July is Here by Karen Whiddon

 It's officially July and almost Independence Day.  I'm not going to lie - 2021 has been a rough year for me.  But in the end, the good always outweighs the bad.  I can't ask for more than that.  

One of the constants in my life is writing.  I've cut back my production a bit to three books per year instead of four and that's made my job less stressful.  And this month - THIS MONTH - my next Harlequin Romantic Suspense Texas Sheriff's Deadly Mission comes out!  July 27th for Kindle, though you can pre-order it if you're so inclined.  

Pre-order or Buy Here

I'm excited about this book, as its the first of several set in the fiction town of Getaway, Texas! 

I really enjoyed writing it and I hope you enjoy reading it too!

What Do We Aspire To (Or Not) by Nancy Fraser

I got into a discussion a month or so ago on Facebook with a new author about what it means to be "aspiring". She claimed she was an "aspiring writer". She'd just self-published her first book. After some harsh criticism, she unpublished the book and was thinking about quitting right out of the gate.

I asked her if the one book was all she'd written. Because, once you write something, you're truly no longer "aspiring" to write. Once you've published something, you're not longer an "apiring" author. You're an author. That, what you should aspire to, is getting better at your craft.

She wrote me back a week or two later to thank me. She'd taken the criticism on her book to heart, made some revisions and (as I'd suggested privately) she'd had it professonally edited. Then, she'd uploaded the book again.

The whole thing got me to thinking about other things we "aspire" to do. Personally, I aspire to drink less coffee (not going to happen); I aspire to be a better person, a better parent, grandparent, and better pet grandparent (probably, not happening either since I'm allergic to most things with fur). I do love visiting with pets ... from a distance.

I think about all the things in life (in general) that would be different/better, if everyone found one thing per week to "aspire" to. Perhaps, you need to aspire to be a better driver; a more proficient cook; maybe even aspire to read more. That would make us writers/authors happy for sure.

I'd love to know one thing you'd "aspire" to do. Please share in the comments below.

For me (given "drink less coffee" is off the table), I'd aspire to learn to not kill plants and cut flowers. Surely, somewhere out there someone has published a "Plant Maintenance for Dummies" book. My granddaughter gave me four plants for my birthday in late April. My youngest son had to "rescue" them by mid-May. Only one survived. My brain is not wired for remembering to garden.

Right now, I'm aspiring to improve my promotional skills. I've got the meme and trailer making down pat (I think). I write a mean media kit, and can tweet with the best of them. The aspiring part comes with choosing how and when to share things. I sometime get that wrong.

However, today is a perfect day to share my new release, a revised and re-released version of my Last Chance Beach novella from a previous box set. Adding a couple of love scenes was fun.

Here's a bit about I Do ... Again:

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8^th summer.

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

The 25^th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

And, the trailer:

At the moment, I'm aspiring to write a second "pirate ghost" book. Not that the first one wasn't challenging enough. Fellow Gem, Kathryn Hills, and good friend Lisa Olech, are so excited to share this unusal project with everyone as soon as we can!

In the meantime, I believe we should all aspire to be better human beings. Oh, and aspire to write and read more. Until later this month, stay happy, stay healthy, and say well read.

Nancy

A Florida Winter Wonderland!

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

While most of us think of winter wonderlands as picturesque snowy scenes and couples ice skating, skiing, or seated around a blazing fireplace, I am here to tell you that Florida winter wonderlands are anything but cool.

Here, a wintery Florida day means temps in the seventies and should they nosedive into the sixties, out come the boots and mufflers. That is not a joke.

As a Northeast transplant, it was the most ridiculous sight I’d ever seen, but over the years I have gotten to view the cooler weather as an opportunity to break out the sweaters and boots, and wear something other than shorts.

So, what does a Florida winter wonderland mean to me? Well, it means a less expensive electric bill that’s for sure. It means tucking away sleeveless shirts and bringing out the ankle boots and earmuffs. Yes, earmuffs and even knee-high boots. It’s the time of year when small beach towns come alive and college students come from all over to seek out sun and fun. Spring Break, though good for the economy, makes the locals break out in hives.

Pre-Covid, winter meant packed restaurants and crowded beaches. Although, frankly, restaurants here are hardly empty and the beaches aren’t exactly bare.

What I miss most are the outdoor festivals, the traveling Broadway and craft shows happening during this cooler time of year, the excitement of planning big trips and small local ones. Since most of the world is back on lockdown, and the countries require a 14-day quarantine, there goes my vacation. 

Kicking it off on New Year’s Day, in my part of the state, is usually a huge art show. This is held in one of the swankier neighborhoods and people come from all over.  Also, the first Sunday of the month, on the waterfront, there is an outdoor jazz festival with musicians performing live on at least three stages.

What I really don’t miss is the traffic created by the “snowbirds,” the name given to those people who take flight south in winter, making traffic unbearable. Although, truthfully, traffic in general has increased since many have now migrated south permanently.

https://www.amazon.com/Golly-H-Caldwell-ebook/dp/B08R5GN5B8/ref

So, what am I doing to create my own wonderland this January? I am doing a lot of reading and writing, and I am reconnecting with old friends.  I am venturing out in the world again and patronizing small businesses that I’d hate to see go under.  I am investing in myself and totally focusing on my writing. I am upping my exercise routine, and although last year was not the best for many, I can honestly say  I used that  time to reflect. To sum up, I ended the year happy, content, and good with me.

s

Now I am determined to make this year my personal wonderland

and. I can confidently say bring on winter, summer, spring and fall!

2021 I got you!

 

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her mailing list.

Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

Hibernation Worked Once...Should I Try It Again? by Nancy Fraser

Last January 5th, I wrote my first post of the year and outlined my plan to hibernate for the winter. Because I can't take the flu shot, I'd decided it was the best thing to guarantee my own health.

And, since I was bent on keeping myself well, I also planned to take it a step further and spend the first three months experimenting (against the dietician's wishes) with a keto diet.

Little did I know, before I could even come out of hibernation, I was forced into isolation and social distancing. So much for my plan to emerge in the late Spring to enjoy the beautiful weather!

I did manage to accomplish a lot during my "alone" time, including:

• 
  Completing two of my last three publisher contracts. The last one will finsh next month when my short story, Teach Me, is published as the final part of my Lusty Liaisons erotic romance series from The Wild Rose Press. More on that in next month's post.

• Taking back the publishing rights on ten of my older, out-of-contract books.

• Creating an attainable writing schedule (not that difficult when you're stuck inside).

• Learning to self-publish by working along side two other generous Gems authors (Joan Reeves and Maddie James) to put together the Gems' Last Chance Beach box set.

• Publishing my first three indie books, as well as acting as publisher for our holiday anthology, Christmas Comes to Dickens. Oh, the things I've learned!

And that experiment with a keto diet? I lost 97 pounds. I was hoping to hit 100 pounds gone when I weighed in on January 1st, but I have to admit I self-sabotaged that last few pounds while enjoying a family holiday!

Bottom line: hibernation works! Will I do it all again this year? You bet your sweet bookmarks I will!

I've already got another killer schedule planned, including:

• Publishing a book a month! Some will be revamps of those previously published works, but more than half will be new. The newbies include another trip to Last Chance Beach, a new generational anthology with three other mega-talented authors, another holiday trip to Dickens, and book(s) #2 of both my Cougars & Cubs and Love of the Land series.

• Mastering the art of promotion. I learned a lot with both the Last Chance Beach and Dickens projects, but there's always more to absorb. Especially when it comes to Amazon and BookBub.

• Honing my formatting skills for print books. I managed to upload my first attempt today and am just waiting for Amazon approval so I can order my proof copies. I have to say, it looked pretty sweet in the "previewer".

• And, back to keto and my Wii Fit to lose another 60-or-so pounds! Not to brag ... but I've become somewhat of an expert on keto cooking!

I will be back later in the month with tour and giveaway news about my first historical romance in ages. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at Her Timeless Gamble, Book 1 of my Love's a Gamble series (releasing on January 19th but up for pre-order now).

When Matthew McAlister pulls a nearly-drowned woman from the mucky waters of the Mississippi, he has no idea what's in store for him. Or, how easily he'll willingly give up his carefree, love-em-and-leave-em lifestyle for a chance at real happiness.

Kathryn (Kate) Lowell can't believe her bad luck. Or the fact she's somehow been transported from the twenty-first century back to the post Civil War south. Worse yet, into the arms of the one man she grew up hating. The man she blames for her father's recent demise.

Can these two off-kilter and infinitely stubborn individuals fight their mutual attraction? Or, will they give in to the inevitable? And, when the time comes, will Kate choose to stay with Matt in the past, or return to her former life?

