4/10/2018

E.E. Burke's Best of the West: an award-winning debut novel from Elizabeth Clements

U.S. Marshal Chase Reynolds is on a mission—to track down an escaped train robber, even if it takes him into the wilds of Canada! Hot on the outlaw’s trail, he follows him into the Canadian West—and encounters more than he bargained for when he’s taken prisoner by a beautiful woman. 

Sara Cranston is trying to hold on to her ranch that a band of outlaws is determined to steal from her. A woman alone, she’s “easy pickin’s”—and this ruthless crew is after more than the ranch—there’s a legend of buried gold hidden somewhere on her land. 

Sara and Chase have a shared past—one that is full of lies and secrets…and love. Seventeen years have gone by, and the passion is still there between them—but will deceit and mistrust keep them from the happiness they both crave? 

Chase has a duty to bring in the outlaws, but now he must work fast to do it before they murder the woman he loves. Can he convince her the future is still theirs for the taking if they only survive to enjoy it? Anything can happen BENEATH A HORSE-THIEF MOON…

I loved this heartwarming adventure from talented debut author Elizabeth Clements.
        —Jacquie Rogers, author of the Hearts of Owyhee series

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2FVunRW

Here's an excerpt

In the early hours, under a big full moon, the hero, Chase Reynolds, has surprised rustlers on the prairie. In the ensuing shoot-out, Chase kills one rustler and injures another. Despite his injury, he manages to tie up the rustler just as the heroine arrives on the scene and holds Chase at gunpoint. He finally convinces her he’s not a rustler. As she tends to his shoulder wound in the moonlight, the heroine feels oddly drawn to this tall stranger….


His sense of humor squeezed her heart. It felt good to laugh. Too good. No man she knew would be so gracious after being shoved at gunpoint into an outhouse. Well, perhaps one man. But that was long ago. Seventeen years ago.
Clamping down on those thoughts, she lifted his right arm across his chest and pressed his fingers over the pad to keep it in place. “Now don't move.” Gripping the front of his open collar, she kept the material taut with the knife and carefully sliced downward.
“Why don't you just rip the damned thing apart?”
“Because the buttons will fly off.”
“Isn't that just like a woman to worry about a few buttons.”
“Buttons are precious.”
“So are people,” he murmured. “I could be dying.”
“Well, you're not,” she said crisply. Thank God,” she muttered to herself. He went still. Her skin prickled as if he'd touched her with his eyes. She didn't dare look at him because he had a most unnerving effect on her. Done at last, she parted the material and gasped. Oh, my.” 
She'd never seen such a magnificent chest in all her life. 
Moonlight gleamed in the mantle of golden hair that curled over the curved pads of his chest and created shadows in the contours of his flat stomach. Her fingers itched to stroke him, discover if he felt as good as he looked.
“What's wrong? Am I bleeding there, too?”
“Huh?” Sara stared at him blankly. In the shadow of his hat brim his eyes gleamed. One lid lowered, then lifted. A wink? Land sakes, he winked!
His deep chuckle poured over her like warmed honey. “Do you like what you see?”
Embarrassed to have been caught staring, she grabbed the bottom of the bloodied panel and ripped it off at the shoulder seam. She tossed it aside and reached for the clean panel.
“Why don't I make it easy for you?” Quick as lightning he placed her hand on the pad on his shoulder and yanked the remnants of the shirt down his arm, stopped only by the still-fastened cuff. “Now unbutton me and I'm all yours.”

Meet the Author

Elizabeth has had a love affair with books ever since she learned to read. Saturday night trips into town included a visit with the librarian, sharing popcorn with her and her orange tabby, and going home with an armload of books. Gradually the books progressed to juvenile and teenage detectives, then in her later teens she discovered Frank Yerby’s historicals and a life-long love of historical romance books began.
Always excelling in English, she was the editor of her high school newspaper and wanted to become a reporter. There were no openings at the weekly newspaper, so she moved to Calgary and went to secretarial college, a profession that has benefited her all her life. At twenty she married Doug, the love of her life and months later they moved to Germany for Doug’s five-year tour. And there she finally wandered through her first castle! One of several.
Although she has written poems and short stories that are published in several anthologies, Elizabeth’s first novel plot came to her in the middle of cooking breakfast eggs for her four young sons. Then several books later, she fell in love with Garth Brooks’ song, That Summer, and the current Prairie Moon Trilogy was born. At a romance writers conference in Calgary, Beneath A Horse Thief-Moon won the Reader’s Choice Award. Although there were gaps in her writing years when life intervened, she never lost sight of her dream of publishing books set in all ten Canadian provinces and the Yukon.

Thanks to Prairie Rose Publications, that dream is now coming true.

