HER GENTLE HEART BY REINA TORRES #MontanaSkyKW

Today, please welcome Reina Torres to the blog. Reina and I met while working together in Debra Holland's Montana Sky Series Kindle World.

Reina, please tell us about growing up.

Growing up I was an only child and the youngest of any of my cousins, most of them lived outside the state, so I was always felt a little lonely until school. And when I went to school I discovered that I had a stutter, a BAD one. The other kids would tease me so I stopped talking in class to save my feelings. So I read. A lot. A lot LOT! But I learned to stop stuttering so much thanks to an amazing speech therapist who taught me that people don’t stutter when they sing. So when I’d get nervous, I'd just pretend that I was singing my words and it would be easier.

All that reading didn't go to waste! I spent most of my free time in school in the library. In fact, I'm still friends with those amazing ladies now!

Reina Torres, Author

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

How much room do I have? 

Let's start with way back when… Louisa May Alcott was the first author that kept me up all night, flashlight under the covers, and dead to the world tired the next day! Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys competed with Little House. And from there it was whatever I could get my hands on. As an adult, I think my gateway drug to romance was Julie Garwood. And then I went on to so many authors…

As for genres, I love reading and writing, Contemporary, Western Historical, Regency, Paranormal… seems like I have a bit of identity crisis as a reader and writer! But I do read other subgenres too.

That sounds as if you described me. LOL When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

When I’m not writing I love to do handicrafts! I'm a costume designer by trade with a degree in technical theater, so I love to sew. And contrary to popular belief… math is necessary! I would be lost and broke if not for math skills to determine yardage. And for a while, when we lived in Las Vegas, we were Civil War reenactors. My son was regularly ‘borrowed’ by President Lincoln to play his son… but while we enjoyed it, when my young son learned that ‘Papa’ was dead, we had to explain playacting/reenacting in some detail, that the sweet man who ‘played’ President Lincoln was just fine! Phew!

What an impressive degree. You must have interesting stories to tell about your work. How long have you been writing?

My first experience with books was as a child. I'd draw picture books. Telling a story in pictures and then I would tell my family the story behind the drawings. Then in elementary school, when I didn't have dance class after school, I would wait for my mom at her office. I'd sit at the typewriter in the breakroom and pound away at the keys creating stories of a pair of intrepid teen detectives based on my love of Nancy Drew and inspired by friendship with my best friend. I wonder if those stories were any good. But I remember being so excited to ‘see’ them on the page. There were a few times that I got to use my creative writing in school, what a joy!

Years later, while I was writing fanfiction for a Western Television show, that was the first time I shared my writing with the ‘public’ and it was that time and experience and encouragement from the readers that gave me the idea of writing my own original stories and work toward publication.

I started to submit short stories to magazines and anthologies under a different name and have been published in Western, Weird Western, Scifi, Steampunk, etc. But my heart has always been firmly in Romance, so here I am.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

I prefer to write in a comfy chair, on my hand-me-down laptop, but most nights if my son is working the nightshift I will sit in the parking lot when I wait to pick him up and type on my phone... like I am now. I need noise. Music is good. Or a tv show or movie on Netflix that I know really well. It's like white-noise. I'm not tempted to watch because I’ve seen that episode of Xfiles or West Wing a hund- err, a few times!

But when I edit, and this is what my friends think is really crazy, I need to have Hell’s Kitchen on... something about Gordon Ramsey screaming “It’s raw!” or “Bloody Hell!” seems to make the editing process less painful.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Goodness… umm… neither… both? It's a process for me. Sometimes I start with a plot or a scene idea. And then I start typing a plot summary, that usually ends up with who scenes in it, because the voices are too loud, and I’ve learned if I ignore the voices they get stubborn and silent. Never a good thing!

But I'm always ready for a plot to go off the rails! Be flexible! But have a purpose! I guess that could be my writing motto.

I agree—have a roadmap but prepare to take side trips along the way. Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Sometimes reading gives me the idea. I have a massive collection of Old West, Victorian, Edwardian, Civil War era, etc. research books. When I say massive I'm not joking. I don't need a bedside table or book shelves, they are their own pieces of furniture!! So sometimes a random blurb under a picture will create a story in my head.

But for research during a book, unless it’s a complete Stop Sign, I just insert a note in the manuscript and look it up later. Saves time and keeps the work moving.

Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

Writing schedule… whenever, where ever I can fit it in. Waiting in a car, at the doctor’s office, in the car before my physical therapy. My goals consist of deadlines, I wish I could break it down better than that, but that ends up being frustrating more than anything else. But I do try to write daily. It's too easy to skip another day once you’ve skipped one.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

Well, I've already mentioned the Civil War reenactment stuff, that's usually good for a shocked stare. But I guess I could tell you that I’ve been a Flamenco dancer. I even performed while I was pregnant with my son, until about six months in when he decided to move to the music, making it too dangerous for me to do any ‘turns’ because his movements would throw off my balance.

I’m impressed. I love watching Flamenco dancers. Your son moving to the music is too funny—although I’m sure it wasn’t to you at the time. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Warmth, a smile, a feeling like you’re part of the story. When I wrote my first two Sweet Historical Westerns, I was very conscious of my memories of Little House on tv. I wanted to bring that cozy warmth to my books. A number of my readers contacted me to say that they had the feeling they were back in front of their tvs watching the show. What a thrill to hear that! I think my first real crush was Almonzo Wilder. **sigh**

I'm also writing contemporary romances as well, and seem to have a focus on small town love stories. What strikes me about both sub-genres is that the love between my characters isn't in a bubble. Their love story is affected by their community, the people that care for them in their town. And I like that feeling.

I do, too. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Tell the story in your heart. Believe in love and friendship. And work. Hard! Be better every day. Don't be complacent. There is always room for improvement! I look back at my writing from twenty years ago, then ten, five… even January of 2016 and it's great to see the change.

If we don’t change, we stagnate. Tell us about your latest release.

HER GENTLE HEART

December 15, 2016

Amazon Link http://a.co/9eXjyo4

A snowed in train brought her into his life. His stubborn ways put walls between them. When the snows let up, will they go their separate ways or will he warm to Her Gentle Heart?

Hampton Wells has been working hard at one train station after another, biding his time until there’s a job for him to be the guy in charge. Trouble is, he’s been hiding an important secret from his friends and his boss. And now, temporarily situated at Sweetwater Springs during a snow storm, his secret is about to be revealed and threaten his job. Or, he could let down his walls and ask for help. But that’s not really the kind of man that he’s been.

Rosina Valero was a young woman in search of her place in life. She lost her teaching position when the school closed for the winter and boards the train to travel to other towns looking for work. Heavy snowfall holds her up in Sweetwater Springs, but snow's not the only thing that needs to melt when she unwittingly discovers Hampton’s secret. Will he accept her help, before it's too late?

When two people who are falling in love are destined to go in two different directions, can anything bring them back together?

An excerpt of HER GENTLE HEART:

Very romantic! How can readers learn more about you?

Website/Blog – www.reinatorres.net

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/ReinaTorresRomance/

Facebook Profile - https://www.facebook.com/reina.torres.31924

Amazon Author Page - www.amazon.com/Reina-Torres/e/B01GF5UIK0/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/rtorresauthor

INTERVIEW WITH NAN O'BERRY #MontanaSkyKW

Readers, today please welcome Nan O’Berry. Nan and I met while working with Debra Holland on her Montana Sky Series for Kindle World.

Nan O'Berry, Author

Please tell us about growing up. Siblings? Locale?

Thanks for having me, Caroline. I can tell you that growing up as an only child along the Elizabeth River, in Virginia Beach that I loved books. A lot of my books were, of course, about horses.  I think I’ve been in love with them ever since I was born. Somewhere in my mother’s photos there is a snapshot of me on a pony with a huge French bonnet.

I grew up in a small neighborhood, where everyone knew everyone. Our parents would sit on the porch and watch us move from yard to yard in play. It was a great place to live. I have so many fond memories of it. But, in 1968, we moved west. Not far, but to a tiny town in western Tidewater. Why? Well, we bought the second horse. My dad figured, the neighbors didn’t mind the first one, but the second one in an acre lot would be hedging our bets. So, we packed up and on January 1^st of 1968 we moved to a five acre site complete with a two stall barn.

I always wanted a horse, but that’s because I didn’t realize how much care they required. When our daughters got horses, I learned. ☺Were you the shy kid or the tomboy? Married, single? Children? Share anything that lets readers get to know the real you.

I think for the most part I was more of a tomboy than my mother would have liked. I climbed trees, played ball, but at 5 p.m. I had to come in bathe and put on a dress for my dad’s arrival. When we moved to the farm, I did the grass cutting, the hauling of the manure, painting, etc. But I was still in charge of making sure my room was cleaned.

