AT LAST I'M WORKING ON LORILEE'S STORY
Many readers have asked me when I was going to give Lorilee a love of her own after she played matchmaker for her mother Miranda and Brandon in REBEL BARON, which originally came out in the middle of the American Lords stories. So much seemed to intervene during these years, but now that I've written a sequel to the first book in that series (SHAWNEE LORD), I figured it was about time I gave Lori a chance. Problem was, I had a hard time figuring out what hero could be worthy of her. She has grown up and taken on many of her mother's business responsibilities in America by the epilogue of REBEL BARON.
That's when the idea for a whole new series came to me: The American Heiresses. I'm going back to my roots in western romance filled with adventure, humor and, of course, a great love story. As Lori oversees her family investment in the Transcontinental Railroad, she makes the new booming town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, her home. Because she's the daughter of an English baroness, everyone calls her THE CHEYENNE LADY. A blonde beauty possessing sharp business acumen, she is expected to wed some railroad magnate or other wealthy man. Under the tutelage of Jubal MacKenzie (SUNDANCER), she hobnobs with many millionaires, but has no interest in marriage…until she meets a mysterious gambler named Barclay Howard.
Bart could not be more unsuitable. He is a drifter who makes his living on the turn of a card. When he comes to Cheyenne rumors of his being a remittance man quickly follow. The second son of an English viscount, Bart grew up in Jamaica, where his estranged father owned a large plantation. Bart was summoned to cold gray England to attend university. Very intelligent with an amazing head for math, he was an indifferent student. Whatever demons separated him from his father, he has never shared.
I'm still researching the history and pondering the protagonists. So far, I only know that Lori thinks he's a wastrel, throwing away his talent to live a life of tawdry pleasures. He sees her as a spoiled Cit who has never learned to enjoy life…but he's just the man to teach her. As soon as I have the scene where they first meet, I'll post it on my Upcoming page. For now, if you have not read SHAWNEE LORD, one scene from it is still there.
Winter continues into the new year with record-breaking bitter cold in the Lou. This is the perfect time to curl up with a hot cup of cocoa and a good book. Oh, and for a fine winter dish that's quick and easy (so as not to take away too much from your reading time), I have included a simple recipe for another stir-up, this time with chicken and veggies. Check it out on my Recipe page.
Happy reading and keep warm,
Happy reading and keep warm,,
|
