Title: The Marshal’s Mail-Order Bride
Author: Heidi Vanlandingham
Genre: American Historical Western Romance
Book Blurb:
Alayna Kimbal, on the run from a past that threatens to consume her, finds a glimmer of hope in a mail-order bride advertisement. Desperate for escape and yearning for a semblance of freedom, she steps into the unknown, embracing the role of a wife and mother in a world far removed from the shadows that chase her. But even as she attempts to build a new life, Alayna's secrets loom over her, a constant reminder of the peril that follows her steps, threatening not just her peace but the safety of those she has grown to care about.
In this untamed land, U.S. Marshal Jerome Riddick, burdened with the sudden responsibility of three orphaned children, is a man torn between the demands of his badge and the needs of his new family. In his search for balance, he turns to the prospect of marriage, unknowingly intertwining his fate with Alayna’s. As he grapples with the challenges of guardianship, Jerome is unprepared for the revelation of Alayna’s hidden past—a truth that could upend their fragile existence. In the heart of the frontier, where every day is a fight for survival, will the secrets they keep tear them apart, or will the bond they forge in the face of adversity be their salvation?
The Marshal's Mail-Order Bride weaves a captivating narrative of resilience, love, and the courage to face the unknown. Join Alayna and Jerome on their journey through the rugged wilderness, where every step is a testament to the enduring power of trust and love.
Excerpt:
She turned to look at her new husband, who now stood beside her, his slight frown directed at the horse as it tore up another plant with his floppy lips, happily chewing. The plants were all gone in the area where the horse stood, so he must have been there for some time.
His gaze then settled on the house. He moved around her and reached the porch in several long strides. Without touching the three stairs, he leaped onto the wide wooden planks and threw open the front door.
The moment the door opened, the loud wail of a baby broke the peaceful silence. Hurrying after him, she stepped inside, and her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light. A young boy stood near the far wall with a scowl on his handsome face. Reaching into a small box near his feet, to her surprise, he lifted out a baby. Thoroughly displeased at being jolted awake by the slamming of the door, the baby voiced her irritation in an even louder wail. Riddick winced.
Alayna heard Riddick peppering the boy with questions, but her attention remained focused on the baby as she bounced in her brother's arms. “Did you find your brother?”
The boy nodded, bouncing the little girl harder with no change in her tantrum. “Yeah, but he refused to come with me, so I just came back. Asta went home as soon as I got here.”
Riddick pulled his hat off his head in a choppy motion as he turned on his heels and went to stand at the window in what was evidently the kitchen. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. The stove was three times the size of the one she'd cooked on back home, and there was even a sink with a faucet where Riddick stood.
She crossed over the dark red Saltillo tiles and stood between the two rooms, her hand resting on the back of the rocking chair. To her left, a beautiful, hand-carved table with two long benches on either side separated the kitchen from the living space.
Riddick's mumbled growls pulled her attention back. “Is something wrong?” she asked, not really expecting a response. She'd never gotten one from anyone before, unless it had been Carlos.
He sighed. Shoving his hat back on his head, he turned and met her gaze. “You'll figure it out soon enough. Jake is a bit of a terror and likes to cause problems.” He walked toward the open doorway, his gaze settling on the boy's expectant face. “I'll bring him back, Carl. Can you show Alayna around and help get her settled in?” The boy nodded. Without another word, Riddick strode through the front door, which once more slammed behind him.
The silence in the small space was overwhelming as she stood staring into the boy's dark green eyes. Ignoring the nervous jitters settling in her stomach, she pasted a smile on her face and hoped the slight trembling wasn't as noticeable as it felt. “Hello. My name is Alayna.”
His mouth twisted to one side of his face as he studied her. “I'm Carl, and this is my little sister, Jenny. Her name's really Jennifer, but Jake couldn't say it very well so Mama shortened it.”
She held out her arms. “Would you mind if I held her? As much as you've been bouncing her, I'm sure your arms feel like they're about to fall off.”
“They sure do, but...” He hesitated, his gaze moving to his sister.
She hadn't held a baby since her brother so long ago. Her fingers itched, wanting to touch the little girl's silky blonde hair. Alayna would give anything to feel the baby's face nuzzle against her neck like her brother had done before he died. His sweet scent would be forever etched into her memories.
Carl slowly tilted his sister back and held her out while her little arms and legs thrashed about wildly. Alayna curled her hand around the back of the baby's neck, her fingers supporting her jerky head. Her other hand slipped underneath and supported her rear-end. She smiled at the infant's wide blue-green eyes, her little face a bright angry red.
Drawing the baby to her shoulder, Alayna gently bounced her up and down, patting her back as she paced the room, softly humming in the little girl's ear. The song was a lullaby her mother used to sing to her baby brother. Her heart swelled, a mixture of happy and sad memories flooding her mind as she remembered her parent's grief, and her father burying her brother's body in a tiny grave beside his father-in-law.
Little Jenny's arms curled around Alayna’s neck as the baby's warm breath caressed the sensitive skin. She hiccupped and then snuggled deeper as she drifted back into a peaceful sleep.
Alayna smiled, tears filling her eyes. She held her a few more minutes, her heart filling with love for the little girl. She, too, knew loss, and hoped the children would allow her to help in their healing. And, hopefully, her own heart would slowly begin to mend.
“How'd you do that?”
She wiped the tears from her cheek and turned around. Carl's eyes filled with awe. “I'm usually the only one who can get Jenny settled down. She'd always go to sleep when Mama held her. Never for Jake though. He's too wild.”
“Jake must be your brother?”
The boy moved closer to the baby's bed and pulled out a pretty pink blanket. “He is. My younger brother. He let the horses out of the barn then ran into the forest. Not the first time he's done it, and probably won't be the last.”
She gently laid Jenny in the bed and watched her brother tuck the blanket around his sister's tiny body. She could see his love for her with every gentle touch.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Draft 2 Digital: https://books2read.com/mobsw-marshal
Barns & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-marshals-mail-order-bride-heidi-vanlandingham/1127358389?ean=2940186165989
What’s your favorite thing about autumn:
When Oklahoma has more than two days of Fall, I love how the weather turns cooler and, while I’m not into football, the sights and sounds bring on a bit of nostalgia. There air has a promise of cold, especially when we have a good brisk, wind, which is daily, and carried on the breeze is the rich scent of cinnamon and burning pine. And, for me, it’s a time of peace and family as we head into the Christmas season.
What inspired you to write this story:
I love John Wayne movies and grew up on them. I also began reading Louis L’Amour’s books when I was thirteen and always wanted to write a story reminiscent of his, so that’s where Alayna and Riddick’s journey came from. Traveling through the desert on horseback, meandering through the cacti and heat until you find yourself at the base of a mountain range that leads you into some of the most gorgeous high country you will ever see, all while falling in love with a handsome lawman.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs September 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on October 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Author Heidi Vanlandingham writes sweet, action-packed stories that take place in the Wild West, war-torn Europe, and otherworldly magical realms. Her love of history finds its way into each book, and her characters are lovable, strong, and diverse.
Growing up in Oklahoma and living one year in Belgium gave Heidi a unique perspective regarding different cultures. She still lives in Oklahoma with her husband and youngest son. Her favorite things in life are laughter, paranormal romance books, music, and long road trips.
Heidi currently writes multiple genres but mostly fixates on fantasy/paranormal and historical romance.
Social Media Links:
Goodreads: goodreads.com/heidivanlandingham
Instagram: instagram.com/heidivanlandingham_author
Facebook: facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham.author
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