A Vow for Christmas

Weekenders Romance Watch

Spinster Mail-Order Brides Series Book 7

Author:  Linda Carroll-Bradd
Genre:  Historical romance
Buy: Amazon
 

Blurb:
Against his better judgment, Chad Rutherford advertises for a mail-order bride to take care of his household. As a widower, he’s had his great love and she died, so now he only wants companionship. But vivacious new wife Vika brings light and laugher back into his life until he’s ready to consider more for their relationship. Then a stranger threatens to rip away everything.

Enchanting Excerpt:
Mister Rutherford straightened. “We’d best collect your luggage. Come along, children.” He urged them forward.
 
She was left staring at the back of the three people who looked like a self-contained unit. Did room exist for her in any of their hearts? Shoulders drooping, she trudged behind them, wishing for a strong arm to lean on. On the platform near the freight car rested the trunk holding all her clothes, accessories, and valuables. Next to it were two wooden crates packed with kitchen items, linens, blankets, and her mother’s porcelain tea set. On top of the crates sat the wicker basket holding her beloved pet.
 
The baggage clerk lifted a hand. “Ah, Miss Vika. She’s been whimpering the last few miles.” He lowered the basket to the platform and worked to loosen the rope knot.
 
“Thank you, Mister Frederick, for all your good attention.” She reached into her reticule and pulled out a dime for his tip. Maybe extravagant but the clerk took good care of her Biscuit. Then she leaned down to drop her carpetbag before lifting the lid with one hand and slipping the other into the slim opening to grab Biscuit’s collar. “Calm down. I’m here.” Once she was sure the dog wouldn’t escape, she slid in her other hand to grab the leather leash and clipped it on. With a shove, she flicked back the lid.
 
Biscuit jumped out then shook herself before running her nose along the platform boards.
 
“What in blue blazes is that thing?” Frowning, Mister Rutherford pointed.
 
“She’s my dog, Biscuit.” Vika hurried to the platform edge and let her pet run down the four steps to the dirt to take care of her needs.
 
“You wrote nothing about bringing a pet.” He scoffed and waved a hand in the air. “And a scrawny dog, at that.”
 
After a moment, Biscuit hopped back to the platform then trotted toward the children, tail wagging like a flag in a stiff wind.
 
Her stomach rolled.
 
Both children looked at the dog then glanced at their father’s frown.
 
Would the presence of this surprise pet invalidate their agreement? Tiredness swamped her. “You never wrote that I couldna.” Needing the comfort of a warm being who loved her, she scooped up the dog, hugged Biscuit to her bosom, and kissed her furry head between her pointed ears. “Actually, you never wrote much of anything.”




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Chasing Adventure

Weekenders Romance Watch

Entertainers of the West Series Book 8

Author:  Linda Carroll-Bradd
Genre:  Historical Romance
Buy: Amazon 
 

Blurb:
Dime novelist, Thora Alviss, travels to Montana Territory seeking an ex-US marshal, Harte Renwyck, for an interview, knowing he has knowledge to make her characters better. Harte shies from publicity about his past life, especially about the tragedy related to his last arrest. Thora’s thirst for a good story is stronger than her ability to remain out of danger, and Harte comes to the rescue time and again. Will Thora give up and return east, or will she learn the survival skills she’s been writing about? Can Harte look past his resentment and see the adventurous woman close at hand?

Enchanting Excerpt:
“I admit to being a bit travel weary and the assistance is much appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Nodding, she walked up the steps.

Lofty praise for being neighborly. When was the last time he’d had such pretty words aimed in his direction? Moving with the speed of Mercury, Harte vaulted the steps and rounded the corner of the depot office. A small mountain of luggage comprised of a portmanteau, two valises, two carpetbags, and a satchel squatted beside a wooden bench. His boots skidded to a stop. Looked like he’d be the one making multiple trips.
 
“Oh, dear.” She let out a sigh. “In New York City, the porter used a push cart, and the quantity didn’t pose such a problem.” She dashed forward and grabbed the satchel, lifting the long strap over her head so it rested on her opposite hip. Then she leaned over and reached for a carpetbag.
 
Not wanting her to strain anything, Harte moved to her side. “I offered, although I didn’t know you had so many pieces. But I’ll manage. Somehow.” For a man accustomed to traveling light, he couldn’t imagine what she packed inside all these cases.
 
Cheeks blushing, she straightened and turned her head, her neck stiff. “Deputy, I am a healthy woman perfectly capable of assisting with the transport of my own belongings.”
 
“Duly noted, miss.” His words came out more clipped than he intended. Years of dealing with criminals had stolen his ability for idle talk. Setting his jaw, Harte hoisted the portmanteau to balance on his left shoulder then stooped to grab the handles of the matching carpetbags. “If you lift the valise, I can stretch my fingers around the handle.” Barely, but for his pride’s sake, he needed to make the offer.
 
Bending over, she lifted both valises. “I’ve got them. Now, if you’ll indicate the direction, we’ll be on our way.”
 
