MAY'S FLOWERS AND MORE

By Caroline Clemmons

May flowers bring pleasure for the soul. Is it any wonder that gardening is a popular hobby? Don’t you enjoy seeing a well-landscaped yard with colorful border plantings?

Gardening used to be one of my hobbies. Can you picture me riding a lawnmower over almost an acre of grass? Or, watching me with a shovel while I plant various shrubs and roses? Since we downsized, a crew of yard men take care of the mowing, raking, and tidying. Hero and I plant border flowers or renew the patio planters.

What are your hobbies? I have too many, but that means I am never bored.

One of my hobbies is collecting religious symbols. Nativity sets, angels, and crosses are included in this collection. Have you noticed collections grow—almost on their own? Once family and friends know you like a particular thing, they help add to that accumulation.

A friend tried to teach me to crochet an afghan. She said it was a relaxing activity to be enjoyed while watching television or chatting with others. For her, but not for me. My fingers did one thing while my brain ordered them to do something else. I practically wore out the yarn unraveling my mistakes. Disgusted, my friend took the yarn and finished the afghan for me.

Add to these my love of browsing antique malls, oil paints, reading, and other pastimes and you’ll understand my diverse interests. But my favorite pastime is writing. I’ll bet you knew that.

This brings me to my upcoming release, ADELINE, book 10 of the Cupids and Cowboys series. Adeline “Addie” McGee is the adopted daughter discovered by Stuart McGee in Bachelors and Babies series, STUART. She was a toddler when Stuart rescued her, but now Addie’s a teenager. You can preorder ADELINE (hint, hint) now for June 1 release and delivery to your Kindle. The buy link is https://www.amzn.com/B091YYGPLV

Addie and her best friend, Nancy, play Cupid for their teacher and Nancy’s cousin. Do you remember being thirteen, going on fourteen? These two are lovely, intelligent, spirited young women with the best intentions. Their plans create awkward, humorous, and disastrous situations. My romance stories always have a happy ending.

Here’s the back cover description for this sweet western historical romance:

Mix:

A woman in sorrow…
A man’s longing…
Two matchmaking girls’ mischief…
Result = Mayhem!

After the death of her fiancé, Violet Evanston escapes to Broken Wheel, Colorado, the furthest teaching job she can find. She loves the children and the community, but something is missing. At least she’s away from the pitying glances and whispers of those in her hometown.

As the second son, Clark Abernathy knows he won’t inherit the family business. He’s happy to move to Broken Wheel and assist his uncle Abe with his carpentry business. Building for the future is fulfilling, but his personal happiness is incomplete. So far, he’s been too busy to reflect on the long-term.

Adeline McGee and her best friend, Nancy, adore their teacher. They believe she’s far too kind and pretty to be alone. They’re also fond of Nancy’s cousin, Clark. When the girls decide to play Cupid, the town isn’t safe from fun, adventure, and happily-ever-after.

 

I hope you get to enjoy the beauty of May’s flowers, whether in your garden, a neighbor’s garden, or a park. I’ll leave you with a couple of flower quotes I like:

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Ladybird Johnson

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” Luther Burbank  

Enduring Love

By Caroline Clemmons

Years ago there was a comedy segment on Saturday Night Live called “That Was The Week That Was.” I don’t watch SNL so I don’t know if they still have that bit. I doubt it. Here is my version:

I had an asthma attack that would not improve. Even using my breathing machine didn’t help much. I’d been on oxygen a few days and that helped. 

Then the power went off.

I know other parts of the country deal with this problem every winter. The thing is, here in North Central Texas we are not accustomed to snow and power outages. It’s been six years since we had a measurable snowfall in Fort Worth.

We don’t have generators and snow blowers and all the snow toys of further north. When something like this happens, we are stuck. Hero and I tried to tough out the storm. We piled comforters on the bed and I stayed in bed. Hero wouldn’t—he prowled the house to make sure it was all right. He checked on me to make sure my oxygen level was high enough. Yep, he’s a worrier/warrior.

