Saturday Snippet: Two Lecherous Miscreants in One Day?

 The following snippet is from 

 Madeline 

by Zina Abbott 

Cupids & Cowboys Book 14

 

     “Ah, miss, there you are. I thought maybe I missed you.” A second man, carrying a leather satchel which he tossed in the empty bench in front of Madeline, approached.

     At the sight, Madeline turned her gaze to him and blinked. Two lecherous miscreants in one day?

     She recalled noticing him when she had entered the coach. He sat on the aisle side of the second bench from the front. A few years older than her, but probably not older than her brother, Will, she took note of his dark hair atop handsome facial features blanketed with proof he spent time in the sun. Although he appeared to have the physique of one who performed physical labor, she noticed he dressed in an expensive suit like a business professional―different than the more casual clothing worn by her male instructors at the college. As she studied him while making her way toward the rear of the coach, he tilted his head back and their gazes connected long enough for her to have noticed his hazel eyes speckled with green. Just because his appearance sent her heart racing was no reason to lower her guard. Giving herself a mental shake, she quickly broke off her gaze and searched the seats before her.

      A glance at the scowling face of the man blocking her egress from the bench told Madeline she must make a choice of who to trust. The newcomer might be as much of an opportunist, preying on women traveling alone, but at least he was sober. “Um, yes. I didn’t see you, either.” She forced a fleeting smile. Upon seeing the hint of a smirk on his face, she bit her lip and turned her head aside. She knew he was just as aware as she was they had noticed each other earlier. I should not have outright lied.

     “Sir, I can see by looking at you that you could use some rest before reaching your destination. I see an empty bench just a little farther back. Let me help you there.” Although the newcomer spoke in a friendly manner, his expression communicated he would tolerate no resistance.

     “Not going anywhere. I’m fine with this little lady right here.”

     “No, sir, you’re not. My client and I have business to discuss, and we have no intention of you being privy to the matter at hand. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m James Hennessy, Esquire. Now, let’s get you situated where you can be more comfortable.” Without giving Madeline’s unwelcome seatmate a choice, James Hennessy slid one hand beneath the armpit closest to the aisle and, grabbing the man’s upper arm with the other, physically pulled him to his feet. “Here, let me give you my calling card.” Using his left forearm now around the man’s upper arm to wedge him against his chest, James reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a wallet. Opening it one-handed, he transferred it to the hand on the arm supporting the other man. From it, he pulled out a card and stuffed it in the other man’s pocket. “Here, miss, in case you’ve misplaced your card.” He handed a second card to Madeline.              

     Madeline glanced at the card which read, James P. Hennessy, Attorney-at-Law. By appointment only, contact by telegraph. Offices in Sonora, Angel’s Camp, and Oak Dale, California. She returned her attention to the scene still taking place in the aisle. She felt the heat rise in her face as she realized the three of them now held the attention of practically everyone else in the passenger car. She quickly sat and lowered her head.

 

My second Cupids and Cowboys book, Madeline, is now available for both purchase and on Kindle Unlimited. It will soon be available in print.

You may find the book description and purchase link by CLICKING HERE.

 A Bride for Devlin is now available in both ebook and print formats. To find the book description and purchase link, please 

CLICK HERE. 

All of the books in The Sheriff's Mail Order Bride series have been published. Please CLICK HERE to find the series page on Amazon.

 

 I will be revealing the cover and book description of my final book for the year. It will be a Christmas novella. Please watch this blog as well as the Sweet Historical Romance group on Facebook.

 

 

My Old Timey Holiday Kitchen romance,

Figgy Pudding by Francine

will publish on November 22, 2021. It is available for preorder. Please CLICK HERE 

 

 

To find the Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series page on Amazon, please CLICK HERE.

 

  Lighthouse Escape is now available for sale or for no additional cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

It is also available in print format. 

You may find the book description by CLICKING HERE. 

 

Saturday Snippet: I Never Agreed to Discourage Him

 The following snippet is from 

 A Bride for Devlin 

by Zina Abbott 

The Sheriff's Mail Order Bride Book 6 

 

    “I received another letter. Guess who from?” A smile blossomed on Dolly’s face. “Jesse Hardin.”

    “Humph!” Carrie sniffed as she looked straight ahead. “Dolly, I recall telling you that you need to discourage him. We agreed...”

    “I never agreed to discourage him or stop writing, Carrie.” Dolly shook her head.

    “I told you we must, and for good reason. Remember, we agreed we would hold out for husbands who lived close enough to each other that we can visit. I don’t want to live so many miles from you that it’s too expensive for either of us to buy a train or stagecoach ticket so we can see each other at least every year or two.”

