Romance Book Review: Emma's Journey by Callie Hutton

Emma's Journey

By Callie Hutton

Review by Morgan Wyatt

About the Book:

Releasing February 15th, 2013

Now that Emma Thorpe’s husband has been killed on the wagon train to Oregon, she wants to return to Indiana, but the wagon master has forced her to marry Wagon Scout, Davis Cooper. He wants to make their marriage work; she intends to flee as soon as they arrive at their destination.

Emma Thorpe did not want to leave her life in Indiana to travel to Oregon on a wagon train, but her husband Peter had other ideas. Barely three weeks into the trip Peter is killed, and Emma is shocked that the wagon master won’t let her return home.

Wagon Scout Davis Cooper has decided this would be his last scouting trip, he intends to obtain land in the new Oregon territory, find a wife, and start a family.

When the Wagon Master orders Emma to marry Davis she rebels, but eventually comes to realize she can’t go it alone, no matter how stubborn she is. But nothing will make her give up her dream to return home.

Can Davis change her mind, and have the life he’s always wanted with his unexpected wife?

Morgan's Review:

Emma’s Journey by Callie Hutton is much more than a historical romance. It is a tale of the grit and determination of the earlier settlers who chose to head west. Emma, the heroine didn’t intend to go west leaving her home and family in Indiana, but her husband Peter has other ideas.

Emma tables her reservations about joining the wagon train aware her husband is anxious to make a fresh start somewhere else. Weeks into the trip, not only it is harder than she imagined, but it becomes even harder.  Peter dies trying to control a spooked horse, leaving Emma alone.  Devastated, she buries Peter along the trail and asks for an escort back home. Her request shows her innocence that the wagon train, can stop, and honor her request.

Davis Cooper is hurt trying to save Peter from the out of control horse. The wagon train boss puts him in Emma’s wagon to care for until he can get back on his feet. The uptight woman secretly amuses him, but he does appreciate her care. He finds himself helping Emma with her wagon. He admires her pluck, and endurance, despite the fact she makes no secret of her desire to return to Indiana.

Life is difficult crossing the rugged terrain, and impossible for a woman alone as Emma quickly finds out. If she drops out of the train, she’ll surely perish. Only Davis Cooper’s continual help keeps her going, but a single woman can’t keep accepting the help, or companionship of a single male. His solution is marriage. How can she marry a stranger, especially when she just buried a previous husband? Even though she finds herself drawn to him, accepting her proposal will put her back in the same uncomfortable position she had with Peter traveling to a place she doesn’t want to settle.

Emma is a dynamic character who grows through her various hardships. Davis Cooper is an emotionally wounded individual who finds solace in Emma. The antagonist of the entire tale is the trail itself. Miss Hutton goes into detail to show the various difficulties of the wagon train members. It is a man against nature conflict that has you rooting for Emma, and the other wagon train members.

Emma’s Journey is a historical romance, but also is a journal of the hardships the early western settlers faced. This sweet romance should appeal to historical romance and romance fans alike.  

Reading as a Writer by Callie Hutton

Today I'd like to welcome, Callie Hutton, not only a wonderful historical romance author, but one of our reviewers too! I can't wait to read her new Christmas story!

Reading as a Writer

By: Callie Hutton

            I’ve been a voracious reader all my life. My mom would take a book out of my hands and point to the door. “Go out and play.”

            At various jobs where I worked, I was known as the woman who always had her nose stuck in a book. When people would ask what I was reading, most times I had to check the cover because I read so fast I didn’t even have a book long enough to remember its name.

            Reading has been my main source of entertainment for years. It disturbs me that now that I have written several books, gone through critiques, contests, and editing with publishers, that now I read, not as a reader, by as a writer. It’s sort of like seeing the faults in your child. You love them anyway, but sad when you discover those little things that you wished wasn’t a part of their makeup.

            I’m currently reading a book by a very well-known romance author. Every time she head- hops, I cringe. I have no problem following the story, and frankly I never could understand the horror that particular issue creates, but I know it’s not acceptable. Then there’s the flat out mistakes. Missing words, wrong words, repetitive phrases. Reversed letters so it reads: “her won” instead of “her own.”

