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Monday, January 17, 2022

BOOK 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 I can't believe I have written and published 100 books. What a milestone for me. I never thought in 2010 when I first started this publishing journey that I would make it this far. But I've had do much fun writing stories. I pray the Lord will keep me alive long enough to write and publish even more stories and further my writing career.


So, to let you see what book #100 looks like, here is the first chapter of Rubies and Rivers.



Blub:

Whitney Brooks compares herself to Robin Hood. She steals from the rich to give to the poor. But she only takes money from bad people. However, after she is crippled in a carriage accident, she must change her ways. Now, she is righting the wrongs in her life, and she ends up in Fort Benton, Montana. When she recognizes a man from her past, she fears U.S. Marshal Jake Sterling might just arrest her.

 

Although Jake Sterling is not a hero, he takes his job seriously and follows an outlaw to Fort Benton. Jake has a gut feeling that the outlaw will steal the rubies coming on one of the steamboats. But the more he gets to know the woman who is lovelier than a desert rose, the more he believes she is a thief and working side-by-side with the outlaw. How can he tell his heart that Whitney isn’t the woman for him when her passionate kisses tell him differently?



Chapter One:

Standing still, like the dead, was her only option.

Footsteps shook the floor and entered the study. Panic filled Whitney Brooks as she closed her eyes, hoping the intruder wouldn’t notice she was hiding behind the heavy drapes covering the only window in the room. Her heartbeat quickened, and she took slow breaths to keep calm. Yet, under the circumstances, how could she remain composed when she feared they’d find her? Being locked away in jail – or even hung – was not an option!

The person in the room stopped. Whitney held her breath. It was Mr. Crowley himself. His scent gave him away without having to peek around the drape and look at him. The man’s overbearing cologne wafted thickly through the air, making her want to gag. He smelled like a horse… like the animal’s droppings inside the stalls, no less. How could anyone stand to be around him when his scent was this horrid?

Inwardly, she groaned. She was going to be sick all over his floor unless he left quickly. If he didn’t discover where her hiding place was now, he’d definitely know she was here when she regurgitated.

Slowly, she lifted a hand to cover her nose. Whitney couldn’t blow her cover now.

Because of the thick, blue velvet drape blocking her view, she couldn’t see Mr. Crowley or why he had left his wife’s birthday party to venture into his study. His grumbles vibrated through the room. Whatever he was doing, he wasn’t having much success. She knew the feeling well. If he didn’t leave soon, she wouldn’t have much success stealing from him, either.

Whitney hadn’t originally started out to be a thief. On the contrary, but when her best friend’s father gambled away their money, leaving Constance destitute, Whitney knew she had to help. Constance needed money for the stagecoach to Utah, where her older sister and husband lived and would take care of her. Constance’s grandfather, Mr. Crowley, was a greedy old man and wouldn’t lift a finger to help his granddaughter. He hadn’t even invited Constance or her father to this party tonight.

And so, Whitney would nudge the greedy old man into assisting dear Constance, even if he didn’t realize it.

Mr. Crowley grumbled. He was too close. Whitney could even smell his breath. He’d been eating fish. Her heart sank, and her stomach lurched. Had he found her? Yet, as she waited for him to whip back the drape and catch her, the moment never arrived. A few times, she caught herself holding her breath too long, and so she had to slowly exhale and draw in another breath as silently as she could. So then, who was he talking to just now? Himself?

A low rumble came from the man as he chuckled. Whatever he was doing, he was at his desk, and she specifically heard the rustle of papers. She was tempted to move the drape just a bit to watch him, but she resisted. If he didn’t know she was here, she certainly didn’t want to make him aware of her presence.

A drawer closed, and more papers rustled before his heavy footsteps moved out of the room. Once the door clicked shut, she released a heavy breath. Her limbs shook as she relaxed against the window. However, she couldn’t hesitate for very long. She had money to find and to get herself back downstairs before someone noticed she was missing from the party.

