Showing posts with label Marianne Spitzer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marianne Spitzer. Show all posts

Monday, February 27, 2023

AMANDA (RESCUE ME ~ MAIL~ORDER BRIDES - Book 9) by Author MARIANNE SPITZER *Book Birthday*

Welcome back to Romance Sweet Reads. Today we're going to continue with our feature of a new series of sweet/inspirational, western historical romances. The series, RESCUE ME (Mail-Order Brides) consists of twenty-five books, releasing once per week, every Monday. So, sit back and enjoy!

The ninth book in the Rescue Me (Mail Order Brides) series, is Amanda, by Author Marianne Spitzer.

Amanda Sutton, the nanny to a wealthy family in Chicago, becomes suspicious of her employer when the man’s wife dies unexpectedly.

Overhearing a conversation between her employer and his lover, Amanda knows she needs to flee town before the man realizes Amanda knows more than she should.

Amanda finds an ad from a man who wants a mail-order bride immediately. In a panic that her employer would come after her, Amanda doesn’t give much thought to the strange ad. Instead, she leaves for Wyoming on the next train heading west.

When she arrives in Wyoming, things are not as expected, but the sheriff helps her find a nanny position. All seems well until the man she ran from comes to town looking for her.

Can a woman running for her life and a man who doesn’t want a woman in his life fall in love and find happiness?

Available exclusive on Kindle Unlimited

"He tipped his hat and said, “Good afternoon, miss. I’m Sheriff Quint Steele. May I be of any assistance? It appears you’re waiting for someone.”

Amanda smiled and said, “Yes, I am. I’m waiting for my fiancé, but I arrived a day early. Perhaps he didn’t get my telegram.”

“Your fiancé? Congratulations. If you tell me his name, maybe I can send my deputy after him and let him know you’ve arrived.”

“Oh, thank you,” Amanda replied. “His name is Cyril Reymond, and he owns a ranch close to town.”

The smile fell from the sheriff’s face, and a frown took its place. “We should sit down and discuss this. I assume you’re here in answer to his mail-order bride ad?”

Amanda nodded and sat back down on the bench.

“He’s not dead or injured, is he?” Amanda stammered.

Sheriff Steele shrugged. “Not to my knowledge, but you should know a few things before meeting Cyril Reymond.”

Amanda nodded again.

The sheriff began to explain. “Cyril Reymond owns a saloon several miles from here. It sits closer to Cheyenne than it does to Prairieville and has quite a reputation. Nothing that anyone has been able to prove, but rumor has it he sends for mail-order brides, convinces them that he has a huge ranch not too far from town, and that she can stay there safely until the traveling preacher comes around. He runs ads using several local communities where the women have arrived. Too many disappearing from the same town would be suspicious. He doesn’t always come in person. More often than not, he sends one of his men, who claims he’s the ranch foreman. But, of course, most people don’t report a missing mail-order bride. We have a preacher here in town, but Reymond is a fast talker and spirits the women out of town nearly as soon as they set foot in town. You’re fortunate you arrived a day early.”


My passion is writing. When I am not writing, I am reading or watching sunsets. I have been writing short stories since I was in elementary school. Most were in the form of essays relating real-life events. Many were purely imaginary trips to magical places and times. I enjoy making up stories about people I meet or see on the street. My imagination runs wild and free. Besides my novels and companion short stories, I have self-published a book of children’s stories I used to tell to my granddaughter, Brittney, and two books of supernatural short stories.

I have been reading and loving supernatural stories and mysteries since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book. I also read all the Hardy Boy books I could find. I am a fan of Stephen King, Wendy Corsi Staub, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie. I also have a romantic side that is drawn to the mail-order bride stories of the 1800s.

I write cozy mystery, supernatural mystery, and Western Historical romance.

I love spring, summer, and starlight, but ice and snow make my dislike list. I have two children and two grandchildren who are the joys of my life.





Women on the run! But from what? Will they need rescuing? Or, will these intrepid heroines have the faith and the strength to rescue themselves while finding their ultimate reward? True love!

You can find the entire Rescue Me ~ Mail-Order Brides series exclusively on

~ ~ ~'

Thank you for stopping by. Please come back again next week for another feature on this wonderful series. Until then, stay happy, healthy, and safe.

Blessings,
Nancy

Friday, September 17, 2021

LUCY'S CHOICE by Author Marianne Spitzer *Courting Chaos Series*



Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is thrilled to host author Marianne Spitzer and her new release, Lucy’s Choice, Book 2 in the Courting Chaos series.