~ ~ ~

Books 2 & 3 will be release in February and March, followed by two more stories in early 2022.

That's all for now. As I said earlier, I'll be back later in the month with more book news. Until then, stay safe, stay happy, stay well read.

Nancy

The Long Hot Summer #LucindaRace

Hello again, 

Have you enjoyed your summer so far? We’ve been busy gardening and installed a split rail fence around the garden with chicken wire to protect the garden for next year from the darn bunnies. Now don’t get me wrong they’re cute but they decimated my spinach, green beans and some lettuce too. Daughter #2 brought me buckets of her special compost for my tomato plants and I have no idea what was in it but WOW things are definitely looking up in the garden. This was the first year we started composting although I’ve been gardening for years. I guess the great pause was good for something, my garden. I’ve been sharing pictures of flowers, tomatoes and the pups on social media so if you’re curious feel free to follow me to see what goes on in my little plot of the world. 

Oh, and did I tell you the bears have been coming around on a pretty regular basis. Not sure why they’re finding their way into town but here they come. So extra care is taken when we go out with the little dogs.

 

In book news – In just a couple of weeks I’m sending the first book in The Crystal Lake Series, Blush, to my editor for her to help me smooth out any rough edges. It has been a book that I thought was finished and then based on feedback from my critique partner, beta readers and trusted family members I had to rework a few sections. My goal is to always release the very best book I can. I hope you find it will be worth the wait. Projected release is January 2021. 

Follow me on social media or join my Lucinda Heart Racers Reader's Group to keep up with all the details! 

Until next month, happy reading! 

Lucinda 

 

Finally, don't forget to enter this month's Comment & Win contest.

 

 

Once Upon a Cowboy @MaddieJames #RomanceGems

Once upon a time there was a teacher, and one hot August summer, she and her teacher friend went off to a conference in the cool Colorado mountains. The conference was great--what they saw of it, anyway. The trail ride they skipped the afternoon sessions for was a lot more exciting.

You see, there were cowboys.

And this teacher, even though she'd not ridden a horse since she was a kid, made the commitment for a four-hour trail ride into the Colorado mountains--two hours up and two hours back. All was well heading up the mountainside, the scenery was great, the horse was a dream, the cowboys were... well, cowboys.

Coming down the mountain, however, was a different story. The teacher had a difficult time handling her horse on the downward slopes, crossing a little stream, and keeping up with the other horses. She mixed up her signals to her mount. When she thought she was telling the horse to slow down, she was really telling the horse to back up. Consequently, they lost their space in the horse line. So, the horse galloped. And the teacher held on for dear life. And when the teacher was finally finished with this nightmare, she could only think of one thing--

At least there were cowboys.

Now, this story does have a happily-ever-after ending. You see, the teacher turned her adventure into a book. The opening scene--probably elaborated upon a bit--mimicked the teacher's chaotic ride down the mountain. She sold that book--her first published novel--and then the teacher wasn't a teacher any longer. She was a romance author who wrote about cowboys (and other things).

True story. I swear. I have the book covers to prove it! The original book is on the left, the revised/rebranded and re-authored book, is on the right!

Now, twenty-some years later, the sequel to this first cowboy book, is finally written. 

Readers have been asking for Mack and Jillie's story for years. Years! But other stories and different cowboys got in the way. Until now. 

The Cowboy's Secret Baby releases August 25, and I (Maddie James / the teacher) am ready to share it with the world! Here's the blurb: 

She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. 

Both are keeping secrets from the other.

The long-requested sequel to Maddie James’ first published novel, Roses & Rawhide is now available!

Readers wanted to know...
What happened to Jillie and Mack’s relationship at the end of Roses & Rawhide?
Why did Jillie go back to Kentucky?
Will they get back together?
What’s their story?

While Kim Martin and Thad Winchester find their happily-ever-after in Roses & Rawhide, their best friends, Jillie Abernathy and Mack Montgomery, end their sleeping-bag-sharing relationship during the rugged, two-week pack trip into the Colorado San Juan mountains.

But when Kim and Thad host their wedding at Thad’s Colorado ranch a few months later, Mack and Jillie must come face-to-face with reality—and with each other. She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. Both are harboring secrets—secrets that could break a potential future relationship if they both avoid telling the truth.

Can they reveal those secrets to each other? And if so, can they get past the withheld truths to plan a future together?

PREORDER TODAY!

DON'T FORGET! A NEW BOX SET AND A FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!