On soft feet, she moved away from the window and resumed her search through the study. Constance mentioned that her grandfather kept some of his money in his favorite room. Because he was always in this particular room, Constance assumed it was his favorite. Unfortunately, her friend didn’t know exactly where the old man hid it. Whitney figured he wouldn’t miss fifty dollars. And, after all, it was going toward a good cause.

Being as quiet as a mouse, she pulled out each drawer of his desk, moving papers aside as she searched for the wad of money. Nothing. From there, she wandered to each scenery painting hanging on the wall and peeked behind them. Still nothing.

Whitney grumbled and shook her head. Where could it be?

Against the far wall stood two ebonized bookcases filled with volumes. The lower fourth of the shelf was a locked cupboard. Immediately, she recalled seeing a skeleton key when she’d searched through the desk. She hurried and retrieved the key and then knelt to see if it fit inside the keyhole.

Her hand shook, making it a little difficult to slide the key into the hole, but finally she accomplished that feat. Moisture beaded her forehead, and she grumbled under her breath. Perhaps she should have found an easier way to get money from Mr. Crowley. Yet, she knew the man's stubbornness, especially toward Constance’s family.

When the lock clicked open, Whitney nearly squealed with delight. Excitement pumped through her as she peered inside. Stacks of money rested in this secret safe. There was no way Mr. Crowley would miss fifty dollars. She nibbled on her bottom lip. Perhaps she should take one hundred dollars, just in case Constance needed more.

After pulling out the money, she carefully closed the safe and placed the key back in the drawer. She shoved the money in her wrist purse and hurried to the door. Slowly, she opened it and peeked into the hallway. Music drifted from the ballroom on the first floor, but thankfully, she couldn’t detect any voices.

Smoothing her palms down her baby blue silk gown, she took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. It was now time to put on a performance of her own – entering the party as if she were the most innocent woman here.

Whitney entered, taking calculated steps as she glided into the room. A colorful whirlwind of silk and satin gowns filled the old man’s ballroom. Available men stood around the single ladies, doing their best to charm them. Whitney didn’t have to worry about being considered one of these women. Being a widow, most men didn’t consider her marriage material, even though she was only twenty-four. They were all searching for a wealthier widow.

She scanned the large room, searching for her friend, Emily. James and Emily Randolph had been good friends of Whitney’s deceased husband.

Since Alan’s death almost a year ago, Whitney’s friends had slowly disappeared. No longer could she consider herself close with anyone. They remained acquaintances instead of friends. She knew it was because Alan had been almost broke when he died. Thankfully, his debts were paid before he left this world. She barely had enough to survive, but she’d make it work, even if she had to gradually start selling off the many artifacts Alan had collected over the years.

As the months passed by, she felt she should find another husband. Being married to Alan was no picnic, but how else would she be able to support herself? She’d never felt so free until after his death, and she hesitated in entering another loveless marriage. It was either that or find a way to make money so that she could continue to live.

The sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and wide white columns circled the room. The papered walls were beautifully decorated, as were the shelves and end tables where vases of flowers were placed. Mrs. Crowley enjoyed flaunting her wealth, which made Whitney sick. Why have so much money if they wouldn’t share it with their children and grandchildren?

Whitney walked along the wall, still searching for Emily. When she passed a gilded mirror, she glanced at her reflection. Her cheeks were redder than she’d wanted, probably because she felt as though people would be able to read her mind, to know what she’d been doing only moments ago.

Her blonde ringlets were still in place, thankfully. And her face didn’t hold any of the perspiration she’d suffered with while in Mr. Crowley’s study. Guilt still filled her mind and made her green eyes darker. At least that’s why she thought they appeared darker. Either that or it was the lighting in the room.

“Oh, there you are, Whitney,” Emily said, coming up behind her and touching her shoulder. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Whitney spun around to face her friend. The slightly older woman – by ten years – looked lovely in her peach gown. Whitney always thought Emily’s natural beauty was her greatest asset. That, and of course, her cheery disposition. Then again, Emily was in love with her husband, and they had a happy marriage.

“Oh, forgive me, my friend,” Whitney frowned. “I had to step out for a moment. I was feeling very stuffy.”

The other woman nodded. “That’s completely understandable.” She took a deep breath and then turned to the gentleman standing behind her. “Whitney Brooks, may I present Mr. Jake Sterling, a friend of mine. He is the U.S. Marshal in our area. And Mr. Sterling, this is my very good friend Mrs. Whitney Brooks.”

Whitney held out her hand, and Mr. Sterling took it gently in his for a small shake. He was quite handsome if she must admit. Tall, with broad shoulders, and dark brown hair, he was a man who could make women swoon. “What a pleasure to meet you, Marshal.”

“And it’s always a pleasure to meet Mrs. Randolph’s friends.”

It was hard to look away from his handsome face. His gray eyes sparkled when he grinned, and a cute little dimple dented his left cheek. She enjoyed the way his hair waved back on his head as if he had a touch of natural curl. But what captured her attention was the dark shadow of a mustache and beard. She wondered if he had just suddenly been invited to the party and didn’t have time to shave. Although she enjoyed a clean-shaven man, she was certain by ten o’clock at night, his shadow would be fascinating.

The man was dressed in a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a gold vest, white shirt, and a black string tie. By the expensive cut of the material, she knew he was a man of means. The gold color of his vest gave his face a darker hue to his skin and brought out his gray eyes a little more. Whatever it was about him that made him so blindly handsome, she could stare at him for hours without getting bored.

“When I saw you earlier,” Mr. Sterling said, “I knew I had to beg an introduction from Mrs. Randolph.”

Whitney hitched a breath, and at the same time, tried not to look too worried. When did he see her? She hoped he hadn’t witnessed her going into Mr. Crowley’s study – or leaving it. Because of Mr. Sterling’s profession, this was a man she didn’t want to make suspicious. “How kind of you, Marshal.”

“Are you still feeling stuffy, Mrs. Brooks?” he asked.

Her heart flipped. Heavens, she enjoyed the deepness of his voice. “Uh, yes, Marshal Sterling. At times, the heat is nearly suffocating.”

“I must agree. I fear there are too many people for this size of ballroom.”

“You know,” Emily added, “I was thinking that very thing.”

“Mrs. Brooks, if you don’t mind, may I request the pleasure of this next dance? Unless, of course, you are not feeling well enough.”

Her heart hammered. Although she should turn him down, she needed to make him her friend. She couldn’t have him knowing about the money she’d stolen. “Actually, I’m not, but—”

Suddenly, Mr. Crowley’s panicked voice boomed through the room. “I’ve been robbed!”

Fear gripped Whitney’s throat, and she froze. Marshal Sterling muttered his apologies and rushed toward Mr. Crowley. The crowd crept toward the rich man, as well. Suddenly, the room closed in around her, and she couldn’t breathe. Voices were lifted in shock and panic.

Emily left Whitney’s side as well, and moved toward the hosts. She needed to get out of here. Now! What if they started searching their guests? They would find the money in her wrist purse, for sure.

Slowly, she backed away. As the guests pushed forward, she withdrew toward the door. When she made it, she darted outside. Breathing in the fresh night air, she concentrated on hurrying to her buggy before anyone noticed her.

She climbed in and whipped the reins, urging the horse into a fast trot. Once she passed the estate gates, she pushed the animal faster. The turn in the road came upon her too quickly, and she couldn’t slow the horse down. The vehicle bounced on the uneven road a few times before tipping.

She released the reins and gripped onto the seat. She was going down with the buggy, and most assuredly, it would be painful.

The vehicle hit the ground. The motion jerked her loose, tossing her out of the buggy as if she was a rag doll. She rolled a few times on the ground, only stopping when she knocked into a boulder. The buggy tumbled toward her. She scrambled to get out of its way, but it was too late. The vehicle rested on top of her, pinning her legs underneath.

Ripping pain shot through her limbs, and she screamed. She couldn’t move the vehicle. It was too heavy. As tears streamed down her face, she struggled to release her legs, but they wouldn’t budge.

This time, a burning sting spread through her, and her legs turned numb. No! This couldn’t be happening.

“Someone help me. Please!”

Her chest ached with guilt. If she hadn’t taken the money, she would still be at Crowley’s party. Instead, she lay on the ground, unable to move. Nobody would hear her cries, and yet if someone didn’t come soon to rescue her, she feared she’d lose the use of her legs. In agony, she relaxed on the ground and cried out her anguish.

From this moment on, her life would never be the same.


This book is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and in paperback.

https://www.amazon.com/Rubies-Rivers-Gems-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09K4JQRHW

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Nicholas' Bride - Chapter One

 I'm so excited to have another Runaway Bride story out. Dec. 13th isn't coming fast enough to celebrate. So, I thought I'd tease you with letting you read Chapter One. :) 




Nicholas Drake narrowed his gaze on the outlaw not more than ten feet in front of him. Both men had their hands hovering over their holstered pistols, waiting for the right moment to draw. The sun hadn’t started its rise on the horizon yet, and shadows were playing tricks on Nick’s eyes, which meant he had to be that much more cautious.

It hadn’t taken Nick very long to track down Jakeson – which was the only name the outlaw used – and now that he had the filthy man, he wasn’t about to let him go. The Pinkerton Agency wanted Jakeson because of the many trains he had robbed in the last seven years. Thankfully, none of the passengers on the train had been killed. However, many had been injured. As a Pinkerton agent, Nick would make sure Jakeson didn’t harm another person ever again.

It surprised Nick that the outlaw dressed so grubby and smelled as though he’d been rolling with the pigs, especially for a man who had stolen money and women’s expensive jewels. Wouldn’t the outlaw want to dress better or at least smell better? Now Nick wondered what the stolen money had been used on.

“Don’t be a fool, Jakeson,” Nick warned. “I’m a quick-draw, and I’ll shoot you before your hand even touches the butt of the gun.”

The outlaw who appeared to be in his late forties gave Nick a darker scowl, and the man’s expression was very self-assured. Once again, Nick would have to prove the man wrong because he would not let the outlaw win.

“I’m not afraid of ya.” Jakeson shook his head. “I’ve slipped away from other Pinkerton agents, and I’ll get away from ya just as fast.”

Indeed, the man was a fool. “If you come along with me without putting up a fight, I assure you, the judge will be more lenient with your sentence.”

“Don’t try usin’ yer big words on me. I’m never gonna let ya take me.”

Nick shrugged. “Then I guess I’ll just shoot you now instead of trying to talk some sense into your tiny brain.”

In a flash, Nick took hold of his gun and pointed it at the outlaw. Just as he had warned the other man, there was no way the outlaw was faster. Jakeson’s eyes widened, and Nick was privileged to see the panic on the man’s face.

“Hold up your hands where I can see them,” Nick demanded. “And walk slowly toward me so that I can slap these cuffs on your wrists. The other agents may have let you slip through their fingers, but I promise you, I’ll not make the same mistake.”

Jakeson’s scowl deepened the obvious wrinkles already lining his leathery face. His salt and pepper-toned hair that matched the color of his bushy beard gave away his age. “Don’t get too cocky, Agent Drake.”

“I’m not cocky.” Nick arched an eyebrow. “I’m confident.”

Jakeson chuckled and lifted his hands as Nick requested. “No, yer cocky, just like the other agents. Ya see, that’s how I can get away so easily. Y'all are so sure of yerself, ya don’t think I’m smart enough to make a plan, but I am.” He nodded. “I’m smarter than ya realize.”

“Sounds to me, Jakeson, that you are the cocky one.” Nick motioned with his pistol. “Now, slowly, start walking toward me and keep your hands up where I can see them, or my itchy trigger finger might just slip.”

Jakeson’s lip curled as he took slow steps toward Nick. This outlaw could not be trusted, and Nick wouldn’t believe a word the man said, even if he was choking to death and begged for help.

A small amount of light peeked on the horizon as the sun began to rise. There were still many shadows, but at least it wasn’t as many as a few minutes ago. Still, Nick was cautious as he kept his eye on the outlaw.

The man took his time coming toward Nick, and his finger rested on the trigger just in case the fool tried something. The train robber’s straggly long hair hung in his face, and from what Nick could tell, pockmarks and scars were very prominent no matter how long his hair was.

