Are you ready for an adventure?

Jun 10, 2017 | Blog, Hildie McQueen, June 2017

Don’t miss Hildie McQueen’s new historical romance series set in the 1870s of brave women who traveled to the west to seek marriage and a better life.

Download the series today!

Esther, An Easter Bride was released on 4/18/17

Official Blurb:  Unrealistic expectations can lead two people down a trail to despair.

After the untimely death of her husband, Esther Wilmington must choose between pauper’s life as a poor widow in Philadelphia or a marriage of convenience to her late husband’s son. However, she is presented with a third option she couldn’t have imagined: moving west as a mail order bride.

Elias Jones likes the idea of a wife but quickly discovers how complicated it is to share his home, his bed, and his life with someone. Perhaps he was hasty in marrying. But he soon realizes he cannot imagine a life without his new bride.

Excerpt from Esther, An Easter Bride

Making their way back to the table, Esther was fully aware of his gaze upon her. Before she could sit, he took her elbow. “Esther, how do you feel about marrying me?”
The question took her by surprise. Did it matter at this point if she wished to change her mind? The thought of anything but acquiescence had not occurred to her.
“I am not sure what to say…how to respond.”
He looked to the floor and, at once, alarm filled her. Was he on the brink of telling her he’d changed his mind?
“I’m curious, that’s all.”
“Oh. Well, I’m both excited and nervous. But I do look forward to a future here in Montana…with…you.”
When he swallowed visibly, it did not reassure her. Finally, his gaze met hers. Before she could say anything, he leaned forward and kissed her fully on the lips.
The kiss was like no other. At least not that she could remember. Even her first kiss with her late husband had not awoken so many feelings or sent her blood to rush with so much intensity that it thundered in her ears.
He cupped her face with one hand while his arm wrapped around her waist, bringing her against him. Esther held his shoulders, willing herself not to tug him closer. With each movement, Elias brought her more alive and, finally, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her length against him.
Something sounded in the distance or perhaps in the room. She had no concept of anything other than the man in whose arms she’d melted. When Elias lifted, his darkened eyes bore into hers and she could finally regain some sort of sensibility.
She wanted to continue to stay lost in his eyes, but he hugged her against him and rested his face against her temple. “I look forward to marrying you, Esther. I have a feeling we’re well suited.”

Bio:

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit HIldie McQueen’s website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram: @HildieWrites

Lucille, A Lucky Bride by Hildie McQueen

Jun 8, 2017 | Blog, Hildie McQueen, June 2017

Don’t miss Hildie McQueen’s new historical romance series set in the 1870s of brave women who traveled to the west to seek marriage and a better life. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the last Bride, Esther, and your next book adventure.

Lucille, A Lucky Bride was released on 3/14/17

Official Blurb:  A beautiful woman arrives during the worst time of his life.

Lucille Ash travels west with her mistress expecting to continue a life of servitude. However, her entire existence changes upon arriving in Montana. No longer a maid, she is free to make choices about her future. One thing she’s certain of is that she will never choose the infuriating Tobias as her husband.

Through the haze of sorrow after losing his mother, Tobias Hamilton still notices the stunning new woman in town and decides to marry her. When he announces his intentions, the feisty woman swiftly rejects him. How to convince her of his true feelings when he is not sure himself?

Although transformation can happen, sometimes it takes more strength than one can ever imagine.

Excerpt from Lucille:

“Thinking about hanging yourself?” The amused voice was accompanied by musical laughter.
Lucille’s eyes sparkled with mirth when he turned to her. To keep from allowing a smile, he pressed his lips together. “Doesn’t sound like you’d mourn my death.”
“Hmm,” she replied noncommittally and neared the stall. “What, do tell, is the reason for you looking gloomier than usual?”
“Watching this mare with her offspring. She was restless until I let her come back inside.” He didn’t expect her to understand, but elaborated anyway. “Mothers, they provide love and support even after their offspring don’t need them to sustain life. This colt is old enough to do for itself.”
Lucille neared, bringing with her a soft floral scent, which he inhaled deep into his lungs. Reaching for the mare, she slid her hand over its mane. “Hey there, Lady. The mean man doesn’t understand you does he?”
“I am not mean. She will eventually have to be separated from…”
“Why? I think you should consider letting them stay together. What can it hurt?”
He let out a sigh and had to admit that he liked to spar verbally with her.
“I understand you are mourning, yet…” She looked to him for a moment. “Do you know how blessed you are to have had your mother for as many years as you did? The people in the house, what about them? You should relish your time with your siblings. Family is very important.”
Ire flowed wide and thick until Tobias couldn’t hold back. “If family is so important, then why did you come so far away from yours? Obviously, the support you could give and receive did not matter as much as whoever you left back east.”
Her eyes narrowed and, for a moment, he thought she’d slap him. When she focused on him there was mirth instead of anger. “You are an ignorant man. I came here with Aurora because she is the only family I have. Of course I would not leave if I had parents or siblings back home, which I have neither by the way.” She huffed, placing her hands on both hips and tapping one foot. “I came out here to find you for supper. Time to eat.”
“I owe you an apology. I should have thought before speaking.” Regret settled onto his chest demanding he make things right.
Lucille lifted a brow. “You owe me two apologies. One for the inexcusable marriage demand and another for assuming I gave no forethought before moving here.”
“I’m sorry, Lucille.” He considered reaching for her. Instead, he crossed and uncrossed his arms. “Please accept my apologies for both.”
“You need to consider how much you want something and then strive for it. Enjoy life, else you’re wasting air.”
“I have to say, you have quite a way with words.”
Lucille held up her right hand, palm away from him and waved him closer. “Lean forward.” He did as she asked, careful not to lean too close.
“Closer, lower, you’re quite tall.”
If the woman planned to slap him or break his nose with a punch, he’d allow it. However, one hit was his limit. After that, he’d stop her and leave.
She placed a hand on each side of his face and looked directly into his eyes. Tobias held his breath. It was the first time a woman had done this and he wasn’t sure what to think.
Lucille kept the eye contact. “If you wish to marry me, Tobias Hamilton, I suggest you decide if I’m really the woman for you. I will tell you this. I plan to marry and it will be to a man who both desires me and accepts me just the way I am.”
She pulled his face even closer and pressed her lips over his. The kiss lingered until he was just about to close his eyes. Then she abruptly moved back.
As if he were a child, she patted his left shoulder. “Think about it, Tobias. Supper should be ready shortly.”
The swish of her skirts and curvy figure kept his rapt attention until she walked out of sight. It was then he finally gulped in air.

Bio:

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit HIldie McQueen’s website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram: @HildieWrites

Aurora, A Romantic Bride by Hildie McQueen

Jun 6, 2017 | Blog, Hildie McQueen, June 2017

Don’t miss Hildie McQueen’s new historical romance series set in the 1870s of brave women who traveled to the west to seek marriage and a better life. Be sure to check back each day this week for a new Bride and your next book adventure.

Aurora, A Romantic Bride was released on 2/14/17

Amazon KU Link: https://amzn.to/2pGHFtq

Official Blurb: Sacrifice comes at great cost to a young woman forced to marry and save her family from ruin.

Aurora Middleton loses her best friend and a chance of love at the same time.  When confronted with how horrible her life will become, she makes a decision that brings a monumental change.  Moving west, leaving all she’s ever known will either be a fresh start or the beginning of something worse.

Evan Jones left his life of high society firmly back east.  Now the small town doctor has a comfortable life in the Laurel, Montana.  When a storm hits, he offers Aurora Middleton and her friend a place to stay all the time resenting the attraction he feels to a woman that reminds him of a life he’d purposely left in the past.

Excerpt from Aurora:

Two knocks sounded at the back door. Before Evan could open the door, Aurora walked in. Cheeks flushed, she looked to Filbert who didn’t bother to look to her. Instead, his gaze remained on the basket she carried.

Aurora met Evan’s gaze. “I brought food. You didn’t finish eating.”

It was surprising that she’d thought enough to bring him dinner. Evan wondered if it was her idea. It seemed to him that she’d have sent the other woman, Lucille, to do her bidding and not bring the food herself. Then again, it could be an attempt to set things right between them since he offered her and Lucille a place to stay.

Her eyes were reddened and he wondered if the lovely woman had cried or perhaps it was due to the bitter cold.

“Thank you.” He took the basket from her and went to a small table. “I was just about to come to get some food to ensure he eats. This is more than enough for both of us.”

In all honesty, he did not plan to eat much. Any desire for food had dwindled at her presence. It wasn’t that he disliked people, but Evan looked forward to time alone at home. Most days, he was around people; sick townsfolk who complained, whined and cried. It was rare that anyone was glad to see him. Evan always looked forward to evenings when he could relax and get away from all the negativity. Guests only meant no alone time.

He scowled and Aurora seemed to shrink backwards. “Do you need more food?”

