Today's guest author is Carol Spradling, first with a bit about her and then her latest release, a time travel that sounds very interesting.
Author Bio:
As
a youth, I loved reading Trixie Belden books. She was great—smart,
witty, and surrounded by good-looking guys. What’s not to like? While in
my teens, I discovered the answers to that question when I heard
someone mention a romance novel she had read. Her shallow breathing and
flushed face was enough to pique my interest. A trip to the bookstore
was in order. I read with wide-eyed amazement. Trixie never spoke of
such occurrences!
Other
than the obvious, I found myself trying to appreciate what my friend
had enjoyed about this book. Yeah, there was the hot guy and beautiful
woman, but the book as a whole frustrated me. Why did it take 380 pages
for the couple to admit they loved each other? To me, this is where the
story began. Much to my sadness, I found this to be the writing norm.
That was several years ago, don't ask how many. ;) I still love a good romance, as well as the mountains of North Carolina. This is the High Country, after all. We have skiers in the winter and Kilt-wearing Scot descendants in the summer. Now that the Forever Time Travel Romance is nearing a close, I'll have to start a new series with a local influence. Hmm, has anyone every skied while wearing a kilt?
Until I get to a new book idea brewing, you have to hear about my latest release. The Highwayman's Grace is the third book in my Forever Time Travel Romance Series. The series is about 4 sisters. Grace is the youngest and meekest of the four…or at least she was the meekest. When
her older sister forces the family time travel gift on her and then
abandons her in the middle of nowhere, all she wants is revenge, until
she meets highwayman Ethan Tanner. Take a look.
The Highwayman's Grace blurb:
Grace
Blackstone never wanted to be a time traveler. She also didn't want to
be abandoned within reach of a notorious highwayman. A chance meeting
with the outlaw leaves her vulnerable to more than her new ability.
Having seen behind the wanted man's mask, Grace is confused to find
another man claiming to be her rescuer.
Highwayman
Ethan Tanner has one goal in life, to destroy Bennett Brown. He has
faced gunmen, and braved the elements, but a young woman who seemingly
appears out of nowhere terrifies him.
A
rainy night brings Ethan and Grace together in more ways than one. She
will have to trust him with her secret, and he will have to trust her
with his life, but are they willing to release their pasts in order to
have a future together?
Excerpt:
"You are agreeable to this?"
Ethan asked, wanting to know her honest opinion. He tried to keep his
tone flat, giving her a chance to revise her decision.
She walked toward him, looking as
uncertain as he felt. "I'm not sure I know a better option,"
she said.
"I hate to admit it," he
offered, "but this might be the best way to keep you safe." He
reached his hand to her, hoping she saw his action as an open gesture, without
concealed intent. "As soon as I can find a way out of this," he
tried to assure her, "I'll grant you your freedom. I promise."
"I hate to intrude, but I am in a
rush," the pastor interrupted. The clergyman pointed to the lower
section on the paper, and Ethan obediently signed the document. Strangely
enough, his hand didn't shake as he affixed his name above Grace's.
"Fine. Fine." The
pastor sanded the wet ink, and then opened his Bible.
"Ethan Tanner, do you solemnly
promise to take this woman, Grace Blackstone, as your wife, providing for her
and protecting her all of your days while in the sight of God?"
The words weighed heavy on Ethan's
shoulders. All of your days. He had just promised Grace he'd find a
way to free her, now the pastor asked him to affirm to the contrary. Deep
red and purple abrasions encircled her throat next to the collar of the dress
she wore. He hadn't seen them before, but Addie assured him, these marks
were not isolated incidents. He'd swear an oath to both God and Grace,
and hope that one pledge wasn't contingent on the other.
"I promise," he said.
The minister turned to Grace.
"Grace Blackstone, do you promise to accept Ethan Tanner as your husband,
abiding in his household and obeying his commands?"
Grace nodded slowly as though
unsure. She lifted her eyes to Ethan and her chin rose assertively.
"I promise."
Addie sniffled behind them, and Ethan
cringed. This had been an impromptu ceremony. What would she have
done with a year to prepare?
"You are husband and wife,"
Pastor Whitten proclaimed. "May your life be filled with many
children. Now that this is done, I'll be on my way to the Clancy farm to
discuss the details for tomorrow." He touched the signatures with his
fingertip, folded the paper, and then placed it inside his Bible. Tucking
everything under his arm, he waved to them in passing. "Good
day," he said, and then disappeared through the opened doorway.
Ethan stared awkwardly after the
minister, not completely certain what to do next. He supposed he should
take his wife and sister home. His wife. When he started out this
morning, he hadn't thought his day would end with a marriage ceremony. He
glanced over at his bride. She was caught in Addie's tight embrace, being
rocked from side to side.
Lavender oil should soothe her
abrasions, but he doubted her internal scars would heal as easily. Other
than give her time to forget what had happened to her, he didn't know how else
to help her. He looked to the bruised skin at the cuffs of her sleeve,
feeling as responsible for her pain as if he'd personally clamped the
constraints against her delicate skin. He'd taken two vows tonight, and
while he wasn't sure how, he planned to honor them both. Whether
successful or not, one thing was certain, no one would lay a hand to her again
while he lived. But more importantly, Bennett would pay for what he did
to this woman…his wife.
See what I mean? Grace and
Ethan are a perfect match. Wait until you see them in action.
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