THE MAN IS BACK!

 By Caroline Clemmons

SHAD is back, new and improved!

That may sound like a laundry detergent or a new form of stress reliever, but it is the corrected and revitalized Book 7 in the popular Guns For Hire series. If you aren’t up to date on the misfortune of SHAD’s journey, let me just say that in the first edition, anything that could go wrong did. What a headache that was!

Come to think of it, SHAD is a stress reliever for readers. Curl up with the ebook, print, or  the audio version. Let your cares slip away as you immerse yourself in those of Avonleigh Adams and Shad Stone. Avonleigh is a strong woman who has lost almost everything and is determined to regain the ranch that is rightfully hers and her father’s—if only she had a plan that might work. Shad is a bounty hunter after a dangerous murderer with a high price on his head—and a gang of gunfighters willing to do whatever he asks.

Click HERE to purchase SHAD

 

Here’s the blurb:

Shad Stone is a bounty hunter with a mission. His uncle’s shenanigans have cost him the nest egg he had saved to buy a ranch and hang up his guns. Now he has to start over, so he wants to bring in a high-dollar capture. Shad’s sheriff cousin provides him with the wanted posters and a warning—dead men can’t buy anything. Shad is still determined to capture a man wanted for murder and a string of other offenses. The problem is the criminal keeps a dozen gunfighters with him and pays the local lawman to cooperate. 

 When Shad arrives near the culprit during a storm, he takes shelter in a cave where he discovers Avonleigh Adams. She was badly injured in her escape from the murderer and her most serious wound is septic. The last thing Shad needs is the complication of any woman yet he can’t abandon a wounded and virtually helpless person. He learns the man he seeks has stolen her family’s ranch and bushwhacked her father.

 How can one man win against more than a dozen gunfighters? Can the woman he saved now save him by teaching him to love?

 

I hope you’ve kept up with this series. I have loved each unique book.

KIRK - BY CHARLENE RADDON

 By Caroline Clemmons

My friend, Charlene Raddon, is a prolific writer of heartwarming western historical romances and time travel. In addition, this very talented lady creates book covers at her Silver Sage Cover Designs, http://facebook.silversagecoverdesigns.com. I’m happy to announce that Charlene has a new book, KIRK, coming out on April 15^th, Book 3 in the sweet western historical Guns for Hire Series. By the way, Charlene created the series. Didn’t I tell you she’s talented?

 

 

Her book plots are always unique. She has the knack of taking the villain and turning him into a hero—with the help of a feisty and determined heroine. Her new book is one I can hardly wait to read. It’s available for preorder now so that it will magically pop up on your e-reader on release day.

Here’s the blurb for KIRK, Book 3 of 10, Guns for Hire Series:

Kirk Redick, a former preacher, is faced with either letting his brother be forced into the job of a hangman or accepting it himself. He chooses to take on the hated work until he finds the man who framed his brother.

Observing a hanging at Red River Crossing, Adina Kinnaird is touched as she overhears the hangman comforting the condemned man. When Kirk is shot, she helps him escape the gunman and the angry mob.

Traveling from town to town, Kirk and Adina search for the man who framed his brother and find themselves falling for each other. Kirk doesn’t want her living in the danger he faces every day.   

In a showdown with the outlaw, Adina is shot. Kirk’s heart stops. He doesn’t want to go on without her. Will capturing the gunman be enough to clear his brother’s name and give Kirk and Adina the freedom to live outside the shadow of the hangman’s noose?

 https://www.amazon.com/Kirk-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DT7R89N8/ 

Series books already released are CREEK and DUSTIN. Don't miss any of this exciting adventure romance series!

Thanks for stopping by.

99¢ SALE - A BRIDE FOR CODY!

99¢ SALE

February 13 - 17

A BRIDE FOR CODY

Mistaken Identity Mail Order Bride Series

By Caroline Clemmons

Sweet Western Historical Romance Novella

 

Imagine the chagrin of a hero who eagerly awaits the arrival of his bride-to-be. Only, a very different woman than the one he’s asked for steps off the stage. Even more surprising, she brings a child and an uncle. Can you blame him for feeling cheated?

 

About the Book

What would you do to save the life of an orphaned child?

