My debut novel in the Young Adult genre has just been released. It's a story I worked on periodically over many months while at the same time completing other projects. Part of the book is written from the heroine's point of view and then the same story is told from the hero's perspective. It seemed like an interesting way to write the romance. It's also written in first person, present tense. Again, it seemed interesting to take that route of storytelling. I wasn't sure I would even publish Fragile Hearts until I woke up one morning with a driving ambition to finish it.  I am writing as Colleen Clay because I want that name associated with any Young Adult books I may write.

So, in saying all that, I think an excerpt is in order. Just click this link.

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Kade Blackwell never wanted to be branded as America's next male supermodel. He'd just needed a lot of money quick for an important cause. Now he's having to live with the consequences!

This is the second book in the Oasis Series. Read an excerpt.

Excerpt:

With a flourish, Charles swept the drape away.

Cecelia gasped and covered her mouth with her palm. She was speechless. Never had she seen a more beautiful painting. The artist, renowned for mystical renderings, had created a scene straight out of a magical forest. Known for his muted colors and lighting, the gray mist blended so perfectly with the green pines that the viewer could not distinguish where one ended and the other began. Filtered light penetrated the mist to barely reveal several deer beside a stream. The canvas was about four feet high and five feet in length and the pines stretched all the way to the top while the stream ran the width.

Such was the beauty of the artistry that Cecelia felt tears welling up. She stepped closer and looked for the painter's trademark. She scanned for a long time.

Charles said, "It took me awhile, but I finally located them."

Moving until she was close enough to touch the painting, she eyed it inch by inch. Her eyes lit and she lifted her gaze to Charles.

He grinned. "Ah-hah, you've found them. Tell me what you see?"

"I see the man and the woman in the far left corner. Hmm, something seems odd." She gave Charles a startled look.

He responded, "Exactly. This painting is going to sell for tens of thousands. As far as I know, it's the first one he's done with a third person painted."

With wonder, Cecelia said, "And it's a child. There's a child between the man and woman holding their hands. How perfect for the charity it's going to benefit." The tears Cecelia had been sniffing back, now dripped down her cheeks.

Charles said, "Aw, honey. I think you need to come to dinner with me and Betty Sue and my gang tonight. You've been way too sad lately. My wife and kids will have you rolling on the floor laughing."

Daisy Smithson and Tim Wells met in Missouri when they were both eight years old and became fast friends. However, the night before Tim departed for Oregon with his recently widowed mother, Daisy dreamed they would one day marry. After she told him her dream, he couldn't get away fast enough. Now, seventeen years later, he is returning to Missouri to appease the constant tug in is spirit. His intent is to visit the farm he was raised on to try and put to rest the ghosts of his past. Little does he realize he's about to discover a love that most people only dream of.

Trent Garrett reconciled with his brother, Rush Garrett, five years earlier for sins he committed with his brother's first wife, but the past still haunts him. Although attracted to Arizona Cayson, a squatter on his land, he makes no effort to deepen their relationship. The arrival of Tim and Daisy Wells only serves to enhance the loneliness he always feels. Fate is about to come knocking on his door with a wake-up call.

Click here to read excerpt.
Click here to go to Amazon.

Rescue on the Rio is now available at Amazon. Clicking on the picture will take you there.

For this story, I wrote lots of Old West action, some history of the Rio Grande and the transcontinental railroad, and tidbits of other historic interest.

Of course, the main focus is the blossoming relationship between Lilah Parker and Rush Garrett, with secrets revealed along the way. If you're looking to escape into the Wild West for a few hours, this is the story to take you there!

Click to read an excerpt from Rescue on the Rio: Lilah

Writing Hallie's story has been a labor of love. For a long time I had contemplated writing a book encompassing the Oregon Trail, and the more research I did as the story unfolded, the more I fell in love with the pioneers who gave up everything to follow their dreams and the Native Americans adversely affected by westward migration. The hardships endured by both groups are unimaginable.

In writing this story, I am in no way attempting to typify the lives of those who braved the Oregon Trail or the Native Americans affected. My story has been written solely as romantic entertainment, but with the added aspect of research.

I have entitled this series Finding Home because that's a wonderful place to end each story. Since many of the reviews I receive on my other books request longer stories, I made sure to give these characters lots of adventure, romance, and challenges to lengthen their tale. As far as a rating, this story is considered a sweet romance with some language.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy your journey from Westport Landing in Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Excerpt:

"Mr. Jerome, would you be interested in driving my wagon to Oregon? I would pay you well."

