#RomanticIdea with Caroline Clemmons

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. I’d like to welcome Caroline Clemmons, author of Ophelia, the fourth book in her Bride Brigade series.

Meet Caroline Clemmons ~ Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets.

Caroline answered some of the questions I have for awesome authors. Caroline, is there a scene in your story that was inspired by a real life event? C: No, this stuff is all in my weird, active imagination.

Haha. The best kind of imagination to have! What has been the most exciting moment so far in your writing career? C: The first time I saw one of my books on the grocery store book rack back when I was with a traditional publisher. Seeing them in a bookstore or online is a wonderful thing—but the grocery store book rack really thrilled me. My youngest daughter was with me at the time and said, “Wow, Mom, you’ve really made it as an author now.” Not true, but I sure felt like I was on my way at that time!

Or the local drug store – that would be cool, too. What is your favourite saying? C: “Be the change you wish to see in this world,” by Ghandi

Love it. If you had to pick a song to be your theme song what would it be? C: The optimistic song “Tomorrow” from the musical “Annie”.

What would you pick as a superpower? C: Writing! I can make my characters leap tall buildings with a single bound, fly, go forward or back in time, do whatever I wish. Even better, I don’t get in trouble for any of this.

I think you already have that superpower 😀 What’s your favourite dessert? C: Chocolate anything. LOL Actually, there is this chocolate cake at a local restaurant that has thick chocolate icing served with ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry that is the most decadent dessert I have ever had and I love it—though we usually share it between three or four of us friends. Served with Dr Pepper to drink, of course.

I’d share that with you! Here is Caroline’s #RomanticIdea ~

Turn off the cell phone and computer.

Talk or watch a sunrise or sunset together.

Spend quality alone time with your significant other.

Whether you cozy up in front of a TV movie or go on a lavish evening out, being together and communicating is what the evening is about.

No matter if you play a game of Scrabble or Bunko, go on a trip, or just sit on the patio doesn’t matter as long as you are enjoying one another’s companionship.

Spending time with a loved one can be powerful and very romantic.

Time is the most precious gift you can give!

Here’s a bit about Caroline’s book OPHELIA, Book 4 in her Bride Brigade Series~

Escape…

A painful past…

Hope for the future…

Ophelia Shipp wants safety, a home, a husband, and to raise a family. To achieve her goal, she travels halfway across the country to a tiny Texas town, Tarnation. What awaits her there must be better than what she left. The future is certain to be better than the past.

Elias Kendrick had a difficult childhood but he has overcome poverty to build his empire in Tarnation. Now that he owns a successful saloon and the opera house, he is ready to marry and start a family. He’s vowed his children’s life will be different from his—if only he can find the right woman.

Two opposites attract—or are they? Ophelia and Elias must learn to overlook their superficial differences to work out their chance at lasting love.

Enjoy an excerpt from OPHELIA:

“What brings you to Tarnation, Miss Shipp?”

“Same as the others I suppose and there’s no point pretending otherwise. I want a kind husband, a secure home, and children. This appears to be a nice town even though it’s small. I notice there’s even an opera house.”

His smile broadened. “That there is. In fact, I built the opera house only a year ago. The manager and I try for a variety of acts so that by the end of the season, everyone has enjoyed at least a couple of shows.”

She leaned forward, happy to know he was so fair-minded. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy them all. Actually, I’ve never been to a live performance.” Oops, why did she have to confess that?

He leaned back and his eyes widened. “Never? You mean except at school, of course.”

A blush’s heat seared her face. How embarrassing to admit she was a country bumpkin who had done nothing. “My father was very strict. I couldn’t appear in or attend school plays. Mr. Kozlov has invited me to the opera house opening performance in two weeks. I’m looking forward to the event.”

Was that disappointment she saw flash across his face? “You’ll enjoy Geraldine Chitwood. We were exceptionally fortunate to book her. Normally, she only plays larger towns more easily reached. Being without railway access places us at a severe disadvantage.”

She had to stop herself from rubbing her sore rear. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten that stage ride.” She leaned toward him. “Tell me about yourself, Mr. Kendrick. Besides owning the opera house, I mean.”

“I’m twenty-nine and never married.” He took a deep breath and averted his gaze before he spoke. “If you led such a quiet life that you weren’t allowed to attend plays, then you’ll no doubt look down on me because, as well as the opera house, I own the local saloon.”

She hoped she hid her surprise that Lydia had included a saloon owner in this group of “acceptable” men. What should she say? A saloon owner here went against everything she’d ever been told. Yet, didn’t she trust Lydia? And, Mr. Kendrick appeared so nice. Think, what would Lydia or Jo say?

“I seek never to pass judgment, Mr. Kendrick. I don’t approve of drunkenness but I know most men enjoy meeting with others and sharing a drink or game of cards.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Very broad-minded of you. Do you play cards, Miss Shipp?”

Relief relaxed her and she couldn’t help laughing at his question. “I don’t play anything. All I’ve ever done is work.”

The air sizzles between those two and it sounds like Ophelia is in for an adventure! Here are the buy links ~ Amazon US     Amazon UK buy link   Amazon Canada

Caroline loves to connect with readers:   blog  website  Facebook  Twitter  Subscribe to her reader group here for a free novella, HAPPY IS THE BRIDE.

Caroline, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing an excerpt from OPHELIA. Good luck with your Bride Brigade series!:D