Lucy’s employer expects more from her than she is willing to give. When he tells her that he will ruin her reputation regardless of her answer, she knows she needs to leave town.
Lucy answers an advert for an employment agency offering nanny jobs out West. It seems to be the answer to her problem. Arriving in Wyoming, Lucy expects to care for two children.

In her wildest dreams, she never expected to have three men pursue her, each with marriage intentions.

Will Lucy find someone to spend her life with, or will she have to run again from three men who don’t want to take no for an answer.

 Get Lucy’s Choice exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

 


When Lucy stopped in front of Missus Auberon’s Employment Agency, she drew in a deep breath before opening the door and stepping into the small office.

A young lady of no more than twenty years greeted Lucy: “Good morning, what can I do for you?”

“I’ve come about the ad in the paper for openings in the West,” Lucy answered.

“Lovely,” the young woman said. “My name is Grace, and I’ll be happy to help you. Please, have a seat. Missus Auberon requires a form be filled out before she interviews possible candidates.”

Lucy took the offered chair next to a small table and thanked Grace for the form and pencil. The form was simple. She needed to write down her name, address, employment history, education, and the reason why she wanted to head West. Lucy hesitated at the last question before simply answering, “Personal reasons.” She could explain those reasons to Missus Auberon in person if needed.

Grace smiled and accepted the completed form. “Please, wait a moment,” she said before disappearing through a door at the opposite end of the office.

A few minutes later, Grace opened the door and announced, “Missus Auberon will see you now, Miss Brennon.”

Lucy thanked Grace, entered the larger brightly lit office, and greeted the matronly woman—her dark brown hair liberally streaked with gray and pulled into a tight bun—who was sitting behind an ornate oak desk.  “Good morning, Missus Auberon. Thank you for seeing me,” Lucy said.

Missus Auberon gestured to an overstuffed burgundy floral chair in front of her desk. “Please, be seated. I prefer to be comfortable, don’t you? I detest hard wooden chairs.”

Lucy smiled her agreement. She liked the woman immediately and said a silent prayer that she would fare well and find employment quickly.

Missus Auberon read the form and frowned. “The personal reason you have for wanting to leave town isn’t any trouble, is it Miss Brennon. You aren’t with child or involved in some sort of investigation with the authorities?”

Lucy shook her head before lowering her eyes. Her voice quiet, Lucy explained her situation at the Carstairs home.

“I see,” Missus Auberon said. “Yes, that could be quite the problem; however, with your qualifications, I believe I can offer you immediate employment with the mayor of a small town in Wyoming called Snowdrop. His wife was injured in a riding accident, and they need a nanny. He has paid for the train and stage fare, and you could leave as soon as tomorrow if you wish.”

A short discussion informed Lucy that her charges would be a girl of six and a boy of five. She would have a private room and not be expected to perform any household duties except caring for the children. The mayor had a maid and cook.

Missus Auberon handed Lucy two letters. One was from the local sheriff and the other from the town’s pastor, attesting to the good standing and character of the mayor, his ailing wife, and their need for a nanny for their two well-behaved children.

Lucy found herself agreeing to the employment opportunity before she thought it through completely, wishing to get out of town as soon as possible.

Missus Auberon said, “I can have your tickets and the trip details to your hotel this afternoon. Mayor Powell has included some funds in case of an emergency. They will be in the envelope delivered to you. I believe you will do nicely. Will leaving tomorrow give you enough time to say your goodbyes to family and friends?”

Lucy gave a small shrug of one shoulder. “I’m an orphan, and I was too busy at the Carstairs and didn’t have time to make friends.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but perhaps things will change in Wyoming. Life is more laid back out West. I do wish you the best, and if you have difficulty, please don’t hesitate to send a telegram. We will assist you as quickly as possible,” Missus Auberon assured.

Lucy wished Missus Auberon a good day and thanked her for the help before leaving. She strolled back to the hotel, both excited and a bit scared. What would her new life bring?

 



My passion is writing. When I am not writing, I am reading or watching sunsets. I have been writing short stories since I was in elementary school. Most were in the form of essays relating real-life events. Many were purely imaginary trips to magical places and times. I enjoy making up stories about people I meet or see on the street. My imagination runs wild and free. Besides my novels and companion short stories, I have self-published a book of children’s stories I used to tell to my granddaughter, Brittney, and two books of supernatural short stories.