Some of the Romance Gems have teamed together to release a new box set with all-new summer beach stories, and their favorite summer cocktail recipe in a free book! See the details below!

GET THE $0.99 BOX SET! | GRAB YOUR FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!  

And last, I'd love it if you would comment below to win our monthly giveaway prize. Details are here.

COMMENT & WIN QUESTION: My chaotic ride down the mountain on the trail horse was not my most glamorous moment of all time. In fact, it was quite embarrassing. What's your most embarrassing moment? Comment below & (maybe) win!

****

Maddie James writes romance – but don’t try to pin her down to one genre. From edgy suspense to flirty contemporary romance to darker erotic titles, she writes to silence the people in her head. Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense.” Learn more at www.maddiejames.com.

Book Birthday! Rayder's Appeal by @BonnieEdwards #RomanceGems

This isn't my normal blogging day on Romance Gems and I have Liz Flaherty to thank for switching with me, but I've got special news to share:

Today I'm pleased to announce that the fourth book in my series The Brantons is finally available! Rayder Cole is from a darker, unsavory branch of the Branton family. Undeniably sexy, Rayder once used his appeal to finesse his way into Ellie Macklin's heart...and her bed. Tsk tsk!

And in keeping with this month's theme of Steamy Days and Steamy Nights...Rayder's Appeal has the steam!

I'm old enough to have enjoyed the TV series Remington Steele in the 1980s. The show starred Pierce Brosnan (be still my heart - the man gets better with time!) and Stephanie Zimbalist. You were never really sure if Remington was up to his old con man tricks or not.

I bring that same dynamic to Rayder's Appeal. At least, I hope I did. If you read it, feel free to review and let me know!

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Available everywhere fine romances are sold!

What can a reformed con man do when the woman who changed his life needs his help? Eleanor Macklin has overcome her past and repaired the damage done by her first, and only, love. She has all she’s ever wanted, her family’s art gallery. If she’s not as spontaneous, or giving, or loving as she once was, well… that’s a life lesson she learned the hard way from a master of deceit. And trust is a thing of the past…

Rayder Cole has stumbled on a plot to forge stolen art that could ruin Ellie Macklin’s art gallery. He must get the forgery back before Ellie’s life is in ruins. He’s done enough damage to the only woman he’s ever loved, and now, he’s back to save what Ellie’s worked hard to build.

If Eleanor doesn’t take a chance on Rayder, she’ll lose everything. But trust lost is almost impossible to regain.

While the race is on to find the forger, Rayder’s appeal begins to work its magic again and Eleanor hates that she still finds him sexy. Rayder’s determined to reclaim the woman who stole his heart before he even knew he had one…

This is the end of the month and so it is the last day to enter our Monthly Giveaway



And all of us here on Romance Gems are so excited to talk about Last Chance Beach: Summer's End. You can learn all about it here on our dedicated page. Don't forget to pre-order because you'll want it first thing in the morning on August 4!

And I'm not done yet! The authors of Last Chance Beach have concocted a recipe book of special beverages that's yours free: You can get your copy here: Cocktails on Last Chance Beach

For now, happy reading! And please drink responsibly. Cheers!

Bonnie Edwards

July's Steamy nights are busy! by @BonnieEdwards #RomanceGems

July nights are certainly steamy...and the days stretch clear and lovely ahead of us. Walks on the beach are allowed! We can safely distance from each other where I live, so we're heading out often to enjoy the shells, the tide pools, and the salty breezes. I hope you find yourselves a secluded spot to enjoy the best that July has to offer.

I've been exceptionally busy lately with some secret projects of my own. Effective now, some of my titles are available more widely.

Find Body Work Here

Find Slow Hand Here


Very Sexy Beach Read!

Hot and Steamy Second Chance!

Find Whole Lot o' Love Here

Warm, secret baby second chance romance!

All of this uploading and republishing is to support my next release, Rayder's Appeal, which is the fourth installment of this series. Rayder Cole comes from a totally different branch of the family, a darker, more criminal branch. But, naturally he's totally reformed. Sort of the way Remington Steele was reformed. Honest.

Rayder's Appeal is a romantic suspense with a second chance romance.

What'a reformed con man to do when the woman he loved needs his help?

You can pre-order Rayder's Appeal here for your e-reader. It lands on July 31! Check it out and tell me what you think of this cover!

