Meet Carra Copelin's Newest Heroine

Meet My Character

Two posts ago, I talked about my work in progress or WIP, for Matelyn And The Texas Ranger, A Brides of Texas Code Series, Book 2. This post I'd like to introduce you to the heroine of this western historical. 

1) What is the name of your character? Is she fictional or a historic person?

My heroine is Matelyn Gloria O'Donnell. She is the cousin to the heroine in my previous western historical, KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN, A Brides od Texas Code Series, Book 1. She is completely fictional, except she is exhibiting traits of the spunky woman she is named for - my mother, Matelyn Gloria Roddy Carr. 

2) When and where is the story set?

The story is set in the year 1875. Matelyn's tale begins in New Orleans, Louisiana, then wends its way to Dallas from Galveston on the Texas coast. 

Matelyn O'Donnell traveled from New Orleans to Galveston, Texas in a ship similar to this one.

3) What should we know about her?

Matelyn is a single woman who learned to take care of herself early in life and is fiercely

independent. This trait served her well on the trip from Ireland with her brother, Jamey, and cousin, Katie. She fought for what they needed and for their safety. Being self-sufficient has proven beneficial  in her job as a lady's companion and will be essential for her survival when she reaches Texas. Her strength and independence have prevented her falling in love thus far, but she's certain there is someone willing to love her for who she is.

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up her life?

The trip to Texas from New Orleans offers Matelyn an incredible opportunity to begin her life anew. When plans go awry and she's forced to rely on a Texas Ranger for her very survival, she finds it hard to comply with his overbearing attitude. After surviving being stranded in the Gulf when their ship is sunk during a hurricane and trying to figure who wants her dead, she begins to doubt her thoughts of complete independence. She develops a closeness and unexpected feelings for this tortured man and begins the process of finding a chink in his armor.

A dress not unlike Matelyn may have worn.

5) What is the personal goal of the character?

Matelyn wants to marry a good man, have children and a home of her own. Barring that, she at least wants to be self-sufficient, living life on her own terms.

6) Is there a working title? 

The title is MATELYN AND THE TEXAS RANGER, A Brides of Texas Code Series, Book 1. 

Blurb: 

Overcome by the death of his wife, Ian Benning leaves his small son in the care of best friends, Katie and Dermot McTiernan. He rejoins his old outfit with the Texas Rangers to keep his mind off the loss of his only love, Emma. His assignment takes him to Galveston on the Texas Coast in pursuit of a group of bank robbers, and to the middle of a horrific hurricane.

Matelyn O'Donnell accompanies her employer, Veronique de Marceau, from New Orleans to Galveston, Texas to reunite Veronique with her cruel and conniving husband, Gerard. Introduced to Ian Benning while aboard ship, Matelyn dismisses him as a criminal in cahoots with Gerard. When their ship is capsized from the vicious winds and waves in the Gulf of Mexico, Ian Benning rescues her from certain death.

Will she accept that he is undercover and help him bring de Marceau to justice? Will she be able to ignore her overwhelming attraction to this lonely, distraught man? Can Ian tuck away his deep feelings for his lost wife to keep from losing this beautiful, feisty dark-haired beauty?

Great to see y'all here. Have a great weekend!

Carra

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