An Engagement on the Frontier

I’m tickled pink to announce the release of the third book in my Frontier Bachelors series for Love Inspired Historical, Frontier Engagement. Library Journal called it absorbing, touching, and heartwarming, and Huntress Reviews gave it five stars. But I love the story because I had so much fun writing it.

You see, James Wallin is a bit of a card--witty, charming, with a smile that could coax the birds from the trees. He prides himself on his team of fast horses, his style, his clever response to any situation. Until he meets lady who distrusts charm above all things. Here’s the blurb:

James Wallin's family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father's dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position. 

Rina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she's stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider… 

Here’s a sneak peek of how James and Rina get along together (or not!):

The crossing denied them, he managed to turn the wagon and team and go back the way they had come. Sure enough, a tiny trail, little more than the width of the wagon, led off the existing track. He clucked to the horses, who eased the wagon onto the trail. At least it had stopped raining. He could see the way clearly, past rocky hillsides and thick forest.

The lady beside him was stonier, face set and arms crossed over her chest. Surely he could make her smile again.

“Fine day for a drive,” he ventured.

“Not from where I sit,” she replied.

He leaned closer, gave her his best smile. “Not too late to turn back.”

“I fail to see how you can even turn!” she protested.

“Oh, I’d figure something out,” he said, straightening. “I always do. Just say the word.”

“The word, Mr. Wallin,” she grit out, “is onward.”

So they were back to being prickly again. He sighed. “Is that one of the rules for a teacher—excessive formality? Otherwise I’m certain I’d be James by now.”

“You didn’t give me permission,” she pointed out.

“I didn’t ask it either, Rina,” he replied.

Her lips tightened. “No, you did not, but I doubt my new employers would approve.”

“A shame they aren’t here, or to see you cavorting through the forest with an eligible bachelor.” He wiggled his brows at her.

She regarded him coolly. “We are not cavorting,” she informed him. “We are driving on a public road in full view of anyone who might drive by.”

He glanced around at the trees, then back at her. “Very proper, unless you consider the fact that this is more a trail than a road, and we aren’t likely to see another human being for miles.”

“But we could,” she insisted. “That is the point, Mr. Wallin.”

“James,” he corrected her.

“Fine,” she said. “James. But I think it is clear by our actions that we are not attempting to be clandestine. Therefore, our behavior is completely aboveboard.”

She had the cutest little nose. At the moment, it was high in the air, as if she had no doubt of her convictions.

“So, as long as it’s done in the open, it’s proper?” he asked her.

“Precisely.”

“Good.” He pulled on the reins to halt the horses.

Rina put a hand to the sideboard as the wagon jerked to a stop. “What are you doing?”

“Attempting to persuade you to come home with me,” he said, and he bent and kissed her.

Interested? You can find Frontier Engagement for a limited time at fine stores like Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart. You can also order online at

Harlequin  

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iTunes

Indiebound (a bookstore near you)

The Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)