He moved toward Matt. “What are we going to do about these here bandits, son? Cannot let them keep harassing innocent passengers.”
Matt removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “I know, Doc. I know.”
Placing his Stetson back on his mussed up hair, he moved toward the woman seated in the road as men carefully lifted Gus and carried him toward Doc’s office.
He reached a hand down to help her rise. This time she accepted his offer.
“Thank you, sheriff. I was trying to think of a graceful way to get up from the road.”
Again she graced him with a smile. Did the earth actually tilt—or was that just his body reacting to her? Either way, it left quite an impact.
Delicate porcelain skin molded to high cheekbones and a pleasing, short nose. She was exquisite.
“Are you here to visit someone, ma’am?”
She stood a moment, not answering. Finally, she said, “Well, in a way.” She glanced around the people still milling about. Now that the excitement had died down, most had already drifted away.”
“I expected someone to meet me when the stage arrived, but from the description I have, I do not see him.”
Disappointed, he expelled the breath he’d been holding waiting for her answer. “Him?” Matt arched a brow. Those weren’t the words he’d expected to hear.
She blushed. “Yes, sir. This is a bit unusual. And certainly not anything I have ever done before, but I am here looking for my fiancé. He sent me the stage ticket and some small funds and I was to meet him here.
“He owns the hotel.”
Uncertainty caused Matt to frown. Wilkins had sent for a mail order bride? He didn’t think so. The man was the grumpiest man in town and had always professed his wish to remain a bachelor.
“You’ve been conversing with Mr. Wilkins?”
A small frown creased her brow. “Wilkins? No, sir. My fiancé’s name is Beauregard Hornswattler. He told me he owns the hotel and has just added a restaurant on to the establishment. We’re to run it together after we wed.”
She wrung her hands together. “May I be so bold as to ask you to escort me to him?”
Oh, he’d be happy to escort her anywhere she wanted to go, but taking her to the lying old coot wasn’t one of them. Not unless she wanted to go out to Boot Hill.
“Ma’am, this ain’t easy for me, but I need you to come with me a minute.” He placed his hand at the small of her back and moved her toward his office.
She kept craning her neck to look at the hotel.
“Won’t take long a’tall, ma’am.”
Once inside his office, Matt seated the young woman in a chair. He still didn’t even know her name.
Often called upon to relay sad messages to people, he wasn’t really quite certain how to tackle this situation. Clearly the only thing to do was tell her the truth and send her packing back wherever she came from.
He poured a cup of coffee, offered it to her, then poured a cup for himself before settling himself on the edge of his scarred wooden desk.
She patiently looked up at him. “What is it you wish to tell me, sheriff?”
“Well…see here…it’s like this.” He couldn’t continue.
“What’s like what?” she prodded.
Best to get it over with. “I am afraid I cain’t take you to meet Beau…Beauregard.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “And why would that be?”
“Because he was killed last week. In a bar fight.”
Her hand shot to cover her mouth. “No! Oh, my God, no!”
He was afraid she would swoon, but she quickly grasped the arm of the chair to steady herself.
“Is Mr. Hornswattler buried nearby?”
“Yes’m. He’s buried out in Boot Hill.”
“Can you take me to see his grave?”
“Ma’am, I do not think that’s a—”
“It is the least I can do, sir. The kind gentleman sent me the funds to bring me out here. It is the least I can do to go thank him for that and to pray for his eternal soul.”
Probably been a long time since anyone did that for old Beau. As the town drunk, most people had given him a wide swath when they were near him.
Where had he come up with the funds to send for a bride? And why in the world had he told her he owned the hotel? Didn’t it cross his drink-muddled mind that she would notice as soon as she stepped off the stage?
Matt stood and set his coffee cup next to the warming pot. “May I escort you back to the stage station so we can arrange for your return trip to…wherever you came from?”
She rose as gracefully as she could under the situation. “No, thank you. If you will kindly show me where Boot Hill is, I’ll go there now, then fetch my valise a little later. Would it be an inconvenience if I left it here for now?”
Yes, that was her voice. She’d actually been able to string more than two words together, although how she wasn’t sure. Shockwaves reverberated through her at the sheriff’s news.
What was she to do now?
She had no money left. Had used the last of the money Beauregard had sent her, not to mention what little she had been able to scrape together to escape a forced marriage.
She wouldn’t return. She simply couldn’t. She feared for her life too much.
How could Papa being doing this to her?
How would she ever survive?
