MY FIRST SERIES TO BE NARRATED--THE BRIDE BRIGADE!

 By Caroline Clemmons

When I decided to take advantage of Amazon’s amazing offer to furnish narration for my books, my first thought was The Bride Brigade Series, a historical western romance series about seven women who go west with wealthy young widow, Lydia Harrison. Lydia is determined the town will not lose all the young men due to lack of marriageable women. With her friend, Sophie Gaston, she travels to Virginia to interview women who answer her newspaper advertisement. Those she selects accompany here to the North Central Texas town of Tarnation, with the promise of introductions to eligible single men seeking wives. Each of the seven women has a different background and a different reason for risking everything on a chance to find happiness. The town’s residents dub the seven beauties The Bride Brigade.

Join them on their journey in audio, e-book, or print. They’re also enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. If you haven't read them, please do so. If you've read them, why not take advantage of the audio book and let the narrator read to you?

Here are the seven Bride Brigade hopefuls in chronological order:

JOSEPHINE

Josephine Nailor is desperate to escape a terrible arrangement between her sheriff father and the town’s mayor. When the opportunity arises via a newspaper ad, she and her best friend slip away and head for Richmond. She can’t relax until she’s far away from her tiny hometown. Jose4phine isn’t certain she even wants to marry, but she seizes the escape Lydia provided.

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/

 

ANGELINE

Angeline Chandler didn’t invite th attack that created her condition, but she suffered the results. Disowned byher family and left alone and destitute, she gets a second chance when a kind woman rescues her and invites her to travel to Tarnation, Texas with six other young women for the purpose of marriage. The prospect of marrying one man while carrying another’s child worries Ange4line. When would ant her with another man’s bavby?

Grady MyIntyre is a minister whose wife deied soon after their son w3as born. The woman who has be3en helping with histoddler has told him she is too oldto continue. When Angeline’s name is suggested as a part-time nanny, he seizes the chance to hire her. Their attraction is instantaneous but Angeline resists. A ministr needs a virtuous woman noy a fallen one. Soon thy marry and both ar3 happy.

Trouble rears its ugly head until mattersw come to a crisis. Will detractrors destroy the happiness Angl\eline aned Grady hav3 ound?

https://www.amazon.com/Angeline-Bride-Brigade-Book-2-ebook/dp/B01CEK3W0S/

 

CASSANDRA

Cassandra Bradford has the cast off wardrobe to pose as a lady. Her goal is to marry a wealthy man who can provide her young brother with a sound future. Drat the luck! The first man she sees in Tarnation is a dusty cowboy who sends her heart pounding. Not for her. She has a better life in mind.

Samuel Drummond is one of the wealthiest ranchers in that part of the state, but he wants that kept quiet. His first wife married him for his money then left when she became bored with ranch life. He won’t let that happen if he remarries. He intends to find a woman who wants him no matter how poor she thinks he is.

When both Cassandra and Sam learn omissions the other has made, there are fireworks between them. They must work through their anger and hurt to achieve happiness.

https://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Bride-Brigade-Book-3-ebook/dp/B01FICL10M

OPHELIA

Ophelia Shipp wants safety, a home, a husband, and to raise a family. First, she must escape a fanatical father who often beats her mercilessly in the name of religion. After her best friend’s help reaching Lydia Harrison, she travels halfway across the country to a tiny Texas town. What awaits her there must be better than what she left. She longs for a respectable man who will be a gentle and a 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.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Ophelia-Bride-Brigade-Book-4-ebook/dp/B01HDIKQ3W/

 

RACHEL

Rachel Ross’ shameful past holds a secret that haunts her. She joins other women leaving Virginia for Texas, object matrimony. Vowing never to trust again, she is determined to rebuild her life. She likes the dusty little town of Tarnation and is attracted to Zane Evans. Her past has made her cautious, but she allows him to court her.

