COVER REVEAL AND THE SERIES

My latest historical western romance is RACHEL, Bride Brigade book 5. I’m sharing the cover with readers today to whet your appetite—I hope! Her story will be released August 26.

On a side-note, do you love mail-order bride stories? I love reading and writing them. The aspects of the fish-out-of-water and the characters' adjustments appeal to me.

After reading Chris Enss’ books about real mail-order brides, I know that many were terribly unhappy. I believe most were—if not a marriage made in heaven—at least a life of satisfaction in which both the husband and wife gained.

After the Civil War, there were so many fewer marriageable men in the East than women. A woman had to choose whether or not she wanted to risk a mail-order marriage in order to have her own home, husband, and children. The other choices were to live with a relative as a sort of glorified servant, teach other people’s children, or work at a job with low pay and no prospects for more. Both Hero's family and mine had instances of the glorified servant. Life as the live-in spinster aunt doesn't sound like a fulfilling life, does it?

When I conceived the Bride Brigade Series, I wanted to create a twist on the mail-order bride. Lydia Harrison brings seven women from Virginia to Tarnation, Texas to meet the town’s bachelors. She was certain each woman would find the man perfect for her. In fact, she chose each woman with a man in mind—but she didn’t tell anyone that. Each of the seven is strong in her own way, Make that eight if you count Lydia, and I do.

So far, Josephine, Angeline, Cassandra, and Ophelia have fallen in love and married. Now we meet Rachel. She has just been released from prison after being framed for embezzlement by her boss. Her father has asked her to quickly leave before she resurrects the disgrace she caused the family by her arrest, trial, and imprisonment—as if being framed were her fault. 

I hope you’ll enjoy RACHEL as much as I do. I love Lydia and these young women and feel as if I know each one, as well as the strong men they come to love. LORRAINE and PRUDENCE will soon follow this fall.

Next month I’ll release two connected contemporary western books, GRANT ME THE MOON and CAPTURE A STAR.

COVER REVEAL FOR OPHELIA, BRIDE BRIGADE BOOK 4

The Bride Brigade Series has been a lot of fun. I love the part of North Central Texas in which I set this series. Let’s face it, I love Texas—though summer months sometimes make me forget why. ☺

The premise of this series is that in 1873 wealthy widow Lydia Harrison tries to save her town of Tarnation, Texas and keep the young bachelors from moving to more diversified populations. That is, where there are marriageable women. To accomplish this she goes back to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

If you are a history lover, you know that part of the country suffered greatly in the Civil War and many men lost their lives. Others, rather than return to homes that were no longer there, moved west. The result was that there were far more women than men. Lydia decides to bring a few of these women to Tarnation where they will be her guests until they decide which of the local bachelors they want to marry.

She brings back seven young women and then invites respectable bachelors to receptions and dances at her home. Citizens in town have dubbed these seven women the Bride Brigade. So far, JOSEPHINE, ANGELINE, and CASSANDRA have married. Now it’s OPHELIA’S turn.

OPHELIA will be released later this month.

Here’s the blurb for OPHELIA:

Escape…

A painful past…

Hope for the future…

Ophelia Shipp wants safety, a home, husband, and to raise a family. To achieve her goal, she travels halfway across the country to a tiny Texas town, Tarnation. What awaits her there must be better than what she left. She longs for a respectable man who will be a gentle and kind husband.

Elias Kendrick had a difficult childhood but he has overcome poverty to build his empire in Tarnation. Now that he owns a successful saloon and the opera house, he is ready to marry and start a family. He’s vowed his children’s life will be different from his—if only he can find the right woman.

Two opposites attract—or are they? Ophelia and Elias must learn to overlook their superficial differences to work out their chance at lasting love.

Here’s an excerpt from OPHELIA:

Mr. Kendrick strolled toward her holding a cup and a plate filled with samples of Mrs. Murphy’s delicacies. “You look as if you could use punch and a snack.”

She fought for something clever to say, but nothing came. At least she managed a smile. “Thank you. I am thirsty after introducing myself so many times.”

He sat in the chair separated from hers by a small table. “Nice shindig, isn’t it?”

She took a sip of punch before answering. “I love watching and listening. Everyone appears so happy and excited.”

“What about you? Are you happy or excited?”

She couldn’t prevent a grin. “Both. Being in Lydia’s home is so pleasant and the other women are very nice. This morning I woke up excited about this event.”

“Me, too.” He chuckled. “What brings you to Tarnation, Miss Shipp?”

“Same as the others I suppose. No point pretending otherwise, I want a husband and home and family. This appears to be a nice town even though it’s small. I notice there’s even an opera house.”

“That there is. I built the opera house only a year ago. The manager and I try for a variety of acts so that by the end of the season, everyone has enjoyed at least a couple of shows.”

