I published this book yesterday and thought for sure it’d take longer before it went live on the three places I uploaded it to, but it was up sooner than I expected.  I am letting Smashwords send it to Apple iBooks, Kobo, Flipkart, Scribd, and other sites for me.  I talked to several authors, and it sounds like letting Smashwords take care of it is just easier.

As a side note: I will be gifting ebook copies of this book in the May 12-19 Giveaway Party I’m having with Janet Syas Nitsick on Facebook.  (I will make a post about this party on May 11 or 12 about it so you’ll get a reminder.)  I’d like to be offering a couple paperbacks of this book, too, but that depends on whether or not the proof copy turns out right in time for the giveaway.  I did get the “OK” on it today from CreateSpace and have ordered a proof copy which should arrive soon.  *fingers crossed it does*  I’d love to have a new release to offer.  And yes, I will be offering other books I’ve done.  It’s basically going to be winners’ choices.

Now for the book description, links on where you can find this book (at the moment), and one of my favorite scenes:

“A hardworking gentleman of 26 years old, 6 feet, owner of a small cabin who lives off the land desires marriage. Lady must be between 18-25 years, have a loving disposition, and be willing to mother a baby boy. Though comforts will be few, would like a happy marriage.” Mail Order Bride Ad Written by Allen Grover on March 20, 1878

It wasn’t until September that Al’s bride came to the Black Hills of the South Dakota Territory. He expected Hazel McPherson. But he got Sadie Miller.

Before Hazel died in Omaha, she told Sadie to take her place as Al’s mail-order bride. Under ordinary circumstances, Sadie would never pretend to be another woman. But in this case, it was her only chance of escaping the prison that had become her life.

And there was no way she could tell anyone the truth. No. Her secret would stay with her to the grave, especially from the one man she was beginning to love.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

~~~*~~*~~~

Now for the excerpt. 🙂

Two weeks passed and Sadie finally finished the shirtwaist and skirt. Excited, she put the outfit on after she bathed and inspected her reflection in the mirror. The high neckline trimmed in lace and accented with a cameo Al had bought for her only enhanced the image standing before her. She pinned her hair back into an attractive style and stood back once more, making sure it was all real—that she wasn’t dreaming.

A smile crossed her face and she turned to make sure she looked as good from the back. And she did. She felt just like a princess in a fairytale. For the first time in her life, she believed she was a lady. An honest to goodness lady. So this was what it felt like to be a wife. No wonder the wives she used to pass in Nebraska were always smiling. Being a wife was an incredibly liberating experience. Dignified, virtuous, pure. Being Al’s wife had made this possible.

A flicker of guilt crossed her reflection, and she couldn’t bear to look at herself anymore. She was an imposter. She wasn’t really a lady. It was all a ruse. She was a prostitute. With a glance at her new clothes, she was tempted to rip it all to shreds. Gripping the edge of her skirt in her hands, she was ready to tear it along the seam when she heard the bedroom door open.

Jerking her head up, she turned and faced Al whose smile grew wide at the sight of her. “You’re absolutely stunning,” he said, motioning to her. “The men in Atlanta must have been falling all over themselves to get your attention.” Before she could answer, he closed the distance between them and kissed her hands. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

No, no he wasn’t. Perhaps if he’d been with Hazel, he would have been. But not with her. Clearing her throat, she released her hands from his and forced a smile. “You’re much too kind.”

As she turned back to the mirror, she made a pretense of lining up the comb, barrettes, and ribbons on the dresser.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck, an action which startled her. She returned her gaze to the mirror and was struck by how tender he was. But that was his way. Tender. Sweet. Always giving. Never expecting anything in return.

“Why are you so nice to me?” she whispered.

Glancing up at her reflection, he chuckled. “Pardon?”

“You have yet to insist on your right to consummate the marriage, and yet, you treat me as if I’m the most wonderful woman in the world.”

Settling his chin on her shoulder, he gave her waist a light squeeze. “We didn’t get a chance to know each other before we got married. I want to make sure when we do come together, the time will be right.”

Lowering her gaze, she let out a soft laugh. “I would have thought performing our vows would have been the right time.”

“Our vows did bring us together as husband and wife. But only time can bring our hearts into the same union.”

Quickly blinking her tears away, she turned around to face him. “You have a noble heart, Al. You should have been a knight.”

“No, I wouldn’t have wanted that.” He kissed the top of her nose. “If I had been born in that time, I wouldn’t have met you.” He patted the small of her back. “I better check on the eggs. I don’t want them to burn.”

He kissed her cheek then left the room.

She brushed away a tear as it trickled down her cheek. If he knew who she really was, he wouldn’t be so eager to compliment her.