Zane Evans is a former Pinkerton agent who wants to forget all he saw in that profession and in the war to establish a good life in Tarnation, Texas. He has carefully planned his future. When he meets Rachel, he is instantly attracted. One event reveals her past in a spectacular way. Will Zane forgive her silence?

https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Bride-Brigade-Book-5-ebook/dp/B01LZP40HG/

 

LORRAINE

How to escape marriage to an odious man?.Leave the state. Lorraine Stuart joins a group of women traveling to a town with numerous bachelors but no unmarried young women. She longs to meet a man who will admire her and the writing ability that has her stories in several publications, by a pseudonym, of course. Just her luck, out of all those in Tarnation, she falls for the most stubbon man she’s ever met. But the handsome newspaper owner is the only one who makes her heart flutter.

Grant Pettigrew has worked hard to establish the Tarnation Gazette. He is intrigued by Lorraine, but he won’t let a woman write for his newspaper. Besides, he can’t afford to hire anyone yet. The redhead is gorgeous and ignites dreams of family, but he’s never met a more obstinate woman. Will two immovable forces join to form a forever love?

https://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Bride-Brigade-Book-6-ebook/dp/B0725WQ6XG/

 

PRUDENCE

 Prudence Lynch’s beloved grandmother trained her in midwifery and in folk medicine. Always ostracized because they were different—until someone needed their help—they lived in poverty at the edge of a tiny Virginia village where rumors plagued them. After Granny’s death, Prudence leaves for Richmond. There, Prudence is fortunate to be chosen to accompany Lydia Harrison to Tarnation, Texas. She believes she’s left trouble and gossip behind to establish her healing business and begin a new life.

Doctor Riley Gaston wants a wife and children. He’s threatened to move from Tarnation to seek a wife, but he would never actually leave the community he loves. One of the young women Lydia brings home mesmerizes Riley. That is, until he learns her so-called profession is folk healing, which he views as dangerous as it is worthless. Prudence is as stubborn as Riley. Trouble causes them to reconsider their opinions. But is their change of heart too late?

https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Bride-Brigade-Book-7-ebook/dp/B0753TDYRM/

Thanks for stopping by.

LUCKY COMBINATION!

 By Caroline Clemmons

Sometimes things go right. Six years ago I conceived a series idea for a young widow who brings several young women to the small town of Tarnation, Texas in 1875. Naturally, I needed a name for the series. A writer friend, Kathy Shaw, suggested the Bride Brigade.  

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than seven love stories?

At the first of the initial book, young widow Lydia Jane Harrison hates that so many men are moving away to towns where there are marriageable women. She asks the local bachelors to wait while she brings young women home. Accompanied by her friend, Sophie Gaston, Lydia travels to Richmond, Virginia, with the intention of returning with four young ladies of good reputation. The four will live with her until each selects her husband from among Tarnation’s bachelors.

Plotting and writing this series was such fun. Of course it was work, but work I enjoyed. The first book has Lydia’s plans upset by adding two more women. At a layover in Atlanta, she adds one more. No problem, she has a large home.

On the hill looking across part of 

Johnson's League Ranch

Some time before I began plotting this series, Hero and I had been on a driving tour sponsored by the Palo Pinto County Historical Society. At that lovely event, I found the perfect spot for Tarnation. Originally the place was called Johnson’s League Ranch. In my mind I know exactly where the buildings of the town are located. You probably know that one of a writer’s problems/blessings is that characters become real people. Even if the place has a fictional name, it exists in our heads. We want our characters to have a good place to live.

Because she was a young Southern Belle when they wed, Lydia’s late husband built her a home like the one in which she had lived before the Civil War. While it's true the series does not have to be read in order, it will be more enjoyable if it is. The books’ are in this order: Josephine, Angeline, Cassandra, Ophelia, Rachel, Lorraine, and Prudence. Click on the title above to order the book from Amazon. The books are available in e-book, print, and also are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

Each woman faces different obstacles. The books are sweet romances, which means no sex scenes. Don't think that means no romance! Each ends with a happily-ever-after and never a cliffhanger. If you haven’t read them yet, I hope you’ll take this opportunity to do so. 

Lydia Jane Harrison's home

in Tarnation, Texas

Josephine believes she doesn't want to marry--ever. She's been working in Michael Buchanan's Mercantile.