Two lucky commenters will receive an e-copy of Body Work just by commenting with their email address! Happy reading!

Don't forget to enter our Monthly Giveaway too!

Happy Reading and if you're curious about Last Chance Beach...stay tuned!

LOVE AND FLOWERS IN BLOOM

By Caroline Clemmons

Our theme this month at Romance Gems is Love in Bloom. I hope love is blooming at your home along with whatever flowers you’ve planted. Our recent three-inch rain appears to have made our plants happy. I’m not sure if the seeds we planted floated away or were encouraged to sprout. Time will tell.

Why did I plant seeds instead of bedding plants? I wanted to emulate my maternal grandmother, who planted seeds each year. And, since Mother’s Day occurs in May, today I want to honor my maternal grandmother, Frances Josephine Gamble.

Caroline Phlox

Grandmother loved her flowers. For most of my childhood she lived where water was scarce. Summer always brought water rationing so she could only water her vegetable garden regularly. Flowers were allowed scarce amounts of water once weekly.

Salvia

Grandmother combated this by planting flowers that could thrive on little water. Those I remember were a giant lantana, iris, giant pink Carolina phlox, and purple and white salvia. Most prevalent were her petunias. I read somewhere that we can’t recall a smell but that’s not true. I can call up the sweet smell of petunias from my grandmother’s yard.

Frances Josephine Gamble Phifer Reynolds

She was sixty-nine when this photo was taken. The cousin to whom I’m closest agreed that this is our favorite photo of our grandmother. This is how I remember her, even though she lived to be ninety-one.

Perhaps her love for her flowers caused them to thrive in spite of drought. Although this is not the “love in bloom” associated with romance novels, Grandmother proved love creates blooms. In the same way, she loved her family. Somehow, she made each of us grandchildren feel as if we were her favorite. Going to visit her was always a treat.

Even before her father died when she was ten she had a difficult life. She outlived two husbands and two of her children, the first of whom died a few days old of respiratory failure and the second who died of consumption as a young mother. As long as I can remember, Grandmother looked ancient but didn’t change much in appearance during my lifetime. One reason is probably that when I was six, she moved from the farm into town and her life got a lot easier.

If you're looking for something cheerful to read, why not try MAIL-ORDER BEATRICE, one of the Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies Series of sweet historical western romances. You'll fall in love with Beatrice and Tate while they fall in love. Beatrice will only by pushed so far and then, watch out!

Here's the blurb:

Beatrice “Attie” Kendall has to escape from home with her six-week-old son. With the help of her kind brother, she goes to Atlanta where she consults a matchmaker. After the hard life Attie’s been dealt for her twenty years, she’ll finally have a good home with nice people and a friend nearby.  In fact, her husband and their home seem too good to be true. Does she dare trust that her life has really changed?

Tate Merritt isn’t ready to get married but he gives in to his grandfather’s coercing. Grandpa raised him and Tate tries to please the older man. Tate doesn’t know what to think about this mail-order bride. She isn’t at all the wife he imagined—plus, she showed up with a baby! The child’s a cute little thing but Tate isn’t sure how he feels about her surprising him. How can he trust a woman whose story keeps changing?

Life presents obstacles to further complicate Attie and Tate’s marriage. They’ll have to work together to solve their problems and protect their family.  Can they trust one another enough to make this marriage work?

The Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Attie. MAIL-ORDER BEATRICE is available in e-book and print and is FREE in KU.

I hope this month has brought you love and flowers in bloom. Don’t forget to sign up for our LOVE IN BLOOM Rafflecopter.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Bloom of Love @LucindaRace #Romancegems

I’ve been mulling over this month’s blog post since the moment our theme was announced. Tree, shrubs and flowers are in bloom around my home and so are my allergies. We have been dealing in our own ways, with the world around us – but the one constant in all our lives is love.

 Starting from when we’re born our lives are filled with love from our family. We continue to discover the wonder of it again and again. With the first blush of romantic love we have a sense that we can conquer the world. The rush of emotion you feel when you meet your partner, the instant bond when you hold your child in your arms and that moment your fur-baby lavishes you with affection. In those first heady moments we know in our hearts there isn’t an obstacle to large we can’t overcome.

 Love gives us strength to face whatever lays ahead of us. We draw strength from it. I am a romantic at heart on all levels. Love gives me strength. I have faith I will never run out of love, it is like the magic well, the more I give the more I have to give. Love is a like my favorite rose, ever blooming in my heart. My hope for you is to take stock and discover that romance and love are in full bloom all around you.