Cooper blinked, forcing himself to look away from the pleading in her eyes. "Uh, well, ma'am…" He glanced back. She looked like she was about to cry. "Uh, ma'am, now that would take me away from my place through planting season and harvest, and longer." He dreaded her expression if he flat out refused.

"I would pay you whatever you would make during harvest and more." She blinked and brushed at a tear that kept welling up in one eye. "Mr. Jerome, I'm desperate. I have no home. I have no husband. I have no family to turn to. I have a young son to care for. And I have very little time to prepare before departure. The wagon train leaves the end of April. Believe me, if I were capable of driving the oxen myself, I would do so. But, as you can see, I am neither large, nor strong. I fear I would kill myself and my child. Besides, I doubt the train master would even allow me near the team after he saw me crack a whip." She gave a pathetic smile at her attempt at a joke.

Cooper forced his eyes away from hers and glanced down the street at the big SALOON sign. He wanted that drink. Stalling for time, he removed his Stetson, slapped it against his thigh, replaced it, scratched his neck, and finally met her gaze again. "Give me some time to think about it."

The Prologue and Chapter One can be read by clicking here or on the "Excerpts" tab above.

The third book in this series has been released. I love this story! For those of you who haven't read book one (Abby: Mail Order Bride) or book two (Broken Angel), Jenny Samson is ten years old in book one and twenty-one in book two. Book one is her father and stepmother's story and book two is her brother and sister-in-law's story. The time lapse between book two and Jenny's story is only a few months, so she is still twenty-one.

Jenny lives for her art and it is while she is attending Jake Ryder's Academy of Art in New York that she meets the great painter. Unfortunately, their first encounter does not go well. (Unfortunate for them, but fortunate for us because it creates lots of romantic tension.) Click here to read!

Here is a portion of the review by Joy H.:

...Author Verna Clay has written an interesting and intriguing story about Brant and Abby. With unique, believable characters who develop so well, I couldn’t put this book down until the last word. I loved everything about them including the meeting of Brant and Abby, the family and Abby getting to know each other, and both the happy and difficult times. If you enjoy a good historical romance, this story of true unconditional love is the one for you. With the twists and turns in the story to keep your interest, you will not be disappointed. Just have a tissue ready because you will definitely need it as you go forward!

Click here to read entire review.

The Romance on the Ranch Collection of three stories: Dream Kisses, Honey Kisses, and Baby Kisses is now available in paperback at Amazon and other retailers. The book size is 6 x 9 and 370 pages. I'm very happy with the way the book turned out and thrilled to have it in a tangible form. Eventually, I hope to have all of my series in paperback collections.

Click here to go to the Amazon page.

I'm happy to announce that Broken Angel has been released.

In this second book in the series, Luke is baffled and amused by Mrs. Angel St. Clair's classified advertisement in the Dallas Morning News. However, after meeting her, his heart will let him do nothing less than help her.

"Mrs. Angel St. Clair, a widow, is seeking a husband to accompany her to California. Said husband will be paid handsomely for the escort and then released from matrimony after safely depositing Mrs. St. Clair at her destination."

Click here to read the first chapter or click the "Excerpts" tab above.

The first book in my latest series is now released. I'm calling it the Unconventional Series because the romance themes are not typical.

To read the first chapter, go to the Books tab, or click here.

As for the next book in the series, Broken Angel, it's another unconventional romance. Luke, the son of Brant Samson is all grown up in this story and has no intention of marrying any time soon. That is, until he meets Angel St. Clair, a woman seeking a mail order groom for the sole purpose of offering his protection in accompanying her to California. After that, she wants them to part ways. Angel's difficult life has hardened her heart. Can Luke's love heal a broken angel?

I'm thrilled that each book in the series received 5 stars from Readers Favorite Book Reviews. Dream Kisses was reviewed by Lisa McCombs and here is my favorite part of her review:

..."Dream Kisses" is a pleasant piece of pastry on a rainy day. It is that forbidden square of chocolate that gives hope to the hopeful romantic. Verna Clay has woven the perfect amount of words into the perfect start to her new series.

