Hallie Reads: Where Wild Roses Bloom

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Lenora Perry’s dream of becoming an acclaimed singer dies a painful death, she attempts to escape her mistakes by fleeing north—directly into the path of an all-too-dashing Mountie. Though the man in scarlet appears eager to be rid of her, his home provides security, and his sister offers friendship—two things Lenora is desperate for after discovering her pregnancy. With the past dogging her footsteps and her future uncertain, dare she consider new dreams?

Upholding the law makes up the fabric of Constable Edmond Bryce’s existence. As his five years of service draw to an end, he must decide whether or not to continue in his father’s footsteps—an increasingly difficult decision now that Miss Perry has infiltrated his life. Though she’s the daughter of a parson and a close friend to his sister, Edmond can’t push aside the feeling that Lenora hides more than she tells. But duty calls, leaving little time for matters of the heart.

Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance

Release Date: March 15, 2022

EXCERPT

This was all Channing’s fault. And still his words taunted.

You belong to me now.

Lenora Perry’s steps faltered. What if he was right? What if leaving had been in vain?

“No.” She said it aloud, needing to hear it, to feel it as strongly as when she’d snuck away from The Pot O’ Gold Saloon over three weeks ago.

Deep in her handbag, the last of her funds huddled beneath her derringer. Seventeen cents remained to her name. That and her grandmother’s ruby ring. Lenora pulled the small ring from its nest in a handkerchief. She would rather not part with her last family tie, but what choice did she have? Maybe she should have taken the train from Cheyenne all the way to Oregon.

Home.

And defeat.

Would Papa even let her back in the house? Surely not if he knew how far she’d fallen.

“Out of the way, miss!”

Lenora jumped aside as a large man barreled past her with a sack over his shoulder. She tucked her grandmother’s ring away and straightened the hideous green skirt she’d exchanged her satin one for—the shade of sickly moss, or the cud that cattle chewed. She’d rather wear a sack and ashes, but as far as penance went, this gown shrieked poetic justice.

“Now what?” she murmured under the ruckus of the jostling crowds and wagons rolling past. She’d spent weeks seeking employment and watching her resources dwindle. But always the same answer. No one had work she was suited for. She wasn’t quick enough at washing dishes to please most and had never been talented enough with a needle to survive as a seamstress. The one thing she was good at was the thing she couldn’t turn to. Not here, where only saloons and businesses of ill repute sought singers.

With no other direction to turn, Lenora started back toward the hotel. She could easily curl up under the bedcovers for the rest of the day. Her head hurt enough to justify lounging … if she knew where her next meal was coming from. Never mind money for her room when payment came due in a couple of days. Perhaps it was time to look beyond Helena and try another town for employment.

A man stepped from the doors of the hotel as she reached the corner of the large brick building. He pressed his hat over sun-bleached hair while looking about.

Lenora lunged out of sight. Heart thudding against her ribs, she stole another glance at the hotel doors. A large mustache curled down around the man’s mouth. Fred Anderson. Channing’s lackey. She had heard he’d once worked for Pinkerton’s detective agency, but hadn’t put much stock in the rumors. Men talked all the time, and few of their stories were true.

What now?

He’d probably already learned of her residency at the hotel. She hadn’t thought to use an assumed name—had thought herself out of Channing’s grasp.

You can’t ever leave…

His words sank deep and clutched her insides. She couldn’t return to the hotel for her few belongings. Too risky and hardly worth it.

Unless all this was for naught.

Lenora sank against the ridged bricks and glanced heavenward. She was at the end of her means and had no prospects, but to return to Channing and the stage. Perhaps she was already too lost to be saved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K. Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after five munchkins.

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GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 14, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

TOUR SCHEDULE

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