Praise for Highland Press Publishing
Clean/Sweet/Inspirational Books
The Man of Her Dreams (Inspirational Version of My Dream Came True) by Leanne Burroughs is a delightful dip in the waters that bear ancient Viking ships from blood-soaked beaches to life-changing love. From modern day Florida to the days of the formidable Norse conquerors, Burroughs introduces us to Agnar and Miranda—two of the most unlikeliest lovers in any century. Miranda is tossed into a time and world far from her own, tethered to reality by a handsome Viking. Agnar catches a beautiful woman in the act of harming his ship—would she do any less to his life or his heart? Their love might have been kindled by the prayers of many, but it ignites through to-the-death battles, a desperate search for lost little ones, and the binding together of two broken people God chooses to bless despite their pasts. The Man of Her Dreams will have you looking for an ‘unnasta’ of your own.
~ Aysel Arwen, author
~ * ~
Highland Miracle (Inspirational Version of Highland Wishes) by Leanne Burroughs - Wonderfully written, with vibrant characters, this story is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Readers will be impressed with the amount of research the author has done. She has creatively mixed actual people with fictitious ones, thereby allowing the reader to enter into this momentous period of history. The anguish and adventure of this war becomes very real, as it provides the reasoning behind the characters' words and actions.
~ Joyce Handzo, In the Library Reviews
~ * ~
Her Highland Destiny (Christian Version of Her Highland Rogue) – Another must read! Another great book by Leanne Burroughs. I loved that even though the novel was based on different main characters she still included the main characters from Highland Miracle. Once again the characters and setting are brought to life!! Leanne is a truly gifted author.
~ Kim Teele, Amazon
~ * ~
Always…Only You - Leanne Burroughs has done it again. Each of her stories is beautiful...breathtaking. You feel like you're right in her stories. Taking part in each one. I highly recommend this book of romance novellas for your keeper shelf.
~ Tina Roughton, Amazon
~ * ~
Seasons of Love – Great Regency collection. I loved this collection of short stories so much. Each brought something different that made for a very enjoyable read. All of these stories are also clean romances so if hot and heavy isn’t your thing, this is the perfect collection for you.
~ E. Wright, Amazon
~ * ~
The Necklace by Amy Corwin – I don't read historicals
that often but am glad I picked this one up. Be ready for a lot of dry wit and humor. Ms. Corwin gives you a generous dose. This is an interesting mix of history, romance and mystery in which the hero finds himself knee-deep in trouble and a growing affection for a woman who thinks she has given up on men.
~Bobbye R. Terry, Amazon
~ * ~
To Woo A Lady – Erin E.M. Hatton has written a series of short stories covering Regency England and the historical standards and expectations that existed then. I especially liked how she made her characters vulnerable, yet strong. There are no wilting wallflowers here. The men are strong, stubborn and even a bit understanding about the women’s expectations and the realities of the times and world they live in. The author's storylines are believable, enjoyable to read, and take you to a world of time past, with all its warts and pimples as well as beautiful homes and good times at public functions. It's not all peaches and cream, but it's real.
~Aloe, Long and Short Reviews
~ * ~
A Cry From the Cold – Page turning excitement! Ann Merritt has managed to create a beautiful love story that is full of twists and turns that made it hard for this reader to put it down. The unlikely pairing of the Alaskan recluse and the police officer he rescues from a fatal bush pilot’s crash in the middle of the Alaskan winter, sets up what turns out to be one of the most romantic couplings in my memory. Ann writes with a powerful narrative that will translate beautifully into a deeply human love story.
~ Bart Patton, Amazon
~ * ~
Winds of Fire by Ann Merritt – The setting and characters were spot on and the storyline was engaging. The author did a good job depicting the work of the clandestine services while weaving a believable suspense/romance plot around a lush setting. It was a flowing, pleasurable read in a genre where many books sound forced.
~ Jo Lamas, Amazon
~ * ~
Luck of the Draw by Teryl Oswald – Full of twists. This is an enjoyable read. It takes some time and attention because of its array of characters and the surprising depth even among some secondary characters. Friendship, compassion, and grief all play an important role. She’s a dedicated daughter and exasperated (or angry) wife. One unlikely event promises to change Amanda Cash’s world. Who she is has as much to do with the outcome as anything. This is a well-devised plot, with exceptional characters and unforgettable twists.
~ Long and Short Reviews
~ * ~
Still Kickin’ by Teryl Oswald – What an absolute delight. Miss Marple meets The Golden Girls. Add murder to the daily routine of a Seniors’ Retirement Home, and you have a regular day in the lives of three of the Home’s tenants. A must read! Will keep you laughing all the way to the end.
