Tag: Caroline Fyffe

Excerpt: Montana Dawn by Caroline Fyffe

Posted August 26, 2010 by Holly in Promotions | 2 Comments


Chapter One
Montana Territory, August 1883

An eerie keening echoed through the trees. Luke McCutcheon straightened in the saddle, and his filly’s ears flicked forward, then back. “Easy, girl. Don’t dump me now.” Not with ten miles to go, he thought as he felt the green-broke filly hesitate. Lightly reining her to the solid side of the slippery embankment, he pressed her forward. Still, she balked at a mud-covered tree stump, snorting and humping her back. Rain came down in sheets now, drenching them both. Squinting through the darkness, Luke scanned the clearing for any sign of the others he’d split from some three hours before.

A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by an explosive boom. Chiquita whirled a complete circle and crow-hopped several strides, sending an icy rivulet gushing from the brim of Luke’s hat.

“Hell.” Luke squeezed with his legs, pushing her onto the bit. “Flighty filly,” he said under his breath. “You’d be a great one if you’d ever settle down.”

Cresting the rise, Luke searched the horizon through the downpour. Nothing. Nobody in sight. “Long gone.” Frustrated, he slapped his gloved hand against his thigh and spun Chiquita in the opposite direction. He’d head back to camp and try again at daybreak.

Suddenly the uncanny cry came again, peculiar in its tone and just as troubling as the first time he’d heard it. “What . . . ?”

He’d never heard anything like it in his twenty-six years. He reined up for a moment, listening. A minute slipped by, then two. Still nothing but the unrelenting storm. A wounded animal? No. That queer sound was totally unfamiliar. He headed in its direction to investigate.

His efforts proved useless, and after several minutes he stopped. As if called, a streak of lightning lit up the landscape, revealing a dilapidated wagon half-hidden in the brush. It listed to one side, the wheels buried up to the axles. As quick as the light came, it vanished, leaving him in darkness.

He dismounted, cursing the jingle of his spurs. His gloved hand dropped to his sidearm and slid the gun from its holster.

Another ghostly cry emanated from the wagon, raising the hair on his neck. Silently, he made his way over the uneven ground. With his back to the wagon’s side he reached around with his free hand and cautiously pulled back the canvas cover.

“Hello?”

Only the wind answered, whipping a smattering of rain against his face. Not daring to take his eyes from the dark opening, he steeled himself against the chilly water dripping down his neck. He flexed his shoulders, willed himself to relax. Then a sound, like the rustling of a mouse, caught his attention. He held his breath.

“Coming in,” Luke warned. He trusted his instincts, and it didn’t feel like someone had a gun pointed at him. Cautious, however, his boot on the wheel axle, he lifted himself slowly through the opening. He paused, letting his eyes adjust to the dark interior.

The aroma of musty canvas engulfed him. And the smell of something else. Fear? Bending low he inched slowly through the cramped interior. He winced: a sharp edge. Fire and ice coursed up his leg. He stopped. Something was in the corner.

With his teeth, he pulled his glove from his hand and reached into his inside pocket for a match. He struck it and held it high. It winked brightly for only a moment and was extinguished by a gust of wind. But not before he saw a woman crouched down, her eyes the size of twin harvest moons.

“You’re hurt?”

A soft panting was her reply.

“Your lantern. Where is it?” He felt around the rafters.

Finding a lamp, he lit it and turned down the wick until a soft light glowed around the cramped area. He knelt beside the woman. Beads of sweat trickled off her brow and her breath came fast. Eyes wide with fright were riveted on the gun he held. Then he noticed a stick clenched between her teeth. His gaze flew downward. Her knees were drawn up and a blanket covered the lower half of her body.

But there was no mistaking what was underneath.

Luke leaned toward her, intending to take the stick from her mouth when excruciating pain exploded in his head and shot down his neck. “What the . . . ?” He turned. Stars danced before his eyes and he fell to the wagon floor. His gun slid from his grasp.

A groan was all Faith could manage before she was overcome by an all-consuming urge to bite down on the stick with all her might. She wanted, needed, to keep her eyes open and on the stranger, the large man who’d climbed into her wagon, sending her heart skittering up her throat. But it was no use.

Another contraction began, and it was next to impossible to keep her eyes open; the icy fire gripped her stomach with a grasp as strong as the devil’s. Mentally counting, she wrestled against her impulse to tighten up as burning beads of sweat dripped into her eyes. Eight . . . nine . . . ten. Ten seconds of sheer torture. Then the hurt eased, and Faith lay on her pallet, spent. The stick dropped from her teeth.

