The Stranger’s Secrets

I’m pleased to announce my third Brava novel is now available! *tosses confetti* The Stranger’s Secrets is the final book in a trilogy set in Restoration Era Colorado in the 1870s.

This is a very special book to me, emotional and a bit gut-wrenching to be truthful. The heroine, Sarah, is the sister of the deliciously tortured Micah in The Redemption of Micah. She hasn’t seen him in over 10 years and her journey from Virginia to Colorado is a defining junction for her. It is a life-changing experience that leads her down a path she didn’t expect or want.

Not that it’s a bad thing. Sarah falls in love and that, ladies and gents, is usually unexpected. She’s spent so long fighting the ghosts that inhabit her heart, she allows Whitman Kendrick to sneak in there without even realizing it.

The juxtaposition of a southern belle who had been crippled with a man who was starting a new life with a bride waiting for him gets even more sticky when we find out Whitman is an ex-soldier. A Yankee soldier’s cruelty is the very reason Sarah is disabled.

You can imagine the sparks fly, as do the sharp words and amazing sex. Sarah’s story made me cry when I wrote it, and each time I read through it during the editing process, I cried again. Sheesh. I think it’s safe to say I’m emotionally connected to her and I hope you feel the same way once you read her story.

I’m including an excerpt below – enjoy!

Excerpt:

Sarah found herself holding back a chuckle. What was it about this annoying Yankee that set her on her head? Aside from being handsome, there wasn’t anything else remarkable about him. She needed to figure out his appeal so she could combat it and keep her distance, at least as much as she could considering they were stuck in a train compartment together for fifteen hundred miles.

“Then you won’t mind if I continue being honest.”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”

Why in the hell did that make Sarah’s heart thump like a bass drum? Back home when she ate a meal, it was with her friends, a group where everyone chatted and relaxed. Sitting with Whit made me feel jumpy and awkward—a condition Sarah was definitely not used to.

“You make me uncomfortable,” she blurted.

His eyebrows went up. “I do?”

Now that she’d gone down that path, she had to finish her thought. “I’m sure you’ve heard the song before, Mr. Kendrick, but Yankees aren’t high on my list of favorite folks, much less one I have to rely on. It’s going to take some time for me to ah, adjust, so if you can, be patient with me.”

Whit nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

She didn’t want to demand anything from the man. After all, there was no reason for him to help her. His actions told her more than anything that he was a gentleman. “When life kicks you once, you get back up and move on. When life kicks you a dozen times, you’re less willing to forgive and trust.” That was as far as she planned on going with that train of thought. He seemed like a sharp guy and could likely understand why she felt uncomfortable.

“Don’t worry. I won’t give you any cause to kick me back. I promise.” The sincerity in his gaze made her want to believe him.

Ridiculous of course, why should she trust a stranger? She had to rely on him to be her companion, however that would turn out. Yet expecting him to carry her bags was a far cry from trusting him with her life. Sarah could take care of herself, for the most part anyway, and she regretted the fact she couldn’t do it all the time.

“Good because I bite when I kick.” She fought back a grin.

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me in the least.” He smiled as the waitress approached the table.

The young blond thing sparkled like a new penny when she caught sight of Whitman. Sarah wanted to trip her with the cane.

“Good evening sir. Can I fetch you something to drink? Or an order of meatloaf, it’s the best in the county.” The young woman smiled while her face flushed.

“Sarah harrumphed at the obvious tactics the girl used. “I’d like some of that meatloaf and hot coffee.”

The girl looked surprised to see Sarah sitting there.

“I’m sure Mr. Kendrick here will have the same thing.” Sarah shot Whitman a challenging look, daring him to contradict her.

“Meatloaf and coffee would be lovely. Thank you, miss.” He graced the girl with another smile, sending her scurrying to the kitchen.

At least the food would arrive quickly considering the girl was already enamored of Whitman.

“Are you always this honest?” Whit picked up the spoon in front of him.

“Yes, I am. Does it bother you?” Sarah was ready to show him just how forceful she could be with her words.

“Not at all.” He breathed on the spoon and stuck it on the end of his nose. Sarah almost choked on her spit as she watched a grown man play at a child’s trick. What the hell was he doing?

When he smiled, the force of it snatched Sarah’s breath. She could do nothing but look at the grin behind the spoon and wonder if she’d stepped into a dream of her own twisted mind. He was beautiful, a Yankee, and charming as all hell.

Sarah was afraid she’d lose more than her spoon to Whitman Kendrick.