Romancing Mark Twain with E.E. Burke

Livy and Sam 

The author Mark Twain is best remembered for his satire and his scathing observations about human nature. But there was another side to the man, Samuel Clemens--a romantic one. 

At age 32, Sam returned from a successful trip abroad with a new friend, Charles Langdon, who invited Sam to an outing with his family. It was late December 1867 when Sam joined the Langdons at Steinway Hall in New York City to hear Charles Dickens read from David Copperfield. The reading didn’t impress Sam, but the young woman he met certainly did. He says of his official “first meeting” with Olivia Langdon: “It made the fortune of my life--not in dollar, I am not thinking in dollars; it made the real fortune of my life in that it made the happiness of my life.”

At first, happiness wasn’t certain. With typical spontaneity, Sam popped the question soon after the first date. Livy turned him down. Crushed, though not defeated, he penned a respectful, yet ardent, letter, the first of many in their two-year courtship. Here’s an excerpt from that letter, in which he claims to accept her refusal and addresses her as “honored sister.” 

For once, at least, in the idle years that have drifted over me, I have seen the world all beautiful, & known what it was to hope. For once I have known what it was to feel my sluggish pulses stir with a living ambition. The world that was so beautiful, is dark again; the hope that shone as the sun, is gone; the brave ambition is dead. Yet I say again, it is better for me that I have loved & do love you; that with more than Eastern devotion I worship you; that I lay down all of my life that is worth the living, upon this hopeless altar where no fires of love shall descend to consume it. If you could but—

He goes on to profess friendship, but he more or less begs her to open her heart and give him a chance. She does, and after two years and many more letters, finally admits to loving him, but adds that she hopes it will pass!

Sam, undaunted, redoubles his efforts until his determination pays off. Triumphant, he writes to share the news in a letter to his friend, Joseph Twichell. Here's a brief excerpt:

Refused three times—warned to quit, once—accepted at last!—& beloved!—Great Caesar's Ghost, if there were a church in town with a steeple high enough to make an object of it, I would go out and & jump over it. And I persecuted her parents for 48 hours & at last they couldn’t stand the siege any longer & so they made a conditional surrender:—which is to say, if she makes up her mind thoroughly & eternally, & I prove that I have done nothing criminal or particularly shameful in the past, & establish a good character in the future & settle down, I may take the sun out of their domestic firmament, the angel out of their fireside heaven...

Oh, no—there isn’t any persistence about me—certainly not. But I am so happy I want to scalp somebody.

Mark Twain House, Hartford CT

Sam and Livy spent their happiest years in their romantic home in Hartford, CT.  Four years into marriage, Sam pens an endearing letter to his wife from London that ends with him imagining his return. I love to write about arriving—it seems as if it were to be tomorrow. And I love to picture myself ringing the bell, at midnight—then a pause of a second or two—then the turning of the bolt, & “Who is it?”—then ever so many kisses—then you & I in the bath-room, I drinking my cock-tail & undressing, & you standing by—then to bed, and — —everything happy & jolly as it should be. 

I do love & honor you, my darling.

Saml.

Photos and letters courtesy of the Mark Twain House and Museum. Home photos by John Groo.

💖💖💖💖💖

A "shelfie" with Mark and me 

Be my guest at Romancing Mark Twain

Join me for an exclusive online Valentine's event Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. Eastern.  I'll be appearing with Rebecca Floyd, the Director of Interpretation at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Conn., to talk about how Mark Twain inspired me to write love stories featuring his beloved characters. You'll also hear more about the true love story between Sam and Livy.

Through the technological wonder of Crowdcast, you can join us for this LIVE online discussion from the comfort of your home. Watch the program online, and, if you’d like, participate in the Q&A.

FREE digital tickets are waiting for you to claim them. All you have to do is sign up at the Mark Twain House & Museum's online event page. Select 1 "digital connection" to order your front row seat. Don't worry, you will not be charged. If you wish to make a donation to this worthy institution, you can do so, though it is not required. 

I hope you'll be there on the evening of Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. EST. (6 p.m. Central Time). 

Have you read one or both of my New Adventures books? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought about these "grown up" characters. If not, tell me which character--Tom or Huck--you think would be your favorite. 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Steam! Special Edition: Fugitive Hearts from bestselling author E.E. Burke

Book 4, Steam! Romance and Rails

A lawman is determined to discover the simple truth. Justice--and love--are far more complicated.

