NEW RELEASE, SNARE HIS HEART

I’m excited to announce my latest title, SNARE HIS HEART, is now available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZN4CCG. This is number 5 in my Loving A Rancher Series for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series for Kindle World. Whew! That sounds a lot more complicated than it is.

In addition to SNARE HIS HEART, eight other Montana Skies Series books are now released. TANGLED BLOOM is by Dallis Adams, SAVING THE OUTLAW is by Linnea Alexis, HEARTS RHYTHM is by Linda Carroll-Bradd, THE SCOUNDREL’S INCONVENIENT BRIDE is by Crystal Green, GIFTS OF LOVE is by Kit Morgan, REDEMPTION ROSE is by Louella Nelson, WHEN THE HEART HEALS is by Judy Pennell, and LEGACY is by Lynn Winchester. You can see the covers and purchase each book on Debra Holland’s website at http://www.debraholland.com/kindle-worlds.html

SNARE HIS HEART is set in 1887 in and near Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. Those of you who read Debra Holland’s books will recognize many of her characters in this story. My main characters are Forrest Clanahan and Addie Ryan, with Forrest’s stepbrother, Ethan Campbell, playing a large role. Here’s the summary:

How can Adeline “Addie” Ryan deal with pity and sly remarks after her fiancé elopes with her bridesmaid? Usually optimistic, she suspects this event will taint her socially as long as she remains in Atlanta. At her sister’s suggestion, she visits a matrimonial consultant. One man’s letter touches her heart, but can she travel to Montana Territory to marry a stranger?

Forrest Clanahan carries scars on half of his upper body he received when he tried to rescue his late wife from their burning home. Her death left a hole in his heart that won’t allow him to love again—but his children need a woman’s guidance and he needs a wife. He offers kindness and consideration—but not love. Never love.

Addie and Forrest unite against threats but can they develop a loving relationship?

Yes, this is another mail-order bride story. I love reading and writing about women who believe becoming a mail-order bride is the best or only opportunity left for them. Would I want to have been one? No, but who knows what we’d do if faced with difficult choices?

When many eligible men moved west, a surplus of marriage-age women were left behind. At that time in history, there were few options left for a woman who didn’t marry. She could become a companion for an elderly relative, become a governess if she was educated enough, or teach school (which required she remain single). Doing anything else lowered her social standing—if she had any.

I’ve read true stories of women who ventured across the country to marry a stranger they knew only by mail. Brides in some of these situations have tragic tales while others are happy—or at least contented. If you’re interested, Chris Enss published HEARTS WEST about several of these real-life mail-order brides.

Years ago, there was a man in our church who had at one time been handsome. A terrible car wreck left his lower face disfigured. Part of his jaw was missing and surgery had left vicious scars. When I first met him, I had to make a conscious effort not to stare at him. After becoming better acquainted with him, I stopped seeing the scars and deformed face. When my mom visited and asked me about the man in the choir who was so badly scarred, I had to stop and think who she could mean. When we take time to know someone, we see the person rather than only the exterior.

That’s what happens to Addie in SNARE HIS HEART. Once she comes to know Forrest, she realizes what an admirable person he is. Here’s an excerpt from SNARE HIS HEART:

As they drew closer, Addie was surprised at the size of the log home. The house was nothing like those she’d been accustomed to seeing in Atlanta. Although the size matched that of luxurious Georgia homes, large logs formed this one’s walls.

What an effort cutting, stripping and hauling all those logs must have been. How had they managed this large two-story home? She supposed the men had made the shingles for the steep roof, too.

A huge barn and several other buildings were near the home. Biscuits and Rowdy milled around the grounds and turned toward the wagon. Biscuits shaded his eyes as if watching them.

“That’s a beautiful home and large. How many bedrooms does it have?”

“Two downstairs, one’s for a housekeeper if we can ever afford one. The other is for older guests, say if your parents wanted to visit or when we get too old to climb the stairs. On the second floor, there are seven including ours.”

The number of rooms surprised her. “I suppose without a local hotel, you have to provide for travelers in the area. Do you have guests frequently?”