 On May 7,  I released my 11th book, The Matchmaker and The Marine. Here is the opening scene.

Melinda flipped her planner shut after drawing a heart next to the two names on the page on the notepaper. Another success. The strains of the “Wedding March” played by a string quartet filled the small flower-filled chapel. Guests rose from their seats to watch the petite bride glide down the aisle toward her handsome groom. Across the aisle in a pew, a tall, well-built man with blonde hair cropped military style and molten brown eyes locked on hers. He gave Melinda a half nod before his gaze followed the bride.

The pastor’s deep voice filled the room as he asked everyone to take their seats. He then turned to the couple to perform the ceremony.  After the newly married couple kissed, Melinda followed other guests in the receiving line to the bride and groom.

She beamed. “Stacey and Will, it was a beautiful ceremony.” Stacey was radiant. Will’s arm was curled around his new wife, holding her close to his side. “Melinda, this day wouldn’t have been possible without you.” Stacey lovingly gazed at Will. “Thank you for introducing us.”

 Melinda kissed her cheek. “It was my pleasure.” Will lifted Stacey’s hand to his lips, grazing her ring finger. “I will tell all my single friends if they’re looking for love to give you a call.” His eyes twinkled. “You certainly have a knack for matchmaking.”

 “You two made my job easy.” She looked over her shoulder. “You have more guests to greet, but I’ll see you during the reception.”

 She strolled down the brick walkway to her car, content to see the love between Stacey and Will. Just as it was meant to be. After making the short drive to the country club, Melinda parked in the crowded lot.

As she crossed the parking area to the reception hall she daydreamed of how nice it would be to take off her pumps and walk barefoot. She reached for the brass knob on the carved wood door. Before she could turn the knob, it burst open. She took a step back. Her heel caught a crack in the stone step. She began to fall backward when strong hands caught her and held on tight.

 A deep voice next to her ear said, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Melinda looked up into warm brown eyes. It was the man from the chapel.

 “Um, thank you.” She smoothed her hand over her simple navy-blue dress and then pushed a curl behind her ear. “I’m not sure what happened.”

 “It looks like your heel got caught.” She gave him a small smile. “It’s a good thing you were there to catch me.”

 With a slight stiff bow, he said, “Adam Bell, at your service, ma’am.”

***  

If you'd like to purchase this or another one of my  books here is a universal linkhttps://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race .

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt.


 Until next time, I wish you love. Lucinda

Don't forget... Our May giveaway and theme are in full swing. First Prize: $20, Second Prize: $15, and Third Prize $10, all paid in Amazon Gift Cards.

Best of Luck to everyone in the drawing! Click: Rafflecopter giveaway to enter!

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!

By Caroline Clemmons

February is the anniversary of Romance Gems blog. Time flies when you’re immersed in romance as we who write and read romance are. Traditionally, February is the month of love. 

This year, it’s also Leap Year. The movie “Leap Year” starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode is one of my favorites. Partly, I’m sure, because it’s set mostly in Ireland. I love that country and would enjoy living there part of the year. Sigh, that’s not to be. 

You are aware that Leap Year is when, on February 29, the women can propose to the man of her choice. Perhaps this isn’t as novel today as it was back when I was young mumble-mumble years ago.

I’m excited to let you know about a new romance release, A BRIDE FOR LUKE, the Proxy Brides Series Book #36. This series is a big hit with readers. The comments from beta readers on this book have been very positive. Each of these sweet western historical romances is stand-alone. The premise is a couple marries by proxy rather than the heroine being a mail-order bride. Still, they must cope with adjusting to one another while overcoming obstacles in their path.

Here’s some information about the book:

The universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Maeve

A BRIDE FOR LUKE is available in e-book and print and is free in KU.

The blurb:

Each is struggling to build a better life . . .

Two strong-willed people are bound to clash . . .

Danger forces them to focus on what is at stake . . .

Maeve Kelly came to America for a better life but found only signs that said No Irish Need Apply. When the cousin with whom she is staying leaves Boston, Maeve is left desperate. Her job at the laundry doesn’t pay enough for her to survive alone. Her friend suggests a way out, Maeve resists a proxy marriage but finally accepts. What else can she do?