Everyone in Parsons, Kansas, considers hotel owner Claire Daines a respectable, decent woman. Until she shocks the entire town when she rushes into a saloon in her nightclothes to confess to an inebriated lawman. “Sheriff, I shot my husband.” 

Is it an accident, as she claims? Or murder? 

As Sheriff Frank Garrity unravels the evasive widow’s subterfuge, the truth will challenge his notions about justice. The tough, uncompromising sheriff must choose between his desire to protect Claire and his duty to uphold the law.

This evocative Western romance takes readers back to Kansas in the 1870s on a wild chase for two fugitives, who inspire one man's hope for a second chance.

Buy Fugitive Hearts

E.E. Burke is a bestselling author of historical fiction and romances that combine her unique blend of wit and warmth. Her books have been nominated for numerous national and regional awards, including Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice and Kindle Best Book. She was also a finalist in the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart® contest. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in.

Your stories are part of a series titled “Steam!” Does that mean they are “steamy” with lots of sex?

Let me start by saying that I write sex scenes if they fit with the storyline. I don’t do it just to titillate or fit some formula. I knew from the start that the books in this series would have sex scenes because the relationships that develop between the main characters are visceral and physical, as well as emotional. But I try to write it so that the scene is passionate not just sexual. The scene in Fugitive Hearts between Claire, who has been neglected and abused and has never experienced true physical passion, and Frank, who has withheld physical gratification from himself for so long as a kind of penance, is one of the best sex scenes I’ve ever written because it delves into the needs and vulnerabilities of these characters, as well as their strong attraction to each other. These two lonely souls, who carry around a lot of guilt over past failures, find themselves in opposition to each other, and at the same time, find solace with one another. Their struggle to heal and find peace with each other and with themselves is, I believe, one of tenderest stories I’ve written.

What is the historical setting for this book?

Fugitive Hearts takes place in 1873, during a period of transition, when the country fell into an economic depression and the Katy Railroad experienced numerous business failures, mostly due to the greedy, unethical people in charge. This book shifts its focus to the Henry’s sister Claire and the sheriff in Parsons, both of whom appeared in A Dangerous Passion. Another character who played a small role in that book, an outlaw named Jasper Byrnes, becomes more important in this book for reasons I can’t tell you without spoilers. Historically, this is the period when train robberies started in earnest—spurred on by a combination of the toxic effects of post-war violence and economic pressures. But’s it’s not only the outlaws who are crooked! 

After this, will you write more books in the series?

I’m currently working on book five, Lawless Hearts. It basically picks up where Fugitive Hearts leaves off. Right now, I envision six books in this series altogether. If readers want more, I’ll probably write more!

Steam! Romance and Rails New Edition. More adventure. More suspense. More romance. In a series you don’t want to miss. www.eeburke.com

A theme running through Fugitive Hearts is second chances. For the main characters, Claire and Frank, the orphan Billy, even the outlaw Jasper. Can you think of any books or movies you’ve seen lately that address this theme well? Do you enjoy "second chance" stories? Why?  

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of the books in the series! Leave a comment and don’t forget to add your email.

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Steam! Special Edition: A Dangerous Passion from bestselling author E.E. Burke

Book 3, Steam Romance and Rails 

She writes about villains and heroes. Then meets a man who might be both.

Lucy Forbes heads West to help her father with a difficult assignment—one that pits him against a railroad executive reputed to be as treacherous as he is charming. She anticipates having adventure, even dangerous thrills, to add to the stories she writes. What she doesn’t expect is how quickly she gets caught up in a deadly mystery.

Henry Stevens is more than ambitious. He’s an intense, driven man, guided by principles forged during an impoverished childhood. His carefully laid plan for success takes a sharp turn when an investigation is launched against him. Suddenly, he is fighting for his job and his life. It’s not the ideal time to become embroiled in a tumultuous, passionate relationship, especially with an inquisitive writer, who pens tales about heroism and high ideals. Astonishingly, she expects him to live up to them. Even more surprising, he wants to.

Inspired by a true events, this fiery Western romance takes readers to the southwestern frontier in the 1870s, a time of triumphs and travails for the Katy Railroad and the driven man who stakes his future--and his life--on it. 

Buy A Dangerous Passion

E.E. Burke is a bestselling author of historical fiction and romances that combine her unique blend of wit and warmth. Her books have been nominated for numerous national and regional awards, including Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice and Kindle Best Book. She was also a finalist in the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart® contest. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in.

