A big, hot-in-the-sun hello to everyone! I’m super excited to be here today with you. Thank you for having me.
Because I’m a native Texan, one might think I set my debut Love Inspired novel The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain on the lovely plains of the Lone Star State. But my characters needed big skies, wide open spaces, and (sorry, Texas) my hero needed snow-capped mountains for his storyline. So we’re headed to the fictional town of Elk Run, Wyoming to meet the folks at Four Cross Ranch.
Nothing pairs better with the Great American West like strong family values. Years before the opening pages of the book, the four Cross siblings circled the wagons to take care of each other and the family ranch when their parents died. The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain showcases the oldest of the three brothers and sister.
From the back cover: “To pull his ranch out of a downward spiral, widowed cowboy Chase Cross will do anything—even if it means making a deal with the woman he can’t stand. Because Lexi Gardner’s about to inherit a fortune…if she marries in thirty days. A marriage of convenience is the answer to both their problems. But when their bargain begins to feel real, will they put aside their differences for a future together?”
I had the most fun writing the banter between Chase and Lexi. Despite their disagreements, they both held deep respect for the other which created a wonderful internal conflict as they each drew closer.
But that banter wasn’t just for Chase and Lexi. Chase has a twin, Hunter. “The twins resembled two trucks of the same model, only wired differently under the hood. Both ruggedly handsome, they had brute mountain man appeal, six foot two inches of height and a daring look behind their hazel eyes, the weight of the family ranch on their shoulders. But Hunter believed everything would work out fine, whereas Chase wanted all the details nailed down and pursued accordingly.” While Chase grapples with whether or not to marry Lexi, he doesn’t always appreciate Hunter’s sage words.
And let’s not forget the two younger siblings. Sister Cora’s midwifery brilliance is sprinkled in this story, along with whispers of the wayward youngest bull-riding brother, Ryder.
And I’m so glad I set these stories in Wyoming because snow plays a huge part in the second book, which I’m about to send my editor for consideration. Not a lot of snow here in my home state, and when it does try to hit the ground, we scare it away almost immediately with our unskilled winter-driving and non-committal low temperatures.
Today, I brought a fun giveaway for readers. Due to postage costs, this giveaway is for continental US addresses only.
One reader will take home a signed print copy of The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain along with two items taken straight from the pages of the book, a Four Cross Ranch coffee mug and a fun pair of socks.
To be entered, simply leave a comment letting me know about your family and siblings. Where are you in the birth order? Do you all banter like the Cross family? Are you an only child? I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for spending the day with me! Head on over to my website at deborahclack.com and sign up for my newsletter to get updates on Hunter’s, Cora’s and Ryder’s stories. I also have a FREE novella to tide you over until our next visit to Wyoming.
You can find your copy of The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain at your favorite retailer:
Harlequin https://bit.ly/3VDS2zE
The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain is a standalone book.
Award-winning author Deborah Clack is a native Texan who believes in the power of fiction, the lost art of lip synching, and that chocolate should be eaten without nuts. A high school AP history teacher for 10 years, Deborah earned a Master’s Degree in Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year for Arts in Education. Now she creates stories of her own filled with endearing characters and a hard-fought romance.
