Today I am pleased to host Kat Flannery on my blog. Chasing Clovers is Kat’s first published novel. Looking forward to more out of her pen.
Chasing Clovers
by Kat
Flannery
Published by Imajin
Books
Historical Western Romance/Romantic Suspense
Length: 75,000
words
Heat Level: Sweet
Available at:
Blurb:
Kat Flannery’s CHASING CLOVERS is the perfect mix of sweet romance and
Wild West adventure, with a generous dash of emotion.
Mail order bride, Livy Green, is desperate to
escape the memories of her past. John Taylor will never love another woman
again, but his children need a mother. Will they learn to trust each other, or
will their pasts interfere?
Longing to escape the awful memories and the
saloon she once sang in, Livy Green lies about her past so she can be a wife to
John Taylor and step mother to his two young children. Overwhelmed by the task,
she struggles to put her resentment aside and love them as her own.
John loved his first wife and is still
heartbroken over the loss, but he needs a mother for his children. When his
distant and unfriendly mail order bride arrives, he begins to doubt his
decision though one glance into Livy's terrified green eyes tells him he can't
turn his back on her.
As Livy's past catches up with her and
suspicious accidents begin to happen on the ranch, she is tempted to come clean
and tell John the truth. But will he send her back if he does? Or will they
forever be CHASING CLOVERS?
Reviews:
“...CHASING CLOVERS is a page turner from the first page to its last
page. I couldn't stop reading it. High fives all around!”--Lillian Cauldwell, Passioniate World Radio USA
“...Clearly, CHASING CLOVERS is a realistic depiction of goodness and
vileness of human nature and hope amid seemingly very helpless situations.”--Nancy Cudis, Simple Clockwork
“4 out of 5 Stars! CHASING CLOVERS was such a great sweet read. This
really truly was a sweet story that was very well written and had just enough
romance and action to keep you turning the pages and wanting more.”--Ali, My Guilty Obsession
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which had a lot of twists and turns.
This author gets a big thumbs up from me, and I look forward to her next book.”--Amazon Review
Book Trailer:
About the Author:
Kat Flannery has had
her writing published in numerous periodicals. She’s received her diploma for
Creative, Freelance, and Business Writing. She is co-owner of Prairie Dog
Publishing, where she devotes her spare time as head of Marketing and
Communications. When not focusing on her creative passions, Kat is busy with
her three boys and doting husband Chasing Clovers is Kat’s first published
novel. While awaiting the release of her second book, she is currently writing
the third.
Visit Kat online at:
Website – http://www.katflannery-author.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/katflannery1
Excerpt #1:
Chapter One (Calgary
The stagecoach pitched to a stop, jostling Livy Green from fitful
nightmares of a past she longed to bury and the stranger she was about to
marry. Her neck stiff and her back aching, she massaged her shoulders. She
straightened and tried to stretch her arms, but the tiny space wouldn't allow
it.
A loud sigh blew from her lips when she realized how rumpled her clothes
were. Frowning, she ran her hands along her skirt. Nothing but a hot iron would
get the wrinkles out. With only two other dresses in her wardrobe, and no time
to change anyway, she had no choice but to meet her fiancé looking as she did.
Her stomach dropped. What if I'm not what he's expecting?
She peered out the window and wasn't surprised to see a few North West
Mounted Police mingling with the other townspeople. Their bright red uniforms
stood out like apples on a tree. She reached for her satchel and held it tightly
before she stepped out the small door. You can do this. She squeezed the
handle on her luggage. You have to.
A loud squeal sounded behind her.
Livy jumped. She was almost trampled by a young boy running from his mother.
Her heart lurched at the sight of the child. The familiar ache inside her soul
willed her to look away. But she continued to watch mother and child until they
disappeared inside the mercantile.
She took a deep breath, forced all thoughts of the past out of her mind
and scanned the streets again. Her face flushed when she thought of what she
was about to do.
Bag in hand, she spotted the blacksmith across the street next to the
barbershop. Her stomach twisted at the sight of the saloon two buildings down.
The all too familiar swinging doors waved back and forth, taunting her. Two
drunken cowboys left the saloon, weaving their way down the boardwalk.
Livy clenched the satchel and tensed.
She turned away, closed her eyes, and took another deep breath. Here she
would be the wife to John Taylor―a man she'd never met―and stepmother to his
two children.
She took another breath. She would start over. Again.
She surveyed the busy boardwalk in search of a tall man with dark hair.
Almost every man she saw fit the description he had given her, so she decided
to move over to the bench in front of the mercantile and wait for Mr. Taylor to
find her. Hands folded together on her lap. She tapped her toe restlessly.
Where could he be?
A rough looking cowboy sauntered toward her. His brown greasy hair, and
ripped denims were paired with an evil smile.
Livy tucked her chin into her chest. Oh, please don't let that be
him. She'd seen his type before and knew what they were capable of. The man
lingered beside her for a few moments before continuing on down the boardwalk.