Your main character is based on a real person. Who is the “real” Henry Stevens?

His name was Robert S. Stevens. They called him “Colonel Stevens.” Described as a man with “dark flashing eyes and a meticulous style of dress,” he was a larger-than-life persona in the history of the Katy Railroad. In 1870, “the Colonel” was brought in by Katy president Judge Levi Parsons to build a railroad empire that would stretch from Chicago all the way down to Mexico City. The Katy’s birth and impressive growth is largely attributable to Robert Stevens, who took a “never surrender” approach to just about everything he attempted. Many of the events in this book are based on exploits written about this fascinating man and the railroad he built.

Are there other historical events woven into the story?

Oh yes. Another historical tidbit featured in A Dangerous Passion is a series of mysterious murders that took place near Parsons, Kansas. From a period stretching between 1871 and early 1873, numerous travelers through southeastern Kansas were reported missing. There were theories as to what happened to them, including one rumor that the railroads were to blame for their disappearance.

When a well-known doctor went missing, his brother, a U.S. Senator, tore through the area on a frantic search. Authorities ultimately discovered nearly a dozen bodies buried in a field behind a cabin that doubled as a wayside inn, serving meals to travelers. I won’t tell you who was to blame (spoiler!). You’ll have to read A Dangerous Passion to find out.

What is your personal favorite book in this series?

That’s a tough question to answer. I love all of them. Though I’ll admit that this book does hold a special place in my heart. Henry starts out in the series as what appears to be a ladder-climbing opportunist. Then we get to know him a little better and we see there’s more to him. We discover what drives him and what makes him vulnerable, and, ultimately, what makes him so lovable...and so heartbreakingly sad. He’s a man who has lost touch with himself. A proverbial Beast who has forgotten his true nature.

Oh, and this cover! When I first started working on A Dangerous Passion, I pinned some images to my Pinterest board for inspiration.

Check out the one I pinned for Henry... 

Wow. The cover model is a dead ringer, right? 

No, I didn't pay Richard Armitage to pose for my cover, but if this book ever gets made into a movie, I know who I'll be asking to play the lead role!

Join me on Tuesday, July 27 for facts about Book 4, Fugitive Hearts.

In a sense, A Dangerous Passion is a Western fairytale. The beast is transformed. A prince is revealed. It’s no coincidence that the heroine is an aspiring author whose favorite books are 19th century romantic adventures. Can you think of other books you've read that are inspired by fairy tales?

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win one of the books in the series! Leave a comment and don’t forget to add your email.

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Steam! New Edition: Her Bodyguard from bestselling author E.E. Burke

 

Book 1 in the Series Steam! Romance and Rails

An unredeemable man. An unstoppable woman. Will love be powerful enough to save them? 

As a wanted man, Buck O'Connor must guard his secrets when he returns to Kansas to see his brand of justice served. Then Fate—or a darker force—puts him in the path of a wealthy widow at an opportune moment. In the middle of a cutthroat railroad construction race to reach the Kansas border.

For investor Amy Langford, the contest isn’t about riches. She’s driven by her father’s dreams and haunted by his death. Now, someone wants her dead. Is it rioting settlers? Underhanded competitors? She needs a protector who isn’t involved in the race, but is stronger than her enemies...and more cunning.

Buck agrees to be her bodyguard, yet he hides his real purpose for getting close to her. A purpose that could destroy the remarkable woman who is destined to redeem him.

A thrilling Western romance set against the backdrop of a no-holds-barred railroad race across Kansas in 1870. With twists and turns that raise the stakes all the way to the end. 

Buy Her Bodyguard

E.E. Burke is a bestselling author of historical fiction and romances that combine her unique blend of wit and warmth. Her books have been nominated for numerous national and regional awards, including Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice and Kindle Best Book. She was also a finalist in the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart® contest. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in. Find more about her books at www.eeburke.com.

Why did you release a new edition of this series? And this book, in particular? 

Seriously, that cover...right? No (ha ha) It's not just that awesome cover. I also went back and tweaked and revised to make it a more compelling read. The story is essentially the same. 

Would you call this a Western romance?

Technically, historical Western romance. The story is based on true events and even features numerous historical characters. It has a strong suspense element, there's plenty of action, and the passion that ignites between Buck and Amy produces enough steam to power a train.

What is the historical setting?