I tried to make sure my children had that same understanding as they grew up. I have three children, a daughter and two sons. We’ve raised dogs and cats. My youngest boy was in FFA and we have bottle fed cows. Right now, our small farm houses 2 horses, some 30 chickens, 8 ducks, 4 dogs, 2 cats and one very spoiled bovine named Esmeralda.

Some days, I love sitting out in the pasture just watching the horses and cows in the field. For me, that’s relaxing.

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

On those rare days when I’m not writing, I like to curl up with my favourite authors. Marin Thomas, Debbie Macomber, Hope Ramsey, Lori Wilde, for contemporary company.

 When I’m in a historical mood, I journey over to Paty Jager, Debra Holland’s Montana Sky series to read and dream.

I’m not much on horror, but I do enjoy a good cozy mystery from time to time. I read Nancy Naigle and Grace Greene. Love those small town settings.

When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

For me as a writer, it’s hard not to be engaged in something. But my grandchildren keep me entertained. I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and quilting when I get the chance. Sometimes it’s best to sit and talk to good friends over a cold glass of sweet tea.

Getting together with friends always energizes me. How long have you been writing?

I really can’t remember not writing. I loved Nancy Drew and the Black Stallion series growing up. So I’d play at writing and make up silly stories. Then in high school, it really started getting serious. I would write stories for my friends to read and we’d giggle and think of outlandish plots for the characters to be confronted with. Then in 2000, a friend of mine suggested that I really strive to be published. With her urging, I began to pursue this side of the arts.

I really do enjoy creating characters. I am as excited as the reader to see what will happen and were these ideas will go.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

I can say I write anywhere. I take a notebook with me wherever I go. But when I transcribe my work, I’m usually sitting at my kitchen table or at my desk in the den. I had a PC but I wore the poor thing out. I’m saving now for a new one. I am using a lap top at the moment.

But all of my stories are handwritten in notebooks. I pack those notebooks away in boxes labelled year and genre.

Are you a plotter or a panzer?

I’m a hybrid. I have to begin by writing the back flap, what I want the reader to know. Then I begin to think in terms of length, what will happen where. How to weave in my clues and where to put those important black moments. As we all know, true love doesn’t run smoothly. I have to think in terms of what might keep them apart and how they would go around it to find their happy-ever-after.

Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Yes, I do research. I think any writer worth their salt feels they have to know something about the subject they are writing on. I will let the readers know that I write under a pen name as well as my own. Tessa Berkley has a few contemporary and historical books out but they are a bit more sensual.

Right now, Tessa is working on a romantic, mystery, historical based on the Texas Rangers. I have two notebooks full of information that will be weaved into 4 novels for The Wild Rose Press.

For Nan, I’m working on two historicals that involve the pony express as well as some contemporary romances. So it’s a very busy day and often requires more than one hat.

You sound incredibly busy. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

Writing is a verb. So, yes, I do write daily. I set goals for myself at the end of every year. I spend a week with my mentor and over the phone and through emails, we discuss what we want to accomplish for the year. She keeps my nose to the grindstone. She taught me how to look at the length of a novel and divide it by the number of days I want to spend working on it. Say I have a 45 thousand words story. I want that done in two months. I’d basically eyeball it and set my goal at 1000 words per day. That gives me some wiggle room for “interruptions” work to pay the bills job and helping the family. I also must remember that I want to put the work or story away for a few days before looking over it and sending it to an editor.

My pet peeve and I am guilty of it from time to time, is taking one more than I can chew. Sometimes I have to push right up until deadline in order to finish. That means, sigh, I don’t get the deep edits I so love.

I believe we’re all guilty of that, don’t you? Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

I’m not sure what will surprise readers. I’m an old home body. I do love coming home. When I’m home, I’m in charge. I can work as long and as hard as I want too.  Perhaps, my surprise might be that I have been married for 42 years. Yep, got married at 19. We haven’t decided who gets the medal yet so, it’s a work in progress.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

To my readers, I hope to bring you a romance that makes you sigh. To give you a story that allows you to laugh and connect to the hero and heroine. I want you to feel as if you were part of the story urging them on to find true love.

Perfect Answer, Nan. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

To those who are unpublished. Never ever stop writing. No story is complete until the hero and heroine have had their final say. Don’t let anyone tell you that idea is dumb.  Read. Write. Question yourself. Learn in a community that supports your talent. But never, never ever, give up.

Great advice! Tell us about your latest release.

In December, I released a short novella for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series called ANGEL IN HIS POCKET.

