Friday, June 24, 2022

PRISCILLA'S STAKE by Author Annee Jones **Book Birthday** **Land Run Mail-Order Brides**


Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Priscilla's Stake, by author Annee Jones, the eighth book in the new Land Run Mail-Order Brides multi-author series. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, western historical romance series set among the Oklahoma Land Runs from the late 1800s. Sit back, and enjoy a sneak peek!

At twelve o'clock on Monday, April 22d, the resident population of Guthrie was nothing; before sundown it was at least ten thousand. In that time streets had been laid out, town lots staked off, and steps taken toward the formation of a municipal government.”

March 1889

Franklin Sinclair, wealthy Chicago mine investor, has had enough. It’s time for his vain and spoiled daughter, Priscilla, to grow up. After refusing every suitable man who might have her as a bride, he declares that if she wants to see a penny of her inheritance, she must go to Oklahoma to stake a claim on his behalf in the upcoming land run. Otherwise, he’ll marry her off to the first old man who expresses an interest in her before he retires to San Francisco. Priscilla, horrified but determined to get what she wants, agrees to the deal. However, what happens when she discovers that poor and pesky – yet annoyingly handsome – Ladd Mabry, also plans to head out west to participate in the land run?

Ladd Mabry works in a dirty Chicago factory after his father was killed in an explosion while mining for silver in California. He blames the mine’s owner, Franklin Sinclair, for not ensuring safe working conditions at the mine. Since he can’t get close enough to the man to demand restitution – or at least an apology - he’ll settle for his pampered (albeit gorgeous) daughter, Priscilla. Irritated after she blows him off, Ladd decides to leave Chicago altogether and start over out west. But who should he then discover on the very same train bound for Oklahoma?

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

“For heaven’s sake, a man’s purpose is not to entertain his wife, Priscilla,” Franklin replied, rolling his eyes. “I cannot imagine what you expect your future husband to talk about. Besides, I have yet to meet a man who has been able to understand the peculiarities of what goes in a lady’s mind – especially yours, which appears to be filled with nothing but fluff.”

“Oh, Father, you can’t really mean that,” Priscilla said. “You are the one who raised me, after all, ever since my mother died in childbirth.”

“Catherine’s untimely death was very unfortunate for us both.” Franklin ran a hand through his graying hair and sighed. “I regret not having a woman in the house to train you up properly. I’m afraid you have grown much too proud and headstrong than is becoming for your sex.”

“I can’t help it.” Priscilla said. “And I don’t see how having – or not having – a mother would have made any difference as to the formation of my thoughts or affections. I refuse to marry Algernon, Father. I simply cannot do it. Now, let’s put the matter of matrimony behind us and talk about something more pleasant. When is your next trip to California? You promised to let me come with you. The dress shops here in Chicago are still carrying last year’s fashions, which I’m tired of. My maid, Nettie, could accompany me to the boutiques in San Francisco while you tour your silver mines.” She fingered the lace edging of her sleeve, imagining what it would be like to ride on a cable car.

“Actually, Priscilla, I have another idea,” Franklin said, eyeing her steadily.

“Oh?” she sat up a little straighter in the chair. Was he going to suggest they take a trip to New York instead?

“Look,” he said, picking up his newspaper and thumbing through the pages. She frowned. What could be in there that would be of any interest to her? The Society section was only published on Saturdays.

Finally, Franklin found the page he’d been looking for and turned it so she could see. He tapped his index finger on the headline as she leaned forward to get a closer look.

President Benjamin Harrison’s Plan to Populate the Unassigned Lands,” she read aloud. “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”

“Oklahoma, Priscilla. The Oklahoma Territory.” Franklin sat back in his brown leather captain’s chair as a smile slowly began to take shape over his face.

“What about it?” She asked, perplexed. “Isn’t that part of Indian Territory?”

“Yes,” he answered. “But it won’t be for long. President Harrison just signed a bill into law that will open up the land for settlement next month – on April 22nd, to be exact. A friend of mine from the gentleman’s club – Hugh Caldecott - is interested in going into cattle ranching. I’m considering going into business with him.”