“No, thank you. This is fine.” In the basket was a plate piled with food, bread and a jug, which he assumed had coffee. “Thank you. You should go on back and rest. I know the trip here is hard.”

“Yes, Lucille and I are about to go to bed. Before sleeping, I wanted to ensure you didn’t need anything.” She neared and her lips curved into a soft smile. “Thank you so very much for allowing us to stay at your house. Lucille and I appreciate it very much.”

Evan liked the sound of her voice, soft with a husky edge to it that made him want to close his eyes. She wasn’t a shy woman, that much he could tell. However, she didn’t seem to particularly care for him. Something about the way she looked at him, as if she knew something. Evan sensed judgment and not particularly positive speculation of his person by her.

What she based her negative ideas on was a mystery and, frankly, once she left and went to the Hamiltons’ place, it didn’t matter to him.

Besides, he had passed judgment as well. Even now, he considered her upbringing as being one raised in a lifestyle replete with pampering and being waited upon hand and foot.

She’d not helped prepare the dinner. Although he supposed there was little she could do as the woman had probably never stepped foot in a kitchen, much less learned the first thing about cooking.

“Do you cook, Miss Middleton?” Evan wasn’t sure why he asked, other than perhaps a bit of guilt for being judgmental. “I suppose it’s out of curiosity that I ask. Being your upbringing, I don’t expect you do.”

Her eyebrows rose and she blinked. “My upbringing? Sir, you do not know anything about me. I presume you ask since Lucille and I may be forced to depend on your hospitality for an indeterminate length of time.”

“No, not at all. I ask out of curiosity. I know a bit about you, yes. Wilhelmina Hamilton was most enlightening when speaking of you. She holds you in high regard.”
“And I do her.”

Her gaze swept over the clinic and, immediately, Evan could see she found it lacking. “Are all clinics so basic here?”

“Basic?”

“Rudimentary.”

“It will be a hard adjustment for you here, Miss Middleton. This clinic is quite sufficient for the town.”

She lifted a brow in disbelief.

Evan had had enough. “The reason for you coming so far must be utterly fascinating. Not that I plan to investigate further. Given your dour disposition, I imagine it won’t be long before you return to a more elevated way of life.”

The fire in her gaze seared. “I have always been described as sunny and pleasant. It could be your most disagreeable company that brings out the worst in me.”

He tapped his chin in thought. “No, I don’t believe so. That can’t be it.”

“You are an arrogant, egotistical and annoying brute with a lack of decorum and manners.” When she stormed away in a flutter of skirts and lilac, his lips curved. So it seemed Miss Middleton had a bit of a temper.

Bio:

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit HIldie McQueen’s website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram: @HildieWrites

Wilhelmina A Winter Bride by Hildie McQueen

Jun 5, 2017 | Blog, Hildie McQueen, June 2017

Don’t miss Hildie McQueen’s new series set in the 1870s of brave women who traveled to the west to seek marriage and a better life. Be sure to check back each day this week for a new Bride and your next book adventure.

Official Blurb: If opposites attract these two strangers will collide with the force of a raging storm.

Out of options, Wilhelmina Wilkins heads west to marry a total stranger upon answering a mail order bride ad. What could have been a fairytale beginning turns out to be this bride’s nightmare. Instead of meeting Wilhelmina at the train station, her husband-to-be is in the center of town brawling.

Marcus Hamilton is blindsided twice, first, by a mail order bride ad posted for him by his mother and sister, and secondly, by the beauty of the woman who arrives to marry him. That the bride wishes to cancel all plans after he fails to make a good first impression will not do. How far will Marcus have to go to prove his worth?

Excerpt from Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride
By Hildie McQueen