I have been reading and loving supernatural stories and mysteries since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book. I also read all the Hardy Boy books I could find. I am a fan of Stephen King, Wendy Corsi Staub, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie. I also have a romantic side that is drawn to the mail-order bride stories of the 1800s.

I write cozy mystery, supernatural mystery, and Western Historical romance.

I love spring, summer, and starlight, but ice and snow make my dislike list. I have two children and two grandchildren who are the joys of my life. 

Marianne's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page

 


You might think it would be easy to find a man when the odds are forty to one. You might be wrong.

Join the authors of this brand-new series as their heroines fend off the advances of not just one man, but three. Can you figure out which one she’ll choose before the end of the book? Will it be the man you hoped it would be?

~ ~ ~

It’s been my pleasure hosting Marianne today. I look forward to featuring more books in this great series.

Nancy






Friday, August 13, 2021

Matchmaker’s Mix-Up Series to Date (Books 1 – 11)


Book #1 – Conner’s Contrary Bride, By Author Barbara Goss

“They were as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire.”

Elsie Crenshaw of Gobbler's Knob, West Virginia, runs from a cruel stepfather to take refuge with a widow who introduces her to a successful matchmaker. Elsie, having no family, feels the need of a protector after what she endured from her stepfather. Elsie gives the matchmaking ad a try.

Dr. Conner Van Beauregard Van Gates the IV, has lost his wife during childbirth. He lost his successful practice in Missouri and moves to Hays City, Kansas. After two years, he finds himself lonely and needing help running his clinic. His faithful housekeeper talks him into trying the matchmaking service.

How could either Elsie or Conner know a naughty cat messed up all the matchmaker’s matches? How could Conner put up with such a contrary bride? How do bank robbers and the evil stepfather bring them to realize opposites can attract?

 

Book #2 - Carter’s Klutzy Bride, By Author Marianne Spitzer

Carter Hanegan, retired bounty hunter and former sheriff, hangs up his guns for a quieter life as a Wyoming rancher. When he sees an ad for Agatha’s Matchmaking Service, he decides sending for a bride will complete his life.

Genevieve Szpica, close to being a spinster at twenty-six, worries about living life alone. Genevieve is a sweet young woman, but a bit clumsy, and her boss’ incessant hurtful remarks about her difficulties have made her the laughingstock of the men in town. Perhaps answering the ad from Agatha’s Matchmaking Service might be the answer to her loneliness.

Ada Louise Hanegan decides after the passing of her husband that life would be better if she lived with her son Carter at his ranch. She arrives with crates and crates of delicate china and precious breakables she claims she can’t live without.

Can love connect a henpecked son and a woman trying to overcome the shadow of town klutz, or will a spiteful, persnickety old woman ruin their chances for a happy future?

 

Book #3 – Brenden’s Bookish Bride, By Author Josephine Blake

Patient and quiet, Margarette Bates is accustomed to hard work. Her only distraction from the grim realities of the New York workhouses are the novels she has grown to love. When a chance comes for her own romantic escape to the wilds of Adoration, Oregon, she takes it without hesitation—only to find that her romantic hero-to-be is actually a perpetually irritated man well into middle age!

Horrified at their matchmaker's inexcusable mix-up, the two quickly strike a bargain—she’ll work as his housekeeper, and leave as soon as she can find another situation. However, love is determined to find Margarette within the city limits of Adoration, and if not with her new employer, might it be in the arms of his handsome son?

Henry Weller always intended to see to his father's happiness before his own, but when Margarette Bates arrives in Adoration...his resolve is put to an unexpected test. As his father's affection for the woman grows into something more serious, Henry must choose between a passion he never thought possible and the love of his own flesh and blood.

Can the bride that he intended for his father truly be meant for him?

 

Book #4 – Harvey’s Bashful Bride, By Author Krystal M. Anderson

In theory, sending for a bride through a Matchmaker was a sound plan. In reality, it couldn't have been more disastrous...

As Cottonwood Creek's newly elected Mayor, Harvey Dennett is in need of a bride. Utilizing Chicago's most successful matchmaker certainly seemed like the answer to all his problems, but when Martha, his wife-to-be, faints the minute she arrives, he wonders whether he made a giant mistake.