The corner of the leather case dug into his shoulder, and his right hand already ached from the weight. “Head toward the brick building down a ways on the opposite side of the street. The boardinghouse is past the mercantile.” He trudged down the steps, each move jolting his shoulder muscles. The lady’s rigid posture and swishing bustle informed him she still resented his thoughtless remark. Not exactly how he envisioned his morning walk through Sweetwater Springs. Chivalry, my backside.
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Gingerbread Wishes

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Linda Carroll-Bradd

Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon

 

Blurb:
A new life awaits as soon as Tora sells the family-run bakery. All she’s known is Dorado, Texas and she can’t wait to explore new possibilities outside the city limits. But then the chocolate brown gaze of widower Jordan Dawson locks on hers, and she’s suddenly wondering what getting acquainted might be like.

Back in his hometown to open a sporting goods store, Jordan wants to provide his daughter with life in a close-knit community. When the friendly baker sparks his interest, he sets off a campaign to keep her in town. Will Tora give him a chance?

 

Enchanting Excerpt:

“Hold off a moment. I have to echo what that man said.” Jordan rested a forearm on the counter, his mouth pulled into a tight line. “Dorado without a bakery run by a Hammond woman would not be the town I remember.”

His praise warmed her heart, and she wished Gram could hear his comment. But Tora had a plan and that involved making a big change. “I have confidence the townspeople will survive.”

“People in the big cities survive, but people in small towns know how to live life. They know their neighbors and show them they care.” A finger tapped the donation coffee can and a metallic jingle sounded. “Believe me, I’ve lived in both settings and there’s no comparison. You’re better off here.”

How could he know that? She bit her tongue to keep from arguing with a customer and forced a polite smile. “Well, I can’t wait to experience life in the big city so I can see for myself.”

“Daddy?”Jenna’s voice trembled. “I’m cold.”

The child’s interruption came at the right time. “I’m sure you are, sweetie. I’ll get your hot chocolate right away.” Without another glance at Big City Dawson, she turned to her task. A few minutes later, she approached the round table where they’d situated themselves and couldn’t help but notice he’d draped his coat around his daughter’s thin shoulders.

After placing the mugs on the table, she held out a spoon and whispered to the quiet girl, “Careful, the cocoa’s hot. Better start with the whipped cream.”

Her eyes lit up, her mouth spread in a smile showing off rows of small teeth, and she grabbed her spoon.

For some strange reason, that tiny response thrilled Tora. The child looked like she didn’t smile much. “May I bring pastries or coffee cake?”

Jordan leaned back in the ladderback chair and glanced over his shoulder. “Do you still sell apple fritters? Those were always my favorite.”

“We do. Shall I bring two?” She started to turn but felt his warm fingers on her wrist. Ripples of awareness shot up her arm. When she turned to look, she was captured by his gaze, steady and concerned. Her insides felt as quivery as the middle of a jelly doughnut. What is this? She’d never experienced such an immediate reaction to a man.

 

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Dipping in a Toe

Linda Carroll-Bradd

Jessa Landers has a secret crush on her teens’ years-younger swim coach. A widow for three years, she’s managing her life and enjoys her freedom—except for the long, lonely evenings when she craves the attentions of an affectionate man.

Coach Rick Grant loves being a high school teacher and swim coach. Surrounded by families has him yearning for his own romantic connection—and his eye is on Jessa.

Will Jessa protect the balance of her family life, or take a second chance on love? 

Dipping in a Toe

Dreams of Gold

Linda Carroll-Bradd

In 1871, Easterner Ciara Morrissey travels west to honor a sacred promise to her mother and locate her fortune-seeking father. Caretaker to her grandparents and mother until their deaths has created a thirst in Ciara to see the wider world.

Sheriff Quinn Riley hunts the Irish charlatan who swindled half of Bull City, Wyoming’s residents. He’ll stick close to the newly arrived opinionated woman. Within only hours, easterner Ciara Morrissey upsets the townspeople by making inquires about his prime suspect. He’s duty-bound to keep her safe but being near the green-eyed beauty sets off a stampede in his heart.

 

Dreams of Gold

The Ring That Binds

Linda Carroll-Bradd

1886, Aspen mining town--Widow Celina Innes runs her dressmaking shop and lives down her late husband’s bad choices and bad debts for her daughter’s sake. General Store co-owner, Mikel Toussaint, wishes he could ease the burden of this proud woman who works too hard. He slips treats to the child in hopes of pleasing her mama. When illness strikes the child, Celina turns to Mikel for help and they work together all night to get past the crisis, deepening their friendship. Can a woman sworn to put down roots and a man looking for more riches find happiness? 

The Ring That Binds

Wishes Come True

Linda Carroll-Bradd

Tora can’t wait to sell the family bakery run by generations of Hammond women and seek excitement outside of Dorado, Texas. Widower Ryan Dawson, the town’s star quarterback from a decade ago, returns to his hometown with plans to develop a sporting goods store. He also hopes a small town Christmas will cheer up his five-year-old daughter, Jenna, still recovering from the loss of her mother. Will the spark of interest Tora sees in Ryan’s eyes be the excitement she’s looking for?

Wishes Come True in the Christmas Magic anthology

On with the Show

Linda Carroll-Bradd

Visiting her small Texas hometown at Thanksgiving, fashion designer Franzi Mueller is forced to ask a favor of hardware store owner, Dietz Reinhardt, an ex-beau from high school. Circumstances surrounding putting on a show at the veteran’s hospital, and her matchmaking mother, throw them together at every turn, each glance and touch igniting old sparks. Can Franzi find what her creative spirit needs in Freedom Valley or is time running out on this second chance for Dietz to win over her heart?

 

On with the Show