A holiday miracle is needed to save the Angel in His Pocket.

Samuel McClure is content to work on the Circle K. When his boss, Preston Kincaid, sends him to pick up an Appaloosa mare and colt as a holiday surprise for his wife, he doesn’t expect to find the woman of his dreams riding the train to Cheyenne. While he reminds himself they are only thrown together because of the journey, his common sense cannot over rule the desire of his heart.

Angelica Jones has a hard task at hand. She knows how unpredictable life can be. Her sister passed away in childbirth taking the baby with her. Now, her brother-in-law has entrusted her to take her niece, Emma Donaldson to live with her parents in the Wyoming Territory. When a handsome cowboy joins them on the jaunt to Ft. Ellis, Angelica fears her heart may take a tumble.

When snow and ice block the path of the train, Samuel McClure knows he must come to their rescue. He will move Heaven and Earth to rescue the Angel in his pocket

Here’s an excerpt of ANGEL IN HIS POCKET for you to enjoy.....

“Look! Cowboys!”

Angelica Jones bent her head down next to her niece, Emma Donaldson and watched the movement of riders and buggies that lined the dirt filled Main Street of Sweetwater, Montana. They were a long way from the Olympic Peninsula that Emma called home. The train rocked as the engineer applied the brakes and slowed the great iron beast to a stop in front of the low yellow building that held a sign proclaiming the town’s name. A hiss of steam followed. It’s dense white cloud obscuring their vision.

“Can we get out and walk around?” Emma asked?

Angelica reached out and stroked the thick dark hair so reminiscent of her late sister. “I don’t know, Emma. There may not be enough time?”

Emma’ deep blue eyes bore into Angelica’s. “You can ask the conductor, can’t you, Aunt Angelica?”

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Angelica could only surrender. “Wait right here.”

Rising, she made her way down the center aisle to the rear of the coach where the conductor stood, looking at his pocket watch.

“Pardon,” Angelica interrupted him.

The conductor turned. His dark suit and hat in contrast to the snow white hair that showed beneath his cap. Seeing her move toward him, the he doffed his cap out of respect and his face broadened into a smile.

“Miss Jones, everything all right with the little girl?”

Angelica glanced over her shoulder to check on her niece.

“Yes.” She turned back. “I was wondering how long our layover at Sweetwater would be? I thought I might stretch Emma’s legs a bit.”

His smile faded just a bit. “I am afraid we are stopping only long enough to pick up some passengers. Our schedule is very tight with the holidays coming up so soon.”

“Not to worry.” Angelica smiled. “I completely understand. I admit I am in a hurry to get home to Cheyenne. There is no place like home for Christmas.”

“No ma’am, there sure isn’t.”

“Well, thank you again.”

“My pleasure.” He gave a nod and using his thumb closed the lid on his pocket watch, and then slipped it away into his vest pocket. Opening the door that connected to the platform and the next coach, the conductor disappeared.

“Well, can’t blame me for trying.”

Angelica made her way back to Emma.

“Can we? Can we?” Emma seemed to bounce upon the plush upholstery of the Pullman car seat.

“I’m sorry, Emma. The conductor says out stop won’t be long, maybe next time.”

“Oh.”

Emma’s crestfallen face looked to the floor. Angelica’s heart ached as she watched the little girl’s mouth turn down. She scooted back against the plush seat and sighed audibly. “Next time.”

“That’s right,” Angelica whispered. “We’ll just look out the window and see lots of cowboys. There will be more when we get to Grandpa’s.”

Emma glanced back and smiled. “I’d like to see more cowboys.”

“Me too,” Angelica replied.

She watched as Emma pressed her forehead against the glass, to stare out at the movements beyond the coach and for once in her life, Angelica wished there was a magic potion that cured the loneliness in the child’s eyes.

Feeling her pain, she concentrated on the images beyond the coach’s windows. An elderly woman in a gray dress, her dark jacket pulled closed against the wind, carried a wicker basket from the station house. She spoke to the conductor who pointed to the train. She gazed at the windows, her wire-framed glasses perched precariously on the edge of her nose. For a moment, their gazes locked and Angelica was given a warm and gracious smile. She couldn’t help but smile back for the expression was so similar to her mothers.

As she made her way toward the steps, Angelica noticed the skeins of brightly colored yarn protruding from the safety of the basket. The image reminded her she could have passed the time by engaging her fingers on a worthwhile endeavor such as crocheting or knitting. “Ah, well, lesson learned,” she whispered aloud.