A great construction race between two railroads in 1870 that sparked settlers’ riots across Kansas. When I first started researching, I found surprisingly little written about this fascinating event that involved equally fascinating characters, many of whom make an appearance in my books. One, in particular, is Octave Chanute, a brilliant French-born engineer who built the first railroad bridge over the Missouri River, then went on to help the Wright Brothers learn to fly. 

The actual race had all the makings of a great epic: crooked politics, underhanded investors, angry mobs, liars, cheats and killers. It wasn’t difficult to craft a tale around the colorful characters who appeared in historical accounts. My challenge was developing primary characters as compelling as the supporting cast. Once again, I dove into the history books. The fiercely independent Kansas women who championed suffrage and equal rights served as models for Amy. The tough-as-nails, troubled survivors of Missouri’s guerrilla war gave me inspiration for Buck.

I hope readers enjoy this glimpse into an exciting era in America’s history. Although that time is far behind us, it left an indelible mark that helped shape our country into who and what we are today.

Come back next Tuesday to learn more about Book Three and the man who built the Katy Railroad. He was my inspiration for the main character, who could be a villain, a hero--or both.

At its heart, Her Bodyguard is a redemption story. Can you think of any books you’ve read recently that featured a hero who needed redeeming? What it is about these characters that draws you to them?

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win one of the books in the series! Leave a comment and don’t forget to add your email.

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Return to a New Adventure with Bestselling Author E.E. Burke

Seven years ago, I started out to tell a love story featuring two of America's most notable childhood sweethearts, Tom and Becky. What I imagined to be a simple enough story turned into a expedition with many twists and turns--wandering, exploring, discovering, with lots of crying and laughing and pulling my hair out when I struggled to put on the page what was in my heart. As I reach the end, I can say without reservation it has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling journeys I've ever taken, and I don't regret one minute of it. I learned a lot about writing and about myself while working on this book. I hope I've done Tom and Becky proud. However its received, I've done the best I can do. That's all we can ever do, right?

In the Afterword of the original Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain wrote: 

Some day it may seem worthwhile to take up the story of the younger ones again and see what sort of men and women they turned out to be. 

The great author never did revisit his characters as adults. As I read and re-read these books over the years, I couldn't stop asking, what happened? I would not be satisfied until I had an answer.

Tom Sawyer Returns picks up more than a decade after we left him as a carefree lad in a sleepy town on the Mississippi River. It made sense that Tom would eventually leave to seek adventures. History provided a desperate event that would bring him home, determined to be a hero.

Numerous incidents in Tom Sawyer Returns are based on historical reports, one of which alludes to a shadowy conspiracy by Confederate sympathizers to seize control of the Mississippi River. 

Put Tom in the middle of a deadly scheme, having to solve a mystery without crucial memories, and you have an exciting plot. But a love story requires more.

In Twain’s book, the character of Becky Thatcher fits the traditional stereotype of the Victorian female: beautiful, helpless, idealized...quite frankly, boring. I wondered, what would a girl like that do when faced with adversity if she were made of more than fluff? 

The Becky Thatcher who sprang to life on these pages surprised me with her cleverness, compassion, courage and sense of adventure. She’d shown something of her spunk in choosing Tom in the first place, and seeing her develop into a multi-faceted, independent woman, was pure delight. 

You'll meet other characters featured in Twain's stories, such as Tom's half-brother Sid, Becky's cousin Jeff, Judge Thatcher, Tom's former girlfriend Amy Lawrence, and Alfred Temple, who is still competing with Tom for Becky's affections. They all had bit parts in Twain's original tale. I thoroughly enjoyed expanding on these secondary characters, delving into backstories, and exploring their relationships with Tom and Becky. 

See more sneak peek info on my blog and website: www. eeburke.com 

August 1864

The country is at war, Missouri languishes under martial law, and a once-peaceful river town throngs with soldiers, spies, and sedition. 

Caught in the middle is Becky Thatcher. Once a pampered only child, she has lost nearly everything, including her faith in love. When her father is jailed for treason and their very survival depends on her, the last person in the world she wants to rely on is her faithless first beau, Tom Sawyer. 

 

Tom has no problem remembering the mistakes he made concerning Becky, but is she the reason he returned home after so many years? Upon awakening without crucial memories after someone tried to kill him, the undercover spy can’t recall his mission and dares not trust anyone — not even his childhood sweetheart.