Complications arise for Orlena Worth when her uncle rescues a three-year-old boy from the men who killed the child’s parents. The killers spotted her uncle, and are searching for the child, heir to a fortune, and for her uncle. To escape, Orlena takes a friend’s place as a mail-order bride. Orlena brings her uncle and the boy with her to Montana Territory—but what will she do if her groom refuses to accept three of them?

Freighter Cody Hudson has a dangerous profession. He’s built his business and is ready to start his family, so he sends for a mail-order bride. Orlena not only turns out to be the opposite of what he requested, she brings an uncle and an orphaned child. Cody’s conscience won’t allow him to reject her, yet he isn’t sure how he feels about a substitute bride. As he feared, his life is turned upside down.

 Will Orlena get her happily-ever-after? What will be required to make Cody realize that the wrong bride might be the right one for him?

 

A BRIDE FOR CODY is available from Amazon. In addition, it’s enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. Get you copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Bride-Cody-Mistaken-Identity-Brides-ebook/dp/B093FYY4FZ/

Excerpt

(Hugo is almost four and calls Orlena by the abbreviated Orla)

Hugo held out a drawing with strange markings. “See, Orla. I drew a horse.”

She accepted the scratches he’d made. “I see, Hugo. I had no idea you were an artist. Give me your paint crayon so you can see what Cody has for you.”

Hugo turned to Cody, who’d squatted eye level with him. “I heard about a boy who loves horses. Do you know who that could be?”

Hugo put his hand on his chest. “I do. I love horses.”

Cody untied the string and pulled it from the package before handing it to Hugo. “See if this is something you’d like.”

Hugo quickly peeled away the brown paper to reveal the wooden horse on wheels. His eyes were round as he held the toy with both hands.

“A horse!” He hugged Cody, almost toppling him.

Wearing an odd expression, Cody sat on the floor watching as Hugo dropped beside him and rolled the horse along the braided rug.

Hugo glanced over his shoulder. “Look, Orla, Cody gibbed me a horse.”

“It’s grand. Did you remember the special words?” She suspected the hug meant more than mere words.

Hugo glanced at Cody. “Thank you.” He returned to his play.

Orlena watched him bumping over the rug’s coiled braid. “Your horse will roll more easily if you move off the rug.”

Cody watched the boy also. “Maybe the horse is traveling on hills.”

She sent him what she hoped was a scornful stare. “Thanks for your support.”

He ignored the glare and smiled. “Always happy to be of help.”

“You won’t be so glib when the rug is damaged.”

He lay back on the rug and crossed his arms beneath his head. “You think a child’s horse will ruin it? Ah, well, no matter. My wife will braid another, I’m sure.”

She leaned forward. “Oh, are you? And what makes you think your wife knows how to do such things?”

His bright blue eyes looked at her. Though he grinned, his eyes gave the impression he was serious. “I get the feeling she can do anything she sets her mind to.”

 

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Have a great day!

SALE ON THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS

 By Caroline Clemmons

THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS, Loving A Rancher book 2, is on sale for 99¢ today through September 22.

This book is linked to AMANDA’S RANCHER. Both were originally part of Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Kindle World until Amazon deleted Kindle Worlds. When the rights reverted to me, all of Debra’s characters and place names were changed because those belong to her. My characters remain the same.

This sweet western historical romance is available worldwide as well as being in Kindle Unlimited. THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS is also available in print. The universal Amazon buy link is http://mybook.to/Rancherbook2

In THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS, Gormlaith (a Gaelic name pronounced Gormley) McGowan is an Irish immigrant who’s lived in America two years since marrying the man her father chose. What a mistake marrying that man was! Now she’s escaping a desperate situation after the accidental death of her brutish husband. Her late husband’s mother and bullying brother believe she should remain in New York and marry the brother. If not, they vow to make Gormlaith pay by accusing her of killing her husband. After two years with her drunkard, gambling, and wife-beating husband, she has no intention of remaining in that family. She escapes by immediately leaving for Montana to become a mail-order bride.