Two cowboys drifted toward the platform. One tall, his fleece lined jacket broadening his shoulders. His gray hat pulled down low across his face leaving only his square jaw visible. Yet, for so little to be seen, he appeared to have complete control of the scene. His sauntering motion gave a hint to his confidence. He inclined his head toward the second man beside him as he listened to the instruction being departed. They paused. She watched his jaw muscles tighten. Then, he gave an understanding nod and the second cowboy handed over the carpetbag valise. They exchanged a firm handshake. The tall cowboy nodded and moved along.

“Is he coming with us?” Emma’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Hm?”

Angelica shifted her gaze to the tiny face of her niece.

“I’m sorry, what did you ask?”

“Is he coming? The cowboy, is he coming with us?” Emma whispered her excitement barely under control.

“I don’t know,” Angelica replied.

Emma brought her hands together in delight. “Oh, I hope so. He can sit right here.”

She pointed to the vacant seat across from them.

“Well, that’s very generous of you, Emma. But, I suspect cowboys like to be alone.”

“Well,” she ignored her. “He might.”

Angelica grinned. “Yes, he might. Then, he can tell me about horses and Indians.”

At least, her niece’s optimism couldn’t be squashed. Deep down, she hoped the cowboy might take the seat too.

“He might.” She gave her niece a sobering glance. “If he does take the seat, you will not pester him. You will be respectful. Understand?”

Emma’s eyes widened and her face took on an innocent look.

“But if he wants to talk, I can listen, can’t I?”

Angelica couldn’t hide the giggle that left her lips. “Yes, you can listen.”

“Goodie.”

Emma turned back to the window. Her fingers clutched the window frame. “Oh, oh no!”

“What?” Angelica became alarmed.

“He’s gone.”

Angelica felt her heart sink as she scanned the platform. Disappointment made the thrill of the moment vanish like the morning mist. The cowboy had disappeared. Her gaze searched the platform to no avail. With a sigh, she sat back. “Well, I guess that ends that.”

The door to the coach opened and the swirl of cooler air slid past their ankles. Soft footsteps moved along the aisle and Angelica swung her gaze around. The woman with the basket of yarn carefully made her way toward them. Spying the empty seat, she paused to take a breath.

“May I?”

Angelica caught Emma’s beseeching look, urging her to say no. She gave her a sharp glance and the child gazed at her shoe tops.

“Of course, please join us.”

“Thank you.”

Angelica swept her skirts tight against her legs and allowed the woman room to settle in.

“Thank you again.” She said as she plopped her basket down beside her. “I’m traveling for the holidays.”

Angelica nodded. “We are too.”

“Oh, good. Visiting family?”

Emma nodded. “I’m going to meet my Granddaddy.”

“We’re traveling toward a small town near Cheyenne. It’s Emma’s first trip. My name is Angelica Jones.” She held out her hand.

“I’m Lucille DeWitt. Most of my friends call me Lucy. I hope you will too.”

They shook hands.

“Is Emma your daughter?”

Angelica shook her head. “My niece, Emma Donaldson.”

“Oh nice and your first train ride to boot. What an occasion.” Lucille smiled. “I’m going to see my first grandchild. Saved up my egg money for the ticket and brought along some knitting. I plan to make a sweater and some booties on the trip.”

“Booties?” Emma questioned.

The older woman chuckled then addressed the child’s question. “They’re similar to heavy socks and will keep her baby feet warm and toasty.”

“Oh,” Emma nodded as if she understood.

“How about I let you pick out a color?”

Emma sat forward. “Can I?”

Angelica caught the older woman’s wink, then, nodded. She watched as the little girl scrambled over to the seat and began to look through the basket. Maybe, she mused, this trip won’t be as bad as I thought.

The train jerked as the long metal flywheel caught the shafts that gave them a turn. Emma’s face turned to Angelica’s as her eyes opened wide.

“Hold tight,” the older woman whispered and mimicked Emma’s expression. “Here we go!”

The wheels jerked once more and the coach rolled slowly forward. Gathering momentum with a deep chug, the coach strained as if it didn’t want to leave the security of the station. A deep cloud of dark smoke rolled past their window followed by the low long whistle. The coach moved a bit faster. Behind them, the door opened once again. Thinking nothing of it, Angelica expected the conductor to walk past. As the footsteps grew closer, the hair along the back of her neck tingled. Something soft brushed past her arm.

“Pardon, ma’am.”