            I suppose at one time that would never have bothered me, or even if I would have noticed it. Or is it just editors are getting sloppy? I allow (but don’t accept) mistakes in self-published books because I realize it’s hard to find your own mistakes, even though any decent self- published author uses beta readers and critique partners to catch them.

            But when you’re reading a book by a well-known author, coming from a “big” house, and you see these mistakes, it irks me. Have I always been this fussy? Or is this a new trend? In any event, even though I never intend to give up my favorite past time, it’s now riddled with annoyance.

            How about you? Do mistakes bother you? Does it pull you out of the story? Do you think there are more mistakes in books now then, say, twenty years ago? And lastly, when you see mistakes in a book, do you try to contact the author and let him/her know?

            Inquiring minds want to know.

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head.  She’s had a number of articles and interviews published over the years, and finally decided to put her writing skills to the test and write novels.

            Oklahoma is where she hangs her hat with her husband of thirty-six years, two young adult children, and three dogs.

You can catch her hanging out at Facebook, Twitter- @CallieHutton, and her home base, www.calliehutton.com. Stop by sometime and say hello.

Blurb for Miss Merry’s Christmas:

The Duke of Penrose is not happy with Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He quickly replaces her, happy to have his unwanted attraction to the unsuitable woman behind him. Until his mother hires her as a companion…

England, 1817.  David Worthington, Duke of Penrose dislikes Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess who accompanied his new wards. He especially detests his attraction to the insufferable woman, and is anxious for her replacement to arrive.

Merry is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as a companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?

Two people determined to ignore each other, despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly whenever they're together.

Buy link: http://amzn.to/TSKlw1

           

            

Review of The Devil Devere Series by Victoria Vane (Recommended Read!)

I'd like to welcome another ebook reviewer to History Undressed! Callie Hutton (author of the Oklahoma Lovers series) has joined out team! Thank you, Callie!!!

The Devil Devere by Victoria Vane -- Four Scorching Novellas, One Continuing Story

A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE  (book #1)

What happens when a struggling actress and a grieving widower come together in a night of unbridled debauchery orchestrated by a bored and machinating rake? With the devil in charge there will be hell to pay!

She’s a lonely lady down on her luck... Phoebe Scott, alias Kitty Willis, is a struggling Covent Garden actress with a bruised heart and a closely guarded secret. 

He’s steadfast and eminently respectable..Sir Edward Chambers, Ned to his intimates, is guilt-ridden over his beloved wife’s death and avowed to live out a rustic and mundane life … of celibacy. 

With the devil in charge — there will be hell to pay. Devil in disguise, Viscount Ludovic DeVere, is determined to return his best friend, Ned, to the land of the living. His meddling machinations result in a night of mind blowing passion after which “dull dog Ned” awakes to find himself in the King of England’s bed! A WILD NIGHT’S BRIDE, a sexy, rollicking Georgian romp!

Callie's Review...

In Georgian England, Actress Phoebe Scott is looking for a Protector. The theater where she had a brief run as the sultry Kitty Willis, has closed its doors. She decides to adopt the persona of Kitty, so different from her own, to secure a Protector who can support her now that the theater has closed, and help her in her career.  Because of a closely guarded secret, and her financial circumstances, the marriage she’d always dreamed of is not an option.

Sir Edward Chambers, Ned to his intimates, is dragged by his friend, Viscount Ludovic DeVere to a night of debauchery where he meets the lovely, and obviously out of her realm, Phoebe. He is not the ‘Protector’ sort of man, but after a night of passion, he isn’t about to let Phoebe go.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Wild Night’s Bride. Ned is a hero in the true sense, and Phoebe, although down on her luck, does not come across as a victim. She’s sassy, brave, and is willing to put aside her dreams for her reality.

Since this is the first in a series of four stories centered around the debauched Devil DeVere, I look forward to the next three from this talented author.

THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS (book#2)

Desperate times call for devilish measures… when the object of one's passion has eyes for another… it's time to take matters in hand!

Lady Vesta Chambers is accustomed to getting what she wants…Coddled and pampered, since her mother's death, Lady Vesta Chambers is beside herself when her father goes to London to prepare for her come-out and returns with a young bride of his own. With her world turned upside down, Vesta accompanies her godmother, Diana, to town, where she is smitten the moment she lays eyes on a certain captain of the Seventeenth Light Dragoons. 