Summoning what strength she had she pushed up on her elbow. “Why’d you hit him, Colton?” she asked the wide-eyed boy, a frying pan dangling in his hands. “I hate to think how mad he’ll be when he wakes up.” Dread rippled within her as she studied the cowboy lying within an arm’s reach.

“Thought he was gonna hurt ya, Ma.”

Faith drew in a shaky breath. “Quick, give me the gun.”

Colton carefully picked up the revolver. Faith took it, feeling its steely cold weight in her hands. The man moved slightly and his lashes quivered on his darkly whiskered cheek. His face, hard with angles and chapped from the cold, lay flat against the wagon bed. He moaned as his face screwed up in a grimace, which sent Faith’s heart careening. The rest of him looked mighty big under his rain slicker and leather chaps.

Overwhelming despair descended. Just today she’d dared to dream that she and Colton had escaped her brother-in-law Ward, and that he’d given up his hunt for them. Horses couldn’t drag her back to Nebraska to marry him and subject her children to the cruelty of that family. Their despicable plot framing her for Samuel’s accidental fall was evil. Truth didn’t matter, though, when they had the law, or lack of it, on their side. She felt like crying every time she thought about it. The Browns wanted her farm in Kearney and would stop at nothing, it seemed, to get it. So far this journey had been extremely difficult—long days and nights full of danger and
fear—and one she wasn’t ready to see end futilely.

And now this! In her mind she weighed their chances against the man before her. When her gaze moved back up to his face, her heart stopped.

Chapter Two

The stranger watched her through narrowed eyes. He struggled to a sitting position and stared at the gun she had pointed at his chest. “Give it . . . to me.”

His tone was colder than the weapon she held. Faith shook her head.

He turned and frowned at Colton, whose hair was rumpled, eyes hot and angry. “You’re dangerous with that thing,” he accused, and reached for the offending object. The small boy reared back, the heavy iron skillet raised high in the air. “Just settle down, kid. I’m one of the good guys.”

“Colton, go back to your bed,” Faith ordered. The firm grip of a contraction began and would soon move painfully to her back. The boy did as he was told, crawling behind some crates in the opposite corner. “Don’t”—Faith panted a few times, the gun wobbling in her hands—“come out till I call.”

“Yes, Ma. I just didn’t want that sidewinder to hurt ya none.”

Even in the darkened interior Faith couldn’t miss the stranger’s amused expression.

“Sidewinder? The name’s Luke. Luke McCutcheon.”

“Well, mister, as soon as my ma is finished birthin’ my brother, we’ll be on our way. Won’t we, Ma?”

Faith didn’t answer. It was all she could do to hold the gun. Mr. McCutcheon’s face softened, and his gaze touched hers. He reached out and gently took the heavy weapon from her hands. Her fear ebbed slightly. Deep inside she felt this wasn’t the kind of man a woman had to fear. Not like Samuel.

He holstered the firearm and stood, a little unsteady. “I’ll get help. Someone who’s done this before. Our camp cook is always boasting on all his accomplishments. I’m sure delivering a baby is one of ’em. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

But, he hesitated. Looked to the wagon opening and back at her, clearly uncertain. Fingered the rim of his hat. “It’s best. If you have trouble, Lucky is the man to help.”

“Don’t go.” Even though she didn’t know him, his presence was comforting. Something inside her chest—something she hadn’t felt in a very long time—ached. She wanted to trust him. Without warning, hot liquid gushed between her legs.

Faith gasped in surprise, cradling her belly for support. Mortified, she pressed some folded towels under the blanket to her body. An unmerciful urge to cry surfaced. She turned her face into the darkness and let the tears fall.

“No, no, don’t cry. It’s natural. No need to worry.” He slowly backed away. “I’m going now. But I’ll be back. I promise.”

Luke pulled off his hat and let the rain buffet his face. It felt good, cold and clean. He knew weather. He knew rain. He didn’t know the mystery of a woman’s body in childbirth. Before he could change his mind, he strode over to where Chiquita stood. The filly stuck out her muzzle and nudged him.

“All right. We’re going.” He looked back at the wagon.

Everything was quiet within. Sliding his foot into the stirrup, he swung into the saddle.

He’d faced danger and even death many times. Hell, he’d once killed a cougar with only a knife. He considered himself a brave man. But right now, he was scared to death. Scared by a small woman and a baby.

“Damnation!” He couldn’t just ride off and leave her alone.

What if it were his little sister out here? He’d sure want someone to help her.

Riding back to the wagon, he dismounted and tied Chiquita to the rear wagon wheel; then he climbed back inside. “We’ll get through this together,” he announced. “I’ve delivered my share of calves. It can’t be much different.”