The view would never tire her. How very different Montana was from Philadelphia. Everything from vegetation to the landscape did not resemble anything she’d seen before. There were mountains in Pennsylvania, but in Montana, they seemed majestic, grander in a way.
Absently, she wondered what her family did at the moment. Slept, probably, as it was later in the east. They thought she’d left to go to Virginia. Instead, she’d boarded the train and debarked at the next station where she transferred to a train headed west. She’d left a note with Lady Price, asking it be delivered to her father two days after she’d left.
It was probable her stepmother and stepsister were not sorry Wilhelmina had not gone to Virginia. The farther she was, with her scandalous reputation, the better for them is what they’d think.
Although her father would be sad at her decision, they’d distract him by stating how she’d done the most impulsive, irresponsible thing and they should concentrate on keeping it a secret from their society circles.
The two letters she’d sent with James to town were to Aurora and Lady Price. She informed them about marrying Marcus. She’d not asked either to keep it a secret and, hopefully, they wouldn’t. It would serve her stepsister right to find out she’d married a handsome man.
The door opened and she turned. Her husband entered and sat down to remove his shoes. He seemed deep in thought. “Evan is still with Ma. He’s drinking coffee and waiting to see how the treatment he administered is working.”
“Would you like some hot water? I can fetch it.” When she reached the doorway, he took her arm.
“I’ve decided we’ll remain here through the winter months. I can’t move away right now.” Marcus looked at her then away. “We can move in the spring.”
“I understand what you must be feeling, but this is a decision we should speak about. Make together.” Wilhelmina attempted to keep her temper in check.
“It’s for the best.”
“You are not listening to me. Why can’t we discuss it? How are we to have a good marriage if I am not to be included in any major decisions?”
He stood to his full height, whether to intimidate her, she wasn’t sure. “This is not up for discussion. Wouldn’t you want to be with your father during his last days?”
Both hands flat on his chest, Wilhelmina pushed him back. “I am not intimidated by you. How dare you question my feelings toward my father?”
“I’ve decided we will remain. Discussion is not needed at this point.” Although he spoke softly, he lifted an eyebrow in challenge.
There it was; the temper she’d been expecting. Wilhelmina refused to back down. “I do not agree and I will not be spoken down to by you.”
“Why, because you’re from high society? Is that going to be your reasoning against me whenever we disagree? That I’m not worthy of you?”
“Don’t you dare put words in my mouth.” Wilhelmina blinked back angry tears. “I did not refer in any way to my upbringing.”
“What do you want me to say? That I will move into our house regardless of what is happening just to make you happy?” His voice rose just a bit and then his jaw clenched.
Of course, she realized at the moment that, perhaps, her argument was without foundation, as she would have agreed to remain. But the fact that he didn’t ask for her opinion would not do. If there was a lesson she’d learned from her stepmother it was to ensure, inside the home, the marriage should stand on equal footing.
“My happiness is not the concern at the moment. What is my concern is your attitude.”
“What?” He scowled and narrowed his eyes.
Wilhelmina lifted her chin and pointed at his face. “There, that. Most disagreeable.”
“I don’t…”
Knocks sounded on the other side of the door and Marcus yanked it open.
Eleanor looked from one to the other. “I can hear you all the way in the front room. This is not a time to be arguing. I suggest you both calm down and go to sleep. Get some rest and wait until morning to talk.”
“I won’t be sleeping in here with him.” Wilhelmina crossed her arms.
“Fine by me. I’ll sleep in the front room,” Marcus said and stormed from the room.
Wilhelmina let out a huff. “I’m so sorry. I hope we didn’t disturb your mother.”
“You didn’t.” Eleanor seemed unsure how to proceed next. “What happened?”
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure.” Wilhelmina ran her hands down her face. “Now, I’m too upset to sleep and want to cry. I am not sure how your brother and I will ever manage.”
Eleanor took her by the elbow and guided her to the bed just as tears spilled. “There now, don’t fret. I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding.”
“He would not listen to me at all.” Wilhelmina let out a shaky breath. “I’m so embarrassed I raised my voice at him. I’ve not screamed at someone in very a long time.”
Her sister-in-law chuckled. “If anyone will bring out a temper in people, it’s Marcus. I agree he is impatient and quick to anger, but he will never disrespect you or mistreat you. That, I can assure you.”
Not knowing her husband well, Wilhelmina didn’t comment on Eleanor’s statement.
Her sister-in-law squeezed her arm. “I should let you get some rest. In the morning, things will be better, I’m sure.”
“Yes, of course. Again, I apologize.” Although she agreed, Wilhelmina did not think for a moment the disagreement would be any different by the next day. The challenge in Marcus’ expression had unsettled her. Did he expect her to bow to his every whim without some sort of discussion?
It would not do at all. She’d once heard a woman state that at the beginning of a marriage is when roles are set. Wilhelmina decided she’d not back down. Whether or not she won the argument didn’t matter. What did matter was that Marcus understood she would not be ignored when it came to decisions affecting them and their future family.
They would battle to see where the other stood. He was testing her and had tried to assert himself in their relationship.
There was going to be a very important lesson in it for both of them. She’d not back down on her belief that major decision would be discussed nor would she allow him to mow over her as if she were a puppet of some sort.
Mind made up, she fell into a fretful sleep. She knew the next day, she’d face her husband for another bout.
One she would not lose.

Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride was released on 1/17/17

BIO:

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram: @HildieWrites