Honey Kisses and Baby Kisses were both reviewed by Kristie I. Here are excerpts from her review:

Honey Kisses: This book is a wonderful continuation of the series! Annie and Jackson are both lovable characters from book one, "Dream Kisses". ...This is a wonderful romance series that will have you loving the characters, and wishing to join their lives on the ranch!

Baby Kisses: ...This is a series that any romance reader is not going to want to miss out on as it is filled with lovable characters who are so realistic. They experience love and heartache and are trying to move on from past hurts to rediscover the joy of everyday life.

To read the entire reviews at the Readers Favorite site, just click on the titles.

Elaina Lee has done it again with a fabulous cover for Baby Kisses!

This is the love story between jaded single mom, Tooty Townsend, and successful, but bitter and wheelchair bound, Miles Brightman. There are lots of overcoming challenges in this one and a few surprises.

I've posted the first chapter under my blog Sample Sunday for 3/18/12.

I love love LOVE this cover! Yep, that's Jackson Martinez' ranch, The Triple T, and that's him dancing with Ann Hackstetter. I adored writing Jackson's and Annie's story and, best of all, Annie has a secret. Of course, I also had to bring everyone up to speed on Sage and Sarah from book one.

There's a lot or work involved in getting an ebook launched, but now that it's done, I can take a short break and then get started on Baby Kisses. I'm aiming to have it completed by early summer. I can't wait to tell Miles Brightman's and Tooty Townsend's love story.

The Shapeling Trilogy is complete! The ebooks/books can be purchased separately, or as a Collection. The ebook Collection is available at Amazon and the paperback will soon follow. Originally, I created a hidden page on my website that was revealed at the end of book three. However, I had so much fun designing the page, I decided to share it with all my visitors. I found pictures that capture the spirit of the books and created a slide show. There is also a song entitled, Zoe's song. Without giving away a spoiler, suffice it to say, the song is a big part of book three. The page can be accessed by clicking here, or from the menu above.

The Kindle version of Davide, Book Three in the Shapeling Trilogy, has been released! The paperback will be available soon. The cover is gorgeous!

Got some great news on Book One: Roth.  It won the book cover contest for November at Books in Sync. I just uploaded my winner's badge. Thank you Elaina Lee for your FABULOUS book covers!

I love...love...love Davide and Zoe's story! If you've ever wanted to visit Australia, now's your chance to do so between the pages of a book. And if you're in the mood for an endearing romance, this one's for you. Read an Excerpt.

Hampton Reviews has given Book Two in the Shapeling Trilogy a 5-star review. Here are highlights from the review:

I absolutely love this book....The characters are well written and endearing and the scenes are very well described...Fawn is a fantastic story with a beautiful ending that brought tears to my eyes...I cannot wait to read the next installment of this great series. -Hampton Reviews (5 stars)
(click here to read entire review)

This first week of October has been super. I also received notification that I was one of ten winners in the annual Literary Harvest contest sponsored by Central Oregon Writers Guild. I will be reading my entry entitled, Prison (A True Story) , along with the other winners, at the Comfort Suites Inn in Redmond, Oregon on October 14th.

I love the cover for Book Two! Fawn is lovely and Wade is Sexy. As for the white horse, what can I say: Fawn is a shapeling; she can shift into any creature. The white horse just happens to be her favorite. Not pictured on the cover is Zoe, Wade's seven year old daughter. Sadly, Wade is a widower with an emotionally challenged child.

Recently promoted to the rank of Shapeling Master, Fawn's first Mission of Mastery is to solve the riddle surrounding Zoe. Known only to Fawn and the Thirteen co-Princes, Zoe is an Indigo child. If you've never heard of Indigo children; not to worry, I explain it all in the book.

As for selecting a location for the story, I stumbled across it in a travel video about the Four Corners Region of the United States where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, I knew this had to be the location of Fawn's story. The area is rich with Anasazi history and ruins. Anasazi means ancient ones. How intriguing is that! So, in Fawn's story, I get to combine the mystique of the ancient Anasazi people with the beauty of the Four Corners Region.

Of course, in Book Two, I tie up loose ends from Book One, but create more for Book Three.

Current Special Pricing

The ENTIRE 5 books of the
ROMANCE ON THE RANCH SERIES
2.99 at Amazon (reg. 7.95)
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DREAM KISSES
.99 at Amazon.
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CANDY KISSES
.99 at Amazon
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