Our daughter across town had power, so we went to her house. Another storm was predicted so we hurried. That meant we didn’t really prepare as well as we thought we had. And I ran out of oxygen.

My level dropped way below where I was supposed to go to the ER. Hero tried to get more oxygen delivered. With the snowstorm the company wouldn’t send anyone. They patched him to the EMS, who brought oxygen for me to use until the ambulance arrived.

Yes, I had to go to the hospital. The staff members at Baylor/All Saints/Scott and White were wonderful. The main problem was overcrowding. I spent part of the day on a gurney in the hall.

Unfortunately, we came home to several inches of water from a burst pipe. Our neighbor had thought he turned off our water for us. How were any of us to know the shut off valve to the city didn't work? Our wonderful neighbors came over and used our shop vac to clean up the water. Hero found the leak in our ice maker and we have water again. See how clever he is? 

You are probably wondering what all this has to do with Love In Bloom. Here you have a man who has Parkinson’s but who is busy taking care of me. The late Erma Bombeck expressed that this is true love, not the flowery Romeo and Juliet stories. Enduring love means you care about the other person more than yourself.

Hero and I have been married a lot of years. He still makes my toes curl when he kisses me. He knows the meaning of the word LOVE. I’m so lucky to be married to him.

  

OUR CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS @RomanceGems

 By Caroline Clemmons

Our theme this month is the gift of romance—what better could fit Romance Gems? Our days are spent dreaming and writing romance. Using our “gift” or talent to create a gift to you is our goal. 

Today, I’m writing to you about the romance of Christmas. How many Christmas stories have you read? How many Christmas movies have you watched? All month I've binged on the Hallmark channel and that style movie elsewhere.

After releasing two new holiday romances, I have been reminiscing about past celebrations and family traditions. I’ve always wished for a large extended family, especially at holidays. Mine has dwindled and is a small family of just Hero, our two daughters, and me. However, we still have our traditions and celebrations.

Of course, one is a tree. Due to allergies, our tree is artificial.  Actually, we have two trees—a tall, pre-lit one in the family room and the main tree in the living room. Our Darling Daughter 2 decorated the larger tree while Hero and I chatted with her about the ornaments and a variety of other things. We are excellent observers while someone else works. This year, we decided against using all of our ornaments.

This year's tree

Last year, she had decorated the tree and it looked lovelier than it ever had. A perfect tree! She and I had stepped to the table end of the living-dining room when we heard a loud crash. You guessed it, the tree fainted. The base of the tree suffered metal fatigue and broke. So did many of my favorite ornaments.  

Hero came to the rescue and repaired and reinforced the base. He also secured the tree to the wall. DD2 repaired the damage and disposed of the broken ornaments. As you can imagine, I was distraught. So, I concentrated on setting up my little village and train on the dining table.

The village is a tradition begun by DD2.  She gave me several of the buildings, starting when she was in high school. She and I added each year until I had a little town. Hero provided the train and track. With Hero’s help, I painted and modeled a sheet of plywood for the base, complete with a “mountain” and a tunnel. When we downsized seven years ago, the plywood went the way of other things for which we have no room. Instead, I cover the dining table with a layer of batting for faux snow.

My tiny village and train

Our family room mantle is where we hang our stockings. Yes, Hero and I have stockings, too. When DD2 learned that I filled the stockings, she said that wasn’t fair because I knew what was in mine. That year, she used her allowance and purchased a set of tea bag holders which she sneaked into my stocking. Of course, I still have them saved in my “treasures”. Soon, each of us was doing the same thing for the others.

Our mantle with angel stocking holders

On Christmas Eve, our tradition is for Hero to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Then we open presents. This is after we have supper of tamales, chips, guacamole, and other Southwestern-style snacks.  In the past, we attended a Christmas Eve late-night church service.  