Purchase in eBook or Paperback formats: books2read.com/NewAdventure2

Have you read Twain's classics? What do you remember best about the stories or characters?  

I'll give away a $10 Amazon gift card in a random drawing. Enter the Raffle below!

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Blast to the Past: Adella's Enemy + Irish hero Cormac McGrady + St. Patrick's SALE!

Time for another BLAST TO THE PAST and an oldie-but-goodie, previously-released book and excerpt! ☘️ In honor of St. Patrick's Day ☘️, I'm sharing Adella's Enemy (my railroad romance featuring Irish hero Cormac McGrady) which is ☘️ on SALE for $0.99 ☘️ for a limited time. Or you can read the story for FREE any time with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Writing my "romance on the railroad" story was inspired by authors E. A. Burke and Jennifer Jakes --  and the Hell on Wheels TV series. So it seemed fitting that my railroad-foreman hero would be Irish. Cormac McGrady soon became larger than life as most Irish characters tend to do.

I ❤️ Cormac McGrady! He's the perfect match for my post-Civil War spy Adella Willows -- who is as capable as she is headstrong. But alas, poor Adella has a soft spot for...Cormac McGrady! ;)

Blurb ~ Adella's Enemy

The War Between the States ended five years ago, but she still pursues her enemy…

Rebel spy turned government rabble-rouser Adella Willows receives her mission straight from a Washington senator—play havoc with the Katy Railroad and derail its bid to win the race. The senator craves wealth. Adella craves revenge against the man responsible for her brother’s death. But her plans crumble into chaos when she enters a battle of wits with the railroad’s foreman.

An ocean separates him from his failures in Ireland, but he’s still haunted by those who died…

Seasoned railroad foreman Cormac McGrady’s sole desire is keeping his workmen safe and employed, which means keeping the Katy ahead of its rivals. But the beautiful spy bedeviling his railroad needs protecting as well. Cormac must choose between winning the race and winning Adella’s heart, while Adella must choose whether she lives for revenge or dies for love.

Can the pursuit of an old enemy lead to a new love?

Excerpt ~ Adella's Enemy

Adella & Cormac's first kiss... Almost!

Kansas - 1870

Adella’s fingers brushed the piece of paper hidden in her cleavage and she went as still as Cormac. Blast! She’d forgotten about the telegram! She needed Cormac to stay in her hotel room, but she couldn’t let him see the telegram.

“How do you know what I want?” she whispered, stalling for time.

“I don’t. But this is what I want.” In two strides, he devoured the gap between them. Then his mouth claimed hers in a hot, heady possession.

Pressed against the door, all she could do was kiss him back. She did so with abandon. Her skin tingled, and her blood raced as if her body had woken from years of sleepwalking. She didn’t want the feeling to stop. She wrapped her arms around Cormac’s neck and pulled him closer.

He suddenly lifted his head. “I want more than one kiss,” he murmured against her lips. “And I don’t mean merely claiming everything that’s under this dress.” His hand slid up her ribcage to cup her breast.

The telegram! With a gasp, she covered her chest with both hands. The corner of the paper poked her palm. Thank Dixie. It was still there. But had he seen it? She drew back against the door.

Cormac retreated as well, lifting his hand to rake it through hair that was already disheveled. Had she done that? He reached for the doorknob and she jumped aside.

“Stay away from the worksite, Adella.” He opened the door without his customary restraint. It banged against the wall. “And, for God’s sake, stay out of trouble. Don’t provoke a man beyond his patience.” 

~ * ~ 

Download Adella's Enemy on sale (or read the story free with Kindle Unlimited) on 

Amazon US | UK | Canada | Australia 

To learn what inspired Adella and Cormac's story, visit my Story Inspiration page on my website.

Wishing you a happy St. Patrick's Day 

Jacqui ❤️☘️ 

~ * ~ 

Fall in love with a new Old West...where the men are steadfast & the women are adventurous. 

Website: JacquiNelson.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jacquinelson

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/jacqui-nelson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JacquiNelson

Join my newsletter & receive Rescuing Raven (Raven and Charlie's story in Deadwood 1876) for free: JacquiNelson.com/download-my-free-read 

Following Faith & the Lonesome Hearts Series

What happens when you have a 4-book series, but book #2 is under exclusive contract in a multi-author anthology? A bit of confusion. But that's cleared up now. As of Feb 7th, I can share Following Faith (book 2 in my Lonesome Hearts series) with you as a stand-alone read. Hurrah! 