Unfortunately for Gormlaith, while she’s on her way to Montana, the man who sent for a bride dies. She arrives in Cottonwood Springs with no money, no place to stay, and no groom. What a situation. The Cottonwood Springs sheriff comes to her assistance and suggests bachelor rancher Garrett McDonald marry Gormlaith. Once Garrett sees the beautiful woman and hears her lilting brogue, he’s convinced.

In AMANDA’S RANCHER, Garrett was foreman on the Kincaid ranch. Now he’s bought his own place from a large family moving to California. Luckily for him, they left a few pieces of their furniture in the six-bedroom log home. He’d planned to write for a mail-order bride in the spring from the same Atlanta agency Preston Kincaid used to find Amanda. No need now that Gormlaith and he are wed.

Here’s an excerpt from the morning after Gormlaith and Garrett arrive at his ranch. She’s still marveling that she married a man who never hits women. She’s prepared breakfast while he cared for the animals:

Gormlaith was beside herself with worry. Though she was certain the large range was a wonder, she hadn’t learned to regulate the beast. After she set the food on the table she wanted to break out in tears. She’d so wanted to impress her kind husband.

He came in and hung his coat and hat on pegs by the back door. “I’m hungry as a bear coming out of hibernation.”

She wrung her hands. “Sit down and let me explain.”

He took his chair and stared at the food. “Well, this looks different.”

She poured his coffee and set the coffeepot on the table. “I had a little trouble figuring out this fancy stove. I’ll learn to use it, but… today didn’t turn out as I’d expected.”

He picked up a biscuit and dropped it onto his plate with a thud. He met her gaze and raised his eyebrows. “I thought you said you were good with bread.”

“I am… I was in New York… and in Ireland. In those places, the stove was tiny and hardly compares to this one. I thought this big one would be easier. I’m sure the beast will be once I get used to the thing, but there’s more to regulate and figure out.”

“Sit down and we’ll eat what we can.” He took a piece of bacon so crisp it broke when he tried to pick it up. “I do like my bacon crisp, but this is overdone even for me and likely to break a tooth. How are the eggs?”

She twisted her napkin. “They turned out a bit better than the rest. And we have potatoes fried with onion. There are a lot of potatoes in the cellar and quite a few onions also. I remember you bought more potatoes so I thought you must like them.”

“I do. I guess any Irishwoman knows how to cook potatoes.” He picked up his fork and dug into his food—except the biscuits.

Throughout breakfast, she kept glancing at him but he didn’t speak. She picked at the meal on her plate. After he’d eaten his fill and had a second cup of coffee, he pushed away from the table.

He rose and put his hand on her shoulder. “Save all those biscuits and put them in a basket by the door.” He kissed her on the head. “We can use them for ammunition if we’re ever attacked.”

He donned his coat, clamped his hat on his head. She picked up a biscuit and threw it him. The missile hit him on the thigh.

He used his hands as a shield, but he was laughing. “Ow, ow, mercy, please. If that had hit my head I’d have a concussion.”

She threw another at him, but he sped out the door, his rumbling laughter drifting her way. Ammunition indeed. She’d show him. She’d learn to deal with this beast of a stove and cook the best food he’d ever eaten.

 

Gormlaith learns a tremendous amount about being a rancher’s wife by the end of this book. Garrett’s new knowledge is about his feisty, hard-working wife. Each must overcome difficult situations to forge a strong marriage.

 

If you haven’t read THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS, why not get your copy now? Again, the universal buy link for Amazon is http://mybook.to/Rancherbook2  

 

Please be sure to follow me on my Amazon Author Page. If you do, they’ll alert you when I have a new release. The link is https://amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/

 

Stay safe and keep reading!

 

Be kind to bees!

 

RELEASE DAY FOR MAIL-ORDER VICTORIA

Release day is here for MAIL-ORDER VICTORIA, Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies book 7. I hope you will read and enjoy Victoria’s story. In my opinion, she’s a lovely person who is determined to give her daughter a good life. Greg Hardy is a good man who wants to protect his children and his ranch. However, they have different ideas of how to accomplish their goal. 

You can find this at the Universal Amazon link https://mybook.to/Victoria

If you prefer to order via the U.S. Amazon link, it’s https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Widows-Brides-Secret-Babies-ebook/dp/B086DFCDRB

Here’s the summary:

She has to protect her baby . . .