Without much trouble he found a cloth and held it out in the rain. He stroked the young woman’s forehead and cheeks with the cool cotton rag, wiping away drops of beaded moisture and tears. Her face contorted and her shaky hand snaked from under the cover and rubbed her large belly.

“Please,” the woman asked. “Can you help me sit up?”

Her plea was a velvety whisper but she watched him closely with distrustful eyes. What was she thinking? Her gaze followed his hand as he reached out to help her. So wary. So alone. Gently, he eased her up, bracing her back against a trunk.

“Better?”

She nodded.

Luke went for the canteen on his saddle. Hunching his shoulders against the wind, he inhaled the sweetness of wet earth. It grounded him. He desperately needed that now with the woman in the wagon doing crazy things to his insides. He wanted to help her. To take the pain away. He wanted to be what she needed, though that made no logical sense whatsoever.

Inside, he held the canteen to her dry lips. A blast of wind rocked the wagon, swaying it precariously to one side. She grasped his arm, clinging to him with strength at odds with her size. “Whoa, easy now. Just the wind. This wagon’s not going anywhere.” Her expression, tight and apologetic, tore at his gut.

Moments ticked by. She rested. What should he do in preparation—boil some water? Not in this storm. He fidgeted with the horsehair clip he kept in his pocket, turning it over and over.

She was watching him again with those big coffee-colored eyes. Her hair, mussed and tangled, lay heavily across her small shoulders, a combination of rich chocolate and flaxen highlights. Mahogany. The exact color of the rocker his ma had in the kitchen at home.

“What’s your name?”

“Faith.”

“Is someone out there looking for you, Faith? A husband?”

She shook her head and began to pant.

Anxiety burned hot in his belly as he watched her struggle. Taking her hand he fitted it tightly in his. “Go on. Squeeze. It might help.”

She did. Luke was astonished again by her strength. Her forehead crinkled and her mouth pursed. Sweat trickled down both temples. Nostrils flared. A series of expressions slid across her face as fast as clouds move in a storm. Then she quieted and her grip eased up, but she didn’t let go. Her eyes drifted closed. Minutes crawled by. His thumb stroked softly across her fingers, which were delicate in size, but roughened from hard work. . . .

One hour of torture crept by, then another. Would Roady come looking for him when he didn’t make it back to camp?

Even if he did, Luke had ridden farther north than he normally would have. He had a slim-to-nothin’ chance of getting any help here.

It was dawn, and Luke wondered how she kept on. Her grasp had long since lost its strength. When he’d laid her back onto her pallet she was no stronger than a kitten; he was more or less holding on to her.

She gave a gentle tug. “I think it’s coming.

Where the Wind BlowsMontana Dawn (Home in the Heartland)

If you’d like to win a signed copy of Montana Dawn, check out Caroline’s interview!

This book is available from Leisure Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format.


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Guest Author: Caroline Fyffe – Interview

Posted August 26, 2010 by Holly in Giveaways, Promotions | 20 Comments


Today Western author Caroline Fyffe is here being tortured interviewed by us. We’re delighted to have her here to talk about her most recent release, Montana Dawn. Please join us in welcoming Caroline Fyffe to Book Binge.

Book Binge: Can you tell us how you came about writing romance novels?

Caroline Fyffe: Absolutely. But, first let me say that I’m thrilled to be here today at Book Binge. Thank you for having me…

In regards to how I set out to write a romance, well….I was a huge reader when my two sons were born. I’d read at every given chance. It was my escape. One day the desire to write a story of my own just descended upon me and I never looked back. I was lucky enough to find a really great critique group with patient members—LOL! They taught me the tools and rules of the trade.

Book Binge: What was it like getting the notification that you won the Golden Heart award?

Caroline Fyffe: That was a magical night for sure. It was in Chicago and one of my critique partners was also up for a Golden Heart at the same time, so we kept each other’s feet on the ground, so to speak. One of the things I remember vividly is that I could not see a thing once I was up on stage to give my little acceptance speech. The lights were so bright I couldn’t see past the first few rows of people—very exciting.

Book Binge: What is one piece of advice, you’d share with aspiring authors?

Caroline Fyffe: I’d advise aspiring authors to trust their instincts and write with courage. When I first began my journey as a writer, I wasted a lot of time second-guessing myself. I don’t do that anymore. I forge ahead and pound out a scene and then look at it more closely when revising and polishing.

Book Binge: What are you reading right now?

Caroline Fyffe: Actually nothing. I’ve been in California for a month for the launch of MONTANA DAWN and haven’t had a chance to start something new. I’m looking forward to getting home and back into a routine. I try to read at least a little every night before turning out the light.