But when the object of her passion has eyes for another… Captain Hewett DeVere, younger brother and heir to Viscount Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere, has returned from the American war scarred, disillusioned, and looking forward to settling down to a quiet and respectable life. But when the handsome and straight-laced captain turns his eyes toward the widowed Diana, Vesta is prepared to take devilish measures to prove she is no longer a little girl, but a woman with the passion of …a huntress.

Callie's Review...

After thoroughly enjoying the first book in the Devil DeVere series of four stories, this second book, The Virgin Huntress, was a bit of a disappointment. I always find it difficult to appreciate a story when I dislike the heroine so much. There is no other way to describe Lady Vesta Chambers other than a spoiled brat. She goes after what she wants, regardless of the consequences to others. Captain Hewett DeVere was a likeable, albeit a somewhat unbelievable, hero.

That being said, the story was well developed, and kept my interest. If you like a strong-willed, loose cannon type of heroine, you’ll love The Virgin Huntress. I now look forward to book three in the series. 

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (book#3)

When dealing with the devil it's easy to be burned… especially when passion ignites the flames.

Who can find a virtuous woman… Beautiful, respectable, and dutiful, Lady Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley has long resigned herself to her decade-long loveless and childless marriage to a feckless husband…until his gambling pushes them to the brink of financial ruin.

Sometimes the devil is in disguise…as a gentleman… Viscount Ludovic, "The Devil DeVere", is a man accustomed to taking what he wants according to his whim and heedless of the cost…until he encounters a woman who won't be had at any price.

When dealing with the devil, it's easy to be burned… When Diana discovers a secret that shatters the carefully built façade concealing her private pain, she seeks aid and comfort from the most unlikely place…the devil's arms. But will a single night of heavenly passion damn them both forever?

Callie's Review...

Lady Diane Palmerston-Wriothesley, who we met briefly in book one and two of the DeVere Devil series, has a starring role in Victoria Vane’s third book, The Devil You Know.

Lady Diana’s dreams of a comfortable, happy marriage have withered and died in the reality of her ten year union with Baron Palmerston-Wriothesley. Not only does he ignore her needs, he has brought them to the door of financial ruin by his gambling. At a gathering for horse races at the home of Viscount Ludovic DeVere, a man of notorious sexual appetites, Diana is confronted with the true horror of her husband’s predilections, and the reason for her unsatisfying marriage.

I will stop here in the description to avoid any spoilers, but I will offer high praise for The Devil You Know. The pages (or ebook screen, depending on your preference) literally pop every time Ludovic and Diana appear together.  The sexual tension is riveting, his desire to have her, and hers to resist, a palpable thing. I loved Diana, and oftentimes moved by her predicament. The Devil is, well, the Devil. Despite his debauched ways, the author has made him not only likeable, but down right loveable. I wait with bated breath for the fourth book, and the finale.

Well done, Ms. Vane!

THE DEVIL'S MATCH (book#4)

Once burned twice shy… but when old flames come together…passion reignites...

When burned once… Arriving in London as her goddaughter's chaperone, Baroness Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley wants to avoid her erstwhile lover at all costs. Once nearly consumed by passion, four years has reduced the former inferno to bitterness and ashes.

By an old flame... A world-weary master of seduction, Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere is bored with his chosen life of debauchery. When Diana's charge disappears, she is forced to seek help from the devil's lair, and their mutual desire reignites with undeniable ferocity.

Fire is best fought with fire… While DeVere is hell-bent to have her back for keeps, Diana is equally determined to bring him to his knees…by acquiring some sensual secrets of her own.

 Callie's Review...

What a fabulous ending to a wonderful series! In the last book of the Devil DeVere series, “The Devil” and Baroness Diana come back together years after their interlude together. Still hurt and confused by Ludovic’s rejection, Diana is disturbed when she and her former lover are thrown together because of their mutual goddaughter’s antics and subsequent engagement and wedding. Ludovic is anxious to renew their alliance, but Diana wishes to keep him at arms length, even though her desire for him has not ebbed.