Find out more about Elizabeth at her website: https://www.elizabethclements.com/

E.E.: What’s the first book you remember reading? 
Elizabeth: It’s a memory I’ve never forgotten. My parents were very sociable people and once the fall crops were harvested, we’d often have people dropping in to visit and play cards. One Saturday night there were three tables of Whist players. I had no one to play with, so I was curled up in an armchair, reading a big, illustrated picture book, when suddenly I let out this wail that had my mother rushing over to ask what was wrong. And I sobbed, “Bambi’s mother died.”

E.E.: What’s your favorite “love” word? 
Elizabeth: There are so many beautiful love words, like darling, honey, and babe, or cherish, but I think my favorite is when the hero calls his lady, sweetheart.

E.E.: What’s your favorite movie of all time? 
Elizabeth: Ironically, my top five favorite movies are all of another period, which probably says something about me and why I love reading and writing historical romance. I love The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Gone With The Wind and Dances With Wolves, but I think Doctor Zhivago wins on all counts: scenery, music, conflict and an unforgettable love story.

E.E.: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? 
Elizabeth: There always has to be romance, but I also want lots of action and dialogue, something that gets my writer’s mind anticipating what will happen next and being surprised when the action takes an unexpected twist.

E.E.: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why? 
Elizabeth: I love all my heroes (and so I should), but the hero who makes me laugh because of his quick wit and teasing tongue is Mike Sutton, the hero in the second book of this trilogy, Beneath a Fugitive Moon. And he loves Sara’s Sonofabitch Stew. Molly Malone, in Beneath A Desperado Moon, is a sassy, incorrigible wench that makes the hero forget his past when he’s in her arms.

E.E.: What is your hero’s “kryptonite” – what will bring him instantly to his knees? 
Elizabeth: I see myself as a strong person, but when my eyes well up with tears, it brings my husband to his knees. Thus, I always remember this in my writing. Sara is a strong heroine, and can face down outlaws without flinching, but when someone hurts her deeply, tears shimmer in her eyes and the hero is undone.

E.E.: What’s the best birthday (or any holiday) present you ever received? 
Unwrapping a Christmas gift from my mother: a newspaper clipping of my first published poem.

E.E.: How did you come up with the idea for your book? 
Elizabeth: Years ago, I was invited by a romance group to give a workshop on imagery. I brought along my “boom box” to play three songs as part of some writing exercises. When Garth Brooks finished singing, That Summer, I told the group how much that song inspired me. Every writer at some point in her/his career, as thought or said, what if? I said, “What if the hero comes back?” And thus, Beneath A Horse Thief Moon was born. I hope my readers will love the book as much as I loved writing it.


Today, Elizabeth will give away two copies of her book, Beneath a Horse-Thief Moon. Just leave a comment and enter the rafflecopter.

Who is your favorite Western hero (book or movie)? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

33 comments:

  1. this looks like the start of a great series!!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by. I'm a modest person, but I admit I love this series. It was originally just one book, but then Chase and Sara's friends wanted their own story, too, and the trilogy was born. I'd love to hear from you.

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    2. I finally got my replies working and my picture up...the verify window threw me....I'm not a technical person, I just love to write. Thank you so much for writing, T Fordice

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  2. Elizabeth, you know how much I love BENEATH A HORSE-THIEF MOON! I am so excited about the next two stories, I can hardly wait to see what happens. I love that Garth Brooks song, too.

    Great interview--Elisabeth always asks the very best questions! And I enjoyed learning more about you. Congratulations on your new release, my friend! I know this is the start of many more wonderful stories to come. So glad to have you with us at Prairie Rose Publications!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl. You are the best editor an author could have, so supportive and helpful. I'm so glad you love Chase and Sara's story and I'm editing as fast as I can to provide you with the rest of the trilogy. I'm so happy to be part of the Prairie Rose Publications family.

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  3. It warms my heart to find a sister Dr. Zhivagoan. *wink* It is on my list of favorite movies and books, too. I also smiled at your “What if the hero came back?” The what-if scenario offers countless and intriguing storyline possibilities. Best of luck with this story and the ones that follow.

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    1. Kaye, I never tire of watching Dr. Zhivago....the music flowing over the field of daffodils dancing in the breeze, the little estate house dripping with icicles....so many beautiful images in that movie. And you are so right about "What if the hero comes back?" When I made that comment my imagination started working overtime. Thanks for your good wishes, Kaye.

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  4. Books sounds like a great story with lots of angst. Love the cover.

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    1. Kathy, I am in awe of Livia Washburn's talent in creating such a beautiful cover that conveys so much tenderness in the pose. Livia truly listened to what I envisioned for the cover. I wanted a full moon with horses running across it, moon shadows on my hero and heroine, and wow did she deliver. So many people have commented on FB about the gorgeous cover. A good cover is what draws the reader for a second look, pick up the book for a closer look, read the back blurb and then look at the cover again. That's what happened to me when I discovered a brand new author and I became an auto-buy of her books. I had so much fun writing this book. Thanks for popping by.