Nick carefully withdrew the handcuffs from his belt, not taking his attention from the outlaw. After turning Jakeson into the sheriff, Nick thought about asking his supervisor for another case. Keeping his mind busy was exactly what he needed at this time in his life. Hopefully, working hard on a tough case would take him out of Montana and far away from her.

About a month ago, he’d made a tremendous mistake while trying to comfort a woman. He should have known better. Pretty ladies with watery eyes had always been his biggest downfall.

Suddenly, Jakeson tripped and fell to the ground, landing facedown. Nick steadied his hand, pointing the gun toward the outlaw.

“Get up,” Nick snapped, prepared for anything now.

He waited for the man to move, but the outlaw lay still. Taking careful steps, Nick moved closer. A large rock was very near to the man’s head. Nick grimaced. Had Jakeson struck his head on the hard object and been knocked unconscious?

“Get up, man.” Nick kicked his boot into the outlaw’s leg. Still, the man lay still.

Grumbling under his breath, Nick shook his head. He didn’t necessarily want to drag the man to his horse and throw him over the animal by himself. But at least he could handcuff him and wait for him to regain consciousness.

Nick sighed and rolled his eyes. At least he wouldn’t have to shoot him.

He stepped closer and bent to take hold of one of Jakeson’s hands. Suddenly, the outlaw rolled over and kicked Nick’s shins. Before he could gain his balance, the outlaw threw dirt into Nick’s face.

His eyes stung, and he blinked rapidly. His vision was unclear, but he still tried to aim his gun at the man.

Seconds later, Jakeson barreled into Nick, knocking him over. As he fell on his back, his breath whooshed out of his mouth painfully. His gun fell from his hand.

Nick struggled to retain control, but his eyes still stung with the dirt, and his ribs cried out in pain. Before Nick could see it coming, Jakeson’s fist plowed into his face. Then another punch followed. And another one.

Dizziness assailed Nick while he tried to ward off the blows. For a moment, the dreaded realization hit him… Maybe he wasn’t in control after all.

 

* * * *

 

Good things were going to happen today. Lydia Swanson just knew it.

Already, the sun was shining in the morning sky, and birds were singing. When Lydia entered the milliner shop an hour ago, the other two ladies she worked with were busily making hats and chatting about the town's latest scandals. Thankfully, nothing was said about the Swanson sisters this time.

As Lydia prepared her work for the day, she recognized that guilt wasn’t weighing her down any longer.

It had been a whole month since she’d blamed her older sister, Victoria, for consorting with the man Lydia was supposed to marry, when lo and behold, what had Lydia done with the man helping her find her lost sister? She fell in love with him!

For Lydia, that day had turned from bad to worse. After catching her sister kissing Mr. Cartwright, Lydia had run off wanting to get far away and never see her sister again. The man who’d been helping her, Pinkerton agent Nicholas Drake, had chased after her and when he’d found her…

A shiver ran through Lydia, and she shook her head. No! She could not – would not – think of what had happened that day. But at least she had stopped feeling guilty about it. She’d forgiven her sister, and they were best friends again. In fact, Lydia had had the privilege of helping Victoria get ready for her wedding to Alan Cartwright.

Lydia sighed and smiled. It had been a wonderful wedding. Many people in Stumptown had come to see their friend, Alan, marry the woman who had rescued him. Well, that was the story Toria and Alan were telling everyone, anyway. Only a few of them knew what really happened.

“Lydia? How is your sister Rachael?” Penny asked, swinging a shawl over her shoulders as she walked closer to Lydia.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she realized it was time to drive into Libby, the town where they picked up supplies for the shop once a month. One of the three women always stayed behind while the other two took the long drive. Today was Lydia’s turn to take the drive.

She quickly set her sewing down and hurried to the wall to collect her bonnet and shawl. “Rachael is doing fine.”

“Is she still interested in becoming a milliner?” Penny asked. “Because business is picking up. We may want to hire another sewer.”

Lydia shrugged as she placed the bonnet on her head. “Rachael hasn’t decided yet. She wants to be either a milliner or a seamstress.”