He is desperate for help . . .

Trouble preys on their livelihood . . .

Widow Victoria Bailey is desperate to prevent her in-laws from gaining custody of her eighteen-month-old daughter. If becoming a mail-order bride is her only option, she’ll take the risk. At least on a Texas ranch she’ll have quiet and peace. She doesn’t have time to let the groom know she’s bringing her daughter. Surely no man can object to one perfect little girl.

Widower Greg Hardy is desperate to get help with his home and his children. He needs to be pursuing whoever is rustling his cattle. A mail-order bride seems to be exactly what he needs but should he keep his children a secret? To insure he doesn’t scare off a prospective wife, he omits the fact that he has five children aged from eight months to twelve years old. 

Their marriage starts with misunderstanding. They decide to work together to fight against a common foe. Will the fight take a toll on their fragile happiness?

And here’s an excerpt of Victoria preparing for a bad storm when her new husband and his ranch hands are off chasing rustlers:

The excited whinnies of horses captured Victoria’s attention. She went to the window to see if someone was outside. Instead, she saw the dark cloud bank approaching. She raced to Cindy’s room.

“There’s a bad storm coming. The clouds look as if they contain hail or worse. Please watch the children while I put up the chickens and try to get the horses into the barn.”

The girl laid aside her book. “I can take care of the chickens. Sid can watch the other children.”

She laid a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Cindy, if this is a really bad storm and it hits while I’m outside, you’ll need to get the babies and Martha into the cellar. You’re the only one besides me who can manage that. I know I can depend on you. Frankie can get down the steps on his own with you watching. I’ll take Sid with me.”

She slipped into the boys’ room and saw that Sid was awake. “Come with me quickly, please.”

“What’s wrong?” He shoved his feet into his boots and followed her.

She hurried down the hall. “There’s a storm coming that might have hail in it and I’d hate for the hens to be injured or so frightened they quit laying eggs. I’ll get the horses into the barn if I can.”

Sid kept up with her. “The other horses will follow better if you bring in the bay stallion. He’s the leader.”

Wind blew in gusts, whipping up dust from the yard and molding her skirts against her. Greenish tinted air carried a heavy scent of moisture. She didn’t know about Texas weather, but in Atlanta these conditions meant one devil of a storm was on the way.

“I’ll get the horses while you get the hens. Can you do that?”

The boy hurried as they raced across the yard. “I’ve done it before.”

Victoria had ridden since she was eight but she’d never handled a frightened horse. She opened the barn door to the paddock and tried to whistle. Failing that, she turned and hunted a container. Using a bucket filled with oats, she cajoled the bay into the barn.

As Sid predicted, some of the other horses followed. There weren’t enough stalls for all the animals. To keep those she’d lured into the barn from leaving, she penned them by moving hay bales and barrels into their path. Both dogs were upset but fortunately wanted to remain inside the barn.

She ran out to the paddock and slapped a horse on the rump. Using the apron she’d removed, she shooed the stragglers toward the barn. Sid appeared and helped. He removed his shirt and waved it to drive the horses

The wind increased and pushed at her. Sid appeared to have trouble staying upright and the wind whipped his shirt from his hands. The airborne shirt caught on the fence and he grabbed it.

 Thunder rumbled and lightning shot across the sky not far in the distance. The storm moved rapidly their way. Soon it would be directly over them.

She and the boy got the horses inside and shut the barn door. She was breathless and rested her back against the door briefly. Would Greg and his ranch hands be all right?

“The milk cows are safe in here. What about the pigs? What does your father do to protect them?”

He buttoned his shirt. “We don’t do anything. They’re smart enough to go into the covered part of their sty. It’s like a small barn.”

Raindrops fell outside—large ones. Or was it hail? They couldn’t delay.

She put her arm around the boy’s shoulder. “We have to get to the house and into the cellar. Let’s hurry. When I open the barn door, you run for the house and go straight to the cellar. If Cindy doesn’t have the others there tell her to get them there now. I’ll secure the barn and be right behind you.”

Had water been given the animals? Feed to the milk cows and chickens? They were safe and she didn’t dare delay any longer. Deafening thunder rumbled overhead. Dark clouds released a downpour. By the time she reached the porch’s shelter, she was drenched.