Sheriff Luke Sullivan is proud of his accomplishments. Known for his strong principles, he is admired and well-respected in the community. When he learns his mother and aunt have schemed to get him a proxy bride he’s furious. If he’d wanted a wife he would have found one. He respects and loves his mother and finally agrees to the marriage. Before he and his bride can adjust to one another, Luke is caught in the middle of an explosive situation between striking miners and the railroad. 

Threats against Luke by each side have him fearing for the safety of his wife, mother, and aunt. He must resolve the strike to protect his family and many others. Will he succeed in time to save lives?

Excerpt:

He pushed back from the table. “How can I keep you safe if you don’t follow orders? Do you understand?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Oh, so it’s orders you’re giving me, is it? Weel, Lucas Brady Sullivan, I take orders from no man. Do you understand?”

“Mae, you’re making something from nothing.” He tapped his chest. “I’m your husband. You promised to obey me when we wed.”

That brought her temper down a notch. She had promised and Father Patrick had lectured her on the husband being the head of the household. “Mayhap I did, but not high handed orders.”

“And what would you consider obeying? You want a written invitation to remain home? Shall I show you the other wanted poster and suggest you avoid that man? You’ve no idea what these other men look like so how would you know if they were walking down the street or shopping in the Mercantile? How can you know who’s an upstanding citizen and who’s a stranger in town? You were in front of the Mercantile when Higgins accosted you.”  

She turned toward the sink, hands on her face to hide her shame. “Aye, ‘tis sorry I am. The worry of what’s going to happen has me in bits. I can’t get out of my mind the fact someone may shoot at you from an ambush.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t fret, honey. I’m doing my best to keep this situation from becoming violent. I can’t focus on my job if I’m worried about where you are and what you’re doing and who’s around you.”

She leaned her head against his broad chest. His strong heartbeat reassured her. “I see the way I was wrong. ‘Twas my mistake and ‘tis sorry I am.”

She looked up at him. “But, for us to have a peaceful marriage you’d best consider making requests instead of giving orders.”

Romance Gems is celebrating a year of romance. We have a love-ly giveaway for the month of love. (Pardon the pun.) Our February Giveaway includes:

First Prize - $20

Second Prize - $15

Third Prize - $10

Fourth Prize - $5

Enter at the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the blog page here.

Return to Welcome's Next Book by @BonnieEdwards #RomanceGems

Amazon Exclusive

Our theme on Romance Gems this month is What's Next? And I've done something a little different with my small town romance series, Return to Welcome. Available NOW!

I've joined two different series by taking a character from my Love at Christmas books and moved him to the lovely town of Welcome, WA, where it's not-so-easy to return.

Amazon Exclusive

                     

Max Whyte moves to Welcome where he hires single mom Kaylin Simpson to reno his home. Her new job is Kaylin's first piece of good luck since moving back to town. Seems simple, right? But returning to Welcome never is...


Linking two series has been fun and interesting for me. I get to revisit characters I haven't "talked" to in a long time and I get to set the story in a familiar place I created two years ago and have "visited" three previous times. It's new and familiar all at once. I hope you take this journey with me.

And just to sweeten things today only, Craving Jake Return to Welcome Book 3 is available for #FREE here: Amazon Exclusive

Returning to Welcome was easy…staying will be a challenge. Especially when someone is determined to drive her out.

Brianna Bowler has returned to her small town of Welcome to help run Bowler’s Dog Rescue. She’s also doing everything she can to set aside thoughts of her high school crush Jake Morrow. Jake appears to be with a perfectly perfect sprite of a woman. (Not that she minds how opposite she and the sprite are. Really, she doesn’t.)

Paramedic Jake Morrow has a woman in his house: she cooks, cleans, clings —and irritates the hell out of him. He’d felt sorry for her, injured, alone and broke, and offered to help. Big mistake.

What would really make Jake’s day? His ex-girlfriend finally moving out. But she won’t take his word for it that things are over.

What’s worse is Brianna Bowler's return to Welcome. Their shared tragic past and attraction burns between them as Jake accepts that things aren’t quite right with his ex.

A break-in at the dog rescue, smashed windows, and a stolen laptop all add up to serious trouble for Jake and Brianna. But with his ex in the wind and escalating, Jake’s protective instincts rise as events take a deadly turn.

With the love of his life in danger, Jake comes to see that some women can’t be set aside, not even for their own good…but others want revenge.

Below is our monthly rafflecopter draw. This giveaway ends on Jan. 31 so you have lots of chances to enter. Come back often!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21df08a233/