Christmas morning is when find our filled stockings waiting for us. Then we concentrate on our Christmas dinner. Some years that is lasagna. This year, our menu is traditional turkey and dressing.

(By the way, Darling Daughter 1 enjoys seeing the decorations, but not participating in arranging them. That’s especially true the past few years as she’s recovering from numerous surgeries for broken legs and knee injuries.)

If reading Christmas stories is something you enjoy, please take note of my new release, MEG, book 20 in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides Series on Amazon. The Universal link is https://mybook.to/McClain

This series has been popular with readers. I’m pleased to be included in these books set in Angel Creek, Montana Territory. The 2020 books are set in 1870. Here’s the blurb:

Margaret “Meg” Todd is tired of putting her happiness on hold. When she learns her bullying brother-in-law has horrifying plans for her future, she asks an attorney family friend for help escaping. Meg wants her own husband and home and is willing to move over halfway across the country to achieve her goal. Along the way she agrees to take two children for their dying mother? Is she too impulsive? Will Curtis and the children become the happy family of Meg’s dreams?

Curtis McClain has to be careful with his small savings or it won’t fund his dream of his own newspaper. He wants a wife—and he needs someone to help him with the newspaper. If he can combine the two, then he’ll be all right. In a few years, they can start a family. But, will a woman want to move to the middle of nowhere on those terms? Will she grow to care for him in spite of his reserved nature?

He is slightly annoyed when his wife shows up with two orphaned children. When he learns the amount of her inheritance, he decides she won’t be content to stay with him. The boy and girl are well-behaved but he still isn’t certain of his reaction to them. That is, until a terrifying event occurs that forces him to make a decision and take quick action.

My wish for you is a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

THE LITTLE THINGS AND A RECIPE

By Caroline Clemmons

Although I’m grateful every day, at this time of year each of us is reminded to give extra thanks for all our blessings. I’m happy to have a loving family, a comfortable home, and modern conveniences. Among the latter, I count the internet that has allowed me to become friends with so many wonderful people. 

Those are major parts of my life. In addition, I always appreciate the little things—that can sometimes become big things. Things like . . . 

A child’s laugh

My favorite flower

Someone wishing me a nice day

A warm drink on a cold day

A please or a thank you

Dinner with family and friends

When you’re planning your Thanksgiving dinner, you might appreciate the recipe below. It’s become a favorite of ours.

SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE

 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked (we use a large can)

1 ¼ cup sugar

1 cup milk

2 eggs, beaten

¼ stick butter or margarine

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cinnamon (I don’t like nutmeg, so I omit it and double the cinnamon)

Mix all together and pour into buttered casserole and bake in a 400 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with the topping:

TOPPING

¾ cups crushed corn flakes

½ cups chopped nuts

½ cup brown sugar

¾ stick butter or margarine, melted

Combine the topping ingredients and spread over sweet potatoes. Return to oven for ten minutes.

This recipe is easy to make and has always received rave comments from those who’ve eaten it. When we take it to potlucks, there is never any left to take home. We’ve even had requests that we bring it to a dinner. If you make the dish, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

If you have free time, please read a book by one of the Romance Gems. 

Stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

COME SHARE A NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS WITH ME! #DickensHoliday FREE COOKIE RECIPE BOOK!

 By Caroline Clemmons

Fall has finally arrived in North Central Texas. It’s true we don’t get the glorious changing colors of New England or the mountains. However, things are viewed from a personal perspective.

Hero and I grew up on the West Texas plains in a part of town that had once been cotton fields. Each house built in our area came with the five shrubs and one tree required by FHA. Having large oak trees in our yard and neighborhood now seems heavenly to us.

Although I’ve traveled more than I ever dreamed I’d be able to, I’ve never made it to New England. I’ve watched movies set there with careful observation. I’m certain I’d have fun touring the small towns.

We have a trio of water colors done by a New England artist, the mother of a former neighbor. Mrs. E. Van Liew regaled me with tales of the lovely changing seasons of her hometown in Vermont. I really wanted to visit there in fall. Sigh. 