Bashful Martha, on the other hand, is happy for her change in circumstance but unaccustomed to the wilds of her new frontier home. When a string of robberies plague the citizens of Cottonwood Creek, Martha enlists the help of two stalwart friends to conquer the threat, endearing her to the people of the town. Will her efforts be enough to win the heart of her husband?

Book #5 – Matthew’s Wild Mountain Bride, By Author Lynn Donovan

D’Nisa McLeish must leave her home in West Virginia or else she’ll be forced to marry a man she cannot cotton to. She seeks Agatha Sinclair’s matchmaking service which has a reputation for excellent matches. D’Nisa is confident she’ll make a terrific wife for a trapper in the western Rockies. But can she manage to wear her first pair of shoes all the way to Colorado?

Matthew Strickland is from New York. Raised in a wealthy family, he enjoys the finer things in life. His father sent him to Cañon City, Colorado to oversee operations in a lucrative freight business. Freight transportation is more profitable than mining for gold or silver. But Matthew misses the civilized life of New York and longs for a refined wife who will take his mind off the wildness of the west.

How can these opposites find an amicable solution? What could possibly draw them together to be happy ever after?

 

Book #6 – Dalton’s Dual Brides, By Author Annee Jones

 A naughty cat…a mixed-up matchmaker…an outlaw’s ghost…and now dueling brides - what’s a cowboy to do?

1870, Wyoming Territory. Dalton Sweetland is one stressed-out cattle rancher. Notorious outlaw Butler Robb was recently caught following a life of crime spent stealing cattle, robbing stagecoaches, and committing murder. Right before being hanged, Robb uttered one final word… “Sweetland.” In the months since a rumor has popped up in a town that the outlaw buried his loot somewhere on Sweetland land. Multiple townsfolk are claiming they’ve seen Robb’s ghost wandering the property, purportedly to recover his lost gold. To make matters worse, Dalton’s ranch hands keep quitting out of fear of being accosted by the apparition, and Dalton himself keeps being accosted by mischievous young ladies wishing to marry him, find the treasure, and get rich quick. After Dalton’s brother suggests hiring a matchmaker to help him find true love, Dalton hopes the end of his problems is finally in sight. Little does he know…

1870, Chicago. Cleo the cat, after enjoying a bit too much catnip, lost her balance while prancing along the high bookshelf where Agatha Sinclair, matchmaker, keeps her files. While skittering down, Cleo’s weight proved too much for the flimsy wood and the structure came toppling over, sending Agatha’s papers flying. Nobody could blame poor Agatha for promptly having an apoplectic fit upon seeing the mess. Now her granddaughter, Maggie, is left with trying to sort out her grandmother’s matches. The files indicate that Dalton Sweetland was matched with a “J. Knight,” but Maggie can’t seem to locate the woman’s address to contact her. Hence, she takes out an ad in the newspaper looking for a marriageable lady named “J. Knight” who wishes to claim her ticket out West to meet her match. Much to Maggie’s distress, not one, but TWO Miss J. Knights come knocking at her door ready to claim the golden ticket.

Was Dalton matched with Jessalynn or Jenna? Maggie doesn’t have time to figure this out, so throwing up her hands, she apologizes for the mishap and agrees to foot the bill for both of them to take the stage to Wyoming.

May the best bride marry the cursed cowboy...


Book #7 – Ezra’s Forgetful Bride, By Author Christine Sterling

A woman needing patience. A man demanding perfection. Can a matchmaker's mix-up be exactly what these two need?

Kathleen O'Byrne hasn't been forgetful all her life. After an accident leaves her with a brain injury, her father hired a successful matchmaker to find Katie a husband. The man she needs to marry would be patient, kind and understanding. Not at all like Ezra Simmons who made her cry within ten minutes of meeting her. 

Ezra Simmons's life depends on accuracy and precision. He can’t have someone who makes mistakes in his small mercantile as it costs him money! When he hires a matchmaker to find him the perfect wife, he imagines someone beautiful and well versed in finances, inventory, and common sense. What he didn’t expect was a beautiful redhead, who would make a mess of Ezra’s orderly world.

How long can Katie pretend there is nothing wrong before Ezra sends her back home? When Ezra finds a letter from Kate’s father and he realizes he wasn’t her intended match, will he be able to let her go? Can a stickler shopkeeper find love with his forgetful bride?