MAIL-ORDER VICTORIA is part of a multi-author project (MAP) but is stand-alone. Being involved in these projects with several other authors is good for me. It takes me back to working for a newspaper when I was given an assignment and told how long to make it and the deadline. Although for a MAP I’m given parameters by the series creator, I get to write what I want within those guidelines.

I hope you’ll give MAIL-ORDER VICTORIA a chance and will enjoy it. I love writing and will continue as long as readers enjoy my work.

NEW PINKERTON MATCHMAKER RELEASE AND GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate with me—I have a new release! I’m excited to announce that AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA, book 37 of the popular Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, is now available from Amazon in e-book, print, and in KU. This book was both fun to write and a challenge.

Most of this sweet romance and adventure takes place in one of my favorite cities, San Antonio, Texas. Even though I've been to San Antonio numerous times, I did a lot of research to discover what the city was like at the time of this story set in fall of 1871. I was surprised at how many things were the same or similar. The Menger Hotel is still in operation and is a well-known and excellent hotel that has been expanded and updated over its 160 years.

The Menger Hotel at the time
of this book in 1871

One surprise for me was that the Alamo originally had a flat roof instead of the arched one from the restoration. I’m a native Texan and didn’t know that. The famous Rose Window at the San Jose Mission has a poignant story—perhaps a myth—which I included in the book. 

The Alamo Mission after the 1836 battle
as sketched by E. Everett

My daughters and I have always enjoyed the Mercado, where we enjoy browsing and snacking. At the time of AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA, shopping was spread out but not that different, as you can see from the photo below, which was taken in 1880.

Vendors on the plaza
as it was at the time of
AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA

So much happens in AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA. The heroine poses as Princess Magdala of Bayergrovenia and the hero poses as her husband, the Duke of Montpelier. The princess' jewels are bait for the thieves. Well, you just need to read the book, so here’s the summary:

She craves adventure, but this may be too much…

His job means the world to him…

Capturing jewel thieves will test them…

Magdala leaps at the opportunity to become a Pinkerton agent. Learning the position requires a paper marriage shocks but doesn’t deter her. Maggie plans to get an annulment before her unusual family learns of the situation. She’s determined to prove she has the grit to be an excellent investigator. But, why does she have to be partnered with the one man who has been rude to her?

Douglas “Cloud” Ryan loves being a Pinkerton agent. Otherwise, he’d never go along with his boss’ crazy plan to marry him to a female agent. He’s certain women have no business dealing with criminals. After barely surviving the stagecoach trip from Denver to San Antonio Maggie needs to stay in the background and let him solve the case. He has reasons to distrust women, especially women like Maggie.

Can Maggie and Cloud catch the jewel thieves plaguing an historic San Antonio hotel without becoming victims? Will they take a chance on the love growing between them?

The Universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Magdala

Cover by Virginia McKevitt

To tempt you, here’s an excerpt from their departure in Denver when Cloud is still angry because he has been paired with a woman he thinks will be a hindrance:

At the depot, the stage driver and his second loaded the luggage on top of the stage.

The driver sent them a sour look. “Brought everything you own, did you? Other passengers need space for their things, too.”

Maggie touched the driver’s arm. “Thank you for your help when I know this must be trying for you.”

She gestured to her skirt showing when her unbuttoned coat flapped open. “You understand how much room is required for all the skirts and petticoats and fripperies required of a woman. Such a trial that society demands we change clothes so often. I can’t imagine what I’d do if you weren’t so accommodating.”

Cloud was certain the middle-aged driver blushed under his tan. “Don’t you worry none, ma’am. We’ll find places for everything. You just get inside and settle as comfortably as you can. Won’t be pleasant for a lady like you. Road’s bumpy and twisty and dangerous. We’ll be going straight through until we get to Trinidad. ‘Course you can stretch your legs when we change horses.”

She smiled at the man. “I’m confident you’ll get us to our destination safely.” She climbed up into the coach with assistance from the driver.

Cloud followed, awed at the change in the driver’s attitude. Maybe having Princess Snobby along wouldn’t be as bad as he’d imagined.