She leaned forward, happy to know he was so fair-minded. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy them all. I’ve never been to a live performance.” Oops, she hadn’t intended to admit that.

He leaned back and his eyes widened. “Never? You mean except at school, of course.”

A blush’s heat seared her face. How embarrassing to admit she was a country bumpkin who had done nothing interesting in her life. “My father was very strict. I couldn’t appear in or attend school plays. Mr. Kozlov has invited me to the opera house performance in two weeks. I’m looking forward to the event.”

Was that disappointment she saw on his face? “You’ll enjoy Geraldine Chitwood. We were exceptionally fortunate to book her. Normally, she only plays larger towns more easily reached. Being without railway access places us at a disadvantage.”

“Oh, my bones haven’t forgotten that stage ride.” She leaned toward him. “Tell me about yourself, Mr. Kendrick. Besides owning the opera house, I mean.”

“I’m twenty-nine and never married. If you led such a quiet life that you weren’t allowed to attend plays, then you’ll no doubt look down on me because, as well as the opera house, I own the local saloon.”

She hoped she hid her surprise that Lydia included a saloon owner in this group of “acceptable” men. What should she say?

If you’re a member of my mailing list, you’ll receive a newsletter when the book is released. You’ll also have the opportunity to enter the contest for a Kindle Fire. If you haven’t joined yet, you can at the top of the sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by.

WHAT GOES INTO A BOOK?

Most writers would agree a part of ourselves goes into each book we create. Good critique partners are also crucial. True, we put a bit of ourselves into each character--even the villain. After all, each of us is the sum of all our experiences, both good and bad. Just as a method actor “becomes” the character he or she portrays, the writer becomes his or her character as each is written.

To me, this is what I call “method writing.” I hope it evokes deep emotional response from readers and pulls readers into the story. Helping me remain on track are my critique partners. When my sentences are convoluted, unclear, and when I’ve failed in some aspect, my critique partners (cp’s) hold me accountable.

My cp’s and I meet regularly. This serves two purposes: First, the pressure to complete a set number of pages by meeting time is there. Second, meeting with other writers is energizing. In a way, writing is contagious. ☺ I come home from each session enthused about making any suggested changes in my work in progress and continuing the project.

Perhaps cp’s are not necessary. Many multi-published authors have beta readers who simply read for general content and give a “drags here” or “best ever” verdict. Beta readers are excellent, but I like face-to-face critique sessions where we can brainstorm problems.

When I conceived the idea of a trilogy called Men of Stone Mountain, I also had an idea of three brothers and what each was like. Micah is the youngest, and he fought on the Union side in the Civil War, unlike his brothers. He’s tired of killing and vows never again to shoot anything but a critter attacking his cattle. Zach is the middle brother and the peacemaker who never loses his temper. Joel is the oldest, and used to giving orders. He’s the logical, rule keeper to whom everything is either right or wrong. These brothers are close-knit and loyal.

While the brothers share many similarities, the women I conceived for these three are very different. In BRAZOS BRIDE, Hope Montoya is formal and unable to show her emotions, taught by her parents that sentiment and displays of affection are unseemly. She has a hard time showing Micah her feelings.

Buy link for BRAZOS BRIDE


In HIGH STAKES BRIDE, Alice Price is a very gentle, kind woman who is prone to accidents. She needs to escape her stepbrothers, but trouble plagues her and she continually gets turned around and goes in circles until she meets Zach. When he comes up with a crazy idea, she agrees. I have to admit Alice is one of my favorite heroines. I also love the young boy Zach and Alice rescue, Seth, and his dog. Harry.

Buy Link for HIGH STAKES BRIDE

Currently, I’m writing BLUEBONNET BRIDE, about Joel. Now we’ve not seen Joel’s point of view much, so we didn’t know that he has an internal humorous dialogue. That’s been fun. Since he’s now the sheriff who goes strictly by the rules, I gave him Rosalyn, a heroine who is escaping a death sentence. She managed to bring her daughter, Lucy, with her in her quest for a fresh start. I think I’ll have this book finished and published by the end of the year--early January at the latest. Time goes awry around the holidays, doesn’t it?  My friend Nelda Liles from Plano TX gave me the background photo for BLUEBONNET BRIDE's cover and Hero planted a handsome cowboy as Joel in the bluebonnets.Hero has the cover ready and is waiting on me. Guess I’d better get busy, hadn’t I?

Thanks for stopping by!
 

DOING TIME - NO, NOT THAT KIND

Oops, on Monday, August 6th, I have to be in three places.Which is why I'm late here.  I'm at Sky Purrington's gorgeous blog, A Writer's Mind http://skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/ and at the Keller-Fort Worth Writers As We Were Saying at http://kfwwriters.blogspot.com/ Please stop by if you have a chance. And on Tuesday, August 7th, I'll be at Rachel Brimble's blog in England. http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/ You can see I'm doing my time traveling via the internet.