I was happy the appearance of Vestra in this book did not spoil it for me, since I disliked the girl in The Virgin Huntress. She was certainly more tolerable in The Devil’s Match. But overall, the series was well written, interesting, and kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend Ms. Vane’s series.

Featured Author: Callie Hutton

ABOUT THE BOOK:

            An Angel in the Mail, set in 1861, unites newly penniless society belle Angel Hardwick and Nathan Hale, father of five, who is desperate for a wife to straighten his life out.  Nate’s looking for someone who loves children and can easily take over the cooking, cleaning and laundry.  Instead, he is getting Angel, whose culinary knowledge consists of weekly meetings with Cook to decide the family’s menu.

Angel is a strong-minded young woman, resigned to her fate, and determined to make the best of her situation.  But will her new husband allow for mistakes?  Or will he send her packing when she burns meals and misplaces children?

Nate just wants a peaceful, well run household, without the distraction of an attractive wife.  However, his beautiful wife with a very distractible body is not giving him peace.  Somebody lied, because despite what he was told by the Bride Agency, this beauty knows nothing about running a home, but she sure sets him on fire at night.

Nate and Angel have to come to a working arrangement, overcoming problems between them. But will they be able to find a happily ever after with someone desperately working behind the scenes to destroy their relationship?


EXCERPT:

A small wooden table in the corner drew her.  She placed the glass on the table and eased her sore and tired body onto the chair. One leg shorter than the other three, the chair rocked as she settled. A woman the size of the counterman came through a curtain separating the area from whatever was in the back. With a brisk nod in Angel’s direction, she headed her way.

“Y’all one of them new whores Dolly’s expectin’? She asked me to look out for ya.” She jerked her thumb in the counterman’s direction. “Jedediah’ll git you out there as soon as the stage pulls out. Dolly’s sure needin’ the help. She cain’t never take a break herself.”

Angel sat in silence, her eyes wide and mouth slack as the woman continued. “Ya’ll gonna have to git rid of them black clothes, though. Dolly’ll fix ya up nice and fancy.”

Tears sprang to her eyes and she gasped, vigorously shaking her head. “No, ma’am, I am not one of the new wh-whores.” She stumbled on the word, and backed the rickety chair against the wall.

“Well, gosh darn. Thadda be a pity.” The woman shifted a wad of tobacco from one cheek to the other, expelling a stream of juice right next to Angel’s shoe. Her gaze roamed over her. “A looker like you’d make a lot of money for yerself. Men around here are dying for some new faces.”  Then she thought for a minute and grinned. “And new bodies, too.”  She threw her head back in laughter, spaces from missing teeth exposed.

“Jedediah, git yoreself back to work.”  The woman shouted in the counterman’s direction as she returned to the back area.

Angel got up from the table and quickly headed for the door. I’d rather sit in the blazing sun.  What have I gotten myself into?

BUY LINKS:


Soul Mate Publishing
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Visit Callie at:

http://www.calliehutton.com 

Follow on Twitter: @calliehutton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callie.hutton

Callie Hutton Presents an Early 20th Century Interview with her Characters

Today History Undressed would like to welcome guest author Callie Hatton, who has written up a special interview with her hero and heroine from A Wife by Christmas!

August 11, 1906: The Guthrie Sentinel, New Community News, Page Two

The Guthrie Sentinel is proud to introduce our readers to Mr. Max Colbert, the new Principal of the Logan County High School.

Reporter: The former principal, Mr. David Robinson, had been in that position for quite some time. Do you anticipate making changes now that you’ve taken on the job?

Mr. Colbert: I have gone through files Mr. Robinson left behind, and spoken to several teachers. It does appear some changes are needed, particularly with the staff.

Reporter: Will you be letting some teachers go?  Is that the changes you anticipate?

Mr. Colbert: Not at all. I’m re-thinking our list of acceptable teacher activities. Several pursuits do not reflect well on the teaching community. It is important that we represent ourselves with dignity and decorum.

Reporter: Are there any activities in particular you would like to see abandoned by your teachers?

Mr. Colbert:  One of our teachers is actively involved in Women’s Rights’ movements, which is totally inappropriate for a teacher of young minds. There are other things as well, which we’ll deal with one at a time.