I hope you’ll read and love this romance!

GIVEAWAY

For an Amazon gift card, in the comments tell me your favorite of my books. If you don't remember them, you can find them at my Amazon Author Page. While you're there, why not click on the Follow button? 

Be sure and leave your email in the comment so I can contact you if you win.

CREATING THE PEARSON GROVE SERIES!

I'll be giving away an e-copy of one of these books to a person who comments.

When I conceived the idea of the Pearson Grove Series, I visualized seven books. Each book will feature a young woman of the fictional town of Pearson Grove, which is in North Central Texas near Van Alstyne. Coincidentally, my father, Pearson Johnson, was born near Van Alstyne at Pilot Grove. While the site of Pearson Grove is not where my father was born, it is close.

My father always encouraged me to read and to write. In fact, he taught me to read. He placed a high value on education. He was almost old enough to have been my great-grandfather. His father was middle-aged when he was born, so our generations on that side of the family are skewed.

Daddy was a gifted storyteller whose tales about growing up with six brothers and one sister (poor girl) mesmerized me. The stories Daddy told me ignited my passion for history, especially Texas history. He spoke of his family coming to Texas from Georgia and events that plagued or amused them. I tried to write all these stories down and insert them into a Johnson family book my brother and I compiled.

The Pearson Grove Series is my attempt to pay my father homage for encouraging me to write and read and study. I hope readers will enjoy the seven titles over the next few months as they are interspersed between other releases. Of course, they are in e-book and print and are enrolled in KU.

The books to date are:

MAIL-ORDER MORIAH, a Brides of Beckham romance, Pearson Grove Series Book 1.

A woman desperate to begin a new life

A mercantile owner besieged by problems 

The disaster that brings them together . . .

Moriah Singleton faced hardship to get from England to America but met more problems once she arrived. The only solution she could find was to become a mail-order bride in far away Texas. How will she ever save enough to bring her sister to America?

After a disastrous brief engagement ended badly, Scott Ferguson sent for a mail-order bride. He needs her help in his mercantile. He hopes his wife will also be his life’s helpmate.

Danger, family entanglements, and disaster await the couple. Can Moriah fit into Pearson Grove? Can she help her sister? Will their problems bring Moriah and Scott closer or drive them apart?

Universal Amazon link: http://getbook.at/MORIAH  

ALEXANDRA’S AWAKENING, Pearson Grove Series Book 2.

A wealthy woman forced to change; a heroic sheriff standing his ground; the danger that unites them…

Alexandra Novak has been raised in wealth and is used to having whatever she wishes. Her parents have spoiled her and she’d begun to believe it her right. A fire that destroys her family home and almost costs her mother’s life starts Alexandra to rethink her values. When her father’s revelation shatters her world, she is determined to do whatever necessary to make her father happy—even if it means being nice to that girl he’s brought into their home.

In spite of his young age, Virgil Witt is the best sheriff Pearson Grove has had. Under his leadership, crime is at an all-time low. He has reconciled himself to the fact that he is destined to live alone except for his dog. Maybe that’s best since his job is a dangerous one. He can’t understand why Alexandra chases him, especially not after he’s explained he has no money.

When danger strikes the Novak family, can Virgil solve the problem in time? Can Alexandra convince Virgil she has changed? Can the two of them work together or will her need for the best resurface?

Universal Amazon link http://mybook.to/Pearson

DEBORAH’S DILEMMA, Pearson Grove Series Book 3   

What can Deborah do to protect herself from the devil plaguing her hometown?

Can a young man who’s been away for six years fit into the community he left?

What madman is responsible for the murder and mayhem plaguing Pearson Grove?

Deborah Taber has been concerned by her inability to choose a life’s occupation. That worry was pushed aside when someone shot her brother and fire bombed her family’s newspaper, The Pearson Grove Gazette. She believes Trey Pearson is innocent of attacking her brother—isn’t he? She’s had a crush on Trey since second grade and desperately wants to trust him.

Wade Pearson III, called Trey, is happy to be home on Pearson Ranch after six years in New England. He trained to manage his family’s far-reaching investments. Nothing prepared him to be accused of murder or targeted by a killer. If not for quick action by the sheriff, Trey would have been lynched by vigilantes. He wants to help trap the real villain while protecting Deborah, her family, and his.

