Monday, December 30, 2013

The Highwayman's Grace by @CarolASpradling


Romancing The West welcomes Carol A. Sprading, who has a new release I think you'll enjoy!  Carol lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains and pens Western and Time Travel Romance novels.

RTW: To start out, please tell us about The Highwayman's Grace.

CS: Grace Blackstone never wanted to be a time traveler. She also didn't want to be abandoned within reach of a notorious highwayman. A chance meeting with the outlaw leaves her vulnerable to more than her new ability. Having seen behind the wanted man's mask, Grace is confused to find another man claiming to be her rescuer.

Highwayman Ethan Tanner has one goal in life, to destroy Bennett Brown. He has faced gunmen and braved the elements, but a young woman who seemingly appears out of nowhere terrifies him.

A rainy night brings Ethan and Grace together in more ways than one. She will have to trust him with her secret and he will have to trust her with his life, but are they willing to release their pasts in order to have a future together?

Contest!
Details below

RTW: Why do you write Westerns? What aspect of life in the Old West intrigues you the most? Did you work that into The Highwayman's Grace?

CS: I love the pace of the time. No one is in a hurry. They take the time to get to know their neighbors, and show a real concern for everyone around them.

RTW: If you lived in 1752, what would you visit first? Is there something you’ve been curious about that you can’t find in your research sources?

CS: Boston! Hands down. Activity was building, heading into the Revolutionary War, and I would have a front row seat. I would love to be in on the "closed door" meetings that took place in secret. Wouldn't you love to know what was said? Maybe it's me, but I doubt the founding fathers were politically correct. Know what I mean?

RTW: If a person who had never read a Western (any sub-genre) asked you for a recommendation, what novel or movie would you recommend and why? What did the author do to bring the story alive for you?

CS: Anything by Peggy L. Henderson. She creates settings that are very real, and her characters are people you want as your best friends.

Carol A. Spradling
RTW: Good choice!  Why must Grace Blackstone take this particular story journey? What does she have to prove? How does Ethan Tanner affect her journey?

CS: For Grace, it's the "when life gives you lemons" story. Time travel is forced on her, a family trait she never wanted. Revenge is foremost in her mind, until she meets the man of her dreams, Ethan Tanner. Ethan is a man fighting his own ghosts. Together, they realize if it weren't for the loss and pain they'd endured, they would never have found each other.

Excerpt
The Highwayman's Grace
by Carol A. Sprading

"You are agreeable to this?" Ethan asked, wanting to know her honest opinion. He tried to keep his tone flat, giving her a chance to revise her decision.

She walked toward him, looking as uncertain as he felt. "I'm not sure I know a better option," she said.

"I hate to admit it," he offered, "but this might be the best way to keep you safe." He reached his hand to her, hoping she saw his action as an open gesture, without concealed intent. "As soon as I can find a way out of this," he tried to assure her, "I'll grant you your freedom. I promise."

"I hate to intrude, but I am in a rush," the pastor interrupted. The clergyman pointed to the lower section on the paper, and Ethan obediently signed the document. Strangely enough, his hand didn't shake as he affixed his name above Grace's.

"Fine. Fine." The pastor sanded the wet ink, and then opened his Bible.

"Ethan Tanner, do you solemnly promise to take this woman, Grace Blackstone, as your wife, providing for her and protecting her all of your days while in the sight of God?"

The words weighed heavy on Ethan's shoulders. All of your days. He had just promised Grace he'd find a way to free her, now the pastor asked him to affirm to the contrary. Deep red and purple abrasions encircled her throat next to the collar of the dress she wore. He hadn't seen them before, but Addie assured him, these marks were not isolated incidents. He'd swear an oath to both God and Grace, and hope that one pledge wasn't contingent on the other.

"I promise," he said.

The minister turned to Grace. "Grace Blackstone, do you promise to accept Ethan Tanner as your husband, abiding in his household and obeying his commands?"

Grace nodded slowly as though unsure. She lifted her eyes to Ethan and her chin rose assertively. "I promise."

Addie sniffled behind them, and Ethan cringed. This had been an impromptu ceremony. What would she have done with a year to prepare?

"You are husband and wife," Pastor Whitten proclaimed. "May your life be filled with many children. Now that this is done, I'll be on my way to the Clancy farm to discuss the details for tomorrow." He touched the signatures with his fingertip, folded the paper, and then placed it inside his Bible. Tucking everything under his arm, he waved to them in passing. "Good day," he said, and then disappeared through the opened doorway.

Ethan stared awkwardly after the minister, not completely certain what to do next. He supposed he should take his wife and sister home. His wife. When he started out this morning, he hadn't thought his day would end with a marriage ceremony. He glanced over at his bride. She was caught in Addie's tight embrace, being rocked from side to side.