Penny walked to the door and peeked over her shoulder at Sara. “We’ll be back later this evening.”

“Have a pleasant journey.” Sara smiled.

Penny nodded. “I’ll be taking my trusty rifle, just in case.”

Lydia was relieved that Penny and Sara knew how to shoot because she had never used a gun in her life. Those things scared her.

As they left the shop, Lydia waved to the other lady. Sara was the oldest out of the three, and at times, Lydia looked up to her friend as a mother figure, especially since she couldn’t ever remember her own mother being a caregiver. Ma was always sick, which Lydia blamed on her drunken father, who was never home and eventually ran off for good. Ma had been sad about her life, which ultimately made her so sick she died.

The three women at the milliner shop had so much in common, but the most important thing was that they were all orphans. Although Lydia’s father was still alive somewhere – probably living in a saloon or the gutter – he’d never been around enough to act as a father should. For most of her life, she’d been telling people that her parents were deceased.

Penny and Lydia griped about the many women in town but very few men as they drove out of town. Being unmarried, both women didn’t think they would ever find a husband. Of course, this was the very reason Lydia had tried to become a mail-order bride in the first place. But her older sister stole the groom.

“Now that we’re away from Sara,” Penny began, “I suppose I can tell you that I’m thinking of moving to Libby.”

Surprised, Lydia gasped. “But why? Didn’t you mention earlier that business was booming?”

“I did, but the truth is, I don’t want to be an old maid.” Penny sighed heavily. “Besides, I’m sure there are many milliner shops in Libby that will hire me.”

Lydia understood her friend perfectly. “I suppose we could both sign up to be mail-order brides.”

Penny’s brown eyes widened. “Didn’t you try to do that already?”

“Yes, but this time I won’t tell my sisters about it.” She chuckled softly, playing with her necklace. This was something she found herself doing quite a bit lately, especially when talking or discussing things that made her uncomfortable. “I think that’s the only way I’m going to get married.”

Penny shrugged and turned her gaze back to the road. She shifted the horse’s reins in her hands. “I suppose that could be my last option. I really want to fall in love, though.”

Lydia’s heart wrenched. “Don’t we all?”

Immediately, her thoughts turned to Nicholas Drake. And just as quickly, Lydia pushed them aside. That was a man she could never love. He was rude and definitely not a gentleman.

Suddenly, Penny sat up straighter in the wagon’s seat and slowed the horse. Curious, Lydia tried to see what her friend’s gaze was fixed on.

“Do you see that?” Penny asked.

Lydia searched the hillside, but all she could see were different-sized rocks. “See what?”

“It looks like… a man.”

Finally, the large boulder on the side of the road took a different shape. Lydia blinked several times, not believing her vision. That couldn’t possibly be a man lying in a ball on the ground and wearing only his long johns.

Penny gasped and pulled the wagon to a complete stop. “It is a man.” She grabbed her rifle and jumped down. Slowly, she stepped toward the unconscious man.

Out of morbid curiosity, Lydia climbed down and hurried behind her friend. From what Lydia could guess, this man must have been in a fight. His scratched-up face held bruises, and one eye was swollen. His lips were cut and had been bleeding. The only stitch of clothing he wore was his men’s long underwear. Handcuffs were on his wrists as his arms were fastened behind him.

“Is he dead?” Lydia whispered, grasping Penny’s shawl as they crept closer.

“I don’t know.” Penny’s voice was low.

As Lydia stared at the man, an odd feeling came over her – almost like she recognized him from somewhere. But with his bloody and bruised face, how could she know?

Suddenly, he moaned, and his head rolled to the side. Both Lydia and Penny shrieked and jumped back. Penny aimed the rifle at him.

The man’s eyes blinked open. He squinted at first, and then he glanced at his surroundings before trying to move his arms. A grumble sprang from his throat.

Finally, the man’s gaze stopped on Lydia and Penny. Lydia wasn’t sure how her friend felt at this moment, but she was scared out of her wits.

“Are you going to just stare at me, or will you help me?” he said in a hoarse voice.