Lonesome Hearts Series - Western Historical Romance Adventure

It all started with my 2010 RWA® Golden Heart® award-winning book, Between Heaven & Hell (which also won the Chanticleer Laramie® for best Western Romance Drama in 2014). But then came...Faith, Bravery, and Raven. 

This 4-book series follows the frontiersmen and women who meet on the Oregon Trail and afterward. Each story features characters from the other books but is also a standalone read.

Book 1: BETWEEN HEAVEN & HELL 

The scout & the wagon boss

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas – 1850

Hannah knows one thing the moment she enters Fort Leavenworth—she’s arrived in Hell. But inside the fort is the means to a new life, a position as a scout on a wagon train bound for the Western Territories. All Hannah has to do is convince the wagon master, Paden Callahan, she’s the right person for the job.

After his wife was murdered by the Comanche, Paden let his work as a Texas Ranger consume him. Now he wants nothing more than to forget his past and disappear into the West. Unfortunately, the one man he can’t refuse has asked him to guide a wagon train full of tenderfoots across thousands of miles of Indian land. But Paden’s greatest challenge turns out to be Hannah, a woman his heart won’t allow him to ignore even though she’s been raised by an enemy he hates.

On a trail full of danger, will he guide her to heaven or hell?

READ AN EXCERPT 

* Available on Amazon (eBook/Print) & Kindle Unlimited *

Book 2: FOLLOWING FAITH 

The schoolmistress & the Osage warrior

Oregon Territory – 1852

Labeled a harlot and expelled from a remote logging camp and her work teaching children, Faith Featherby embarks on a journey to return a stolen spirit horse to the little girl whose photograph was hidden in the horse’s riding blanket.

Orphaned young and stifled by a lifelong shyness, Faith has only her education as a schoolmistress and her memories of her mother’s stories. She’s not an experienced rider, but a Medicine Hat horse—alleged to have the sacred power to protect its rider—might be her best hope for surviving the wilderness… until an Osage warrior rides out of the mist.

Scarred by a brutal past, the Eagle Feather challenges Faith to follow a new path where belief in yourself and your partner, be they horse or man, can lead to a triumph of the heart.

Can a single day together on horseback change your life forever?

READ AN EXCERPT

* Available on Amazon (eBook only for now) & Kindle Unlimited *

Book 3: CHOOSING BRAVERY 

The wilderness guide & the fugitive tracker

The Cascade Mountains, Oregon Territory – 1868

After her parents vanished in the wilderness, Élodie Rousseau found a home with an Osage warrior and a logging camp schoolmistress who joined forces to return Élodie’s beloved spirit horse. With them as her teachers, she became the legendary mountain guide, Yellow Feather. She knows everything about surviving and thriving in the wild, but something is missing.

Legendary Far North fugitive tracker, Lachlan Bravery, is tortured by his failure to find the one person who mattered most—the mentor who taught him everything he once held sacred. Driven to repay a dead man, his hunt for a notorious band of outlaws brings him to Élodie’s mountain where they must join forces on a final quest deep inside a cave with the power to destroy not only their unexpected love but their lives.

When legends collide, will the sparks ignite their love or drive them apart?

READ AN EXCERPT 

* Available on Amazon (eBook/Print) & Kindle Unlimited *

Book 4: RESCUING RAVEN 

The Lakota savior & the shotgun messenger

Deadwood, Dakota Territory – 1876

Raven wants to save one person. Charlie wants to save the world. Their warring nations thrust them together but duty pulled them apart—until their paths crossed again in Deadwood for a fight for love.

In a gold rush storm, can an unlikely pair rescue each other?

Rescuing Raven features a grown-up Charlie Jennings who was a young boy in my Oregon Trail story, Between Heaven & Hell (set in 1850). You’ll also get to meet real-life (and really complicated) Al Swearengen—one of the first men to set up a business in Deadwood. Al’s most well-known saloon was The Gem Theater, but his first Deadwood saloon (the one shown in my story) was The Cricket. 

READ AN EXCERPT 

* Available on Amazon (eBook only for now) or as a free read for my newsletter subscribers *

The Lonesome Hearts series (and the heroes and heroines in each story) covered a lot of ground (from Kansas to Oregon to the Dakotas) and that made them a lot of fun to write! 

What's your favorite setting for a story? 

Jacqui ❤️ 🤠

~ * ~ 

Fall in love with a new Old West...where the men are steadfast & the women are adventurous. 