    “But, Carrie...” Dolly blinked as, forehead wrinkled, she stared at her sister. “Jesse Hardin and Devlin Anders live in the same town. Their ranches are right next to each other. How much closer do you want our husbands to live?”

 

 A Bride for Devlin is now available in both ebook and print formats. To find the book description and purchase link, please 

CLICK HERE.

 

 

On pre-order, to be published September 23rd is my second Cupids and Cowboys book, Madeline.

You may find the book description and pre-order link by CLICKING HERE.

 

 

My Old Timey Holiday Kitchen romance,

Figgy Pudding by Francine

will publish on November 22, 2021. It is available for preorder. Please CLICK HERE 

 

To find the Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series page on Amazon, please CLICK HERE.

 

  

  Lighthouse Escape is now available for sale or for no additional cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

It is also available in print format. 

You may find the book description by CLICKING HERE. 

 

 

Saturday Snippet: He Stared at the Envelope as if It Was a Coiled Rattlesnake

 The following snippet is from 

 A Bride for Devlin 

by Zina Abbott 

The Sheriff's Mail Order Bride Book 6 

 

    “Now, about the letters we received.” Jesse reached into his pocket and pulled out two envelopes. “I’ll allow, in mine, there wasn’t much said about her skills. There might be more details in yours.” He grinned as he held up the unopened envelope. “They’re sisters, Devlin. They’re not only from similar backgrounds but the same household. They’re both looking for husbands, and they want to live close by each other.” He tossed the letter on the table. “Go on. Open it.”

    Devlin sucked in a breath. He stared at the envelope as if it was a coiled rattlesnake. “Jesse, I told you. I want no part of this letter-writing business.”

    “Well, you got it, anyway.” Jesse nodded. “When I sent the letters, I wrote mine in cursive. Yours, I printed. I figured that way, maybe it wouldn’t look like they were written by the same person. Don’t worry, I shared all your better traits.”

    “Yeah, you probably soaped this pig up right clean and dressed it in ruffles and lace.” Clenching and unclenching his fists, Devlin jumped out of his chair. He ran to the stove and opened the door to the firebox. After tossing in a stick of firewood, he slammed the door and latched it. Tightening the flesh around his eyes, he stood and turned until his gaze met Jesse’s. “What happens if she finds out about the real me?”

    “Once she realizes there’s a decent man behind all your gruffness, she’ll get over it.” Jesse shrugged. “You’re hard-working and loyal. If my sisters’ opinions count for anything, that’s important to a woman. Also, based on the hometown yokels they tended to get starry-eyed over...” Jesse raised a pointer finger. “It’s safe to say, most women would consider you right handsome. Or, at least, you will be, once you shave that buffalo fur off your face and cut your hair.” A teasing glint entered his gaze.

    “Winter’s here. Need my beard.” As he stroked his chin with his thumb and fingertips, Devlin stared across the room. What gruffness? “I told you to leave me out of your marriage-writing scheme. I’m the sheriff. How come you don’t listen to me?” He held out a hand, palm up.

 

 A Bride for Devlin is now available in both ebook and print formats. To find the book description and purchase link, please 

CLICK HERE.

 

Did I mention that the 1878 total solar eclipse was a minor element in A Bride for Devlin? It is.

 Now through September 14th, my other "eclipse" book,

Mail Order Blythe

is on sale for 99 cents. 

Please CLICK HERE. 

 

On pre-order, to be published September 23rd is my second Cupids and Cowboys book, Madeline.

You may find the book description and pre-order link by CLICKING HERE.

 

To find the Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series page on Amazon, please CLICK HERE.

On Monday, September 13th, The authors are having a mid-series celebration to feature all of the books in the series. We'll be on the Facebook group, Sweet Americana Book Club. Please join us! CLICK HERE.

 

Lighthouse Escape is now available for sale or for no additional cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. You may find the book description by CLICKING HERE. 

This book will be written as a companion book to Lightkeeper's Challenge by Linda Carroll-Bradd. 

Next week, on September 14th, the third book in the series, Her Keeper's Heart, will be released.

You may find that book, plus pre-order links to the other Round Three books on the series page by CLICKING HERE.

Last weekend for these two offers: 

August-September - Christian Fiction | Christian Romance | Clean Romance 

Full eBooks - $4.99 or less - some even free!

Includes my books COLE and LIGHTHOUSE ESCAPE

Please CLICK HERE.

Mistaken Identity

Includes my A BRIDE FOR QUENTIN 

Please CLICK HERE.