My husband’s maternal ancestors helped settle Rhode Island and New England. The genealogist in me wanted to visit those places. We don’t travel far these days due to health concerns. I love traveling via books, though. We can each travel anywhere in a book, can’t we?

I’ll bet you see where I’m going with this, don’t you? Nine friends and I have a lovely anthology, CHRISTMAS COMES TO DICKENS, which is available for preorder now and will release on Monday, October 26 for only 99 cents. We’re proud of this group of entertaining novellas filled with the Christmas spirit!

Dickens is a quaint New England town bustling with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. There's the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building contest, ice skating on the pond, caroling, horse drawn sleigh rides, and more. 

Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and even a touch of magic. Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.

Creating my story, HOLIDAY HEARTS, was such fun work. I usually write historical romance but enjoy the occasional venture into contemporary. I’ve never enjoyed writing anything contemporary as much as this novella. I was actually sorry when the story ended and I had to leave my friends, the characters. I hope readers love them as much as I do—oh, except for mean girl Celia, of course.

Here’s the Universal link https://books2read.com/DickensChristmas 

As a special treat, we have IT’S A DICKENS OF A COOKIE recipe book FREE and available NOW! The book includes 20 cookie recipes with a little about each author and her book. All of the recipes sound delicious! Here is the Universal link https://books2read.com/dickens-cookie

Wherever you live, I hope you’re enjoying Fall and looking forward to the upcoming holidays.

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

WHAT'S CHANGING FOR YOU?

By Caroline Clemmons

Change is a constant. So many areas of our lives change rapidly. What's changing in your life? Do the changes bother you or do you accept them and move on?

CHANGES, CHANGES

Let me tell you about a change that impacts my writing: names of individuals. Our youngest daughter and a friend have a tongue-in-cheek contest going for whose family has the weirdest family names. I think our daughter is way ahead with the number of oddly-named ancestors.

When writing a historical novel I choose a name for a hero or heroine by checking our family history for that time—I usually set historical books from 1870-1885. In this way, I know the name was appropriate for the time. No Buffy or Bambi in that time period. Of course, Biblical names are always appropriate whether historical or contemporary. For contemporary names, I take the year the character would have been born and look online for popular names for that year.

What we have in our ancestry are some doozies. I use them for secondary characters, not the main ones. Some examples for unusual women’s names are Teletha, Parmelia (oops, I used that one in LONG WAY HOME), Venice, Theodosia, Tranquilla, Tetrine, and Vitura. For men, we have Guice, Hillyer, Vestal, Ovid, Lambeth, Montfort, and Versa. No, not Versa the car—this was a man. Our family uses normal names, too, but they’re not as much fun to discuss, are they?

One thing I’ve noticed is that some of the older names are being revived. Names like Aidan, Liam, Maeve, Nula, and other Scottish and Irish names. Since I love history, I'm pleased these are being preserved.

QUESTIONABLE CHANGE

An area of change that disturbs me is in English grammar and punctuation. (By the way, I refuse to give up the Oxford comma.) I saw an article on the trend toward no punctuation or capitalization. What? Why?

then my sentence would be like this and you wouldn’t know when the new one begins do you like this idea i don’t i think it is confusing and can result in misunderstandings you might even give up would you read an entire book in this form

Like the dismissal of cursive from schools and then it being reinstated, I suspect the lack of punctuation and capitals will be replaced by sanity and clarity. But that’s just me.

By the way, I have a new release. I know you aren't shocked that I want to tell you about a new book. Keep in mind this is hard for us introverted authors. Growing up we were told NOT to call attention to ourselves or brag about accomplishments. I ask you--how else can we sell our books?  

Widowed Charlotte Dunn struggles to save her ranch from a vicious neighbor.