Website: JacquiNelson.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jacquinelson

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/jacqui-nelson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JacquiNelson

Join my newsletter & receive Rescuing Raven (Raven and Charlie's story in Deadwood 1876) for free: JacquiNelson.com/download-my-free-read 

Blast to the Past: Robyn A Christmas Bride

Time for another BLAST TO THE PAST and an oldie-but-goodie, previously-released (just last Christmas) book and excerpt. Here’s Robyn: A Christmas Bride, my second book set in Noelle, Colorado. She's a free-spirited wagon driver. He's a workaholic Denver freight man—who needs the gift of true love.

Writing a historical romance Christmas story with the themes of a my-fair-lady transformation, selfless acts of love, and friends becoming soulmates is...a juggling act. It's so easy to drop at least one ball. How did I do?

“Jacqui has hit a home run with this one” - Peggy C, Amazon review.

Thank you, Peggy! Your words are the best reward an author can receive ❤️ 

But now, back to my heroine's my-fair-lady transformation. Say hello to my feisty wagon driver...

Blurb ~ Robyn: A Christmas Bride 

Who’s the perfect match for a flame-haired Welsh tomboy who loves driving wagons?

Raised by three free-spirited older brothers, Robyn Llewellyn has learned to fight for what she wants—and now she wants to transform her boss and best friend, Max Peregrine, into a lifelong partner. Determined to become the image of what a marriage-minded man wants, Robyn trades her trousers for a dress and heads to Max’s hometown of Noelle, Colorado. But changing who she is with the help of the now happily-married Brides of Noelle puts her friendship with Max at risk.

Who’s the perfect match for a work-addicted Denver business owner who loves his independence?



Defying his brother and grandpa’s wishes for him to stay with them in Noelle, Max Peregrine has created his dream job—leading a highly successful branch of Peregrines’ Post and Freight while working beside Robyn, the only person who makes him smile every day. But when she leaves without a word, Max follows her to Noelle where the choices they both must face could make it impossible for them to stay together beyond Christmas day.

Excerpt ~ Robyn: A Christmas Bride 

Noelle, Colorado—December 21, 1877

Max stood, astounded. Not by how much Noelle had changed, but by how little he had. Hovering inside Nacho’s front door with so many unenthused faces staring at him, he still felt like an outsider, a fraud, a square post in a round hole. Every success he’d earned since leaving Noelle seemed insignificant or even worse, like none of it had happened. 


He considered turning tail and heading back to Denver. As fast as he could. Then Grandpa Gus shouted his name, and he saw him, Jack, Birdie and— 


He shook his head in disbelief. 


Was that Robyn? Wearing a dress? Surrounded by a roomful of men? Men who dismissed him and pinned their gazes on her. With too much enthusiasm. 


He made a beeline for her. His brother leapt from his seat and intercepted him. Max held out his hand for a welcoming handshake, but Jack yanked him in for a fierce hug.


“You’re back.” Jack squeezed him even tighter. 


“And you’re cracking my ribs.”


The instant Jack released him, Gus hugged him just as intensely. Birdie did as well. When he was finally free, he still struggled to breathe. Their exuberant greeting overwhelmed him.

He coughed and said, “It’s good to be here with you.” He meant it even more when he saw Robyn smiling at him. 


“And what brings you here, Red Beard?” The familiar spark in her eyes when she said her special name for him, made it even harder to draw in air. Unexpectedly, her eyes darkened and her voice wavered as she said, “I hope…everything is well in Denver.” 


“Your brothers are good.” As good as he could imagine them ever being. “I’m here for you.” He forgot to breathe entirely when her eyes shone brighter than he’d ever seen. “You’re needed in Denver, Red Bird.”

~ * ~  

To hear more about Robyn and Max's story (read the opening scene, view my Pinterest inspiration board, and more) head to Robyn: A Christmas Bride's book page on my website.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and get to relax and do whatever you want today!
 
Jacqui ❤️

~ * ~ 

Want to find out what happens when Welsh meets West in Colorado 1878? Read an excerpt from my September release, A Bride for Brynmor, on my website. 

Fall in love with a new Old West...where the men are steadfast & the women are adventurous. 

