ELLY'S BACK ... and Better Than Ever

Bluebonnets for Elly is back... and better than ever. After my publisher went out of business, I reissued the book with a new cover and tweaked the story. 

You can find this Texas romance on Amazon in ebook versions (only $3.99) and in paperback.

Here's the link:
BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY

Pottsboro, Texas 75076 - Saturday Snapshots

I haven't participated in Saturday Snapshots recently because I've been visiting my I.O.U. Sex co-author (and friend) in Pottsboro, Texas. Here are a few pictures I took on that trip. FYI: Pottsboro was my inspiration for the setting of Bluebonnets for Elly.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)

Pottsboro has doubled in size since my parents
had a cabin on nearby Lake Texoma

The nearby towns of Sherman and Denison boast many
charming old houses, some in better repair than others

We took a few road trips around the area, even venturing as far away as Terrell, TX,
and Durant, OK (see map below). Because of all the rain Texas received this spring
and summer, the countryside was lush green instead of yellow. 

Plenty of water for livestock.

We even saw buffalo hanging out with a herd of cattle.

And, of course, oil wells.

No visit to the area would be complete without a meal of fried catfish at Huck's in Denison

TEXAS ROOTS

I'm over at Smart Girls Read Romance today with pictures from my recent trip to Grayson County, Texas. Stop by to see the setting for BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY - cows, cafes, and more.

Here's the link:

Texas Roots by Sandra Nachlinger

Katie and The Irish Texan - Teaser Tuesday & First Chapter/First Paragraph

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, so when the synopsis for KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN said it took place in my hometown, I had to read it. This most recent sweet romance in The Texas Code Series (The McTiernans) is a delight. The characters are likable, believable, and true to the times (1870s), and the plot kept me engaged. I especially enjoyed the author’s reference to names and places familiar to me (the Trinity River, Sanger Brothers, etc.) as well as her inclusion of the sometimes crazy North Texas weather in the story. The author obviously knows her setting well, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.

FIRST CHAPTER/FIRST PARAGRAPH:
Jefferson, Texas, April 1873
Dermot McTiernan downed his shot of whiskey, looked across the poker table at the Yankee Lieutenant, and glanced at his cards one last time. Certain the man was bluffing, he pulled out his pocket watch, his second most prized possession, and set it atop the pile of money. With a nod, he placed his cards on the table face up then met the man's gaze. "Call."

TEASER from 49% on my Kindle:
The sound of the rain was deafening making it impossible to whisper, but Kathleen cupped her hand around her mouth in an attempt to be heard. "Mrs. Benning is asking to see the doctor. Is there anyone we can send to fetch him without alarming her husband?

Genre: Western Romance
Length: 81 Pages (Novella)
Amazon Link: Katie and The Irish Texan
Other Books by Carra Copelin: Amazon Author Page

Synopsis from Amazon:
      Dermot McTiernan is determined to move on with his life after losing his one and only love to another man. He decides to try his hand at ranching in North Central Texas with his friend, Ian Benning. He figures if that doesn't work out, there are many other opportunities in the booming post-war state. When the luscious red-head from County Cork, Ireland shows up in Dallas, can he retain the courage of his convictions and move on without her? 
      Kathleen O'Donnell made a monumental mistake marrying, Kelsey Gilhooley. Her decision for entering the union, no matter how honorable, had made her life a living hell. Even though still married, she holds out hope for finding the man of her dreams. When she comes across her tall, dark-eyed Irishman in Dallas, Texas, will she be able to abandon happiness and walk away a second time? 

  

Share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you are reading. Here's the link: Bibliophile By The Sea

Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please! Here's the link: Should Be Reading

Saturday Snapshots - More Texas Photos

Recently, I asked Sandra Allen, my good friend and co-author of I.O.U. SEX, to take pictures of bluebonnets around her home near Lake Texoma. I hoped to use some of her shots in promoting my book, BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY. Unfortunately, there wasn't a bumper crop of the state flower in her area this year, but she did get some terrific photos while she was out and about, some of which I've posted below with her permission. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Thanks, Sandra!

Go just about anywhere in Texas and you'll see the state flag displayed.

Yep, there's really a town named Fink. According to the Texas State Historical Assoc.:
"Fink's population was estimated at twenty-five for most of the period
from the mid-1940s to the mid-1970s." I doubt if it has grown any since then.

Too bad there weren't many bluebonnets in bloom in Grayson County this spring.
They sure can put on a show when they cover a hillside.

To see more gorgeous photos on a variety of blogs, 
visit West Metro Mommy Reads: HERE.

USA Today Features Bluebonnets for Elly

I'm delighted to announce that USA TODAY is featuring BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY in its "Happily Ever After - New Releases" column today. 

Here's the link: New Releases

Scroll down the page to see the brief synopsis.

I'm thrilled beyond belief!