The soft southern twang did not belong to the conductor. Angelica’s mouth went dry as she gazed up into a pair of the palest blue eyes she’d ever seen. Her lips parted in surprise.

The cowboy she’d observed earlier on the platform tugged at the brim of his hat. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Emma’s gasp.  She watched as he moved to the seat just behind Lucy and Emma. He tossed is bag onto the upholstery and settled in beside it.

“The cowboy,” Emma gasped.

“Sh.” Angelica hushed the child. Yet, her heart jolted with each bump of the rails. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. She watched unashamed as he lifted his hand and tilted his hat forward, then drew his arms around his chest, seemingly to sleep. The temperature in the coach suddenly seemed to rise twenty degrees.

BUY LINK for ANGEL IN HIS POCKET: Should you like to read more, please feel free to check out this book on Amazon

http://amzn.to/2hSbyaA

How can readers learn more about you?

You can learn more about me by visiting

My website : http://oberrynan.wix.com/nanoberryauthor

Or connect with me on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nan.oberry.3

Or

Twitter : https://twitter.com/NanObe1

HOPE'S CROSSING RECEIVES ANOTHER BRIDE!

Please welcome my friend Cynthia Woolf to the blog. Cindy and I worked on The Surprise Brides together and will be working together on the upcoming Widows of Coyote Junction with Sylvia McDaniel. Cindy’s an excellent writer and all-around nice person. Don’t you love when the two occur together?

Blurb for THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE

Alice Carter found herself a widow, her doctor husband murdered as he left the hospital where he worked. Alice, too, is a doctor and thought she wouldn’t have any trouble finding a position with the hospital where her husband had been so well regarded.

She was wrong. Seems no one wanted a female doctor, especially one in mourning. Seeing no other way out, Alice becomes a mail-order bride to a doctor in Hope’s Crossing in the Montana Territory.

Dr. Jeremiah Kilarney, needs help. He needs a nurse to assist him with his patients. Knowing he has to marry the woman or she’ll be inundated with marriage proposals from the lonely miners, he goes to Matchmaker & Co. Specifying his need for a nurse or someone willing to be trained as one, he’s surprised when Alice Carter, doctor, steps out of the stagecoach with her precocious daughter Melly.

Can Alice and Jeremiah have a future when ghosts from her past still hold her heart?

Hope's Crossing can be the answer to their future or the end of their dreams.

THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE Excerpt:

Alice Carter wore her best lavender silk dress which she knew made her violet eyes appear even more purple than normal. The cool May weather forced her to cover her lovely dress with a black wool overcoat. The calendar may say the season was spring but the weather was still more like winter with the cold and recent snow New Yorkers had to endure.

It was too soon for her to be wearing lavender, she was in mourning and should still be wearing black for another six months, then six months of gray and then six months of lavender, but she couldn’t stick with tradition. She’d worn black to the other interviews she’d had and hadn’t gotten the job. Today, she had to find a husband and that didn’t involve wearing mourning.

She stood in front of the bright blue door at 221 Baker Street, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. Apparently she wasn’t too successful, as her hand still shook when she turned the door knob.

A bell above the door rang as she entered.

“Hello. Come on in,” said a pretty brunette woman, with spectacles, from behind a large oak desk.

Her voice was husky, pleasant to the ear and put Alice at ease. “Thank you.”

She glanced around at the sparse but serviceable furnishings. A pot-bellied stove in one corner, two tables topped with boxes of files behind the desk and a single ladder back wooden chair in front of the desk. She made her way into the room and sat in the chair.

“I’m Sally Wyatt.” She folded her hands on the top of the desk. “I manage this office of Matchmaker & Co. What can we do for you, Miss…”

“Carter. Mrs. Alice Carter. I’m here because I want to become a mail-order bride.”

“I assumed,” she said with a smile and reached for a form. “I don’t get too many female visitors who want something else. So tell me why you want to make use of our matching services?”

With a lump in her throat, Alice pressed on. “Well, I’m recently widowed and a doctor. I graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. I’m unable to find a position using my skills here in the city and thought that if I went west where doctors are in demand, that I might be able to use my knowledge to help people.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. What is your living situation like here?”

Alice found it hard to talk about the time with Adam. It seemed like he’d been gone so long, because she missed him so much. But this needed to happen.

“When my husband died we were renting a house and looking for one to buy. I’ve gone through our savings in the last six months, just paying for rent and food and his funeral. I’ve tried to find a position but no one wants a widow who is still in mourning.”

Sally looked at Alice for a moment, with her finger on her chin.

“Would you be willing to accept the position of a nurse to your doctor husband? At least until you can convince him of your medical training?”

“Yes. Anything to get my patients familiar with me so they will have an easier time accepting me as a doctor.”

Sally made notes on a piece of paper and examined papers from a folder on the desk.

“Wonderful. I have a doctor in Hope’s Crossing. It’s a very small mining town in Montana Territory. He is thirty-eight years old. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-nine.”

“Do you have experience as a practicing doctor?”

Alice shook her head. “Not really. Right after I graduated I married Adam Carter. We’d known each other a long time. He was also a doctor. When I finished my two-year residency, I discovered I was expecting Melly…Melissa…my daughter. After Melissa was born, I didn’t want to go to work and Adam was making a nice living.”

She stopped, closed her eyes for a moment. This was so hard. She didn’t know how she would keep from breaking down. Then she thought of Melly and knew she must keep herself together. There was no choice.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“Miss Wyatt, my husband passed away six months ago. I haven’t been able to find a position here and I need to provide for Melly, who is three now. Our savings are running out, I must do this.”

“Hmm. I understand. There is a little more of an age difference than I usually allow for our matches, and I hadn’t planned for a child, but he didn’t exclude his bride from having one. With you both being doctors, you should have plenty in common to talk about. I think you will get along. Can you cook?”

“I’m a good cook but I don’t want to just be the cook and housekeeper.”

“No, I don’t imagine you do. Let me give you his letter.”

Sally rummaged through the stack of file folders on her desk. When she found the one she was looking for she pulled out a single sheet of creased paper and handed it to Alice.

“Jo Longworth is a former client and very happy in the match we made for her.”

Alice read the letter, before looking up and giving back the sheet of paper to Sally, who tucked it into the folder.

“Well? What do you think?”

“I think he’ll do. Can you arrange it?”

She nodded. “I’ll write to him and to the owner of the company, Mrs. Maggie Black. She lives in Golden in the Colorado Territory and runs another office out of that town.”

“When do I leave for Montana Territory?”

“I want you to write a response to Dr. Kilarney. I’ll make arrangements for train and stagecoach tickets as soon as possible and I’ll send you a message when they are ready for pick up. You should be packed and ready to go.”

“Very well. I don’t have much. A few clothes and some small things that have memories attached, plus Melly’s clothes and doll. A couple of valises is all we’ll need.”

“Fine. That makes it easier. Plan on leaving on the ten o’clock train to Chicago in ten days. You’ll change trains in Chicago to go on to Cheyenne in the Wyoming Territory. The stagecoach to Hope’s Crossing takes seven or eight days. It’s definitely not an easy trip. Are you sure you’re up for it? With a small child along, the travel will be that much more difficult.”

“We’ll be fine. Melly is a good traveler. She makes friends with everyone.”

“All right then, be back here in two hours to pick up your tickets.”

“I will. Thank you very much for your help.”

Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01MFCAXRS/?tag=cynthiawoolf-20

Apple: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-unexpected-bride/id1169121974?ls=1&mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-bride-cynthia-woolf/1125000091?ean=2940157077006

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Woolf_The_Unexpected_Bride?id=txFSDQAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-unexpected-bride-3

Cynthia Woolf, Author

Cynthia Woolf is the award winning and best-selling author of twenty-two historical western romance books and two short stories with more books on the way.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia’s father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy not a bounty hunter and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now) not the ranch owner. The ranch they met on is still there as part of the open space in Mineral County in southwestern Colorado.

Writing as CA Woolf she has six scifi, space opera romance titles. She calls them westerns in space.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com/

NEWSLETTER - http://bit.ly/1qBWhFQ

FORCED TO LOVE BY SKY ALEXANDER

Forced to Love 

The Fires of Love and Hate Book 1

by Sky Alexander 

Genre: Historical Romance

FORCED TO LOVE is the newest book in Sky Alexander’s series The Fires of
Love and Hate (Historical Romance Collection).

“Inspiration can come from anywhere, but nothing is more uplifting and
irresistible to me as a new Sky Alexander novel. This is one of my
new favorites, (with FORCED TO LOVE) Sky Alexander shows his unique
writing style that reminds us of how great historical romance and
western romance can be written that reminds you of classics but with
new addictive twists that are uplifting and intriguing in The Fires
of Love & Hate (Historical Romance Collection). Hattie really
shows that through thick and then love for your family is one of the
most important things.” ~Heather Goodreads

“FORCED TO LOVE is spell-bounding and one of my new favorite historical
romance stories that is sure to be around for a long time. You must
read this!” ~ Juanita Goodreads

Hattie Morran is a poor dirt farmers daughter in Missouri. Suddenly Hattie

finds that her life is changed in the blink of an eye and she is
forced to love Abner Garland. Now her Western Romance which is purely
a façade for show and to save her family will soon come to an end.

“But what about their anger?” Hattie asked. “Jess and Abner will be
furious.”

“Furious doesn’t even begin to describe how they’re going to react. Even
though I probably shouldn’t, I am going to set them up with
handsome allowances. What can they do? I’m of sound mind. So, Miss
Hattie, when you marry Abner, I will give you nine-tenths of my
fortune, and the remainder will be yours at my death.”

From the moment that you are brought into the book you will be immediately
part of the western romance in the middle of the south. The Fires of
Love & Hate Series will keep you right in the middle of a tale
that is based on some true and historical events. This Historical
Romance series is sure to be your new favorite.

Goodreads * Amazon

Standing quietly in an upper bedroom of the beautiful Garland Mansion, Hattie
Morran gazed out the open window over the lush green grounds known as
the Silver Creek Estate. She stood quietly in the upper bedroom of
the beautiful Garland Mansion, her wedding dress and auburn hair
fluttering lightly in the soft Missouri breeze, and sighed. The cold
steel of her Colt 45, nestled among the flowers of
her wedding bouquet, belied the picture of a beautiful bride awaiting
her once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Without breaking her gaze, she spoke to her sister, who sat silently on a

sapphire blue settee in the middle of the ornately decorated room.

“So help me, God, Dakota,” Hattie said with great conviction, “if
Abner does not come across with my demands this time, this will be
the shortest marriage on record.”

“What do you plan to do, sis?” Dakota asked.

Turning toward her sister, who’d leaned forward since she’d last looked,
Hattie slowly lowered her bouquet, reached in, and cocked the
revolver. “Put it this way . . . if he doesn’t, the man is goin’
to meet up with an untimely death . . . or I am goin’ to shoot off
the only thin’ in life that jackass holds dear.”

Dakota’s jaw dropped. “You wouldn’t!”

“Oh, wouldn’t I? Just you hide and watch, sister dear. Believe me, I’ve
taken just about all I’m goin’ to take from Abner Garland. At
this point, I’d just as soon kill him as look at him. Of course, I
can’t do that because I love his Mama so much, and even though he
is a despicable person, he is her son.” With her feelings for
Abner’s mother, Rebecca Garland, calming her, Hattie reached back
into her bouquet and uncocked the revolver.

Sky Alexander is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced IT
professionals in the industry today. He holds degrees in Software
Engineering, Network Engineering and Database Engineering.
He has worked for companies such as Hewlett Packard, Citicorp Bank
and Wells Fargo,
as well as many different top United States Government Agencies in
the intelligence arena.

Sky has built software that is in use in multiple businesses utilizing
both structural design patterns and behavioral design patterns. He is
an expert in .Net, Java and OSI platforms. He has used many different
technologies to create very sophisticated applications for both
mobile devices as well as stand-alone software applications.

Sky has over 15 years experience in the industry, managing teams in the
United States as well as managing teams remotely in Bangalore, India
and Shanghai, China. He has designed and implemented website
infrastructures for many multi-national companies.

Sky is also the author of 16 novels. He is currently working on three
different series: The Fires of Love and Hate, Aspen Falls, and World
of Darkness. Sky has also written several stage plays and two
full-length feature films: Out of Darkness and A Forbidden Love.

Sky also does ghostwriting and is currently mentoring several other
authors on how to write
books. Sky is founder and CEO of two different companies: Rising
Phoenix Publishing is
designed to help people of all ages who want to write and publish a
book. We take submissions from aspiring authors and determine if
their work is ready for publication. Rising Phoenix will work with
authors who may need additional coaching to reach publication level.

We currently have books from 21 authors being prepared for production.
We will engage the best in the business to produce, market, and sell
the books, both online and to bookstores across the United States and
eventually the world.

Rising Phoenix Studios is designed with the intent of breaking all the rules
of Hollywood by bringing fresh new stories to the platform with
up-and-coming talented actors. Our goal will always be to bring
original untold stories to production that are entertaining,
compelling and positive films for the enjoyment of the entire family.

Goodreads * Amazon * Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR 2017?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the synopsis:

Stranded in the snow…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Caroline