Website: JacquiNelson.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jacquinelson

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/jacqui-nelson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JacquiNelson

Join my newsletter & receive Rescuing Raven (Raven and Charlie's story in Deadwood 1876) for free: JacquiNelson.com/download-my-free-read 

Blast to the Past: The Calling Birds

It's less than a week until Christmas, so it seems the perfect time to BLAST TO THE PAST with the first Christmas story I wrote. It's also my first mail-order bride tale. The Calling Birds is Birdie and Jack's romance in Noelle, Colorado. She's a seamstress on the run. He's a steadfast freight man who's never run from anything or anyone.

“Jack and Birdie's story is a suspenseful, romantic, sweet story of family, trust, love and survival. I couldn't put this story down!”
- CarterandConnersMom, Amazon review.

“This was a great read. Likable, fully developed characters with some mystery, danger and intrigue tossed [in] along the way to the HEA.”
- FluffersMom, Amazon review

I hope everyone enjoys Birdie and Jack's story as much as I enjoyed giving them their happily-ever-after with...a little bit of mystery and a whole lot of suspense 😊

Blurb ~ The Calling Birds 

A wanted woman’s flight, a man in pursuit of honesty, not stolen gold…

Many years have passed since Bernadette Bellamy fled the Cariboo Gold Rush and her reputation as the sister of a French-Canadian gang of thieves. Armed with only an honest talent for sewing and a willingness to lead a solitary life on the run, she stays one step ahead of everyone seeking her brothers’ last—and now lost—heist. Until a craving to settle down makes her reinvent herself as Birdie Bell, a dress shop owner. The arrival of an old foe combined with her desire to hold onto her treasure trove of fabrics has Birdie joining a wagonload of brides bound for a remote town.

After losing his leg and his wife, Jack Peregrine buries his pain under a mountain-high pile of work. He only agrees to sign up for a mail-order bride to save the town of Noelle, keep his freighting business, and care for his absentminded grandfather. But Jack’s request for a sturdy bride who won’t crumble under his burdens brings him a woman as tiny as she is troubled.

Can two mismatched people band together to become the perfect match?

Excerpt ~ The Calling Birds 

Noelle, Colorado—December 1876

The door flew open and Jack filled the doorway, once again looking wild-haired but better than any man had a right to—especially at this early hour. His frown turned to wide-eyed astonishment when he saw her. “You came back.” He glanced at Gus and heaved a sigh. “And you found him.”


Gus snorted. “I found her because I went looking for her.”


“I asked you to wait here until I—”


“You were moving too slow.”


“I was preparing breakfast. A task you insisted upon in case anyone”—his gaze cut briefly to her—“showed up unexpectedly. Then you slipped out unexpectedly and alone and—”


“Time alone can help with perspective,” Birdie said, recalling her night at La Maison away from Jack, and other memories as well. “During the winter of my eleventh year, I walked two miles to school every day with only a pair of snowshoes for company.”


Jack’s lips parted in surprise as he stared at her.


She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from sighing or grimacing. It was a challenge not to do both. Speaking without thinking came from pondering the past too much while loitering outside shop windows. 


A slow smile curved Jack’s mouth as he propped his arm on the doorjamb and studied her. “Did you walk uphill both ways as well?”


Was he teasing her? “That doesn’t seem likely.”


“What if your home and your school were on hills with a valley separating them?”


She narrowed her gaze on him. “How often does that happen?” 


He leaned even closer to her. “For other people, probably not often. But it was my walk to school when I was a boy in Kentucky.”


She blinked in surprise. He’d shared a snippet of his past with her and his tone still sounded teasing and light-hearted and— Could he be flirting with her? She held her breath, waiting for him to say more.


“Can we continue this inside?” Gus grumbled. “It’s cold out here. Not to mention Birdie would like her breakfast ’n I need my coffee.”


She was only hungry for what Jack might say next.

~ * ~  

To read the scene where Jack & Birdie first meet or to view their story's Pinterest inspiration board, head to The Calling Bird's book page on my website.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season! May peace, prosperity, and love follow you this Christmas and for all your days. 

Jacqui ❤️

~ * ~ 

Want to find out what happens when Welsh meets West in Colorado 1878? Read an excerpt from my September release, A Bride for Brynmor, on my website. 

Fall in love with a new Old West...where the men are steadfast & the women are adventurous. 

Website: JacquiNelson.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jacquinelson

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/jacqui-nelson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JacquiNelson

Join my newsletter & receive Rescuing Raven (Raven and Charlie's story in Deadwood 1876) for free: JacquiNelson.com/download-my-free-read