have your nerve calling my aunt names. For your information, she’s had a horrible life and no one, not her selfish parents, not her cheating husband, not even her only son ever loved her. And, that includes my father, who’s her younger brother.”

He stood looking poleaxed. “I never said—” 

She stabbed at his chest with her forefinger. “I heard what you said. You called her an ornery old cow. She may be difficult sometimes, but if you knew everything about her you’d understand and be patient and forgiving. You can make fun of me all you want, emphasizing that I’m Miss and not Mrs., but you treat her with the respect someone her age deserves.”

He moved her hand away from his chest and leaned into her face. “You might try practicing some of the charity you’re named for and at least give me a chance to defend myself. I was talking about our cow. In case you haven’t noticed, I have milk all over my legs and boots because she knocked against the pail.”

Heat rushed to Charity’s cheeks. She stepped back. “Oh.”

He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s a good comeback, Miss Kelso.”

She sensed a blush’s heat spreading across her face and neck. “Once again, I must ask your pardon.”

“When you’re angry, sparks fly from those big blue eyes. Reckon I’m lucky I wasn’t set on fire.” He closed the short distance between them and he brushed a hand gently along her cheek.

She knew he was going to kiss her but stood frozen in place. He tilted her head up to meet his and pressed his lips on hers. She thought he would withdraw then, but his arms were around her, pulling her closer. As if they had minds of their own, her arms encircled him.

When they broke apart, he stared at her with a horrified expression. “Damn.”

With the realization she’d cooperated in the kiss and even enjoyed it, horror shot through her. “My stars.”

She took a deep breath and left the office.

To enter for the  $5 AMAZON GIFT CARD, leave a comment telling how long it had been since a woman had been in the ranch house. The winner will be chosen randomly from the commenters.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Stay safe, be kind, and keep reading! 

COOL OFF WITH A 99¢ SALE!

Scorching days are here. Are you longing for a way to cool off during this weather? I have the perfect solution. Grab MURDOCH’S BRIDE, your favorite beverage, and curl up with your e-reader to cool off from the heat. To make this easier, MURDOCH’S BRIDE is on sale for 99¢ from Saturday, July 31, through Friday, August 6. MURDOCH’S BRIDE is book 3 in my Loving a Rancher series. I loved writing this book. If you haven’t read it, this is your chance to do so at a bargain price. Of course, it’s free in KU. Here’s the link: https://amzn.com/B07G2JY77F 

Stranded in the snow… 

Nowhere to stay… 

Another blizzard threatens… 

Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edwina from New York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and the passenger cars burn. Sweetwater Springs doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edwina. That also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they to do? 

Logan Murdoch and his brother came to Sweetwater Springs to restock before the next storm arrives. Against Logan’s better judgment, the sheriff convinces him to take three “innocent, stranded women” to Murdoch Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, a woman hasn’t set foot in the Murdoch home in the twenty years since Logan’s mother abandoned them. He doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted visitors. 

Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that unfold. How could this have happened? 

Enjoy an excerpt:

**This is a sweet, wholesome book. However, it does contain one curse word, as you’ll see from the excerpt. If that bothers you, please skip over that word. It is appropriate for Logan’ shock given his nature and his background.** 

The Murdoch men came inside as Charity came down the stairs from fetching a clean handkerchief for her aunt. 

Logan said, “Ornery old cow.” 

Charity gave Edwina her hanky and stomped toward him. “Mr. Murdoch, may I speak to you privately?” 

Surprise showed on his face. “Uh, sure. Guess we can go into the office.” 

He led the way to a room she hadn’t seen, obviously where the ranch records were kept. “Will this do, Miss Kelso?” 

She closed the door behind them. “Logan Murdoch, you have your nerve calling my aunt names. For your information, she’s had a horrible life and no one, not her selfish parents, not her cheating husband, not even her only son has ever loved her. And, that includes my father, who’s her younger brother.” 

He looked poleaxed. “I never said—” 

“I heard what you said.” She stabbed at his chest with her forefinger. “You called her an ‘ornery old cow’. She may be difficult sometimes, but if you knew everything about her you’d understand and be patient and forgiving. You can make fun of me all you want, emphasizing that I’m Miss and not Mrs., but you treat her with the respect someone her age deserves.” 

He moved her hand away from his chest and leaned into her face. “You might try practicing some of the charity you’re named for and at least give me a chance to defend myself. I was talking about our cow. In case you haven’t noticed, I have milk all over my legs and boots because she knocked against the pail.” 

Heat rushed to Charity’s cheeks. She stepped back. “Oh.” 

He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s a good comeback, Miss Kelso.” 

She sensed a blush’s heat spreading across her face and neck. “Once again, I must ask your pardon.” 

“When you’re angry, sparks fly from those big blue eyes. Reckon I’m lucky I wasn’t set on fire.” He closed the short distance between them and brushed a hand gently along her cheek. 

She knew he was going to kiss her but stood frozen in place. 

He tilted her head up to meet his and pressed his lips on hers. 

She thought he would withdraw then, but his arms were around her, pulling her closer. As if they had minds of their own, her arms encircled him. 

When they broke apart, he stared at her with a horrified expression. “Damn.” 

With the realization she’d cooperated in the kiss and even enjoyed it, horror shot through her. “My stars.” She took a deep breath and left the office.

 

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.

Please support these Amazing Sponsors!!

Thanks to these fabulous authors and bloggers for making this giveaway possible!


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Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card


Ends 11/15/17


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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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.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR 2017?

What did you do for New Year’s Day? Our family had a quiet celebration—of course eating black-eyed peas for good luck as is customary in the South and Southwest.

What’s on your schedule for this week and for 2017? Do you make New Year’s Resolutions or set goals? I set goals. This year I have a number of books I’m eager to write and publish.

Last year, I published eleven books, which meant I failed my goal to get in twelve. 

With all the family drama such as our daughter’s prolonged recovery from four surgeries in the past year, though, eleven books during the year were good for me. On top of that, we had other illness, a car wreck, yada yada the same things as everyone else. My new goal is to publish ten romances in 2017. We’ll see if I make this goal. I'm excited about those I've chosen.

Another goal is the same as always—to lose weight, especially the pounds I added between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whew! I can’t resist yummy food and there was plenty of it in our house. Hero does the cooking, and he indulges me with my favorites. However, I easily resist exercise, which I hate with a passion and always have. This year, I have to find a happy compromise.

In case you missed the news, my last release of 2016 was MURDOCH’S BRIDE. This book is set in February of 1887. 

Here’s the synopsis:

Stranded in the snow…

Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edwina from New York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and the passenger cars burn. Sweetwater Springs, Montana doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edwina. That also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they to do?

Logan Murdoch and his brother come to Sweetwater Springs to restock before the next storm arrives. Against Logan’s better judgment, the sheriff convinces him to take three stranded women to Murdoch Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, no woman has set foot in the Murdoch home in the twenty years since Logan’s mother abandoned them. He doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted female visitors.

Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that unfold. How could this have happened?

Amazon Buy Link: http://a.co/7flAy94

Thanks to each of you who bought any of my books and who took the time to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I look forward to your friendship continuing in 2017.

For now and in the coming year, I wish you abundant good health, prosperity, and peace.

Blessings,

Caroline

NEW RELEASE, MURDOCH'S BRIDE

Giveaway at end of post.

Dashing through the snow….

Thursday was the release of MURDOCH’S BRIDE, which is set in Montana in February. Snow plays a large part in the book. In fact, a blizzard isolates people at Murdoch Ranch.

How do you feel about snow? Because I live in an area that seldom receives crippling winter conditions, I like snow. Of course, full-time authors don’t have to commute to work. Here I sit in my office I call my pink cave, which opens off the master bedroom. I don’t have to stress over my work wardrobe and can wear my pajamas to work if I wish. Like now, but I that respiratory crud that's making the rounds.