To whet your appetite, here’s an excerpt from JOSEPHINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

I’ve already told you that this has a happily-ever-after ending so you don’t have to worry about Michael dying. Still, you have to read the book to find out what happens, don’t you?

OPHELIA -- AND THE CPS!

Don't miss the double giveaways at the end of the post--but please read the post first!

OPHELIA is Bride Brigade book 4. I love Ophelia’s gentle nature and loving heart. Certainly her experiences might have caused another to hate and turn to violence. So often we hear on the news of terrible incidents of child abuse that resulted in the child’s death or near death. Seldom can we learn of the continual abuse which creates life-long emotional and physical problems and sometimes contributes to criminal behavior.

In my mind, there is nothing worse than child abuse. We are here to protect those weaker than us, not prey on them. According to an article in the New York Times, each day in the Unites States at least three children die from parental mistreatment. I was interested to learn about the first documented case of child abuse, Mary Ellen Wilson. Please stay with me even though this is a long blog. This is important information!

Mary Ellen was born in 1862 to Frances and Thomas Wilson. Her father was killed in battle at Cold Harbor. Her mother worked two shifts as a laundress at a New York hotel. As was a custom at the time, she boarded Mary Ellen for two dollars a week, which consumed her widow’s pension. After Frances missed payments and visitation several times, the woman turned Mary Ellen over to New York City Children’s Charities. Later when Mrs. Wilson came to visit Mary Ellen, she was told the child had died.

From there, the child’s luck continued downhill. She was placed with Mary and Thomas McCormack. Mary went on to marry Francis Connolly/Connelly following Thomas' death. According to Mary McCormack Connolly's court testimony, Thomas McCormack, Mary Connolly's first husband, claimed to be Mary Ellen Wilson's biological father.  The Department of Charities placed Mary Ellen into the McCormacks' care illegally, without any documentation.

Thomas McCormack signed an "indenture" agreement upon retrieving Mary Ellen from the Department of Charities' care, but did not explain his or his wife's relationship with the child to the Commissioner of Public Charities and Correction. This body administered the city's almshouse, workhouse, insane asylums, orphanages, jails, and public hospitals. The McCormacks were required to report the child's condition annually to the Department. According to Mary Connolly's later court testimony, this only occurred once or twice during Mary Ellen's stay.

Thomas McCormack died and his wife married Francis Connolly/Connelly and moved with him and Mary Ellen to an apartment on 41 Street in Hell’s Kitchen. It was at this address that neighbors first became aware of young Mary Ellen's mistreatment. Her foster mother forced her to do heavy labor, repeatedly beat, burned and cut the child, and locked her in a tiny closet. She was not allowed to go outside or even to look out the window but no one came to her rescue.

When the Connollys moved to a new address, one of the concerned neighbors from their 41st Street apartment asked Etta Angell Wheeler to check on the child. Some accounts say Mrs. Wheeler was a Methodist missionary who worked in the area and others that she was an employee of the New York Department of Public Charities and Corrections (and I insist she deserved the Angell part of her name). Wheeler, under the pretext of asking Mrs. Connolly's help in caring for Connolly's chronically ill and home-bound neighbor gained access to the Connollys' apartment to see Mary Ellen's state for herself. When Mrs. Wheeler saw the glaring evidence of severe physical abuse, malnourishment, and neglect, Wheeler began to research legal options to redress the abuse and protect the young girl.

Some jurisdictions had laws prohibiting excessive physical discipline and New York permitted the removal of neglected children. However they determined they would not intervene and Mary Ellen was not removed from the care of Mrs. Connolly. If Mary Ellen's treatment wasn’t severe enough, one wonders what would be! 

Apartment in which Mary Ellen lived before rescue

After finding the local authorities reluctant to act, Wheeler turned to a local advocate for the animal humane movement and the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Henry Bergh. He made it clear that his work was as an individual and not part of his office of the ASPCA. However, he had powerful ties in the community which made people take the case seriously. Once he was involved, Mary Ellen was rescued from her home within forty-eight hours.