Reporter: Do you anticipate any problems with the changes you plan?

Mr. Colbert: Not at all. I’m sure all the teachers will be happy to have a strong leader guiding them, and encouraging them to put forth their best efforts both in and outside of the classroom.

Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well in your endeavor.  Thank you for joining us today.

Mr. Colbert:  Thank you.  I look forward to a productive year.

August 11, 1906: The Guthrie Sentinel, Spotlight on Our Citizens, Page Three:

Today we interview Miss Ellie Henderson, History teacher at Logan County High School, and spokeswoman for Guthrie branch of The Women’s Rights Movement.

Reporter: Miss Henderson, how does your activities with the Movement fit with your job as teacher?

Miss Henderson: Quite well, actually. Our Principal, Mr. Robinson, is very supportive of our activities. He encourages us to think for ourselves and embrace whatever causes we see fit.

Reporter: Are you aware that Mr. Robinson has retired from his position at the high school?

Miss Henderson:  I heard rumors to that effect at the end of last term, but I don’t think it will make any difference to our Movement.

Reporter: Suppose your new principal is not supportive of your activities?

Miss Henderson:  I don’t see that as a problem, sir. I’m sure our new principal will be just as accommodating as Mr. Robinson has always been. Men are much more enlightened in the new century.

Reporter:  If any of our readers wish to join your organization, where can they find you?

Miss Henderson: We meet every Tuesday at the Library at eight o’clock. We welcome all those interested.

Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well with the Movement, and your teaching career. Thank you for joining us today.

Miss Henderson:  Thank you. I look forward to another year of instructing young people and opening their minds to the benefits of equal rights.

~~~~~~~~~~

Max Colbert and Ellie Henderson are about to start the school year. By December, sparks are flying. Will they resolve their differences? Or has the school become a battle ground between two stubborn combatants?

A Wife By Christmas, available now from Soul Mate Publishing will answer those questions.  www.soulmatepublishing.com

Visit my website: www.calliehutton.com for more information on the book, which is a sequel to A Run For Love, also from Soul Mate Publishing and available now.

Excerpt:

Guthrie, OK
November, 1906

            Max Colbert glared at the woman perched on the edge of the chair across from him.  History teacher Ellie Henderson had been a thorn in his side the size of the Oklahoma sky ever since he’d been appointed principal of Logan County High School three months ago.

            She sat there, humming. Humming! His gut twisted and he clenched his jaw.  Drat the woman for being so unconcerned while he fumed.  It was important to get his emotions under control, needed his years of experience to kick in.  He took a deep breath and leaned forward.

            “Miss Henderson, your unapproved activities have gone too far. I am going to have to fire you.”

            Ellie’s right eyebrow rose, meeting him glare for glare. “No. You can’t.”

            “Yes I can, and I am.” Blood rushed to his face.

            She stood and placed both palms on his desk, and leaned in. “I will tell my Uncle Jesse.”

            Max pushed his chair back and got to his feet. He moved close enough to see the light dusting of freckles across her nose. “It won’t make any difference.”

            “It will if you plan to be Territorial Superintendent of Schools.” They were now almost nose-to-nose.

            Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. “I will get that job on my own merit.”

“Not without Senator Jesse Cochran’s endorsement.”  Her hazel eyes narrowed.

His jaw tightened, his mouth working as if to say something. Then like a rag doll, he collapsed into his seat and leaned back, eyes closed. “Miss Henderson, you are a pebble in my shoe.”

            “And you, Mr. Colbert, are a horse’s behind.”

            He opened one eye. She again sat primly on the edge of her seat, adjusting her skirts.  The two red dots on her cheeks the only indication of her anger.

“You may leave now,” he said through gritted teeth.

            Ellie bowed her head slightly. “As you wish.” She stood, smoothed back the hair always loose from her bun.  With head held high, she sailed from the room, closing the door softly. Her skirt stuck in the door. She re-opened it, yanked the skirt and banged the door shut.

Max winced at the sound, his left eye twitched.

 

I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Ellie and Max. I would love to hear from you. One commenter will receive a free download of A Wife By Christmas.

Callie Hutton