~ C. Emory
~ * ~
He Planted A Garden by Gloria Tarver – This is a really good book. I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone.
~ Bobbie Crutchfield, Amazon
~ * ~
Cave of Terror by Amber Dawn Bell - Highly entertaining and fun, Cave of Terror was impossible to put down. Delightfully funny with a true sense of teenagers, Cheyenne is believable and her emotional struggles are on par with most teens. The author gave just enough background to understand the workings of her vampires. Ms. Bell has done an admirable job of telling a story suitable for young adults.
~ Dawnie, Fallen Angel Reviews
~ * ~
Love and Noël by Amber Dawn Bell – I love it! I cried, laughed, and enjoyed every minute. Reading it again for the third time, just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
~ Amber Seelkie, Amazon
~ * ~
Heart’s Affections by Molly Zenk – This isn’t a romance in the typical genre fiction sense, but instead it is the true romance of John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Rarely have I ever been brought to tears by a novel as I was after reading this story. Ms. Zenk has produced a shining gem to be proud of for years and years to come. This is one of the most heart-touching stories I’ve read in a very long time.
~ * ~
Like the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Dark Well of Decision is a grand adventure with a likable girl who is a little like all of us. Zoe’s insecurities are realistically drawn and her struggle with both her faith and the new direction her life will take is poignant. The references to the Bible and the teachings presented are appropriately captured. Author Anne Kimberly is an author to watch; her gift for penning a grand childhood adventure is a great one. This Young Adult is well worth the time and money spent.
~Lettetia, Coffee Time Romance
~ * ~
Into the Woods by R.R. Smythe - This Young Adult Fantasy will send chills down your spine. I, as the reader, followed Callum and witnessed everything he and his friends went through as they attempted to decipher the messages. Each time Callum deciphered one of the four messages, some villagers awakened. Through the eyes of Ellsbeth, I saw the other sleepers wander, make mistakes, and be released from the Netherwood, leaving Ellsbeth alone. Excellent reading for any age of fantasy fans!
~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
~ * ~
When the Vow Breaks by Judith Leigh - This book is about a woman who fights breast cancer. The storyline dealt with the commitment between a man and a woman, with a true belief of God. The intrigue was that of finding a rock to lean upon through faith in God. Not only did she learn to lean on her relationship with Him, but she also learned how to forgive her husband. This is a great look at not only a breast cancer survivor, but also a couple whose commitment to each other through their faith grew stronger. It is an easy read and one I highly recommend.
~ Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
~ * ~
A Father’s Hope by Judith Leigh – Sweet. A nice tale with surprises. I really enjoyed the setting and the interaction. And of course I’m a wounded hero romance.
~ Amazon Customer
~ * ~
The Heart of Christmas is an anthology of four stories beautifully built upon foundations of hope, prayer and faith. In Cheryl Norman's, “The Christmas Prayer”, a widower and his daughter are given the unexpected gift of Noelle Barker. If only she believed in herself enough to think she would make a fine mother. “Away In the Manger” by Susan Sweet, is a heart wrenching and heartwarming tale of two families, one with an ill child and a father who struggles with his faith. In Judith Leigh’s, “Yuletide Miracle,” a grandfather's search for the granddaughter he's never known leads him to discovering love, faith and unending kindness in the small town of Mistletoe, Tennessee. “The Christmas Conflict” by Patty Howell, unveils a woman whose trust in God is tenuous and a man whose hardships and losses have only served to strengthen his faith in his creator. “The Heart of Christmas” offers stories that emphasize the core significance of the Christmas season.
~ Polly M, Amazon
~ * ~
Christmas Blessings - I had the privilege of meeting many of these wonderful characters in last year's anthology which made reading Christmas Blessings all the more poignant. Knowing that Christmas is about love, forgiveness and new beginnings, these stories are right on the money with modern day vignettes of characters we can all relate to, even if you may not be a traditional romance reader! This book is a fun, fast read and a marvelous gift for those readers on your list! Bravo to Highland Press for putting together another awesome collection.
~ Nancy Quatrano, Amazon
~ * ~
Romance on Route 66 by Judith Leigh and Cheryl Norman - Norman and Leigh break the romance speed limit on America's historic roadway.
~ Anne Krist, Ecataromance, Reviewers’ Choice Award Winner
Be sure to check Highland Press Publishing’s website often to see the newest available books, eBooks, and single short stories/novellas
http://highlandpress.org
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