Penny kept her rifle aimed at the man. “Depends.” She cleared her throat. “Are you an outlaw? Is that why you are in handcuffs?”

“No, I’m not an outlaw!”

His voice was loud, but it must have hurt his head because he grimaced and closed his eyes. The stranger took several deep breaths before opening his eyes again. This time, his attention rested on Lydia. Then, his gaze narrowed.

“Lydia Swanson? Is that you?”

Her heartbeat hammered wildly. Her first instinct had been right after all. But she still didn’t recognize him. “Yes, but… who are you?”

“I’m the Pinkerton agent you dislike so much.”

A loud gasp vibrated through Lydia before she could stop it. “Nicholas Drake?”

“Yes.” He sighed. “Now, will you please help me get out of these handcuffs?” He glanced down at his underwear. “And help me find my clothes?”

Lydia’s gut churned. This was the one man she had never wanted to see again. And yet, now she was his salvation.

Perhaps she’d been wrong after all. Good things were not going to happen to her today.


PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY - https://www.amazon.com/Nicholas-Bride-Runaway-Mail-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B09LH59562 



Monday, November 1, 2021

FALL GIVEAWAY

 



 

WELCOME READERS!!! THESE 11 AUTHORS HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO PROVIDE YOU A WONDERFUL FALL ROMANCE AND COZY MYSTERY #NEWRELEASE GIVEAWAY!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GRAND PRIZE: One lucky reader will win an Amazon gift card worth $120 for all the books you could want this Holiday season! AND a free ecopy of each of the 12 #NewRelease Books highlighted below!

RUNNER-UP: One lucky reader will win a free ecopy of each of the 12 #NewRelease Books below!

 

Click on this Rafflecopter link to Enter!

https://bit.ly/3Ey06Xt .

 

Contest runs from November 1-7, 2021!

Open internationally.

Hosted by @ChickLitShop (IG) & Mary Smith – Book Blogger (FB)!

(FB and IG are not responsible for this giveaway.)

 

Our Giveaway Authors!!!

 

Andie Low

A fun witch cozy mystery with a dash of romance, and the ninth and final in the Marina Witches Mysteries.



House of Hoodoo

Homework, detention, and even her wedding are on hold. First Frankie Bonny has to find the man who murdered her mom, oh and say yes to a dress.

Luckily, she’s got some serious magical muscle backing her up on this quest, and even a vampire, or two!

Book Link: https://books2read.com/HouseofHoodoo

Newsletter: https://www.andrenelowauthor.com/thelowdown

 

Clodagh Murphy

A funny, feel-good romcom about old friends and new beginnings.



The Reboot

Former school friends Ella and Roly have suffered some major setbacks since they last met. Now they’re both ready to start over, and they rekindle their friendship as they each try to get back what they lost. But Ella’s never told Roly what really happened the night his life fell apart ... 

Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/47OXpg

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clodagh-murphy

 

Stella Bixby

Light-hearted humorous mysteries set in the Colorado Rockies. 



Snowed

The last thing Rylie needs is a dead body ruining her big day. Or a jealous ex. Or a massive snowstorm.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZNRV3TF

Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6163ab4cc71e8685f183c7f0

 

Marika Ray

A sweet RomCom about second chance love and the power of well-placed mistletoe.



Text Before Christmas

Pamela Cunningham is really getting into the holiday spirit, and she’s finding herself thinking about things she hasn’t considered since her husband died. All thanks to the debonair winemaker she hired from France. Will the text he receives sending him back home to France spoil their holiday together?

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Text-Before-Christmas-Digital-Dating-ebook/dp/B09J4B1ZPH/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marika-ray


Heather Huffman

Cozy Mysteries set in St. Augustine, Florida!



Trouble in the Treasure

When a treasure map is discovered among her uncle’s things, Nora Jones learns the hard way about the old adage treasure is trouble. Trouble in the Treasure is the second installment in the lighthearted Nora Jones Mysteries series, full of endearing characters, intriguing mysteries, and a dash of romance.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZT31FF

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-huffman

 

Kirsty McManus

A sweet resort rom-com set near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.