Lavender oil should soothe her abrasions, but he doubted her internal scars would heal as easily. Other than give her time to forget what had happened to her, he didn't know how else to help her. He looked to the bruised skin at the cuffs of her sleeve, feeling as responsible for her pain as if he'd personally clamped the constraints against her delicate skin. He'd taken two vows tonight, and while he wasn't sure how, he planned to honor them both. Whether successful or not, one thing was certain, no one would lay a hand to her again while he lived. But more importantly, Bennett would pay for what he did to this woman…his wife.
♥ ♥ ♥
The Highwayman's Grace is available at Amazon.

RTW: What’s next? Is The Highwayman's Grace a part of a series?

CS: Yes. The Highwayman's Grace is the third book in The Forever Time Travel Romance Series. The first two are Faithfully Yours and Pursuing Honor. Beyond Hope will finish the series.

RTW: For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

CS: My time travel books generally send the characters through time within their own lifespan. Not only do they deal with being misplaced in time, they have to confront friends and relatives that have aged while they haven't.

RTW: How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

CS: I have a very understanding and supportive husband. He doesn't say a word when I'm on the computer for hours at a time.

RTW: What you are most passionate about outside of writing?

CS: My family. Everyone of them is the most important thing in my life.

RTW: Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?

CS: Grayson Gregory from Shades of Gray. He is a man's man, and loyal and self-sacrificing to a fault where his family is concerned.

Thanks to Carol for visiting RTW today!  And don't forget the drawing for a free book--deets below.

Carol's books
Contest: For everyone who leaves a comment, your name will go in a drawing for a chance to win an audiobook of one of Carol's books. Five lucky winners will be chosen on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Most Unsuitable Courtship by Caroline Clemmons #Kinkaids @CarolinClemmons #historicalromance


The Most Unsuitable Courtship
The Kincaids, Book 3

Love a historical family series that combines mystery and romance? May I suggest the Kincaid series by my friend Caroline Clemmons? The series deals with half-siblings of the Kincaid family, and I adored all these books.   I featured the first two Kincaids books, The Most Unsuitable Wife, and The Most Unsuitable Husband.  Today is all about the third book, so now I'll turn it over to Caroline and she'll tell you how The Most Unsuitable Courtship was born.

Caroline Clemmons
A word from Caroline
The Most Unsuitable Courtship is book three in my Kincaid series. In the first two in the series, Pearl was the heroine of The Most Unsuitable Wife and Sarah the heroine of The Most Unsuitable Husband. Book three centers around their half-brother, Storm, and his quest for justice.

About Storm and Rena
One of the things that inspired the heroine of my latest release is a magazine story of Gruene, which is pronounced by its residents as if it were spelled Green. That area of the Texas Hill Country has numerous communities settled by German immigrants. Many families still speak German at home. It’s a lovely part of Texas that my family enjoys visiting over and over.  

When thinking of a heroine for Storm Kincaid, I wanted one unlike any I had written about in previous books. That’s a problem for authors who have multiple books already released. Each hero and heroine must be strong and independent, but at the same time be different from any other couple. Everything must be new and fresh, yet fit within the genre and in the voice and story style the author’s readers expect. You’re correct—that is hard! In fact, for me that’s one of the hardest parts of writing.  

Blurb
Storm Kincaid wants justice; Rena Dmitriev wants vengeance.

When Storm’s best friend and the friend’s wife are murdered, Storm secures a temporary appointment as Federal Marshal so he can capture the killers. He follows them to twenty one year old Rena’s home, which is in flames when he arrives. She has survived by following her elderly husband’s strict instructions and watched in hiding while the men murdered him.  Storm intends to take her to the nearest town where she will be safe. She can identify the men who killed the person who had been her husband in name only and like a grandfather to her, and she vows to kill at least one of them. Whether or not Storm allows her to accompany him, she assures him she will go after the murderers.  She is the only person alive who can identify the evil foursome whose policy has been to leave no witnesses. Storm agrees to take her with him. She’ll be safer with him to protect her than she would riding alone.

As a powerful and passionate love blossoms, they unite to rescue three orphaned children, fight the elements, and encounter the killers. Will their love be enough to protect them?

Excerpt from
The Most Unsuitable Courtship
by Caroline Clemmons

She emerged from the brush straightening her trousers and shoving her pistol back into her waistband. “Where do you think those men are going?” 

“Indian Territory. They’ll steal all they can before they reach the Red River and leave no survivors to identify them. They’re selling off the stolen stock along the way, so that will slow them some.” He wondered if she knew how to use the gun.

“But I saw their faces.”

He sent her what he hoped was a frightening stare. “If they knew that, you’d be dead for sure.”

She shivered, but glared at him. “Do not think to frighten me. I will do everything I can to kill these men and reclaim my gold and my mother’s locket. It is not that I care about the jewellery that once belonged to Abram’s wife. But to him, it meant a great deal, and I want it because he gave it to me.”

Storm wanted to shake her. Not that he hadn’t lived all his life with stubborn women. At least his oldest sister Pearl made sense. He’d worried about shy Sarah, especially when she’d appeared head over heels with a con man. Now that Sarah and Nate were married, she had life figured out. Nate had surprised everyone, even himself. Storm suppressed a smile and worked up his anger again at his traveling companion.