However, when writing MURDOCH’S BRIDE, I stayed cold. All those words about the weather and visualizing the conditions on Murdoch Ranch kept me off balance. I’d write and be engulfed by cold. When I came out of my pink cave, I was surprised there was no snow and that the house was nice and warm. Authors are odd ducks who become immersed in their fictional worlds.

Here’s the blurb for MURDOCH’S BRIDE.

Stranded in the snow…

Charity Kelso is accompanying her fussy Aunt Edith from New York to Oregon when their train is wrecked and the passenger cars burn. Sweetwater Springs doesn’t have a hotel, so passengers are parceled out to townsfolk’s homes. No one wants anything to do with complaining Aunt Edith. That also leaves Charity and their newly widowed friend Amelia nowhere to stay until the tracks are repaired. A new blizzard is headed their way, so what are they to do?

Logan Murdoch and his brother came to Sweetwater Springs to restock before the next storm arrives. Against his better judgment, Logan lets the sheriff convince him to take three so-called innocent women to Murdoch Ranch. Other than their housekeeper-cook, a woman hasn’t set foot in the Murdoch home in the twenty years since his mother abandoned them. He doesn’t expect his father to welcome these unwanted visitors.

Both Charity and Logan are surprised at the events that unfold. How could this have happened?

Do you like the cover? The reason I chose those models is because the woman looks so happy. Of course, that’s how Charity appears at the end of the book.

Here’s an excerpt of the first kiss:

The Murdoch men came inside as Charity came down the stairs from fetching a clean handkerchief for her aunt.

Logan said, “Ornery old cow.”

Charity gave Edwina her hanky and stomped toward him. “Mr. Logan, may I speak to you privately?”

Surprise showed on his face. “Uh, sure. Guess we can go into the office.”

He led the way to a room she hadn’t seen, obviously where the ranch records were kept. “Will this do, Miss Kelso?”

She closed the door behind them. “Logan Murdoch, you have your nerve calling my aunt names. For your information, she’s had a horrible life and no one, not her selfish parents, not her cheating husband, not even her son ever loved her. And, that includes my father, who’s her younger brother.”

He stood looking poleaxed. “I never said—”  

She stabbed at his chest with her forefinger. “I heard what you said. You called her an ornery old cow. She may be difficult sometimes, but if you knew everything about her you’d understand and be patient and forgiving. You can make fun of me all you want, emphasizing that I’m Miss and not Mrs., but you treat her with the respect someone her age deserves.”

He moved her hand away from his chest and leaned into her face. “You might try practicing some of the charity you’re named for and at least give me a chance to defend myself. I was talking about our cow. In case you haven’t noticed, I have milk all over my legs and boots because she knocked against the pail.”

Heat rushed to Charity’s cheeks. She stepped back. “Oh.”

He stood with his hands on his hips. “That’s a good comeback, Miss Kelso.”

She sensed a blush’s heat spreading across her face and neck. “Once again, I must ask your pardon.”

“When you’re angry, sparks fly from those big blue eyes. Reckon I’m lucky I wasn’t set on fire.” He closed the short distance between them and he brushed a hand gently along her cheek.

She knew he was going to kiss her but stood frozen in place. He tilted her head up to meet his and pressed his lips on hers. She thought he would withdraw then, but his arms were around her, pulling her closer. As if they had minds of their own, her arms encircled him.

When they broke apart, he stared at her with a horrified expression. “Damn.”

With the realization she’d cooperated in the kiss and even enjoyed it, horror shot through her. “My stars.”

She took a deep breath and left the office.

Here’s the buy link for MURDOCH’S BRIDE: http://a.co/0VmUutI

MURDOCH’S BRIDE is only $1.99. This is one of Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series Kindle World releases. If you're a fan of Debra's books (which I am), you'll see some of her characters appear in this book. 

To celebrate, I'll give away an e-book copy of MURDOCH'S BRIDE to one person who comments on this post.