She sighed with relief. How am I going to do this?
No longer Angel Green, she was now Olivia Green. The past was far behind
her, except on those long dark nights that would not allow her to escape it.
She chewed on her bottom lip and stared at the busy street.
Her new life would begin here. She would survive.
She blew out a shaky breath. It was all she knew how to do.
"Olivia?" a male voice asked.
A tall man stood beside her, his hat pulled low so she couldn't see his
eyes. He hesitated, then extended his hand. "Olivia?" He had a
polite, resonating voice.
She shaded her eyes with a hand. "Livy will do fine." She was
uncomfortably aware of his presence as he towered over her.
He smiled and took off his hat. Wavy black hair curled above the collar
of his coat and his skin was tanned from the sun. He looked nothing like the
dirty cowboy. Thank goodness. Instead, he wore a clean flannel shirt
tucked into faded denim pants.
"John Taylor. Good to finally meet you. My buckboard is over
there." He pointed the way, then peered around. "Where are your
trunks?"
"I only have this one."
Her cheeks reddened as she lifted her tattered brown satchel. She held
it slightly behind, not wanting him to see the holes and stains on it.
Nodding, he offered his arm. She ignored it. Friendly eyes stared back
at her. After what had happened to her in Great
Falls
"Do not be insulted, Mr. Taylor," she said, staring at his
boots, "but I'd rather you show me the way instead."
She headed in the direction he'd pointed out earlier. When she heard a
low chuckle from behind, she pursed her lips and walked faster. I need no
one, least of all a man.
In truth, she needed John Taylor more than she could admit.
My 5 Star Review
Ever since I have learned about mail order brides I am fascinated with the stories authors right about it. Two perfect strangers meeting some where in the prairies to carve a life for them selves, together. Finding common threads that holds them together creating a life, family and when lucky finding love. Some have secrets to keep, some looking for adventure, some just to belong, to be use full.
Just love the turmoil, the acceptance, the process of knowing each other and so far never dissapointed in the stories the different authors right for our entertainment.
Chasing Clovers is no acception. Finding its way on my shelf as a most enjoyable read. A story of faith and courage to take the first step. A sweet romance with a tensed filled beginning, struggling to cope in the harsh conditions of ranching life. A build up to keep you wondering if these two people will make it, willing to lay down one self and give them self the permission to love and start over. And the conclusion, bringing everything together in three little words. "I love you"
The strong characters capture your heart as each faced their pain with the loss of a love one. Each handling it differently. The two sweet children so innocent and doing their part in healing the grown ups. The ranch help, each bringing their abilities to the table to bring these two together as a family.
John Taylor - widower, Ranch owner, single father still coping with the loss of his wife.
Livy Angel Green - Growing up in a saloon with no idea of ranch life, raped and giving birth to a baby girl. Died in her arms. My heart went out to this young woman who had to deal with all of this all on her own.
Ben - sweet eight year old boy that helps her to cope
Emily - a sweet innocent three year old girl that reminds her of Emma
Anxiety and night mares filled Livy's life and dreams with the threat of a man that refuse to accept no as a answer. In fact he live from the thrill of it. Using every diabolic plan to have Livy once again.
Four people learning to accept each other, wondering if this is the right path for them. With accidents constantly running havoc on the ranch from the day Livy arrived on the T-Bar. Each time threatening her life or those of the children. Learning how to take care for a family, learning to cook and about vegetables.
A really enjoyable book from beginning to the end. It has all the elements to make this a great read, offering the reader to go back in a time when life was simpler and finding your feet hard but yet between all the turmoil a love is born.
Well done Kat Flannery. Looking forward to more of your books.
John Taylor - widower, Ranch owner, single father still coping with the loss of his wife.
Livy Angel Green - Growing up in a saloon with no idea of ranch life, raped and giving birth to a baby girl. Died in her arms. My heart went out to this young woman who had to deal with all of this all on her own.
Ben - sweet eight year old boy that helps her to cope
Emily - a sweet innocent three year old girl that reminds her of Emma
Anxiety and night mares filled Livy's life and dreams with the threat of a man that refuse to accept no as a answer. In fact he live from the thrill of it. Using every diabolic plan to have Livy once again.
Four people learning to accept each other, wondering if this is the right path for them. With accidents constantly running havoc on the ranch from the day Livy arrived on the T-Bar. Each time threatening her life or those of the children. Learning how to take care for a family, learning to cook and about vegetables.
A really enjoyable book from beginning to the end. It has all the elements to make this a great read, offering the reader to go back in a time when life was simpler and finding your feet hard but yet between all the turmoil a love is born.
Well done Kat Flannery. Looking forward to more of your books.
Thank you , Lynelle for your honest review of CHASING CLOVERS. I wish you, and all your followers a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year! :)
ReplyDelete