Book Binge: Who are your favorite authors?

Caroline Fyffe: I have a lot of favorites. Debbie Macomber, LaVyrle Spencer, Pamela Morsi, Lucia St. Clair Robson, and the list goes on….

Book Binge: What is your all time favorite book?

Caroline Fyffe: That is such a hard question because it kind of depends on the mood I’m in at the time of the question. But, what I most always fall back on is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Book Binge: On your website, it says that you’re an equine photographer? What’s a typical day on a photo shoot?

Caroline Fyffe: Rising early—very early—and driving to my destination, which is usually a ranch. (Often I’m setting out several hours before the sun is up because morning light is the very best.) Working into the very late evening, just before the sun sets—again, because the light is pretty then. Photographing several horses, which takes about an hour and a half each…shooting profile pictures, three-quarter fronts, headshots and sometimes the subject at liberty, which is running free in a pasture. Also shooting working shots, which is the horse and rider doing whatever it is they do together–cutting, jumping, reining, etc.

Book Binge: Are any of the horses in your books modeled after a specific horse that you’ve come across while working?

Caroline Fyffe: The filly Luke was so fond of in the beginning of MONTANA DAWN was modeled after the last horse I owned. She was a American Quarter Horse, and a cutter.

Book Binge: Can you tell us about them?

Caroline Fyffe: Her name was Chiquita too, just as in the book. My Chiquita was older, though, but other than that, I modeled Luke’s fictional mount after my beloved little mare. She was as sweet as a little lamb until you put a steer in front of her—LOL. The only thing she didn’t like was having her face washed (splashed with water) after a hot, sweaty ride.

Book Binge: What’s your all time favorite dessert?

Caroline Fyffe: Gelato ice cream—any flavor!

Book Binge: Can you tell our readers about Montana Dawn?

Caroline Fyffe: I’d love to….. MONTANA DAWN takes place in the little town of Y Knot, Montana in the late 1800s. The McCutcheons, a cattle ranching family, have carved a dynasty from the wilderness by the sweat of their brow and honorable values. Luke McCutcheon, the third brother and the hero of this story, is the only one who was sired by an American Indian, when his mother was taken captive. He’s the trail boss for the once-a-year cattle drive the McCutcheons make. When he comes upon Faith Brown giving birth in her wagon, he’s shocked to learn her little son is Faith’s only help. He agrees to stay and deliver her child.

Faith Brown, shrouded in suspicion about her husband’s death, is on the run from her husband’s family. If she’s caught she’ll be blackmailed into marriage to her brother-in-law to get possession of her farm. Instead, she’s hoping for a new life, one free of malice and abuse.

I love stories about big families. I wanted to give Luke as much unconditional love as he needed to battle his own ghosts about his heritage. John McCutcheon, the youngest brother, is introduced in MONTANA DAWN, but you don’t actually meet him until my next book, ONCE UPON A TEXAS TWILIGHT, planned for next year.

And, today, in celebration of the release of MONTANA DAWN, I’m offering a signed copy to a commenter. Also, if you go to my website (www.carolinefyffe.com) and sign up for my News Letter on the contact page, you will be entered in the drawing for a basket filled with candies, chocolates, muffin mix, a handsome coffee mug (filled with even more chocolate!) and a jar of scrumptious jam, all made from the Big Sky State’s coveted huckleberry. Also included is an autographed copy of both MONTANA DAWN and WHERE THE WIND BLOWS. It’s as easy as pie. The winner will be drawn on December 10th, 2010–just in time for Christmas.

So there you have it dear readers, the lovely Caroline Fyffe is offering a signed copy of MONTANA DAWN to one lucky commenter. For more goodness, be sure to check out her website (I know, we will). We’ll run this giveaway for a week and at the end of that week, we’ll announce the lucky winner so be sure to get those entries in!

Where the Wind BlowsMontana Dawn (Home in the Heartland)

Thanks so much to Caroline Fyffe for letting us torture interview her today, she was a good sport about it all and be sure to enter the contest for a chance to win this awesome book!