WE HAVE A WINNER! The winner of Cindy Nord's NO GREATER GLORY is Kathleen. Cindy will be contacting you, Kathleen. Congratulations!

 Now to today's blog from me.


Thanks for stopping so I can remind you about my Heather Cameron cozy mystery series, DIGGING FOR DEATH.  This book is available in print and Kindle e-book. I love feel-good books, and DIGGING FOR DEATH fits that definition. Sure, someone dies, but he's the meanest man in town and it's off scene so the reader isn't exposed to the gore. So, pour yourself a worthy beverage (alas, mine is hot tea) and join me while I tell you about Heather and her family.

Heather’s great-great grandparents helped found the town of Gamble Grove north of Dallas on Highway 75. Gamble Grove is only a real town in my imagination. It’s near where Van Alstyne or Anna are on the map. My dad was born nearby at Pilot Grove and my own maternal great grandparents were named Gamble, hence the name. Like real towns in the area, Gamble Grove is rapidly growing and fighting to retain its small town charm as it copes with expansion. Local businesses struggle to compete with the big box chain stores.

Heather’s grandfather founded Gillentine Gardens and Landscape Design. In spite of the usual big box type stores that come with growth, customers are loyal to Gillentine Gardens. Heather, who majored in horticulture and landscape design at Texas A&M University, also holds a B.S. in business. She is a sharp young woman. The death of her parents when she was eight resulted in her being raised by her maternal grandparents and great grandmother. One of her companions what Walter Sims, who had been a good friend of her dad’s and worked for her grandfather. Now Grandpa Gillentine has retired and put Heather in charge of the business.

Here’s the blurb:

Garden center manager Heather Cameron is DIGGING FOR DEATH to prove her old family friend and employee, Walter Sims, is innocent of murdering the meanest man in town. Heather can’t trust the police to find the real killer when all clues point to poor Walter. The dead man was beaten to death with Walter’s shovel several hours after they were overheard arguing, and the two men had a long history of enmity. Walter definitely looks guilty, but Heather is sure—well, almost positive—okay, she certainly hopes her friend and mentor is innocent.

Heather Cameron

  Heather is compelled to scour the fictional North Central Texas town of Gamble Grove to exonerate her old friend. She’s encouraged when the new police detective in town, Kurt Steele, shows interest in helping her look for clues. Or, is Kurt just interested in spending time with Heather?
The deeper Heather digs into the dead man’s life, the more she justifies his ruthless reputation. Walter is indicted, but police begin to suspect the victim’s stepson as murderer. Heather is convinced the stepson couldn’t have murdered anyone either—although it’s clear no love was lost between the two men. The attempted murder of the victim’s real son creates a new twist. A chance observation at dinner after the reading of the murdered man’s will slips the last piece into the crime’s intricate puzzle. Can Heather solve the murder without becoming another victim?

Here’s an excerpt:


Lining the Rockwell’s drive nearest the new garden plot were a fire engine, an ambulance, a van, what was probably an unmarked police car, two black and whites and—dang, wouldn't you know it?—the Gillentine Gardens truck. The muscles in my stomach were like vise grips clenched on my insides as I drove past the other vehicles and parked. Sickly dread overwhelmed me at what I might find.
I wanted to turn my car around and drive home and run up to my bed and pull the covers over my head. No such luxury for me. I climbed out of my car and strode quickly toward the crowd, swallowing down fear’s metallic taste in my mouth.
Container rose bushes destined for Bootsy Rockwell's garden almost filled the garden center’s staked-bed truck. Miguel Diaz sat on the truck’s bed with his feet dangling off the end. Steve Harris sat beside him. Bad vibes shot through me. A uniformed policeman and another man stood talking to Miguel. Miguel looked ashen and ill, but he nodded to me. Steve said nothing, merely hung his head.
"Hello, Heather." Miguel shook his head, despair evident in his sad brown eyes. "It's really bad."
"What's happened?"
The officer turned to me. "You know the whereabouts of Walter Sims?"
"He's supposed to be at the garden center. What's happened?" I repeated my question.
Steve looked up, but said nothing.
Miguel looked as if he were trying to send me some sort of signal. "Heather, it's—“
The man in plainclothes quieted Miguel with a glance as he stepped forward. Good heavens, what a giant. Must be six-four with shoulders broad as our truck. Even a long, tall Texas gal like myself had to look up to meet his gaze.
Whoa. What a gaze it was. Worried and puzzled as I was, I couldn’t fail to notice his eyes were delphinium blue and his dark hair the color of moist peat moss was cut short. He wasn’t GQ handsome, but definitely attractive.

