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:
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.
"Did you find what you wanted?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. I was anxious to get home and start supper, so we took off. After we ate, she addressed her cards and crammed them in her backpack where she seemed to keep every book from school. I made sure she also put in the candy to pass out to her classmates for their party.