Love at Coco Bay

With a recent promotion from receptionist to co-assistant manager—not to mention the ongoing opportunity to live and work with her best friends—everything is perfect for Sasha. Well, except for one tiny thing. Sasha has never had much luck in the boyfriend department, and the only guy she’s ever been interested in is event planner Dash, a Channing Tatum lookalike who is oblivious to her affections. But when a resort guest insists that Sasha work with Dash on an upcoming wedding, they are suddenly thrust into a three-month-long high-pressure environment.


Can Sasha survive the chaos, make the wedding a success, and end up with her dream guy?

Book Link: https://mybook.to/LoveAtCocoBay

Newsletter: https://www.kirstymcmanus.com.au/get-free-stuff/

 

Margaret Amatt

A heart-warming and sparkly Christmas romance.



A Christmas Bluff

She’s about to trespass all over his Christmas.

Happy-go-lucky Georgia has a festive problem and to solve it, she’s going to hijack a castle on a Scottish island from grumpy landowner, Archie.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B6BDTLJ

Newsletter: https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

 

Marie Higgins

A Historical Romance Cozy Mystery!



Diamonds and Dust

Pinkerton agent, Dusty Sloan, isn’t just another cowboy who enjoys charming the ladies. He is dedicated to his job, especially when stolen diamonds and a stubborn woman are involved. Can he protect her and find the mystery of the stolen gems, or will his heart get involved?

It's the journey that makes the romance interesting... Expect the unexpected!

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Diamonds-Dust-Gems-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09D68XXRC/

Newsletter: https://www.authormariehiggins.com/newsletter

 

Phillipa Nefri Clark

Cozy mystery series set in Australia.



The Shadow of Daph

Daphne Jones loves nothing more than travelling with her husband, John, in Bluebell, their cute restored caravan. Instead of retiring, she started a new career as a celebrant, officiating at weddings, funerals, and all manner of ceremonies. And even a spot of sleuthing...

Book Link: https://geni.us/Shadowebook

Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dgvlijnwfk

 

Jess Mastorakos

Fans of modern-day royal romances will love this fish out of water adventure!



A Princess for the Marine

Zara is a runaway princess, desperate to make her dreams come true. When she begs Huck to lend a hand, he can’t help but oblige. But Zara is looking for something he can’t provide, and Huck hates that he's falling for her after what happened the last time he gave his heart away. Can this princess and her protector figure it out before she rides off into the sunset alone?

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JJKH6RV

Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/2dmzkfoy1i

 

Whitney Dineen

A laugh out loud royal romcom full of heart!



You’re So Vain

Family drama is something Lutéce Choate struggles to avoid. With a mother who's an award-winning country western song writer, an aunt who's a Country Music Hall of Famer, and a brother who's a rock star, it hasn't exactly been a low-key kind of life, and she's ready for a break.

Then Lu's younger sister, Claire, goes off and gets engaged to a prince from Malquar, bringing the dreaded spotlight back to shine on their family once again. Lu wants to go to the engagement party about as much as she wants to yodel the Star Spangled Banner at the Grand Ole Opry with her crazy relatives. Alas, not going, doesn't appear to be an option.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-So-Vain-Romance-Mothers-ebook/dp/B08XTMM1RG

Newsletter: https://whitneydineen.com/newsletter

 

Whitney Dineen

A billionaire romance with a Hallmark happy ending!



Mistle Text:

‘Twas the Text Before Christmas…

Holly Snow not only needs a job, she needs a miracle. So when her best friend Toni finds her a personal shopper gig for her billionaire boss, Holly jumps at the opportunity. But then Archibald Harrington offers her a much better paying job as his pretend girlfriend over the Christmas holidays, and that's when things get sticky...

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Mistle-Text-Before-Christmas-Accidentally-ebook/dp/B095T3699K/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/whitneydineenauthor

 

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Enjoy these fun Fall Romance and Cozy Mystery #NewRelease Books!

Again, Enter the Contest at: https://bit.ly/3Ey06Xt !

 

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@Chick Lit Shop (IG) & Mary Smith - Book Blogger (FB)