Can Deborah and Trey survive the threats against them? Will this clever murderer be caught before he delivers his terrible revenge against those he believes slighted him? 

Universal Amazon link Is http://mybook.to/Deborah

The young women still to be featured are Felicity, Corinne, Lula, and Evelyn. 

I hope you'll read the entire series and that you'll enjoy each one. In the meantime, if you've already read one or all three of these, please leave a review on Amazon! You'll be helping me tremendously and helping prospective readers. 

Best wishes,

Caroline

A BRIDE FOR GIDEON, #16 PROXY BRIDES SERIES

What an exciting week for me! A BRIDE FOR GIDEON releases May 9^th and has been available on preorder for a couple of weeks. This is #16 of the popular Proxy Brides Series, a multi-author project. I’m so honored to participate in this project. The beautiful cover was designed by Virginia McKevitt. 

I'll be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one person who comments on this blog between now and midnight May 12.

A BRIDE FOR GIDEON takes place in Montana in 1871. Here’s the blurb:

Keira desperately wants to belong somewhere

Gideon is haunted by a secret too horrible to share

Fate conspires against them…    

Keira Cameron came to Boston from Scotland after the death of her parents. She wanted a job, a husband, and eventually a family. She feels rejected because she’s too tall, too foreign, and too pretty for a wife to want Keira working near her husband. Were her expectations unreasonable? Her cousin convinces her to enter a proxy marriage to his friend, Gideon Ross, who lives in Montana Territory. Out of options, she agrees and hopes her goals will be realized.

Gideon Ross is a large man at five inches over six feet. His business is a smithy and gun repair shop. The war left him with a terrible scar on his face. He wears a beard to try to conceal the scar but still hears people whisper he’s a monster and a giant. Do they think he has no feelings? He’s haunted by the war and has terrible nightmares. Reluctantly, he agrees to wed Keira by proxy.

Outside forces work against the couple. Keira and Gideon must find the key to the attack on their lives. Can they defeat the enemy before they’re too late?

I love writing books with outside forces working against the hero and heroine. The more mayhem in the story, the more I enjoy writing. I also enjoy humor in a book but that I write is subtle. Still, I hope readers find a smile tugging at them once in a while.

The Universal Amazon buy link is http://mybook.to/Keira A BRIDE FOR GIDEON is available in e-book, print, and is in KU.

Here’s an excerpt from A BRIDE FOR GIDEON of when he finds out his sister and brother-in-law have arranged a proxy marriage for him:

Darren strutted around in front of Gideon. “So what do you think about Keira?

Following Darren’s conversations was always a winding road. “Who?”

“Keira Cameron, the girl I’ve been telling you about, who else?” Darren rubbed his hands together expectantly. “Shall I set up your part of the proxy wedding this afternoon?”

Gideon leaned on the anvil. “Are your ears plugged then? I said I’m not interested.”

Darren pulled off his cap and wrung the thing in his hands while a worried expression hovered on his face. “Well, you see now, Gideon, there might be a problem with you saying no.”

Gideon stood with his hammer in one hand and stared at his best friend. With Darren and Orla’s scheming, he had no need for enemies. “What have you done this time?”

Darren’s eyes widened and he backed two steps and held up a staying hand. “Now take it easy, Gideon, until you’ve heard me tell it all. You see, Keira’s done the proxy wedding on her end and is on her way here.”

Gideon laid down the hammer and tongs and stared at his friend. Surely he’d misunderstood Darren’s prattling. “She’s what?”

“She’ll be on the five o’clock stage today.”

He hadn’t gotten the wrong idea, drat his luck. “Auch, the time must be near four now.”

Darren pulled out his pocket watch. “Aye, half past three. We’d better get you wedded on this end before she arrives.”

Gideon advanced on his friend. “What the devil is wrong with you, man? How could you let this situation get so far out of control before you told me? What do you intend to do when this woman arrives and there’s no groom to meet her?”

He stabbed a finger in Darren’s chest. “You’d better decide fast.”