“Cattle?” Priscilla laughed. “You mean, like cows?” The vision of her prim and proper father, always immaculately attired and fussing about order and neatness, wearing a cowboy hat and riding around on a horse trying to lasso a wayward cow was almost too much to bear. Tears formed in her eyes and her side began to hurt she was laughing so hard.

“Priscilla Catherine!” Franklin fairly yelled. “I’ll have you know that cattle ranching is the new mining. Instead of silver, we’re mining beef. There is a lot of money to be had in investing in America’s resources – especially when it comes to food and land. Cattle ranching promises to be a very lucrative investment, mark my words.”

“If you say so, Father,” said Priscilla, standing up and brushing a speck of lint off her skirt. She yawned, her energy spent from her hearty laugh. “Although I can’t imagine the dust and dirt to be worth it. Anyway, I’m going to go ask Cook what’s for supper tonight. My stomach is beginning to rumble.”

“Fine, child. I’ll see you in the dining room in a quarter-hour.” Franklin slowly began to fold the newspaper back up, taking care with the creases.

After Priscilla shut the office door behind her, he narrowed his eyes and added softly, “I haven’t figured out what I shall do with you – yet. But God help whoever the poor lad is who takes your hand in marriage.”


Author Annee Jones writes heartwarming romance and will soon be adding cozy mystery, fantasy/ PNR, suspense, and more to her list of genres since her imagination often runs away with her. She is passionate about writing stories that offer readers a place where dreams come true!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Annee also enjoys freelance writing for Publishers Weekly and multiple publishing companies.


Oklahoma’s Land Runs began on April 22, 1889. There would be five land runs with the last one taking place on May 23, 1895. Each book in the series is set around one of these land runs.

You can find all twelve books in this series on Kindle Unlimited
~ ~ ~
Thanks you for stopping by again today. Please come back again soon for more authors and great books.

Blessings,
Nancy

Thursday, June 23, 2022

HATTIE'S LONGING by Author Lynn A. Coleman **Book Birthday** **Land Run Mail-Order Brides**

Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Hattie's Longing, by author Lynn A. Coleman, the seventh book in the new Land Run Mail-Order Brides multi-author series. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, western historical romance series set among the Oklahoma Land Runs from the late 1800s. Sit back, and enjoy a sneak peek!

Widowed and with a son to support, Hatti Duffy feels she has no alternative but to answer an advertisement for a wife. Oscar Blue wants, no needs, a wife to successfully homestead in the new Oklahoma territory. Hatti Duffy answers his ad and can arrive in time for the Land Run.

Emotions run high as everyone rushes off to find their homestead. Oscar has mapped out where he would like to settle, and he slowly plods his way past the others and picks a parcel that abuts the newest home of the Cherokee people. Hatti makes peace with her new husband and their Indian neighbors as they help each other over and over again.

Can their marriage survive when Running Bear requests a considerable sacrifice from Oscar? Can the fragile intimacy that has begun between Oscar and Hatti survive three months of separation? Will her heart’s longings be finally satisfied with this new and unorthodox marriage? Will they love forever and always?

Available on Amazon

Lynn has been writing Christian fiction for over twenty years. She founded the American Christian Fiction Writers. ACFW She’s been serving with her husband as a pastor’s wife for over 40 years. Together they have three children, one now lives in glory. And have eight grandchildren and recently became great-grandparents.

Her interests and hobbies apart from writing are genealogy research, and recently added gardening and raising some ducks, chickens, rabbit. Not to mention the family dog. She also likes photography and travel.



Oklahoma’s Land Runs began on April 22, 1889. There would be five land runs with the last one taking place on May 23, 1895. Each book in the series is set around one of these land runs.

You can find all twelve books in this series on Kindle Unlimited
~ ~ ~
Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again tomorrow for two more new release notices with talented authors and great books!

Blessings,
Nancy

Monday, June 20, 2022

AIYANA'S RESTITUTION by Author Allyson Carter *Book Birthday* **Land Run Mail-Order Brides**

Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Aiyana's Restitution, by author Allyson Carter, the sixth book in the new Land Run Mail-Order Brides multi-author series. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, western historical romance series set among the Oklahoma Land Runs from the late 1800s. Sit back, and enjoy a sneak peek!

