My guest author today is Carol A. Spradling. Time travel is a popular subject as don't we all wonder what it'd be like to switch to another period in the past-- or even future. So she is here today and I am on her blog. It's one of the cool things about the romance authors-- how supportive they are of each other.
Carol's 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.
Purchase and Contact links:
