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Thursday, February 1, 2018

New Release -- JOSEPHINE’S CHALLENGE The Barlow Brides Series Book Two by Agnes Alexander -- @prairierosepublications

Josephine Kirkpatrick needs a brand-new start…a challenge. Losing her husband—and then her business—were two hard blows. When her old friend, Myra Barlow, invites her to come West and be with her during the birth of Myra’s first baby, Josephine knows that’s just the change she needs—and she may never return to Charleston, South Carolina, if she finds a new life in Wyoming.

Ryder Barlow needs a redheaded woman around like he needs another hole in his head. He’s had enough of every redhead alive to last him a lifetime! But when his sister-in-law invites her beautiful friend to come for an extended visit, he finds he’s not done with dealing with flame-haired women yet—especially after he’s wounded, and Josephine must care for him…

When a train robber kidnaps Josephine and hides her away, Ryder understands that love has crept up and stolen his own hard heart when he wasn’t looking—and Josephine means everything to him. Though he’s hot on the trail of the outlaw and the spitfire woman he’s taken, will Ryder be able to reach them in time? 

EXCERPT

     Without regard for his own safety, he grabbed his rope and formed a lasso. He gained ground on the wild horse and now, he was on the verge of catching him. Ignoring everything else around him, he concentrated on nothing but getting the rope around the horse’s neck.
     At least it had taken the redheaded woman Myra called Josephine off his mind. From the time he learned she had red hair, he refused to say her name. He didn’t want to picture what his life was going to be like with that redheaded female in the house. He’d decided he’d try his best to be civil to her as long as there was someone else in the room. He owed Myra that, but if he was ever caught alone with her, he had no intention of putting on a friendly face. He figured this would at least give the redhead the impression that no matter how long she was here, there was no changing his mind about her receiving a welcome from him.
     Oblivious to anything else in the world apart from the wild red coated horse, Ryder drove his gelding forward and let the lasso fly through the air. The rope settled just where he wanted it to—around the neck of the red stallion. His horse reared and he pulled the rope as tight as he could. He was about to dismount so he could twist his end of the rope around a tree to hold the horse until he could him under better control.
     A gunshot pierced the air.
     Before Ryder could react, there was a sharp pain in his side and he tumbled to the ground. The rope slipped out of his hand and the red stallion raced off. So did the horse Ryder was riding.
     He gritted his teeth as pain shot through his upper body, but he tried to sit up. It was a losing battle, though he did manage to grab the red bandana around his neck and shove it into the hole in his side. He held it as tightly as he could, but he was growing weak. In spite of all he could do, his hand began to relax, and everything around him went black.


      

14 comments:

  1. Having auburn hair (well, before it faded to salt and paprika), I have been amazed at the number of men who are prejudiced against redheaded women. Fortunately, I married a man whose mother had reddish hair, and he is partial to red haired women. Best wishes on your book, Agnes. It looks like a fun read.

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    1. I'm so sorry I'm so late in responding. I was in Charlotte taking care of my sick sister and she doesn't have the internet. My hair has always been light - blonde now white - but I had a best friend with red hair and I always wanted to dye mine. Of course, my mother wouldn't let me.

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  2. Looks like a great story, Agnes. Red-headed women? I've known so very few in my life, I wouldn't know what to think about them. Good luck on sales and good reviews!

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    1. Couldn't get to a computer until last night and today. I've known several red headed women but I've always had blonde, now white, hair. Thanks for the good wishes.

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  3. Agnes, I am soooooo loving these Barlow Brides! Can't wait to see who else comes along for these brothers. I really enjoy the closeness of the brothers, too. Great story, and I look forward to BOOK 3!

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    1. You know why I'm so late in responding, Cheryl. My sister doesn't have Wifi and I only got home yesterday. I'm so glad you like the Barlows. I'm working on Gavin next. Working title is Patrice's Pride.

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  4. I love your story premise. I especially like that she's a red-headed woman. How did you come up with the name, Ryder?
    I wish you great success with this story, Agnes.

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    1. Thank you Sarah. I'm late responding because I was in Charlotte taking care of my sister. She doesn't have the internet. Ryder came from a cousin of mine who had a boy baby last year and named him Ryder Lane. I thought it was unique and they were glad I decided to use it. The following names -Garrison and Gavin - are my nephew's sons names. Thanks for the good wishes,

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  5. Oh my, how fun this story will be to read. Thanks Doris

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    1. I hope you enjoy it, Doris. I really enjoyed writing it.

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  6. Oh Agnes, I just love a story with the push-pull between the reluctant hero and heroine, especially a red headed one at that. I have a very close cousin, one of my best friends from school way back when to today, plus one of my friends' daughter all have bright to deep red hair. All are dynamic women, with ambition, drive, a temper if kindled, yet are the best. Can't wait to see the clash between these two. What a great premise. Wishing you much success with Josephine's Challenge. Great cover. What a nice series.

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    1. Thank you for the kind words, Beverly. My nephew had a little girl last year and she has beautiful red hair. Had to come from her mother's side because almost all the women in my family are blondes. Hope you enjoy Josephine and her clashes with Ryder.

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  7. Oh, yeah. Gun shot wound...a good way to put the hero at the heroine's mercy while she helps him mend. Love it. *grin* It's a life-changing experience for these tough guys to discover the healing touch of a 'good woman'.

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    1. Right, Kaye. Ryder has to go and get shot, not once, but twice and he doesn't want her help anymore the second time than he did the first. Thanks for responding.

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