“We can be in Llano by nightfall. We’ll get a couple of rooms there and you can rest.”

She shot him a suspicious glare. “You think to abandon me in that town. If we stay somewhere, we will be in the same room so I can watch you.”

Shocked, Storm wondered what he could do with this woman. “We wouldn’t be allowed to stay in a decent hotel. You want to sleep over a saloon? Besides that, folks will be shocked when they see you in those trousers. You want people to think you’re a fallen woman?”

With her chin raised, she placed her hands on her hips. “I am a good woman. You can tell them we are married and I wear britches to ride more easily.” She held up her hand and wiggled her fingers. “I have a wedding band, see?”

He raised his hands and backed up a step. “Oh, no. I’m not even pretending to be married. If I were ready to marry, which I’m not, I’d pick a woman who knew when to let a man do his job.”

“Ha, and when I recover my dowry, I will marry a man who knows a woman can do as much as a man.”

He swept a formal bow. “And when you marry, will you be wearing the lovely gown you now wear?”

She appeared angry enough to use that Colt on him. “You are wrong to…to talk so. I do not have the English words to tell you what I think, but do not try to leave me behind. If you do, I will go after the men alone.”

Disgusted, Storm stomped over and retrieved the horses. “Then let’s go.”

They rode into Llano in late afternoon. Since they arrived mid week, the town appeared peaceful and quiet. Storm spotted a hotel by the livery he remembered. 

“If you’re determined to stick to me like glue, let’s stable the horses.”

At the stable, she staggered when she dismounted and he thought she might fall. He grabbed her arms. “Steady. You’re not used to riding so long.”

“Ja, my legs do not work so well. Do not worry, I will be fine in a minute.” 

She remained quiet while he dealt with the hostler and insured his rifle and saddle would be safe. He threw his saddlebags over his shoulder and retrieved the two pillowcases and box he’d tied to the saddle pommel. They ambled the block toward the hotel.

He indicated a mercantile. “Just what we need. After we get our room, let’s head for that store before it closes. You probably need to replace a few things that burned.” When she glared at him. “I’ll give you the money, all right? I don’t want folks thinking my wife runs around in men’s clothes. If anyone gets nosy, tell them you lost your bag crossing a river.”

She sniffed and sashayed as if she wore a ball gown instead of ill-fitting men’s trousers. “I will keep track and repay you when I kill those men.” 


About Caroline Clemmons
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances whose books have garnered numerous awards. Her most recent novel, The Most Unsuitable Courtship, is a poignant tale of tender redemption. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel. 

Caroline is a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, and Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Her latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: Brazos BrideHigh Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends.

Find her on her blogwebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodreads, and Pinterest.

Thanks, Jacquie, for having me as your guest.

♥ ♥ ♥
Thanks to Caroline for guesting on RTW!  


The Kincaids

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Most Unsuitable Husband, by Caroline Clemmons #Kincaids, @carolinclemmons #historicalromance


The Most Unsuitable Husband
The Kincaids, Book 2

Love a historical family series that combines mystery and romance? May I suggest the Kincaid series by my friend Caroline Clemmons? The series deals with half-siblings of the Kincaid family, and I adored all these books.   Yesterday, I featured the first Kincaids book, The Most Unsuitable Wife.  Today is all about the second book, The Most Unsuitable Husband.  But first, if you don't know her already, I'll introduce you .

A word from Caroline

Caroline Clemmons
Do you have or want an E-reader, or are you a die hard paper fan? Whichever your answer, I hope you have books on your gift list to give and as hints to receive. Let me tell you about one of my books I hope you’ll read and enjoy.

Today, I want to tell you about the The Most Unsuitable Husband, book two or the Kincaids.

Reviews for The Most Unsuitable Husband include a 4 1/2 star Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine. This book was also a finalist in the National Readers Choice competition.


About Caroline

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends.  Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.


The Most Unsuitable Husband is Book Two of the Kincaids, and is available from Amazon and Smashwords.

About The Most Unsuitable Husband

When I was thinking about the plot and naming characters, I wondered what to call this hero. He was a bit of a rascal, or thought he was, but he changes throughout the book. Talk about character arc! I was sitting in church one Sunday and the minister mentioned that Bartholomew and Nathaniel were the same person, but his name changed to show his life’s change when he became a Christian. Aha! Nathaniel Batholomew would be my hero’s name. But he uses a long string of aliases, one of which is Nate Barton, and that’s how he introduces himself to the heroine, Sarah Kincaid.

Sarah is the younger half-sister of Pearl, the heroine in The Most Unsuitable Wife. These are stand-alone books (authors always say that☺) but you will enjoy them more if you read them in order. Sarah is a shy young woman very conscious of appearances and has gone from Texas to St. Louis to her dying mother. Due to her unfortunate childhood, she always acts with propriety to overcome her origin. She needed a strong character arc too. What could possibly cause this proper young schoolteacher to interact with a man she suspects is up to no good? Nothing short of orphans who must be rescued from an evil man following them could effect the change. One snowy day in Memphis, Tennessee, Sarah finds three cold youngsters, one of whom is seriously ill. She enlists Nate to help her get the youngsters safely to her home. She also hires a lovely Irish woman, Fiona Galloway, to act as her companion for the rest of the trip.

Excerpt from 
The Most Unsuitable Husband
by Caroline Clemmons

That man in black—he'd introduced himself as Nathaniel Barton—had been at the cemetery. He was always around on the boat, too, and now he was here in their hotel in Memphis. He trailed behind her as if he hadn't a care in the world. Surely it was coincidence. Lots of people traveled from St. Louis to Memphis every day.

The porter stopped in front of a room and opened the door. He stood back for her to enter, but not before she saw Mr. Barton at the next door. He even glanced her way and smiled as he nodded in greeting.

My stars, he's staying in the very next room to mine.

What kind of hotel would allow a single man on the same floor as a single woman? She fought down panic as she dealt with the porter, then locked the door behind him and slid the bolt. Alone in her room, her imagination ran its course as she paced. Had she strayed into a den of iniquity?

No, that couldn't be. Mrs. Welborn assured her this was a family hotel suitable for a young woman. After all, the Welborns registered here, too. How did Mr. Barton come to be in the very room next to her? It wasn't proper. What would people think? What would they say?

She caught herself. The Welborns were the only people here she knew, and she hardly cared what they thought other than their reports back to the Vermillions and Aunt Lily. Even they could hardly blame her for the hotel's room assignments.

This Mr. Barton could not mean her harm. There'd been ample opportunity on the paddle wheeler had he intended to hurt her. They'd never had a conversation on a personal level. His comments had centered on the trip and the weather, not a hint of anything improper and always with others nearby. Perhaps his constant presence was a coincidence. Just the same, he made her nervous. She felt like a rabbit waiting for the wolf to pounce whenever Mr. Barton was near.

In the midst of her concern, she admitted his presence offered reassurance to her that she was protected from others. Surely he would rush to her aid if she needed assistance. Her instincts proved right regarding Mr. Welborn. Perhaps she should rely on intuition in this instance. She wished she were more decisive, not a victim of warring emotions.

She raised her skirt and checked the little double-shot derringer given her by her brother, Storm. Best to be prepared. The little gun still rested securely in its garter holster on her thigh. Storm had insisted she practice until she was a fair shot. Would she have the courage to use the weapon against a human? She doubted it, but its weight reassured her.

Sarah spied the door connecting her room with the one in which Mr. Barton resided. Rushing to check the lock, she stopped. She must not let him know she suspected him of following her. Very slowly she turned the knob of the connecting door. Locked. She released a heavy sigh.

Curiosity nudged her. Kneeling, she peered through the keyhole. The opening framed him as he pulled a fresh shirt from an open valise on the bed. Shucking his jacket and waistcoat, he took a pistol from his waistband and placed it on the bed beside the satchel. He unbuttoned his shirt.

She knew she should move away but couldn't. Oh, my stars!  He might dress like a riverboat dandy, but this gorgeous man was no weakling. Trouser fabric pulled taut against trim hip muscles when he turned and bent over the things on the bed.

Her mouth went dry as a Texas dust storm. She watched him turn back to face her. He removed his shirt and tossed it behind him on the bed. Then she saw the bandage across his shoulder and another at his waist. She wondered which side of the law he was on when he got those, but thought she knew. The wrong side, of course.

He picked up a fresh shirt and she caught the ripple of muscles across his chest as he slipped the shirt on. His movements were swift and powerful, not the sluggish ambling she had witnessed in public.

Occasionally in summer she had caught glimpses of her brother, her brother-in-law, and the hands at the ranch with their shirts off. Unlike their tanned torsos, Mr. Barton's pale skin made her fingers tingle to touch the brown chest hair that converged in a vee at his belt. She wondered how far below his waist the pelt descended. A pool of warmth gathered at the base of her stomach.

My stars, what disgraceful thoughts.

Where did they come from? They weren’t proper. No, not at all suitable. Being away from home must be having a poor effect on her.

Never before had such scandalous ideas entered her head about any man. She didn’t have these thoughts about Peter Dorfmeyer, and everyone expected her to marry Peter. Mr. Barton was the most attractive man she’d ever seen, but she must get her wayward thoughts under control.

Buttoning his shirt, Mr. Barton stepped from her view. When he returned and glared at the keyhole, she froze. Surely he couldn't know she watched him. She sank further to the floor and sat with her back against the door.

Sarah pressed her hands to heated cheeks, shocked at her own behavior. She was no better than a window peeper. What on earth had come over her?

A sudden thought assailed her. What if he planned to look through the keyhole as she had? Taking a hanky from her cuff, she draped it over the doorknob so it hung across the tiny opening. No, that wouldn’t do. It kept sliding off. She rose and opened her traveling bag and took out a shirtwaist. Hanging it on the knob, she stepped back. Perfect. It looked as if she used the handle for a hook.
♥ ♥ ♥
Thanks to Caroline for guesting on RTW!  Check back tomorrow when she'll tell us about the third book in The KincaidsThe Most Unsuitable Courtship.  (And yes! She's working on a fourth!)

The Kincaids

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Most Most Unsuitable Wife by Caroline Clemmons #western #historicalromance @carolinclemmons


The Most Unsuitable Wife
The Kincaids, Book 1

Love a historical family series that combines mystery and romance? May I suggest the Kincaid series by my friend Caroline Clemmons? The series deals with half-siblings of the Kincaid family, and I adored all these books.  First, if you don't know her already, I'll introduce you .

About Caroline

Caroline Clemmons
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances whose books have garnered numerous awards. Her most recent novel, The Most Unsuitable Courtship, is a poignant tale of tender redemption. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel. 

Caroline is a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, and Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Her latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends.  Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.


The Most Unsuitable Wife is Book One of the Kincaids, and is available from Amazon and Smashwords.

About The Most Unsuitable Wife

The Most Unsuitable Wife is about a marriage of convenience that blossoms into a true love match. The idea for the book came from a tiny kernel in the form of a story my grandmother once told me about a girl in her hometown who quit school because of all the rumors and teasing she was forced to endure. Although my grandmother didn’t know what happened to the girl, I wanted the poor girl’s story to end well. Each of us deserves happily ever after, right?

Back cover copy

Wanted: one completely improper bride.

Even if Drake Kincaid had placed such an advertisement in every paper in the country, he couldn’t have found a better candidate than Pearl Parker...which is fine with him. After all, his parents’ will stipulates only that he marry by his thirtieth birthday, not that he marry well. And no one — including Drake’s grandfather, the man determined to hold him to the ridiculous provision — could possibly think tall, bossy Pearl with her ragtag siblings and questionable “cousin” Belle will make a good wife. Until Drake realizes that in her startling violet eyes he sees a beautiful woman with a generous soul...

Their life together may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love — with a breathtaking dose of passion — will make their marriage a true romance.

Excerpt of 
The Most Unsuitable Wife
by Caroline Clemmons

"What do you mean, stay here?”

Pearl had wakened cocooned in the hazy glow following a night of intermittent lovemaking with her husband to find him dressing for the ranch. Then he dropped a bombshell on her.

"You know it's not safe for you to be on your own. Ranch is too isolated. You'll be safer here in town.” Drake stomped his feet to settle each in the boots he wore. He retrieved a blue chambray shirt from his bag and donned it.

"For how long?” Pearl slid from bed and grabbed her nightgown from the floor.

"Well..."

She whirled on her husband, confronting him, "You never intended for me to move to the ranch, did you?” She yanked her nightie on. No one could argue buck-naked.

"Don't get riled. Women hate the seclusion. You'll be happier in town. Things to do here and people about you.” Drake shoved his shirt into his twill pants without looking at his wife.

She stepped toward him and pointed at her chest. "What do you know about what makes this woman happy?"

A crooked smile broke his face. "Aw, I know what makes you happy, all right. Didn't I keep you happy all night?"

She shrugged away the comment aimed to distract her. "Did you ask me which I prefer? No.” She hoped her glare chilled his randy hide.

His voice softened, placating. "Pearl, be reasonable. We don't know who's tried to kill you and your family. Someone might be trailing you right now, waiting somewhere and watching the house.”

He met her gaze. That muscle twitched in his cheek, letting her know he was less than happy with this conversation. Well, that didn't bother Pearl in the least. Some things needed talked about.

He walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, then took a deep breath and continued, "Look, the sheriff and his deputy as well as several of the town's leading citizens will be looking out for any newcomer. I talked to the owners of the livery stable, the hotel, the mercantile, all the places I could think of that a newcomer would stand out. If any strangers come around asking questions, the sheriff will find out immediately. You and Sarah will be safer here."

"You're taking Storm with you?” She hugged her arms, sensing a lost battle.

"Yes, um, with your permission. I can't see him attending teas or shopping here in town. Besides, he's a big help to me."

Her head came up and her hands fisted at her hips. "And I suppose Sarah and I are just so much baggage?"

"Now, I didn't say that and you know it.” He held up a hand, palm out, as if to stay her fury. "But you have no place rounding up cattle and getting ready for a drive."

"It's true we don't ride, but we could learn.” She could learn anything, given a chance. She suspected no chance would come.

"There's no time to teach you. 'Sides, it makes the cowboys and vaqueros nervous to have women around the cattle. They think it's bad luck. And I can't leave the two of you at the house with only the housekeeper to help you."

She sagged in defeat. "Okay, Drake. I'll stay here for now, and I'll try not to shame you. But this is only until we know there'll be no more meanness against my family. Don't think you can keep me waiting too long," she warned.

His face broke into a smile of relief. "You'll see. By the time this is over and things calm down, you'll like this sweet life so much you won't be able to tear yourself away from Grandpa's house."

"Too much sweet gives a body a belly ache."

Ignoring that and stepping close, he kissed her on the cheek then nuzzled her neck. "I'll be sleeping tonight in a bedroll on hard ground. Give me a kiss to remember."

Something to remember. She'd give him something to remember all right. She raised her mouth to his, let him plunder with his tongue. Her tongue did some plundering of its own as she moved her body against him. When their kiss ended, the heat of passion darkened his eyes.

"When you're sleeping on the hard ground, all alone, you remember that, husband.” Head high, she turned and walked into the dressing room.
♥ ♥ ♥
Thanks to Caroline for guesting on RTW!  Check back tomorrow when she'll tell us about the second book in The Kincaids, The Most Unsuitable Husband.

The Kincaids

Monday, November 18, 2013

O Deadly Night by Troy D. Smith in WOLF CREEK 10: O DEADLY NIGHT #western @paladin_68 #Christmas


O Deadly Night
a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 10:

Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night.  Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors.  Today, RTW is pleased to host the president of Western Fictioneers and the mastermind of this series, Peacemaker and Spur Award winner, Troy D. Smith

Troy D. Smith
About Troy

Troy D. Smith has published several short stories and novels, and is a past winner of the Peacemaker and Spur Awards, and current president of Western Fictioneers. He is also a history professor at Tennessee Tech, specializing in American Indian history. His article “Nations Colliding: The Civil War Comes to Indian Territory” is in the current issue of Civil War History. His most recent westerns have been the two Blackwell Chronicles books from Western trail Blazer, collecting his previously published short stories about the Blackwell family (more to come!)

Troy's story: O Deadly Night

Marshal Sam Gardner learns that, for a lawman in a town like Wolf Creek, there is no such thing as a night off. Even on Christmas.

About Sam Gardner

In “O Deadly Night,” Marshal Samuel Horace Gardner discovers that, in a town like Wolf Creek, you’re not even guaranteed a night off at Christmas. The story opens with the lawmen (both county and city) celebrating the holiday together, but when trouble erupts, Sam volunteers to be the one to go out and take care of it. The trouble winds up being a lot more than he bargained for.

I can’t tell you how much fun I have writing for Sam Gardner. He is a classic Old West town-tamer, in the Hickock/Earp mold, but he is more. The son of an Illinois lawyer, Sam has a way with words. He can be bitingly sarcastic, long-winded at times, and is ever ready with a quip. He is also vain and sometimes borderline corrupt.

In the books leading up to this one, though, we’ve been seeing a different side of Sam Gardner. They say every cynic is a disappointed romantic; Sam is a deeply lonely man, and this story in particular takes us inside his mind and lets us see – despite his apparent cavalier attitude – just how heavily his responsibilities can sometimes weigh on him. And in future books, we’re going to see that play out in some unexpected ways.

More stories from Troy

The Blackwell Chronicles, Volume 1: The first story in Volume 1, The Blackwell Claim, introduces the four Blackwell brothers: Max, Duke, Caleb and Jake. After that, my tales about the family jump around in time – Blackwell's Run occurs in 1864 with Max in the US Calvary fighting Indians. Next, The Stealing Moon takes place in 1855 and tells of Jake, a Texas Ranger, meeting a boy struggling to become a man. Blackwell's Stand is set in 1864 where Caleb has an unfortunate meeting with a grizzly and The Windigo is about Max's son Billy, and takes place during the Klondike gold rush.

Kindle | Smashwords | B&N | Print

RTW Note: Blackwell Chronicles, Volume 2 is also currently available!


Wolf Creek Book 9: 

The Last Free Trapper 
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born 
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year 
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas 
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift 
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith 
by James J. Griffin


Wolf Creek, Book 10: 

Sarah’s Christmas Miracle 
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek 
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas 
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree 
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay 
by Clay More
O Deadly Night 
by Troy D. Smith



Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Spirit of Hogmanay by Clay More in O DEADLY NIGHT @KeithSouter #western #Christmas

The Spirit of Hogmanay
by Clay More
(Dr. Keith Souter)
a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 10:

Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night.  Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors.  Today, RTW is pleased to host a western writer, who, in the spirit of Wolf Creek where everyone has a secret, is disguised as a Scottish doctor, Clay More

Dr. Keith Souter
writing as Clay More
About Clay

Clay More is actually my western pen name. My real name is Keith Souter and I live in England within arrow-shot of the ruins of a medieval castle, the scene of two of my historical novels. I am a part time doctor, medical journalist and novelist, writing in four different genres – westerns, crime, historical and YA. I also enjoy the challenge of short fiction for which I have won a couple of prizes, including a 2006 Fish Award for my story The Villain’s Tale.

Clay's story: 
The Spirit of Hogmanay

Doc Logan's road to Hogmanay — the Scottish New Year's Eve celebration — is littered with good intentions. And injuries and diseases galore. And to top it all off, someone has stolen his good Scotch...

About Dr. Logan Munro

Logan Munro, the Wolf Creek town doctor has had a pretty tough Christmas. He’s had some challenging medical and surgical cases to deal with and, as a true Scotsman, he is looking forward to Hogmanay when he can see out the old year and usher in the next. Like most of the town’s citizens he won’t be sad to see the end of one singularly turbulent year in the town’s history.

In preparation for Hogmanay he has had a special shipment of The Glenlivet, the finest malt whisky sent all the way from Ballindalloch in the Highlands of Scotland. He is peeved when he discovers that two bottles have been stolen – especially since he has a good idea who took them.

Yet there is more to the theft than at first meets the eye and Logan has further challenges ahead of him. And as the year’s end approaches he has a burning question he wants to ask a lady, but inexplicably, rather like the malt spirits, she has gone and he can’t find her anywhere.

Logan Munro is Scottish, as am I. He is a doctor, as am I, and he regards his Hippocratic Oath as the guiding principle in his life, as do I. I have always had an interest in medical history and when Troy Smith came up with the idea for Wolf Creek and asked for characters, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. I packed my black bag with 19th century instruments and applied and was fortunate to gain the position of town doctor. I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed practising in Wolf Creek – even if it is impossible to hold onto a couple of bottles of decent malt whisky.

What's new from 
Clay More

Double Dealing at Dirtville
Western Fictioneers Library

Dirtville is just a peaceful frontier settlement . . . until a sudden eruption of violence leaves two people dead and a mysterious stranger comes to town in search of vengeance, only to find that a web of corruption, greed, and murder hangs over the entire community! Once again, acclaimed author Clay More spins a fast-paced, engrossing Western tale featuring action, mystery, romance, and suspense. Nothing is quite what it seems in this thrilling new release from the Western Fictioneers Library except that it's pure Western entertainment!

What's new from Keith Souter

The Tea Cyclopedia
Skyhorse Publishing

Tea drinking has become a way of life. To put it frankly, it is a love, an addiction, and some would even go as far to say a philosophy. Dr. Keith Souter examines the perpetual impact that this adored beverage has bestowed upon the world for centuries, from its mystical origins in the East, to its inevitable influence on the West.

The Tea Cyclopedia is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in all things tea. Commencing each chapter with insightful quotes, it not only captures the historical beginnings of this beloved drink, but also explores tea's involvement in politics, health, the economy, and even fortune-telling.

This unprecedented beverage has united people in times of adversity; it has also divided nations, causing volatile revolutions, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Boston Tea Party. But today you will most likely find that various cultures have developed their own unique style of enjoying tea, and the ritual of tea drinking itself is not only intriguing, but also highly rewarding.  

In this meticulously detailed guide, readers will rediscover tea, its cultivation, and all of its richness and intricacy as a worldwide beverage. The Tea Cyclopedia is an enthralling tribute to the illustrious, invigorating, and elusive leaf that has vehemently continued to inspire people for more than two thousand years.



Wolf Creek Book 9: 

The Last Free Trapper 
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born 
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year 
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas 
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift 
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith 
by James J. Griffin


Wolf Creek, Book 10: 

Sarah’s Christmas Miracle 
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek 
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas 
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree 
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay 
by Clay More
O Deadly Night 
by Troy D. Smith



Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Angel Tree by Chuck Tyrell in O DEADLY NIGHT #western #Christmas @chucktyrell


The Angel Tree
a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 10:

Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night.  Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors.  Today, RTW is pleased to host the a fine western author who also writes Japanese high-fantasy, Chuck Tyrell

Chuck Tyrell
(Charles T. Whipple)
About Chuck

An Arizona boy who lives in Japan. Who’da thunk it? Paid no attention to teachers who urged me to write. Almost wrote myself out of a job before the day. Then my dear wife put me on the straight and narrow. We lived in Hawaii. I don’t remember exactly why the pin dropped, but I started learning how to write through correspondence courses. A few months later, I sold my first article. We won’t go into how many I’ve written since, but more than a few. I soon wrote full time; not fiction, but advertising copy (still do).

But in 1979, I entered a novel in a Louis L’Amour writealike contest. Didn’t win. Put the MS in the bottom drawer. Decision: Can’t write fiction. Twenty-five years later, it became my first published novel, Vulture Gold. Since then, two or three published novels a year. One day I met a man named Monty McCord, and asked if I could use his name. Monty McCord was published in July 2013. The third of my Stryker series—Stryker’s Bounty—should hit the internet soon. In 2011, a story I wrote about tea in ancient Japan won a international literature prize. A Matter of Tea is also a book of my writings set in Japan, as is the Masacado Scrolls series.

You can have a look at my books at my website and you can contact me at chucktyrell@inexjapan.com or come see me at The Outlaw Trail. I’m on Facebook and tweet a bit. Have a peek.

Chuck's story: The Angel Tree

The soiled dove known as Brandy has previously only shown up as the object of cowboy Billy Below's desire. She takes center stage in this story, though... when she learns that the innocent children of the prostitutes at Cribtown are barred from attending school by the town fathers because they are "undesirable," and sets out to do something about it.