Detective Kurt Steele

"I take it you're Miss Cameron? I'm Detective Kurt Steele and this officer is Sergeant Jack Winston. We need to ask you a few questions."
"Not until I know what's happened. Why are you questioning Mr. Diaz and Mr. Harris?" Darn, stress must have fried my mind. I couldn’t believe I refused a detective.
"Vance Rockwell was murdered early this morning. We want to speak with Walter Sims. No one here seems to know where Mr. Sims is.” He paused. “Do you?"
Rockwell dead and Walter missing? Panic rose with the bile in my throat.
No, please don’t let Walter be the killer.
At that moment, paramedics wheeled a gurney bearing a black body bag past the truck and loaded it into the ambulance. Oh Lord, Rockwell dead from Walter’s shovel? And Walter hated him.
Carole King was in my head, and the earth really did move. Dropping away from my feet, leaving me drifting. The sky tumbled down. Swirling, everything was swirling. Spiraling around me. I thought I might throw up or pass out—or both.
The detective stepped forward and grabbed my arm, anchoring me in the mixed up universe. "Miss Cameron? Maybe you should sit on the truck by Diaz and Harris."
But the sky still tumbled, the earth spiraled around me. I was a kid spinning until I was drunk with dizziness.  Sky flipped places with earth. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down.
"Yes...Yes, I’d better." With Detective Steele's help, I staggered to the truck. I shrugged off his hand intent on levering myself onto the bed. But I stood there as if in a trance.
The detective hoisted me up onto the truck s if I were a kid. I sat there wondering if I were going to pass out.
I felt Miguel’s hand at my neck. “Your head, put it between your knees.”
I did as he instructed, closing my eyes and taking a couple of deep breaths. When I straightened, my head was throbbing but the earth and sky had resumed their correct positions.  Sky above, earth below.
Willing my eyes to focus on the detective, I insisted, "Walter wouldn't bash in anyone's head." I prayed I spoke the truth.
Detective Steele referred to his notes. "It appears he and Mr. Rockwell had a heated argument yesterday about a quarter of five. Mr. Sims stalked to the truck—“he pointed at Steve”—where Harris waited, and peeled off."
Drat Walter, coming here when I’d ordered him to stay at the garden center. "If you consider anyone who argued with Rockwell a suspect, you'll be interviewing half the state." I almost included myself but thought better of it. "Besides, you said Walter left."
Sergeant Winston said, "Maybe he returned."
"Phffft." I peered at Detective Steele. "Sounds like you’re grasping at straws. What kind of detective work is that?"
Steele's clenched jaw displayed a small tic.
Oops, I shouldn’t have said that.
He stood directly in front of me and glared. "We just started the investigation. If we had some cooperation, maybe we could wrap this up in time to buy donuts before we take our lunch break."
Way to go, Heather. Not a good idea to annoy the police.
I took another deep breath. At this rate, I’d soon hyperventilate. “There’s no need for sarcasm. I don't know where Walter is, but I know he wouldn't kill anyone, not even Vance Rockwell."
He raised his eyebrows, making his nice blue eyes more noticeable, darn him. "Not even? What does that mean?"
"Rockwell was not a popular man. I imagine you'll find a long, long list of people with motives, detective. Leave Walter alone." I glanced at Miguel slumped beside me and patted his shoulder. "Leave all my employees alone. None of them would have done such a thing."
Detective Steele poised his pen over his notebook. "Where were you just after midnight, Miss Cameron?"
I thought again about his nice blue eyes, but pushed those thoughts aside because of his nasty question. "In my apartment. Asleep."
He raised one eyebrow.
I shot him a glare. "Alone."
"So, you have no alibi?"
"People who live alone never have an alibi. That doesn't mean they're guilty of anything more serious than drinking juice from the carton."
He pulled out a business card and handed it over. "We'll be in touch. Call me if you hear from Mr. Sims."
"Can Mr. Diaz and Mr. Harris go?"
Detective Steele nodded. Miguel and Steve slid off the truck bed to the ground, and Miguel helped me down. While they walked to the truck's cab, the detective speared me with another no-nonsense glare.
"If you hear from Walter Sims, you'll be doing him a favor if you convince him to call us. We need to talk to him, and the sooner the better."
I turned and walked back to my Jetta. My heartbeat fluttered and my throat threatened to close so I couldn’t breathe. I was afraid I wouldn’t make it to the car, but I climbed in and turned the ignition.

I hope that excerpt tempted you to buy DIGGING FOR DEATH. It’s available from
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Digging-Death-Caroline-Clemmons/dp/1478159421/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344267587&sr=1-13&keywords=caroline+clemmons

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