Please welcome my guest, Caroline Clemmons, a wonderful writer I’m happy to have on my li
ttle corner of the net. Welcome, Caroline.
Hi, Lyn Thanks for having me as your guest today.
I’m excited to announce my latest historical western title, SNARE HIS HEART, is now available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZN4CCG for only $1.99. This is number 5 in my Loving A Rancher Series for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series for Kindle World. Whew! That sounds a lot more complicated than it is.
Caroline, before we talk more about your beautiful new book, please tell us a little about your family and growing up.
My parents lived in North Central Texas when I was born but moved to Oildale, California when I was a baby. (Imagine my surprise when I learned one of my recent signed-paperback winners also lived in Oildale near the same time and had attended the same elementary school.) Just before I was eight, we moved back to Texas, but to West Texas and I grew up in Lubbock. That’s where I met my Hero. Now we live in North Central Texas with our menagerie of rescued pets. Our two lovely daughters are grown but, fortunately for us, live nearby.
When did you start writing?
I’m not certain, but I remember writing and illustrating stories as a child. My father taught me to read and write early. I joke that he taught me to read because he tired of reading the comic page to me each evening (I was crazy about Bugs Bunny) but actually Daddy placed a high value on education. I took journalism in school and for many years, I wrote newspaper stories. My mother-in-law loved reading romances and told me I should write one judging from the long letters I wrote. I did and in 1998 Kensington published my first romance book.
Are you traditionally or self-published?
I am very happily self-published. Not only do I make more money than I ever did with a traditional publisher, I get to write what I wish, when I wish. This freedom is wonderful and being self-employed at home is—as the ad says—priceless. I have only a few steps’ commute to work each day and there’s no dress code. I do write each day, some days more than others.
What do you hope your writing brings to readers?
Even though the story lines are fiction, they show characters overcoming obstacles. I hope readers go away from my books having been uplifted and entertained and having forgotten for a while any problems or stressors they may have.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” By M. Ghandi
What are your plans for the future?
To keep writing, of course. Next month I will publish the conclusion to my Bride Brigade series, PRUDENCE. After that, I have a long schedule of books planned. If I live to be two hundred, I might get them all written. ☺
I admire your talent and prolific writing! Now tell us about your new release.
Glad too! SNARE HIS HEART is set in 1887 in and near Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. Those of you who read Debra Holland’s books will recognize many of her characters in this story. My book’s main characters are Forrest Clanahan and Addie Ryan, with Forrest’s stepbrother Ethan Campbell playing a large role.
Here’s the summary:
How can Adeline “Addie” Ryan deal with pity and sly remarks after her fiancé leaves her at the altar and elopes with her bridesmaid? Usually optimistic, Addie suspects this event will taint her socially as long as she remains in Atlanta. At her sister’s suggestion, she visits a matrimonial consultant. One man’s letter touches her heart, but can she travel to Montana Territory and marry a stranger?
Forrest Clanahan carries scars on half of his upper body that he received when he tried but failed to rescue his late wife from their burning home. Her death left a hole in his heart that won’t allow him to love again—but his children need a woman’s guidance and he needs a wife. He offers kindness and consideration—but not love. Never love.
Addie and Forrest unite against threats but can they develop a loving relationship?
Yes, this is another mail-order bride story. I love reading and writing about women who believe becoming a mail-order bride is the best or only opportunity left for them. Would I want to have been one? No! But, who knows what we’d do if faced with difficult choices?
The Civil War decimated the male population. Later, when many eligible men moved west, a surplus of marriage-age women were left behind. At that time in history, there were few options left for a gently-bred woman who didn’t marry. She could become a companion for an elderly relative, become a governess if she was educated enough, or teach school (which required she remain single). Doing anything else lowered her social standing—if she had any.
I’ve read true stories of women who ventured across the country to marry a stranger they knew only by mail. Brides in some of these situations had tragic tales while others were happy—or at least contented. If you’re interested, Chris Enss published HEARTS WEST about several of these real-life mail-order brides.
I hope you’ll read and enjoy SNARE HIS HEART and that you’ll love Addie and Forrest as much as I do. If you do, please leave a review!
Excerpt:
“Shall we go?” Then, maneuvering so he kept his good side to her, he guided her down the aisle.
The children and men followed.
Before they left the sanctuary, Mrs. Norton indicated a large basket on the back pew. “I always prepare our brides a basket of food. A woman shouldn’t have to cook on her wedding day.”
Her groom accepted the container, which appeared heavy. “Appreciate your kindness.”
Addie gave the minister’s wife a brief hug. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Norton.”
The kindly woman smiled.
Reverend Norton stood beside his wife. “We hope to see you folks again soon.”
Addie hurried to keep pace with her new husband. She still hadn’t seen the scarred side of his face. Surely she would now and she braced herself so she wouldn’t cringe or display shock. Better to get that over with than prolong her tension.
He set the basket in the wagon bed. When he turned back to help her, she touched his unblemished jaw and turned his head so she could see his full face. He flinched and his hands fisted at his side.
He resembled a harlequin with half of his face perfect and handsome and the other half scarred, red, and horribly puckered. The combination created a ghoulish sight that would frighten anyone not prepared. Forcing herself not to outwardly react to his frightening appearance, she looked into his dark blue eyes.
“You said you wanted a wife who could look you in the face but you haven’t given me an opportunity.”
In the sanctuary, his voice had been soft and hushed. Now he spoke with a pleasant baritone, “Thank you for not screaming. I want neither pity nor rejection but only to be treated as I deserve.”
Not flinching had taken every ounce of her self-control. She ached for the pain he must have endured. Was there even a doctor in this area? How had he survived?
In addition to SNARE HIS HEART, eight other Montana Skies Series books are now released.
TANGLED BLOOM is by Dallis Adams
SAVING THE OUTLAW is by Linnea Alexis
HEARTS RHYTHM is by Linda Carroll-Bradd
THE SCOUNDREL’S INCONVENIENT BRIDE is by Crystal Green
GIFTS OF LOVE is by Kit Morgan
REDEMPTION ROSE is by Louella Nelson
WHEN THE HEART HEALS is by Judy Pennell
LEGACY is by Lynn Winchester
You can see the covers and purchase each book on Debra Holland’s website at http://www.debraholland.com/kindle-worlds.html
Lyn Horner's Corner 
Lyn, thank you for having me as a guest on your lovely blog.
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Thanks, Tina. Caroline and I appreciate you stopping by.
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What a lovely interview. Wishing Caroline all the best with her writing ♥
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