Aiyana doesn’t trust anyone who’s not part of her Cherokee tribe. So, when she answers a mail-order bride ad, she doesn’t expect to grow to care for a white man. Get in, mess up his plans to build a home on their land, and get out. Except for stolen moments between them have her re-thinking her revenge.

Edward longs for a family of his own, even if they don’t know one another. He sees the hurt in her eyes and wants to replace the sadness with love. As they work together to build a home, he falls in love with his bride in a way he never expected. He’d protect her and him at any costs, so when danger comes can they survive the attack?

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited.


Allyson is a best-selling author who writes Christian fiction in the romantic suspense, romance, and suspense genres, sometimes a straight sweet or secular is written as well.

In her books, readers will find emotionally stirring storylines, as well a compelling mixture of suspense with faith mixed in. She resides in Indiana with her loving husband and four wonderful children, dog, and three cats. When not spending time with her family, you can find her knitting, and watching perhaps a few way too many suspense and reality television shows.



Oklahoma’s Land Runs began on April 22, 1889. There would be five land runs with the last one taking place on May 23, 1895. Each book in the series is set around one of these land runs.

You can find all twelve books in this series on Kindle Unlimited
~ ~ ~
Thank you for stopping by. Please come back again all week for more authors and great books.

Nancy


Thursday, June 16, 2022

RACHAEL'S CLAIM by Author Linda Baten Johnson *Book Birthday* *Land Run Mail-Order Brides*

Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Rachael's Claim, by author Linda Baten Johnson, the fifth book in the new Land Run Mail-Order Brides multi-author series. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, western historical romance series set among the Oklahoma Land Runs from the late 1800s. Sit back, and enjoy a sneak peek!
As arable farmland grows scarce, the United States opens up former sections of Indian Territory for homesteading. Those who want to claim land must make a run for it.

Rachael, wearing trousers and sitting astride a spirited horse, pulled the floppy hat lower to disguise her face. She could ride and shoot, but she’d also need nerve and luck. The newspaper estimated over a hundred thousand men and a few foolhardy women would rush into Oklahoma territory in wagons, on horses, bicycles, and by foot when the cannon boomed at noon. Even a train, packed with people ready to jump off, waited for the signal. The Oklahoma Land Run of 1893 held only forty-two thousand plots, so more than half the hopeful settlers would be disappointed. Rachael could not be in that group.

Jess Hunter thrashed with alternating chills and fever and called for water. When he received no response, he struggled to sit up. Rachael was gone. His friends had ribbed him about writing for a mail-order bride. He should have listened. Jess looked around the shack. His claim stake was gone! He struggled to his feet and whistled for his horse. No familiar whinny answered, and Dandy wasn’t in the pasture. Was she a horse thief too? He vowed to track her down—just before he passed out.

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited.

“Oh Papa, I’m sorry you’ve shouldered this burden alone. You rest. I’ll make toast and jam, then we can plan.” She went to the kitchen with two goals—making tea and deciding how to avoid marriage to her father’s fifty-year-old friend.

The letterbox clanged, and Rachel left the tea steeping to check the post. How could she have been so obtuse? She grimaced as she spied a cream embossed card from Mr. Crenshaw and then looked at the newspaper.

The bold headline screamed: KANSAS MEN DESPERATE FOR WOMEN. She laughed, thinking she was a Michigan woman desperate for a man.

While toasting the bread, Rachael read the article about ten Kansas men who wanted mail-order brides. The newspaper sponsored the matchmaking endeavor and would be paying the potential bride's fare west. The Kansas men selected all planned to participate in the Oklahoma Land Run in September of 1893 and professed to want wives to start a new life with them. Descriptions of the ten men followed. The article stated all interested women should reply to the newspaper office. The editor would notify the women selected before September 1.

When she took the tea tray to the parlor, Papa snored softly. If she had to marry, she'd prefer a young Kansas stranger than her father's old, fat friend who smelled of rheumy rubbing oil and hair wax. She selected stationary from the secretarial desk.