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is a sweet western historical that is part of the diverse The Golden Legacy Series. Please allow me to be immodest and admit I love this story for several reasons. One is that I’ve never before written an amnesia story. I enjoy including children and this has three. The way the hero and heroine act toward children gives a great deal of insight into his or her character. I had fun with a secondary character called Moose. I picture him looking like Sam Elliott, one of my favorite actors. One of my beta readers say him as Festus on "Gunsmoke". Ken Curtis, who played Festus, has a beautiful singing voice but who has a more mesmerizing speaking voice than Sam Elliott? Sigh. But I digress...

You can find CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE at the Universal Amazon link https://mybook.to/Bret  (hint, hint)

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is available in e-book and in print. Also, it is in Kindle Unlimited. 

Here's the blurb:

A widow determined to save the family ranch…

A man who inherited cursed pirate gold…

They must combine efforts to defeat an evil man.

Bret Craig is a descendant of one of the crew of The Golden Fleece. Over a century ago the merchant ship had prevailed against pirates carrying a treasure of cursed Inca gold. The legacy promises retribution against anyone who misuses the treasure. Bret has heard the story all his life but he believes the tale is a myth and that he’s in no danger if he spends the money selfishly. Ignoring his sister’s warning, he sets out for a grand adventure heading west.

Widowed former mail-order bride Charlotte Dunn is in danger of losing the family ranch. She lost her husband to a rustler’s bullet when half the cattle were stolen and both ranch hands were killed. When she and her stepsons rescue a man who fell from his horse, they learn the man has amnesia. From his saddlebags, they determine his name is Bret Craig. Charlotte nurses Bret, manages the ranch, and cares for her three stepchildren she loves. No sooner does Bret regain his memory than they discover the remainder of the ranch’s herd has been rustled.

Bret re-evaluates his priorities in order to embrace the love blossoming between Charlotte and him. How will they save the ranch and recover the stolen cattle?

Fall into Love:Romance Gems Giveaway

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Win a package of 12 Romance E-Books

I've teamed up with 10 fabulous romance authors for this giveaway campaign. 

Click here to sign-up for our newsletter lists and toss your name into the hat to win a 12-e-book romance package!

 

This giveaway runs until September 30, 2020 Only one entry per person, please! Three (3) winners will be chosen on October 1, 2020

 

Sign up to receive the email newsletter lists for all the authors below. Each author sends periodic updates of new releases, sales, book discounts, free ebooks, and more... Be the first to get all the news and the scoops on these authors! (Newsletter will start delivery in October.) Maddie James ~ Jan Scarbrough Kathleen Lawless ~ Kara O'Neal Lucinda Race ~ Kari Lemor Marcia King-Gamble ~ Liz Flaherty Caroline Clemmons ~ Joan Reeves Nancy Fraser Read more here! https://mailchi.mp/maddiejames/gems-newsletter-builder Have a wonderful rest of September. I’ll see you in October. Keep reading romance! We'll keep writing.

 

KEEP LEARNING!

 By Caroline Clemmons

Hello, Dear Friends,

Our August theme is Sizzling Days, Sultry Nights. No, we're not responsible for the weather, which has been both sizzling and sultry in North Central Texas. I'm looking forward to fall and winter. 

How has your summer been so far? Taking into account our unusual circumstances during the pandemic, mine has been pretty good. In many parts of the country school has started or will next week. In my mind, this marks the end of summer—even though officially summer ends on September 21. 

Are you doing anything new to occupy time you would have gone out in previous summers? During our time at home, I’ve been signing up for webinars and participating in Zoom meetings. I want to keep learning, stretching the brain to keep my mind as sharp as possible. I’m grateful for the internet and the ability to learn and to keep up with friends through social media and email.

For those who don’t want a webinar, there are Ted Talks covering almost every subject. Hero and I have watched many of those. I’m amazed that some are even humorous as well as informative. I admit Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of my favorites because he explains complicated theories in terms everyone can understand.