About Brandy

It happened at the “good” brothel in Wolf Creek, Miss Abby’s School for Wayward Girls. A customer hit Brandy, a young dove, leaving her with a black eye and bruised cheek. He was banned forever from Miss Abby’s “establishments,” and Brandy was told to take two weeks off until her bruises faded, so others would not get the idea that they could play rough with Miss Abby’s girls. On the second day, Brandy gets cabin fever and Miss Abby allows her to go for a walk, as long as she stays south of Useless Street.

Wandering along Wolf Creek, Brandy runs into four children dancing around an evergreen boxwood tree that they called The Angel Tree. Four waifs from Cribtown. No place to go at night, even in the cold of winter. No school to go to because people north of Useless Street called them “bastards.” No warm clothes. No outlook for a good life in Wolf Creek. But a major change was about to happen at the Angel Tree.

As for me, I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs. For more than a decade, I supported five junior high school girls each year in northern Thailand. I currently work to help spread the word about disabled sports in Japan (with Paralympian Mami Sato). And many of the characters in my story have the same kind of feelings.

What's new with Chuck

Monty McChord
by Chuck Tyrell
A Black Horse Western

Monty McCord is a top hand, but he’s got a hot temper. After killing young Hartley Billings he’s on the run, and now old man Hunter Billings has sent his riders to catch up with him. But US Marshal Swade, Ellen Watson and her Flying W crew are on the lookout for Monty, and will do anything to keep him alive. Putting him in charge of a herd and betting Ellen’s ranch on his cowboy skills is a risky move. Can he get two thousand cows from Colorado to Wyoming? Or will the rustlers, and Monty’s pursuers,  have their day?

"If you like well told traditional westerns filled with twists then this book is certainly worth considering." Western Fiction Review



Wolf Creek Book 9: 

The Last Free Trapper 
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born 
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year 
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas 
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift 
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith 
by James J. Griffin


Wolf Creek, Book 10: 

Sarah’s Christmas Miracle 
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek 
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas 
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree 
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay 
by Clay More
O Deadly Night 
by Troy D. Smith



Friday, November 15, 2013

The Last Free Trapper
a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 9:

Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night.  Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors.  Today, RTW has the honor of showcasing the story of one of the very best writers today, Jory Sherman

Jory Sherman
About Jory

Jory Sherman began his literary career as a poet in San Francisco’s famed North Beach in the late 1950s, during the heyday of the Beat Generation.  His poetry and short stories were widely published in literary journals when he began writing commercial fiction.  He has won numerous awards for his poetry and prose and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Letters for his novel, Grass Kingdom.  He won a Spur Award from Western Writers of America for The Medicine Horn.  He has also won a number of awards from the Missouri Writers Guild, and other organizations. Literary critics consider Sherman to be among the top five western writers, according to Dale Walker, historian.  Warren French, former professor of literature at the University of Florida, wrote that: “Jory Sherman has a strange and powerful knowledge of language and an almost perfect ear.” Sherman continues to write novels and short stories as well as conduct writing workshops.  He lives in Pittsburg, Texas with his wife, Charlotte.  

Jory's story: The Last Free Trapper 
— can Roman Hatchett stay one step ahead of his past?

Mountain man Roman Hatchett has spent decades in the Rockies, but has finally admitted to himself the beaver aren't coming back.  He comes south to Wolf Creek, where his long-ago partner Casto Haston is running a tannery, to try out the buffalo hunting trade.  But Roman's past has tracked him to the Plains, and he will have to face it down...

About Roman Hatchett
In “The Last Free Trapper” we are introduced to Roman Hatchett. Roman is a fifty-ish mountain man, stern, quiet, and capable. He was a trapper in the Rockies since his youth, but has finally realized the beaver aren’t coming back and he needs to find another way to make a living. He has come down to the Plains to investigate the buffalo hunting trade. 
Gun for Hire

His old partner from decades past, Casto Haston, is doing quite well running a tannery in Wolf Creek. The two of them had been free trappers — that is, not attached to a company, but independent. Is the day of the free trapper over for good? Roman discovers that part of his past has been tracking him, and has followed him to Wolf Creek… and now he must face it.

Jory Sherman was unable to participate in this blog, due to a combination of ill health and mounting deadlines, but as series editor I volunteered to say a few words about his character. In a lot of ways, Roman Hatchett is Jory Sherman. He’s been up in the shining mountains for decades, showing the rest of us how it’s done; now that he is older, the world has changed… but he is not afraid to come down and face it head-on. He is the last free trapper, and it is an honor to have him in Wolf Creek.

Wolf Creek Book 9: 

The Last Free Trapper 
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born 
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year 
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas 
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift 
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith 
by James J. Griffin


Wolf Creek, Book 10: 

Sarah’s Christmas Miracle 
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek 
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas 
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree 
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay 
by Clay More
O Deadly Night 
by Troy D. Smith