THE PIPER
A young war widow. A secret confession from the soldier
bringing the news and her husband’s belongs and a forbidden kiss.
Genevieve
Walters has spent the last decade delving into her matchmaking mission work to
quell the unsettled emotions the solider stirred within her. But a new mission
will take her on a journey to Noelle, Colorado, where the magic of the season
and fate will challenge her to face the past in the form of a mysterious
mountain man. When his identity is revealed will she consider him her perfect
match?
Making the promise to his Captain to return both his watch
and letters to his wife should the unthinkable happen, wasn’t supposed to
occur. Just like his midnight confession and the kiss he’d shared with the new
widow that fateful night ten years ago. Zeke Kinnsion has survived the worst
that life has thrown at him and has since found his peace as a fur trapper in
mountains of Noelle. But fate is about to rattle his life when a familiar matchmaker
breezes into town determined to marry off her twelve mail-order brides. Suddenly
facing down a four-hundred-pound bear pales in comparison of once again facing
the only woman he’s ever loved.
EXCERPT
Zeke wasn’t exactly interested in a shave
as much as he was pure survival. Traditionally, women knew better not to enter
a barber shop on principle alone. There was a good chance, however, that some
silly rule wasn’t about to stop Genevieve.
“Good day, Mr. Wisdom. I, uh—just stopped
by to see how those pelts I gave you last spring are holding up as rugs?”
The man’s brow furrowed. He glanced over
Zeke’s shoulder. “Excuse me, son. But are you aware there’s a fetching-looking
woman peering in my shop window. Possible she’s looking for you?” Butch took a
second look and smiled. “I’m not sure I’d be running away, son.”
Zeke debated whether it was time he simply
face the music, as it were. Thing was, he didn’t know what to say to her.
Didn’t understand why after all this time just the sight of her put his head
into a tailspin. Worse, she wanted him to marry a stranger—a woman he’d never
held. Never kissed. Never dreamt for weeks about how sweet was the scent of her
skin. Genevieve Walters. What were the odds that the only woman he’d ever truly
loved was here in Noelle, Colorado?
“You have a back way out of here?” he
asked.
The man glanced at the window and back at
Zeke, throwing him a skeptical look. “You sure about that?”
Zeke blew out a sigh. “Not entirely. But
it’s the best option I’ve got at the moment.”
“Well, unless you got a tooth needing to
be tended to.” He nodded toward the back. “Through the bathing area. Door leads
out back.”
“Much appreciated.” Zeke strode into the
small room containing a fancy porcelain claw-foot tub, a small dresser, and one
of his bear pelts spread across the floor. He stood a moment assessing how to
get back to his horse and get out of town without running into the good
matchmaker. Slowly opening the back door, he peeked out and came face-to-face with
the beautiful green-eyed gaze of the woman he’d left out of his own guilt over
ten years ago.
“Mrs…Walters,” he sighed, averting his
eyes from her determined gaze.
The Piper is Day 11 in the Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides series
ABOUT THE SERIES
Twelve
men. Twelve brides. Twelve days to save a town.
Christmas, 1876: Noelle, Colorado is in danger of becoming a ghost town if the railroad decides to bypass the mountaintop mining community. Determined to prove their town is thriving, twelve men commit to ordering brides before the railroad’s deadline six days into the New Year.
Each of the twelve women has her own reason for signing up to become a mail-order bride. But after they arrive in the uncivilized settlement, they aren’t so sure they’ve made the right decision. Neither are the grooms.
Will the marriages happen in time to save Noelle? The countdown starts on Christmas Day.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides, written by twelve bestselling authors, put a new twist on an old song in this heartwarming historical romance series with stories ranging from sweet to sensual.
The Partridge by Kit Morgan – A clever man’s plan becomes a matchmaking disaster…and the countdown begins to save the town of Noelle. Releasing December 1.
The Dove by Shanna Hatfield – A bewitching gypsy and a beguiled blacksmith tangle over a hidden treasure…with only eleven days left to save the town. Releasing December 2.
The Hens by Merry Farmer – A wandering woman finds exactly who she was looking for, but not who she was expecting…with only ten days left to save the town. Releasing December 3.
The Calling Birds by Jacqui Nelson – A wanted woman’s flight, a man in pursuit of honesty not stolen gold…and only nine days left to save the town. Releasing December 4.
The Gold Ring by Caroline Lee – A dangerous masquerade and a twist of fate put Noelle’s future at risk…with only eight days left to save the town. Releasing December 5.
The Goose by Peggy L. Henderson – A woman on the run, a man who doesn’t want to be caught—it’s one wild goose chase…with only seven days left to save the town. Releasing December 6.
The Swan by Piper Huguley – A beautiful woman with secrets comes to Noelle to confront a powerful person with the truth…and only six days left to save the town. Releasing December 7.
The Maid by Rachel Wesson – A convicted murderer, a young maid on the run…and five days left to save the town. Releasing December 8.
The Dancing Lady by Mimi Milan
– A desirous diner owner and a disguised dancer waltz their way to love… with only four days left to save the town. Releasing December 9.
The Lord by Danica Favorite – An assayer and a ladies maid, each living a lie. Will the truth ruin everything…with only three days left to save the town. Releasing December 10.
The Piper by Amanda McIntyre
– A determined matchmaker, a stubborn mountain man…and only two days left to save the town! Releasing December 11.
The Drum by E.E. Burke – A bad luck bride, an exploding disaster…can Noelle be saved in just one day? Releasing December 12.
For release dates, giveaways, & more details about the project, visit our dedicated 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Facebook Page:
