Today Blog Tour Tuesday features
Ashley: Brides of Cinnabar Book 1
by Kate Connors
About
Ashley:
Mal
McElhoes' spur-of-the-moment purchase of a sheep herd might not have been his
smartest decision. The ranch in rough and tumble Cinnabar, Montana, on the
outskirts of Yellowstone Park, is more work than he can manage, especially with
good-for-nothing ranch hands. And he's even losing those, thanks to the new
railroad coming through. He needs more help and companionship than his loyal,
whip-smart collie can offer. What he really needs is a wife.
Ashley Sullivan's prospects in New Hampshire are bleak. Her family's fallen on hard times. She does what she can to help out, but she doesn't want to be a burden on them. Besides, she's holding a few secrets in her heart: she'd like to run her own boarding house someday, she'd like a grand adventure, and, just maybe, she could fall in love. So when an offer to be a mail order bride to a sheep rancher in Montana comes up, she leaps at the chance.
Ashley Sullivan's prospects in New Hampshire are bleak. Her family's fallen on hard times. She does what she can to help out, but she doesn't want to be a burden on them. Besides, she's holding a few secrets in her heart: she'd like to run her own boarding house someday, she'd like a grand adventure, and, just maybe, she could fall in love. So when an offer to be a mail order bride to a sheep rancher in Montana comes up, she leaps at the chance.
Construction
on the National Pacific Railroad nearby brings new opportunities for Mal and
Ashley. But it also brings new dangers. When his sheep start disappearing, mail
ordering a bride might turn out to be the smartest decision Mal ever made...
You may purchase ASHLEY by CLICKING HERE.
Excerpt:
Mal
didn’t have long to wonder why James and Ernie were hanging out at Wallace’s
instead of sitting in the bunkhouse playing cards. Blaine was waiting for him
at the ranch.
Surprised to see
him, Mal asked, “Trouble?”
Blaine shrugged. “More
like a business opportunity, if you’re up for it, Mal.”
He helped Ashley to
the ground before introducing her to Blaine.
The sheriff tipped
his hat. “Sorry to trouble you so soon after your arrival, Miss.”
Ashley shook the
large man’s hand with a nervous smile. “I hope it’s nothing too serious?”
“Oh, it’s more of a
travel blunder than anything, Miss. Don’t you fret none.”
Mal went to the
house, intending to let Cindy loose, and found a letter nailed to the door.
Blaine and Ashley followed.
“More of my men
walked out on me, for the railroad!” He crumpled James’ note. “They’re all gone
now.”
Mal didn’t know
what to do. Even if James and Ernie had been the worst hands ever, how could he
possibly run the ranch without any ranch hands? He didn’t want Ashley to worry
so he tried not to let his fears show.
“Well, this may be
just the ticket then.” Blaine gave him a hearty clap on the back. “I happen to
have a group of travelers that lost their mode of transport. The saloon’s all
full-up with railroad men. We need beds and now you’ve got a few extras.”
“What are you
talking about?”
“There’s an Army
Colonel transferring back to Virginia. Got his whole family here and the
carriage he commissioned lost a wheel.”
Mal raised an
eyebrow. “One of your carriages?”
Blaine shrugged
again, looking elsewhere. “Might be.”
Mal grinned. “I did
offer to fix that for you.”
Blaine answered
gruffly, “Well you can get on that tomorrow.”
When Mal finally
opened the door to the ranch house, a dog bolted between their legs and made
straight for Ashley, barking a happy welcome and hopping around in excitement.
Ashley squealed in
delight, crouching down to pat the black and white dog, now licking her face. “You
didn’t tell me you had a dog!”
Mal said, “That’s
Cindy. I can’t believe I forgot to mention her. Come on, girl! Don’t be a pest.”
He made to coax her
away from Ashley, but she scooted between his legs and flopped herself onto the
ground before the young woman, rolling over to expose her belly. His fiancé
beamed in satisfaction, rubbing the dog’s fur. “Oh she’s dear, I don’t mind at
all. We never had a dog at home. My father thinks they are filthy creatures.”
Mal considered the
dog rolling around in the dirt at their feet. “Well, your father’s probably
right, but Cindy is a pretty great dog!”
Mal unpacked the
wagon while Blaine briefly outlined his plan. Colonel Jackson and his family
would pay for lodging and breakfast and spend the night in the bunkhouse. In
the morning Blaine would hire Mal to fix
the carriage wheel so the Jacksons could get to Livingston before the next
train to Denver.
Ashley interrupted
their conversation to suggest, “That’s going to be quite a lot of work to get
done on time. You might want to pay extra for rush service.”
Mal tried to hide a
grin when Blaine huffed at the idea of “paying extra” but ultimately
agreed that he would be keeping Mal from his other work. He offered an
additional two dollars to get the job done.
Ashley asked, “Will
that also cover the cost of the materials?”
It was all Mal
could do to keep from laughing at Blaine’s reaction. The sheriff had finally
met his match when it came to bargaining. Ashley was proving more resourceful
by the minute.
Ashley asked, “How
many should I plan for dinner?”
“There’s four in
the Colonel’s party, plus you and me.”
“And me,” said
Blaine. “I’m a mite peckish.”
“So seven people.”
She nodded and strode into the pantry, determined to make a nice meal for their
unexpected guests. Mal had plenty of jerky of various types and not much else. It was a good thing they had shopped
so well in Livingston.
Plans made, Blaine
borrowed Mal’s wagon and went to collect his travelers from town. Mal was
thankful that Ashley proved unflappable, what with suddenly having to come up
with dinner for seven.
About
Kate Connors:
Kate Connors grew up in Boston and always dreamed of living
out west. After three visits to Yellowstone National Park she decided that just
visiting wasn't enough. She's worked in Yellowstone National Park since 2014.
The story of the Montana town of Cinnabar that existed for 20 years due to a
right of way dispute caught her fascination and she hopes you enjoy reading
these sweet romances starring characters who have placed all their bets, hopes
and dreams on this little town that lies on the outskirts Yellowstone National
Park.
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