 

Book #8 – Ryan’s Reckless Bride, By Author Laurean Brooks

Struggling rancher Ryan McKay needs a mother for his nineteen-month-old daughter. He requests a sedate, responsible young woman who thinks before she acts, unlike his deceased wife. She must be an exceptional cook and able to perform some

outdoor chores. To prevent temptation, Ryan hopes the woman is as plain as homemade soap, because their marriage will be in name only. When bubbly, petite Annalyn Pierce hops off the stage in her fancy ball dress, Ryan’s jaw drops. She’s way too pretty and her resemblance to his dead wife stuns him.

Annalyn will be thrown out of the house when her aunt dies, so she contacts Agatha Sinclair's Matchmaker's Agency to request a valiant cowboy. Annalyn is thrilled when the agency pairs her with a wealthy Texas rancher who wants to wed an attractive young woman who enjoys travel and adventure.

Ryan and Annalyn decide to wait 8 weeks to tie the knot, to ensure they are compatible. Ryan isn’t the exciting cowboy Annalyn requested, but she is drawn to his kind and patient nature.

After she burns two meals and almost sets the house on fire, Ryan suspects he was sent the wrong bride, but he’s already smitten with the vivacious woman whose bubbly personality makes him laugh again.

Fearing Ryan will discover she can’t cook a lick, Annalyn engages a neighbor to give her secret cooking lessons each day while he checks on the herd. But when Ryan rides in early and discovers the neighbor lady hiding in the barn, Annalyn’s secret is exposed and she loses Ryan’s trust. She sets out to regain it, but makes a reckless decision that endangers his toddler's life.

Will Annalyn's foolhardy act put her on the next stage out, or will Ryan open his heart to her, even though she’s not the sedate. responsible woman he requested? How will God turn a mismatched couple into the perfect match?

 

Book # 9 – William’s Wistful Bride, By Author Cat Cahill

Can two mismatched hearts find love?

All Jenny Andrews has ever wanted is a family of her own. But since she can't have children, that dream has always been only a dream—until she asks Mrs. Sinclair's matchmaking agency to find her a widower in need of a mother for his children.

William Denzinger prefers the horses in his livery stable to children. Growing up on his own, he has little need for family. What he does need is a good woman to cook and to keep the books for his business, and so he requests a bride from a matchmaking agency. But when his new bride arrives, she isn't exactly what he had in mind—particularly when she takes in an orphan boy and requests William put young Charlie to work in his stable.

William finally acquiesces, and in return, Jenny tries to find the reason his books don't add up. Love slowly blossoms between them, and William begins to soften toward Charlie.

But what will he think when Jenny brings home an abandoned baby—and discovers who is behind the missing money in William's ledger books?

 

Book #10 – Christopher’s Quiet Bride, By Author Lynn Donovan

Cora (Corey) Johanson is old enough to marry, but her extreme timidity prevents her from being courted. Her father asks for help from the well-known matchmaker, Agatha Sinclair, and is confident when a choice is made. Corey arrives in Colorado where she is swept off to the altar and married without uttering a word. Can she overcome her fear and learn to trust her new husband?

Christopher Walker has big plans for the 170 acres he bought. All he needs is a sturdy woman by his side. With Mrs. Sinclair’s help, his bride-to-be is on her way. She’s quiet, but that doesn’t bother him none, until he realizes she doesn’t speak at all. Now what? She’s anything but sturdy! How can Chris fulfill his dreams of building a legendary ranch with such a fragile wife?

 

Book #11 – Beau’s Elegant Bride, By Author Marisa Masterson

A cat, an accident, and a pile of mixed-up letters send a bride to a man she otherwise would never have met. Only time will tell if she and this new marriage can survive the match.

Francine 'Francy' Dinsmore loses the security she's always known with the death of her father. Life so far has treated Francy tenderly and expected very little from her.

Beau LeFevre abandons a hopeless future to venture west. The only thing he needs before he leaves is a wife. When the elegant woman arrives from the matchmaker, he marries her wondering all the while what made the matchmaker send this bride to him.

How can he make a marriage work with this spoiled woman? Life on the trail leads him to believe someone made a mistake!

Will this turn out to be a happy accident and a sound pairing with the only woman who can win his heart?

 

There you go ... you’re all caught up! You can find the entire series, all neatly packaged, on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. And, aren't these covers gorgeous? Thanks to Covers and Cupcakes!

 

Please come back again on Sunday to read about the next book in the series, Seth's Secretive Bride, and then again next week to learn about an all-new series of Romance Sweet Reads!

 

Nancy