Darren’s wheedling tone of voice changed to demanding. “Now look here, Gideon Ross. Don’t be mistreating the nice lassie because you’re put out with me. It’s coming on cold weather and you’ll be happy for a wife to warm your bed. Plus, having a wife in your arms at night may stop your nightmares.”

He shook his head, sorrow claiming him. “I doubt anything will make the night terrors cease. Nothing even makes them less.”

“You’ll be surprised. Having Orla next to me has done wonders. Besides, you admitted you wanted a wife and a family.”

He exhaled. Would the man never shut up? “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”

At six feet to Gideon’s six foot five inches, Darren stared up into his face. “You know you haven’t. Don’t let your stubborn pride prevent you from marrying the one lassie perfect for you. Alec’s description sounds like you and Keira are well matched in height and temperament and the other things you enjoy.”

Gideon couldn’t resist leading on his friend. “Is she a blacksmith going to help in the smithy then or does she repair guns?”

“Don’t be daft, man. You know I mean things you do when you’re not working.”

When would that be? Lately he was working from can until can’t. “Such as?”

“She likes to read and play chess and go outdoors for walks and such. She wants a home and children and the security of a good man. How can you fault her for that?”

“Auch, I’m not faulting her, you idiot. You’re the one whose neck I’d like to wring. I’ll bet your wife—my own little sister—knew about this and conspired with you against me. Am I right?”

Darren wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Orla and I might have talked the possibilities over between us. Listen, Gideon, the idea came to us only because we think so highly of you and want you to be happy. Orla especially worries about your well being.”

The truth of what his friend said softened his anger. “Well, you’re in a fine mess now, aren’t you? How did this woman come by the funds for the train and stage fare?”

Darren grimaced. “Um, well, you see, Orla took the money from her inheritance, the money from your grandparents’ estate. She said there was no better use for it than seeing her dear brother happy.”

Gideon hated that his sister had used part of her money on his behalf. What was Darren thinking to let her? Gideon took a deep breath. Auch, what was he thinking himself? There was no “letting” Orla do anything. His sister was stubborn as a stone once she’d made up her mind.

He frowned and pointed at his friend. “Through no fault of her own you’re bringing a woman over two thousand miles under false pretenses.”

“But, don’t you see? They’re not false if you wed her by proxy before she arrives. Orla is waiting at the parsonage until you and I show up. She’ll stand in for Keira and I’ll be a witness. Come on, Gideon, you won’t be sorry.”

“What’s the point? She’ll soon be here and I can marry her then if I wish.”

Darren did a few fast steps to get in front of him. “No, can’t you see that won’t work? Think about the situation. She’s already married you by proxy in Boston and believes herself properly wed. You have to do the same before she arrives, else I don’t know what will happen. Don’t let being peevish with me cause you to hurt Keira.”

Gideon found himself weakening. In truth he would like a wife to come home to each day. He admitted he’d been depressed since Ella had publicly rejected him six months ago. Was he that unlovable? Her privately recanting her criticism recently had done little to soothe his hurt even as it made him glad he wasn’t married to the fickle woman.

He looked down at his leather apron tied over his grimy work clothes. “Did you not think I might like to look a little better on my wedding day? Did you not consider that this Keira might appreciate coming to a clean home?”

Darren tugged on his arm. “Come to the church parsonage now. While you’re at the stage stop, Orla and I will nip over to your house and tidy it a bit.”

Recalling the state of his home, Gideon shook his head. “A ‘bit’ won’t do the job. You know I’ve been rushed with jobs and working all hours for months. I haven’t cleaned in… well, it’s been a while. Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t even have a clean shirt. Once again, you’ve created a mess with your meddling.”

Darren refused to be daunted. “Don’t give it a second thought. Orla and I will make things presentable while you’re meeting the stage.”

Resigned to Darren and Orla’s manipulation, Gideon removed his apron. He must be losing his mind. He told himself he was only agreeing to spare this Keira the humiliation he’d experienced.

Fact was, not only curiosity fueled him. He admitted he was lonely. He looked forward to a wife sharing his life.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this release and that you’ll buy and read A BRIDE FOR GIDEON. If you enjoy the book, please leave a review on Amazon. I’ll appreciate it and you’ll be helping me and other readers.