For clean, down home humor, I watch Jeanne Robertson’s YouTube videos. Our daughters and I saw her performance in person a couple of years ago. Since she isn’t traveling to speak right now, she has a “back porch” discussion on YouTube. I’m not a fan of those, but the videos of her performances are fun. My favorite is her discussion of sending her husband to the store, which has become a classic. If her sort of humor is not for you. there are many other entertainers on YouTube. Dry Bar Cafe offers a variety of comics.

Reading has saved the sanity of multitudes. You can understand why we authors at Romance Gems (and elsewhere) love readers! We are readers as well as writers and I’ve been working in extra reading lately. I just finished The Secret Orphan, which I recommend. Yesterday I started Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, which was recommended by our librarian daughter. Probably it’s a young adult or new adult book, but it is fascinating and hard to put down and get to work. It's going to be a movie soon.

If you’re looking for something to read, we have the perfect solution, LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, which is only 99 cents for fourteen new stories! This box set is only available for a limited time, so grab it while you can. My contribution is The Man in Gull Cottage. Writing a short story was difficult. I had to revise and cut characters or my story would have been too long. I’m pretty pleased with the end result. Maddie James created the cover for The Man in Gull Cottage. I loved reading the entire set—there’s something for everyone.

As you can see by the graphic below, our Comment to Win is back. If you want to enter, just leave a comment that includes your email (with spaces so spammers don’t grab it). You can enter every day.

Until next month, stay safe, be optimistic, and be kind.

THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE

I’m excited to tell you about my story, THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE, which is included in LAST CHANCE BEACH: SUMMER’S END. If you read our blog each day, you know that fourteen of us at Romance Gems have contributed sweet contemporary short stories for your summer reading pleasure. The set is a great bargain for only 99 cents. LAST CHANCE BEACH: SUMMER’S END includes USA Today, NYTimes, Award-Winning, and Bestselling authors.

THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE is bestselling suspense author C. H. Logan, using his real name of Carter Harte. He values his privacy and anonymity so much that no one on the island knows what he does for a living. He stays in his beach home year around and only visits his condo in the city when he has business there. People on the island consider him "the eccentric man in Gull Cottage."

Zara Webb has come to vacation on the island with her long time best friend. For two weeks, they’ve rented Sea Oats Cottage just up the beach from Gull Cottage. Zara has a difficult decision to make and has two weeks to reach a conclusion. She’s weighing whether to accept the major promotion she’s been offered that would mean losing any chance of a personal life or remaining in her present job knowing the promotion would never be offered again.

Carter believes he’s impervious to tourists—until he meets Zara.

You can preorder now for the August 4th release. Preorders are lovely because on release day - Poof! - the e-book version appears like magic on your reader.

The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Reeves-ebook/dp/B08CV3GN3R

Here’s an excerpt from THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE: 

He cleared his throat. “This part of the beach is private.”

She paused and stared at him. “What part?”

He jerked a thumb in the direction from which she’d come. “See the three round wooden pillars? That’s where my land starts.”

She turned and shielded her eyes with her hand. “Oh, I thought those were to keep people from driving their cars on the sand.”

“That, too, but one has a large sign that says Gull Cottage and Private Beach. That should have been a clue.”

She held up a kid’s plastic sand pail. “Are you saying I should return these shells I’ve collected for my niece?”

“I’m saying you’re on private property. I don’t care if you collect sea shells, but I’d appreciate you not disturbing anything else.”

“Like what? You think I’m coming up to rob your house? Wait, what if I took a clump of sea oats? Or a handful of your sand? Are you patrolling?”

He extended his hand palm out. “Don’t get mad at me when you’re the one trespassing. I meant collecting drift wood and sea glass or destroying sand dunes. I’m simply out here walking on my beach.”

She straightened her shoulders and looked at the barrier. “Well, see that you don’t walk on that side of those posts.”

“Ah, but I will and I can do so legally.” He gestured broadly. “The beach where you’re staying is public. This part is private. See the difference?”

