Women's Clubs of the 1800s by Linda Brody

Women’s Clubs of the 1800s

Thank you so much, Sarah, for having me here at the Romance Room. It’s a great place to talk about books—my favorite subject.

I’m very excited about my new western historical, TEXAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE, that will be out in a week because it shows how desperate women were to find a sense of worth and be involved in worthwhile projects.

Women’s clubs sort of took off in the early 1800s. They provided an acceptable social outlet into which they could throw their desires to contribute outside the home. Benevolent societies, garden clubs, church groups that helped the needy and others sprang up. Women often banded together to improve social problems.

That’s what my character Delta Dandridge did after she spent every cent she has to come to Battle Creek, Texas only to find that Cooper Thorne has no plans to marry her, not only now, but ever. Going back to Georgia is also out.

So she digs in her heels and refuses to leave. She looks at the shabby, dying town and decides that it needs her as much as she needs it.

After settling in, she gathers the women and they form a club called Women of Vision.

Their purpose is to fix up the town, start a school and a library and become a vital part of the community. Of course, they are met with plenty of opposition.

I think you’ll enjoy how innovative and determined Delta is to help the people of Battle Creek and in doing so, discovers things she never knew about herself.

Take this journey with me as Cooper and Delta sort out their differences and decide that possibly they’re more alike than they care to admit. All’s fair in love and war. And when the dust settles, the only place they want to be is in each other’s arms.

Have you ever been a member of a club or maybe wanted to be?

I’m giving away a copy of Texas Mail Order Bride to one person who leaves a comment. Winner can choose either print or e-book!!!

   

Logline:

When a woman claims to be the bride Cooper Thorne sent for, he scrambles to set her straight. But then, she refuses to leave and he's left wondering just who the joke is on.

Blurb:

Deep-rooted scars left by an orphanage bear the blame for Cooper Thorne's vow to never marry. He'll live and die a bachelor. He's so committed that he founds the Battle Creek Bachelors' Club.

So when Delta Dandridge steps off the stagecoach claiming she’s the mail order bride he sent for, he's fit to be tied. She challenges him in ways he finds both irritating and exciting.

Brash and quick-witted, the meddling Southern Belle is everything Cooper thought he never wanted…and everything his heart is telling him he needs.

Then demons from his past return to threaten everything…and everyone…he holds dear. He knows this will be a fight he can’t afford to lose.

Excerpt:

    Delta covered the space between them and glared up into eyes that reminded her of a cold winter’s day. “I can’t believe this. You have a lot of gall, Mr. Thorne. The way I see it, you gave up your right to meddle in my affairs when you told me in no uncertain terms that you weren’t looking for a wife. Therefore, what I do is none of your concern. If I want to—”

    “Do what?” Cooper brushed her cheek with a fingertip. “Women like you won’t throw your reputation to the wind. You want it all or nothing.”

    She glared. “You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“I know more than you think.” His words were soft. “I see the yearning for permanence in your eyes. Dear God, you’re a difficult woman to forget.”

Cooper tugged her against his lean body, lowered his head, and pressed his sensual lips firmly on hers. Her knees grew weak and she clutched the shirt covering his broad chest to keep from falling.

As the kiss deepened, their breaths mingled in a heated flurry while blood pounded in her ears. She heard a low moan and realized it came from her. Strange how it sounded so very far away.

Her stomach whirled and dipped as though she’d fallen from a great height. Tingles raced up her spine in some kind of mindless confusion. The anger that had propelled her into dangerous territory melted away and left a strange desire in its wake. Before she could unclench her hands from his shirt to take a step back, he released her.

    Cooper’s sinful half smile turned her knees to jelly. “And that, Miss Delta, is how we do things here in Texas.”

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1492602817

Barnes and Noble: http://goo.gl/DEi3B3

About Linda Broday:

I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of western historical romance. I can spend hours scouring history books and the internet for little known details to add to my stories. I've been accused, and quite unjustly I might add, of making myself a nuisance at museums and libraries here in the Texas Panhandle. My books are known for humble roots and the love of family. I hope you like the stories I endeavor to bring to you and that you'll try my new Bachelors of Battle Creek series.