“Not since my wife died. Beg your pardon, I meant my first wife, Evie. Admit I’ve been a mite standoffish since the fire. Figure most folks won’t want to stay here bad enough to look at me in the bargain.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “Trust me, Forrest, I know how petty a few people can be, but you underestimate the largest percentage. Mrs. Norton told me you’re a fine man and a hero, so don’t you think others will feel the same way?”

He dipped his head. “No matter how they feel about my character, they won’t want to look at me. I don’t blame them. Shaving and combing my hair is a chore I’d like to avoid.”

“You could grow a beard.” She smiled.

His eyes sparkled with humor. “Pffft. On half my face? That’d look even weirder than now.”

“I’m more interested in the person than the appearance. I should explain now that I was engaged to a handsome and charming man. He left me at the altar and eloped with my bridesmaid. She had been—after my sister Julie—my best friend.”

“Ouch, that must have been a bitter pill to swallow.”

“Not as much as it should have been. What drove me out of Atlanta were the gossips. I simply couldn’t take the pitying glances or the spiteful glee from some of my so-called friends.”

“I certainly understand. Guess your bad luck was my good fortune.”

She touched his arm before she caught herself. “Oh, how nice of you to say that, Forrest. I hope you mean it.”

“I do. I’ve needed help and wanted a wife. Especially the girls need a woman to guide them but all three children need to be taught their lessons. I’ve tried but I’m so tired in the evening plus some days they’re in bed as soon as I come in and we eat. Winters I have more time indoors but chores have to be done year ’round.”

“I hope life will be better for both of us now.” And she still had a good feeling about the success of this adventure.

Congratulations again to Judy Loughman, who chose Adeline “Addie” as the heroine’s name. (In the same contest, Vanessa McBride chose Vanessa as the heroine’s name for an upcoming title.)

I hope you’ll read and enjoy SNARE HIS HEART and that you’ll love Addie and Forrest as much as I do. If so, please leave a review!

NEW RELEASE, AMANDA'S RANCHER, A KINDLE WORLD NOVEL

This is my first experience with writing for a Kindle World. Mine is Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Series. Another first for me, writing a book set in Montana. Writers have to keep stretching and engaging in new forms of their craft so they don’t go stale.

Raising my hand and freely admitting that this book about ate my lunch. While I love Debra Holland’s books, I had to reread her Mail-Order Brides of the West to jot down all the names and descriptions. I believe I got them true to her portrayal.

When the world is one I’ve created, I have the setting and characters firmly in my mind. While I remembered the characters from Debra’s books, that didn’t mean I could describe them. I also had to visualize the setting she’d laid out. Fortunately, one of the other authors in the world, Lou Nelson, worked with Debra and created a map. What a help!

When I saw stretching, I really stretched with AMANDA'S RANCHER. I worried so much writing this book that I about made myself sick. However, my beta readers told me it’s a great book. You can imagine my relief!

My story in this world is AMANDA’S RANCHER. Here’s the blurb:

One desperate young woman.

A chance meeting.

A life-changing outcome.

Growing up in a brothel, Mara O'Sullivan battled public disdain and contempt, but always remained kind-hearted and gracious. After testifying against vicious bank robbers, her life is threatened and Mara must find sanctuary far from everything she knows.  

One train ride changes her life as she fatefully meets a half-sister and a niece she never knew existed. But when circumstances end her sister's life, Mara makes a promise that she'll raise her niece as her own and take her sister's place as Preston Kincaid's mail-order-bride. As Mara and Preston grow closer, their marriage no longer seems like a ruse, but a relationship of love, passion, and desire.

Mara's past comes back to haunt her and she finds herself in danger—will her new husband forgive Mara's deceit and protect her as his own? 

Here’s an excerpt of AMANDA’S RANCHER:

They reached the church and Preston jumped down from the wagon and came around to help her alight. With a smile, he lifted Iris high over his head before he set her on the ground. Her giggle brought tears to Amanda’s eyes.

That was the first time she’d ever heard her daughter make the girlish sound. Iris had smiled, spoken, but never laughed until she met Preston Kincaid. For that alone, Amanda would be the best wife she knew how to be.

Inside the church, Mrs. Norton handed Amanda a bouquet of daisies secured with a white ribbon. The interior was plain with wooden benches and an altar raised one step above the rest of the floor. Although there were several windows, none had stained-glass as did the churches she’d seen in Georgia.

The minister was waiting at the front of the church and wore a black frock coat and matching string tie. His brown hair and beard were thickly streaked with gray. He stood at a simple lectern with what looked like a Bible in one hand while he conversed with another man.

Amanda was surprised only one other person besides Reverend and Mrs. Norton were in the sanctuary. She’d supposed Preston had many friends in the area and thought at least his ranch hands would attend. The second man turned and proved to be an older version of her groom who came forward to greet her.

Preston cupped her elbow. “Amanda and Iris, this is my father. Most folks call him Tom, but I call him Papa.”

Amanda smiled at the handsome man who must be around fifty. He was tall, but maybe an inch shorter than his son. Silver sprinkled the same dark hair. “May I call you Papa, too?”

He beamed his pleasure and his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d be honored. And in the absence of your father, may I walk you down the aisle?”

“Would you? I’d be ever so grateful.” She laid her hand on his arm. Nerves had set in and she needed his support or her knees might give way.

Preston said, “Iris, why don’t you stand with me while my papa walks Mama to meet us?”

Iris shook her head. “Mommy, not my old mama?”

Preston frowned. “Old mama?”

Panic sent bile into her throat that threatened to choke her. Don’t throw up on your wedding dress. “Perhaps you remember my mother recently died.”

Sympathy shone from his blue eyes. “Of course.” He took Iris’ hand in his and strode to the front.

Mrs. Norton began playing the piano. She nodded toward Amanda. Papa Kincaid gently led her up the aisle.

Walking toward her husband, Amanda was conscious of Preston’s stare, as if he could see into her mind and knew her for an impostor. Although he held Iris’ hand, the intensity of his blue gaze unnerved her. She wondered if he was disappointed or if he were as numb as she.

Thankful for the presence of her future father-in-law beside her, she tightened her hold on Mr. Kincaid’s arm.

In response, he patted her hand her where it laid on his sleeve. Without looking at her, he whispered. “Steady as you go. We’re almost there.”

Iris gave a tiny wave and Amanda couldn’t resist smiling at the child. The little girl truly was a blessing. Focusing on Iris gave Amanda a target she could face.

When they reached the front, Mrs. Norton ceased playing. Preston took the bouquet from Amanda’s hands. “Iris, would you hold this for Mommy so she and I can be married?”

Iris looked at him adoringly and reached to receive the flowers. Reverend Norton opened his Bible and began the ceremony. Preston took Amanda’s hands in his. She was conscious of his calluses, but also of the size and strength of his palms dwarfing hers.

When the minister indicated, Preston slipped a ring onto her finger. This new one belongs to me, even if my groom doesn’t know my true name.

After the ceremony, Preston brushed his lips gently against hers.

Iris clapped a hand across her mouth in surprise then said, “Mommy? That man kissed you.”

Preston knelt eye-to-eye with her. “I’m your new Daddy, remember? Mommy and I were just married and now I can kiss her whenever she says it’s okay. Do you think you can call me Daddy?”

Iris nodded. “Are you gonna kiss me too?”

He smiled broadly. “I certainly am.” He leaned forward and gave her a loud smack on the cheek.

The child giggled. Twice in one day this kind man had made Iris happy. Amanda owed Preston all her wifely devotion.

Buy Link for AMANDA'S RANCHER is http://amzn.com/B01BL0HKPK

I hope you'll give AMANDA'S RANCHER a read and let me know how you like it at caroline at carolineclemmons dot com. If you do like it, please leave a review on Amazon! Positive reviews are so helpful to authors. Many venues won't let us promote our books unless we have a certain number of 4 and 5 star review.