-Rowena, Casee & Holly


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Review: Montana Dawn by Caroline Fyffe

Posted August 26, 2010 by Holly in Reviews | 0 Comments

Review: Montana Dawn by Caroline FyffeReviewer: Holly
Montana Dawn by Caroline Fyffe
Series: McCutcheon Family #1, Home in the Heartland #1

Publication Date: September 30th 2011
Genres: Fiction, Westerns
Pages: 295
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
three-half-stars

MONTANA DAWN - The McCutcheon Family Series, Book 1
2011 VCRW Laurel Wreath Winner, 2010 Maggie Finalist, 2010 Gayle Wilson Finalist , RWA Golden Heart Finalist (Western Historical Romance)
Montana Territory, 1883
When Luke McCutcheon finds Faith Brown about to give birth in her rickety wagon, his first instincts are to ride for help. Instead, he stays and delivers a beautiful baby girl. Unable to leave the pretty young widow and her little son and newborn unprotected in the Montana wilderness, he brings them along on his family's cattle drive, to the absolute delight of the other friendly cowboys.
"I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THE BOOK AND THAT'S ABOUT AS GOOD AS A BOOK CAN GET!"--Philosophy of Romance
Luke, third son of Montana's wealthy McCutcheon family, is different from his brothers. As the offspring of a Cheyenne warrior, he carries a chip on his shoulder for all to see. His flashing eyes and handsome face make Faith feel she's stepped into some long-ago tale where men cherish their women--and keep them safe. If only she could trust him! Faith is on the run, and although she's pampered and protected by Luke and his family, she just can't risk the consequences of sharing the details of her past--one that's hunting to take her back to the nightmare she's just escaped. Happy-ever-afters are for fairytales, she reminds herself sternly as her heart feels the warm pull of his. Still, she can't help but dream of a loving family, a home to call her own, a beautiful and bright...Montana Dawn
READ MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT AMERICAN WESTERN HISTORICAL ROMANCE FAMILY IN ORDER: Montana Dawn  Texas Twilight  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Evie  Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather  Moon Over Montana Mail-Order Brides of the West: Kathryn

Montana Snowfall 
Watch for more McCutcheon Family Novels to come...

Western historical romance, Western historical romance books, western romance, western romance books, historical romance, Pioneer fiction, western fiction, historical western romance books, romance series, series, sweet western romance, frontier romance, novels, fiction, bestsellers, western novels, 

I’m not a huge fan of Westerns. I know Wendy and Sybil adore them, but the time period just isn’t one I care for. That isn’t to say I don’t love Cowboys, because hello…but the Old West has never been my cup-a. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the occasional story, however. Montana Dawn was a sweet novel and I fell right into it.

Luke McCutcheon is surprised when he finds a broken down wagon while he’s out on a cattle drive in the middle of a terrible storm. He’s even more surprised when he finds a young woman inside, about to give birth, with no one to help but a 9 year old. Though he has no experience with childbirth, he knows he has to help her. The experience forms a bond between them, one Luke wants to explore more. But Faith is hiding something from him, and he’s done with lies and deceit.

Faith is a widow and she’s running from her husband’s family. Since his death, they want her to marry her brother-in-law so they can gain ownership to her family farm, which her father willed to her when he died. If her husband was a cruel man, his brother and father are the devil incarnate. Terrified over what might happen to her children, she runs, but she knows they won’t give up until they find her and drag her back home. Which is why she can’t allow Luke close. He’s kind and considerate, and everything she ever hoped to find in a man, but it’s too risky to bring him into her life.

Luke has hangups about his heritage, because he’s a half-breed. His mother was abducted by Indians and he was the result of her being captured. He’s always felt like an outsider and stands apart from his family because of it. But that seems to be his only flaw. He’s kind and considerate, strong and protective. I really loved watching him come to care for Faith. I understood his reasons for feeling separated from the rest of his family. Especially considering how half-breeds were looked upon then. I also understood his reasons for being suspicious of Faith, and wanting her to be honest with him about her past.

In the beginning, Faith was a strong woman who was fighting for her life and those of her children. I really respected her need for independence, but as the novel progressed I felt she took it too far. With her husband’s family hot on her trail, she knows she can’t afford to stay in one place too long. Even though I understood why she felt that way, it was hard not to become frustrated by the way she constantly pushed Luke away. She would lean on him, then clam up and push him away. The back-and-forthing got old.

I also didn’t understand why Luke kept letting her get away with telling lies. He’d catch her in them, but then would back off as soon as she started getting angry at him for pushing. I think their issues could have been cleared up sooner if he’d pushed a little harder. The good news is that Luke figured out what was shadowing her on his own, and was able to help her move past it.

I really adored Luke’s family. They were a tight, close-knit group who obviously cared for one another. It was good to see such a strong family written in such a positive way.

Although I had some problems with both Luke and Faith, I still truly enjoyed this novel. It was a sweet romance, filled with strong characters and true love.

3.75 out of 5

The series:

Montana Dawn
Where the Wind Blows

Where the Wind BlowsMontana Dawn (Home in the Heartland)

This book is available from Leisure Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

three-half-stars


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