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  5. *shivers* "what if he came back?" -- that still gets to me! :) I'm so very much excited for your new release, Elizabeth, and to have others have their opportunity to fall in love with Chase and Sara like I did!

    That excerpt -- one of my favorite moments between the two of them -- fun and spicy!

    Happy early book birthday!

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    1. Michelle, you were the first reviewer of my book, and your enthusiasm did my little ole anxious heart good. Every author wants the reader to love her "baby" and you left no doubt in my mind. I can hardly wait to hold the book in my hands as soon as the print copies are available. It's been great getting to know you since your review. Mucho thanks! You're a great reviewer and I highly recommend your talents.

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  6. love the cover and sounds so good entered contest but then realized it was ebook oops peggy clayton

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    1. Peggy, there will be print copies available, too, after April 12th release date. I can hardly wait to order a box of them and have a book signing at our mall. So glad you love the cover...that's the first impression a reader gets. I feel exceptionally lucky with the cover. It is such a tender pose that I can't stop gazing at it. Thank you so much for stopping by. Please write me when you've read it.

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  7. I love "olden" times too. This book sounds like a winner and I can't wait to read it.

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    1. JJ, I've been hooked on historicals since my late teens when I discovered Frank Yerby. I read all of Jean Plaidy's books and practically became an expert on English, French and Italian kings and queens. But I think I've really found my niche with western historicals and what better starting point than the beautiful Cypress Hills just a short drive from here. I'm so looking forward to you reading Beneath A Horse-Thief Moon. Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. What an exciting time for you! I just know this series will be on the "keeper shelf". Congratulations! This series is gonna have readers begging for more.

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    1. Ah, Morgan, thank you for your kind words. That's what Michelle wrote in her review, that this is a book for her keeper shelf. And yes, a very exciting time for me, long overdue, but just at the right time because now I have the time to pursue my writing career. Thank you for stopping by.

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  9. It sounds wonderful. Congratulations. I can't wait to read it.

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    1. Thank you so much. I loved writing Sara and Chase's story. I hope you can visit my website and see all the pictures my son took for me and included in the website he created this week. When you see the banner picture, that will give you a feel of the setting for Sara's ranch, and how it is so easily hidden by the trees and coulees. I would love to hear from you when you've read my book. Thank you for stopping by.

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  10. I meant to post this at the beginning of this blog but I became hung up with trying to post replies....finally got it. Thank you, Elisabeth Burke for inviting me to your blog today and giving my book a bit of exposure. I am so excited to be here that I couldn't sleep in, just had to get this exciting day started....and I haven't even had coffee yet or brekkie. I am having so much fun here, and so gratified with all the wonderful people stopping by and leaving comments. Thank you, Elisabeth!

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  11. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid is my favorite. I watched it on tv with my mom... It's a fun movie.

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    1. That's one of my favourite westerns....I love the part where Sundance is looking down and I think he says, "I can't swim" and Butch says, "....the fall will probably kill you" and then they both jump. Thanks for stopping by.

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    1. I wasn't quite sure what you were saying, bn100, but thhank you for stopping by.

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  13. Elizabeth, I'm so excited that this awesome story will finally be available to readers! You're a very talented writer and this story really pulls on the heartstrings. Best of luck to you.

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    1. Thank you, Jacquie. Your opinion means a lot to me. More fun times ahead.And thanks again for directing me to Prairie Rose Publications. A Great group of talented people there.

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    1. I liked Wyatt Earp, too. Loved the movies over the years. Grew up on watching westerns on t.v....I had such a crush on Little Joe Cartwright and then one day I really noticed tall, dark and handsome Adam, and I was a goner. Thank you for stopping by, Rita.

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  15. This was fun, Elisabeth. Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog. I look forward to you picking the two contest winners and I'll make sure to get them an electronic copy when the book becomes available on April 12th.

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  16. I so enjoyed reading your interview, especially about your hero, Sutton, and the sonofabitch stew. I think I might have gasped when I read that. I like that you mentioned the other two books in the trilogy because now you have my interest in the whole dang threesome. LOL
    I wish you all the best, Elizabeth.

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  17. I smiled reading your comments, Sarah, because scenes with Mike Sutton immediately came to mind. I fell in love with him in Chase and Sara's story, and he knew it, too, because the cheeky rascal then demanded his own story. Each book in the trilogy is a stand-alone, but these friends keep showing up to help each other out. Please come along for the ride, Sarah, and thanks for stopping in here to chat a bit.

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  18. I am so happy your stories are out in the world. Wishing you all the best now and in the future.

    Enjoyed the interview and excerpt. You go lady. Doris

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    1. Thank you, Doris; you are so kind, just like everyone at PRP. I hope to publish a lot more stories in the months ahead. I have a couple of historicals I have to find and dust off and edit because the characters are still whispering in my ear, me me me...greedy little rascals. Thanks for stopping by, Doris.

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