“No, I don’t see the difference. It’s the same sand.”

You've no doubt figured out that Last Chance Beach is an island not far off the mainland. The island can be wherever you wish. I know where my story is set but I won't tell since it might appear as somewhere else to you.

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SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

By Caroline Clemmons

As you've probably noticed, our theme for this month is Summer Days and Summer Nights.

Happy first day of summer. If you live in Texas as I do, you know summer heat began before today’s Solstice. Remember those old advertisements with the camel that said “Guess what day it is?” and then said “It’s hump day”? Think of today as Hump Day for 2020. The year is half over and from today forward, the days grow shorter and the nights longer.

This is a packed weekend. Today is my sweet husband, Hero’s, birthday. Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Hero was actually born on Father’s Day—a great gift for his dad. We tend to combine the two days. This year, after vowing to observe the stay home and stay safe rule, we are reneging and going out to lunch for Hero’s birthday. We’re going to his favorite restaurant and plan to be there when they open for an eleven o’clock meal. I called ahead and learned that they do practice social distancing with table assignments.

The other big thing that happened this weekend is that I have a new release. AN AGENT FOR JUDITH is a sweet western historical romance in the Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, book 77. This is a multi-author project that, as you can tell by the book number, has been very popular with readers. This is my third book in the series and I’ve enjoyed writing them. Each has a mystery or adventure of one kind or another. I especially love the cover for this one.

AN AGENT FOR JUDITH takes place mostly in northern New Mexico from Santa Fe to a fictitious town named Los Perdidos. Here’s the synopsis:

Judith McAdams has vowed to rescue her brother. 
Peyton Knight is determined to protect his group. 
Together they must outwit a cruel and powerful man.

Judith’s brother in New Mexico hasn’t been heard from since a letter saying he was being bedeviled by a neighbor who wanted his ranch. Judith wires the marshal to check on her brother. When he refuses, she goes to the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Denver. There she learns that as a civilian she can’t accompany a Pinkerton agent on a case. However, if she marries an agent she can become one, too.

Peyton values his job as a Pinkerton agent and is good at being a lawman. To keep the job he reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience to Judith. Together they will go to her brother’s rescue. Peyton is impressed with the beautiful and spirited redhead—if only she would admit he knows best. He even admires his mother-in-law but how did he end up with a civilian on their trip? At least he’s found three men he trusts to help him rescue the brother.

Their journey is filled with obstacles. Will Judith’s brother still be alive by the time they reach him? When they resolve the ranch issue, will Judith and Peyton part ways?

The Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Judith. The book is available as an ebook and in print and is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. I just love a good romance, don’t you? I hope you said an enthusiastic yes!

Don’t forget the Rafflecopter below. (By the way, we do check to be sure the tasks checked have actually been performed.)

Have a lovely weekend.

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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

KEEP SMILING! #RomanceGems @carolinclemmons

 By Caroline Clemmons

Keeping a smile in troublesome times is an art form. Let us here at Romance Gems send you our smiles. The authors here have a wide variety of romance books and each is filled with hope. That’s how I think of the romance genre. Each of us faces obstacles but there is always hope that things will reach an HEA. When life gets tough—read a romance! Reading won't solve your problems, but the respite will renew you, give you a new outlook, and perhaps kindle the ability to solve your dilemma. Look under the Bookstore tab at the top of this blog to discover some of each member's books to cheer and renew you.

In fact I have a novella that just released, MAIL-ORDER VICTORIA, book 7 in the Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies series. This is a sweet, fun, western historical romance with a little adventure thrown into liven it up and a tornado tossed in for the author's amusement. Initially, the hero and heroine might have omitted pertinent information from one another. Victoria has an 18-month-old daughter who is a surprise for her groom, Greg Hardy. On the other hand,  Greg has failed to mention he has five—yes, five—children from 8-months to 12 years. Greg also has to discover who is rustling his cattle. Throw in a tornado and this couple has a lot to overcome. If you think this short book would appeal to you, the Universal Amazon link is https://mybook.to/Victoria. It is available in ebook, print, and is enrolled in KU.

***Bonus***: I’ll give away an ebook to one person who comments today, winner’s choice of those shown on my Amazon Author Page at  https://amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/

Deciding how to express my joy is difficult. Like the Spanish flu pandemic over a hundred years ago, we will get through this. Do I feel guilty because I am happy? A little. I have been accused of being a Pollyanna, but don’t really see the label as bad. Okay, I'm an introverted Pollyanna, but generally happy. I assure you I DO see the world’s problems: I mourn those who have lost their lives, I get angry at those who refuse to take measures to prevent the virus’ spread, I sympathize with those who have lost paychecks or whose small business is facing bankruptcy, I salute those who are working to keep the rest of us in groceries and medicines, etc. The thing is, those are beyond my control so I choose to resist letting them drag me down. I do have control over my actions and I’m staying home unless forced to go out and then I wear a mask!

As the television sales pitch goes—But Wait! There’s More! Our monthly Rafflecopter is waiting for you with an added chance--the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt.

Yes, Easter may have passed but you can still enter our Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Find the Easter Egg on one of my social media sites. You’ll have to use your PC or laptop. I doubt it will show on your phone.

Website https://carolineclemmons.com

Personal blog https://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com

Facebook Reader Group Caroline’s Cuties  https://Facebook.com/ groups/277082053015947/ (If you enjoy western romance, why not become a member while you’re there?)

Over my computer I have a little sign given to me by my daughter. It's a copy of the one the British used from 1939 and during WWII to bolster public morale. “Keep calm and Carry On.” Always good advice, right? And, please follow the sentiment with a smile.

Until next month, think positive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LUCKY ME! #RomanceGems #Giveaway @CarolinClemmons

By Caroline Clemmons

Our theme this month at Romance Gems is Lucky in Love. I hope you’ve been lucky in finding the perfect love. I have been extremely lucky to have married my sweet husband, who I call Hero!

Do you believe in soul mates? I do and I believe Hero is mine. We’ve been married a gazillion years and have two wonderful daughters.

I’m lucky to have become a romance author. I’m lucky to be a part of this blog composed of some of my favorite authors. I’m proud to be a part of the world of romance books.  

We at Romance Gems appreciate those of you who read our books! You can find some of them under the Bookstore tab in the blog heading. You can find more of mine listed on my Amazon Author Page at https://amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/

If world events have you upset and unsettled, devote time to reading romance books. While they entertain you, they’ll transport you to a place that always ends happily-ever-after. You’ll find your stress level decreases when you read romance.

Romance books remind us that no matter how difficult or seemingly impossible life gets, there is happiness waiting if we persevere. I’m not saying bad things won't happen or will instantly disappear. I’m saying there is always good to be found and love is waiting for those who take a chance. Romance novels teach us to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Can you tell I’m a big fan of reading romance novels and novellas? (and writing them)

If you’re looking for a romance to read allow me to suggest you preorder POLKA WITH PAULINE, The Matchmaker’s Ball series, book 8, which will be released on March 28. The Universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Pauline Preorders are like magic. You select the preorder at Amazon and then, on release day, Poof!, the book appears on your e-reader. You don’t even have to say Abracadabra.

To share my luck, I’m giving away an e-copy of one of my books to someone who comments today—winner’s choice from any of mine listed on Amazon at the Author page link above. I’ll wait until tomorrow to announce the winner so those who live outside the U.S. can enter.

As pitchman in the ad on television says, “But wait, there’s more...”

Every month Romance Gems has a Rafflecopter giveaway. Just click on the words Lucky In Love to be taken to our Monthly Contest page. The Rafflecopter is near the bottom of the page. One of the new features is the comment entry. You can enter each day to increase your chance of winning.

Until next month, here's hoping you have the Luck o' the Irish!