Mary Ellen when rescued

Mary Ellen was ten but malnutrition made her only the size of a five or six year old. Her face was blemished because the previous day Mrs. Connolly had slashed her with scissors. The child was carried into the courtroom wrapped in a blanket and screaming. She feared Mary Connolly would punish her for leaving the apartment. A policeman gave her a peppermint stick to calm her. Once she settled down, she revealed a horrific life.

On April 9, 1874, Mary Ellen testified, “My father and mother are both dead. I don‘t know how old I am. I have no recollection of a time when I did not live with the Connollys…Mamma (Mrs. Connolly) has been in the habit of whipping and beating me almost every day. She used to whip me with a twisted whip—a raw hide.(A rawhide horse whip was found at the apartment.) The whip always left a black and blue mark on my body. I have now the black and blue marks on my head which were made by mamma, and also a cut on the left side of my forehead which was made by a pair of scissors. She struck me with the scissors and cut me; I have no recollection of ever having been kissed by any one—have never been kissed by mamma. I have never been taken on my mamma‘s lap and caressed or petted. I never dared to speak to anybody, because if I did I would get whipped…I do not know for what I was whipped—mamma never said anything to me when she whipped me. I do not want to go back to live with mamma, because she beats me so. I have no recollection ever being on the street in my life.”

Mary Ellen after rescue

Wheeler and Bergh successfully removed Mary Ellen from the Connolly home and took Mary Connolly to trial. On April 21, 1874 Mrs. Connolly was found guilty of felonious assault and sentenced to one year of hard labor in prison. Apparently nothing happened to her husband, who certainly had to be aware of the abuse. Even though he might not have participated, neither did he protect Mary Ellen.

Mary Ellen was sent to what was basically a reform school for girls who had been in trouble. That was not where she needed to be. Mrs. Wheeler was able to get Mary Ellen released into the custody of her family and the child went to live with Mrs. Wheeler’s mother, Susan Angell, where she flourished. She lived there until Mrs. Angell died, at which time she went to live with Etta Wheeler’s sister and brother-in-law. 

Mary Ellen married at age twenty-four to Francis Schutt. He was a widower with three children. Together, they had two daughters, the first named Etta after Etta Angell Wheeler. They also adopted a daughter.

After her first ten years, Mary Ellen deserved all the happiness she found. She died in 1956 at age 92.

Mary Ellen circa 1906

Here's the summary of 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.

Amazon buy link is: http://a.co/dfNm6Rn  

Here’s an excerpt of Ophelia and Elias Kendrick meeting at the first reception:

“What brings you to Tarnation, Miss Shipp?”

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

His smile broadened. “That there is. In fact, 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. Actually, I’ve never been to a live performance.” Oops, why did she have to confess 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. “My father was very strict. I couldn’t appear in or attend school plays. Mr. Kozlov has invited me to the opera house opening performance in two weeks. I’m looking forward to the event.”

Was that disappointment she saw flash across 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 severe disadvantage.”

She had to stop herself from rubbing her sore rear. “Oh, I 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.” He took a deep breath and averted his gaze before he spoke. “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 had included a saloon owner in this group of “acceptable” men. What should she say? A saloon owner here went against everything she’d ever been told. Yet, didn’t she trust Lydia? And, Mr. Kendrick appeared so nice. Think, what would Lydia or Jo say?

“I seek never to pass judgment, Mr. Kendrick. I don’t approve of drunkenness but I know most men enjoy meeting with others and sharing a drink or game of cards.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Very broad-minded of you. Do you play cards, Miss Shipp?”

Relief relaxed her and she couldn’t help laughing at his question. “I don’t play anything. All I’ve ever done is work.”

GIVEAWAYS!

Don’t forget the giveaway! There are two. One is from me for $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash to one commenter on one of the seven blogs about the Bride Brigade, ending with the release of PRUDENCE on August 25. Winner will be announced on August 28.

The other—which makes mine look paltry—is Kathy Habel’s $250 Cash Back to School Giveaway. Look for the Rafflecopter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sources:
Wikipedia
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/health/15abus.html
Photos, Google commons except my cover, which was designed by Skhye Moncrief

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.