Linda Baten Johnson grew up in White Deer, Texas, where she won blue ribbons for storytelling. She still loves spinning tales. A tornado destroyed the town when Linda lived there, and watching faith-based actions in rebuilding lives and homes after the tragedy influences her writing. Her historical fiction books for young readers and her squeaky-clean romances are available in print, e-book, and on audio.

Oklahoma’s Land Runs began on April 22, 1889. There would be five land runs with the last one taking place on May 23, 1895. Each book in the series is set around one of these land runs.

You can find all twelve books in this series on Kindle Unlimited.

~ ~ ~

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again all next week for more talented authors and great books.

Blessings,
Nancy

 


BEACH WEDDING ON THE ROCKS by Author Maddie Evans *Book Birthday* *A Summer Vacation Romance*

Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Beach Wedding on the Rocks, by author Maddie James, the third book in the new multi-author series, A Summer Vacation Romance. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, contemporary romance series set among some of our vacation destinations. Sit back, enjoy a sneak peek, and let’s see just how far we can arm-chair travel!
If revenge is best served cold, then payback should be on the rocks.

Eight years after leaving Brighthead, Maine with a broken heart, Noah opens a wedding invitation from the man who destroyed Noah’s relationship with Elsie—and Noah’s only shot at lifelong love. Easy RSVP: NO.

Elsie’s letting her best friend use her vacation house for a wedding on the rocky beach—which would be great except Elsie hates the groom for his “little prank” that broke up her and Noah right after graduation. When Noah RSVPs that he’s not coming, Elsie’s not having it. Her ex had better get up to Maine now—and they’re going to give their prankster friend a little bit of what he’s dished out.

Or…a lot of what he’s dished out.

As Elsie and Noah plan (and pull off!) a series of hilarious stunts, the old feelings and questions flood back like a tide over the rocks. What begins as a pact to get payback turns into a week of missteps, mixed signals, and misguided attempts to deny everything that’s kept them apart for so long.

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited.


What a revolting development.

On the steps of his townhome, Noah Szymczak paused mid-shuffle through the day’s mail, staring at what had to be a wedding invitation. The last name and address in the corner meant it came from no one other than Dan Bluett, inveterate prankster and life-ruiner. And former friend.

Well, would-be former friend, if only Noah had ever actually told him off. He hadn’t. Just moved away.

Still.

With five minutes remaining of his lunch break before he’d have to return to his home office, Noah opened the envelope to reveal another envelope—which was as good a metaphor for Dan as anything Noah could have come up with. Inside that was a slice of hefty cardstock emblazoned with birds and ribbon hearts, and short choppy lines that Dan and Skye “request the honor of your presence.”

Oh, and how cute—they had a wedding hashtag. #BluettSkyes.

Of course Dan would want Noah there to witness him get married--when in effect, the last thing Dan had done before leaving for college was make sure Noah wouldn’t. Wouldn’t get married, that was.

The wedding would be in Brighthead, Maine, so Dan hadn’t gone far afield. Or maybe the location was because of Skye, his bride who’d been a year behind them at Brighthead High School.

Easy excuse. Noah had moved four hours away from Brighthead, and in the immortal words of his father, “I didn’t leave anything there.” Noah could have opened the third envelope, which undoubtedly contained the RSVP card, but instead he used his phone to scan the QR code and fill out the website form. “Sorry, won’t be able to make it.”

After that, he had one minute left before logging back in for his job. He spent his minute the best way he could: dropping that invitation into the shredder. It entered as a bad memory and emerged as sharp-edged diamonds. And that is enough of that.

***
At least, that would have been enough of that, if Noah hadn’t awakened the next morning to a text from a number he hadn’t seen in eight years. Timestamped at two o’clock in the morning. From Elsie Jenner.

Elsie?

“You had better get here for that wedding.”

Maddie Evans is a slightly offbeat romantic who believes in the combination of love and hard work. When she's not writing stories, you can find her exploring dirt trails on her bike or jogging around town.

Maddie lives in New England with her husband, kids, and an ever-changing number of tropical fish.



We hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to one of our wonderful locales. Come back again soon to see where we’re going next.

You can find the entire series exclusively on Kindle Unlimited.
~ ~ ~
Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon for more authors and great books.

Blessings,
Nancy

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

YIELDING IN YELLOWSTONE by Author Regina Walker *BOOK BIRTHDAY* *A Summer Vacation Romance*


Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Yielding in Yellowstone, by author Regina Walker, the second book in the new multi-author series, A Summer Vacation Romance. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, contemporary romance series set among some of our vacation destinations. Sit back, enjoy a sneak peek, and let’s see just how far we can arm-chair travel!

Taking a position at a quaint bookstore in Double Creek was supposed to be Trena Wallace’s dream job. Restlessness, like an itch in her soul, has plagued her ever since her hiking accident. When an opportunity for a summer vacation in Yellowstone presents itself, Trena can’t pass it up.

Gavin Eidson saved up all through high school for his van. His dad helped him with the design and fabrication, even though he didn’t think living in a van was a good long-term lifestyle. After eight years of traveling, he’s had his fill of seeing far and wide. Gavin can’t stop thinking about settling down and starting a family. His favorite national park, Yellowstone, is just the place where he can clear his thoughts and formulate his next plan.

Follow Trena to Yellowstone and find out if sparks fly when she meets Gavin.

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

Regina Walker was born in the beautiful state of Colorado. She moved to Oklahoma in her late teen years, where she has resided ever since. She likes to curl up on the couch and binge-watch crime shows with her hard-working husband. When she's not wrestling with a writing project, she can be found wrangling their children, riding their horses, or tending the garden. Along with finding horses on their small farm, chickens, dogs, and cats can be found at nearly every turn.

Regina crafts compelling characters facing some of life's hardest challenges. Her heart's desire is to always point toward Jesus through the way her characters face challenges, relationships, and adversity.



We hope you enjoyed your mini-vacation to one of our wonderful locales. Come back again soon to see where we’re going next.

You can find the entire series exclusively on Kindle Unlimited.
~ ~ ~
Thank you for stopping by. Please come back again on Friday for a sneak peek at the next book in this series.

Blessings,
Nancy

Monday, June 13, 2022

BREWSTER'S BABY by Author Marisa Masterson **Book Birthday** **Land Run Mail-Order Brides**


Welcome to Romance Sweet Reads! Today, we’ll be featuring Brewster’s Baby, by author Marisa Masterson, the fourth book in the new Land Run Mail-Order Brides multi-author series. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing all twelve books in this wonderful new sweet/inspirational, western historical romance series set among the Oklahoma Land Runs from the late 1800s. Sit back, and enjoy a sneak peek!

He wants her, needs her. But, will he ever find a way to express his emotions to her?

Michael Brewster needs a wife as he sets up a new business. That’s all! No complications or tender feelings will soften his hard heart or get in the way of his plans to build an empire.

Hetty Fields arrives by train on the very day of the first Oklahoma Land Run. She’s a day late, upsetting her groom's perfect schedule. Add to that, she does something to him that threatens to awaken his sleeping emotions. And then he sees the baby…

Why didn’t she warn him about the baby? How can he want a woman he doesn’t entirely trust?

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

Marisa Masterson and her husband of thirty years reside in Saginaw, Michigan. They have two grown children, one son-in-law, a grandchild on the way, and one old and lazy dog.

She is a retired high school English teacher and oversaw a high school writing center in partnership with the local university. In addition, she is a National Writing Project fellow and a regular contributor to the Sweet Americana Sweethearts and Sweethearts of the West blogs.

Focusing on her home state of Wisconsin, she writes sweet historical romance. Growing up, she loved hearing stories about her family pioneering in that state. Those stories, in part, are what inspired her to begin writing.


Oklahoma’s Land Runs began on April 22, 1889. There would be five land runs with the last one taking place on May 23, 1895. Each book in the series is set around one of these land runs.

You can find all twelve books in this series on Kindle Unlimited

~ ~ ~

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon for more authors and great books!

Blessings,

Nancy