It’s funny what “pops up” on Facebook and how it triggers memories–things you might have completely lost track of. Yesterday, a memory from five years ago showed up of where I had shared my “latest” publication–RIDE THE WILD RANGE–with Prairie Rose Publications.
This story had come out as a compilation of three novellas in the Texas Legacy series: RED EAGLE’S WAR (BOOK 1), RED EAGLE’S REVENGE (BOOK 2), and TEXAS FOREVER, (BOOK 3).
I started to write this tale as a short story, but it wasn’t long before it turned into a novella. But after I wrote the novella, I realized I wasn’t done with the story…so I wrote two more. These stories really wouldn’t be classified as “romance”, since there’s no sex and very little romance–not really even any spoken words of love between Jacobi Kane and Laura, who later becomes his wife.
I did this on purpose, since the stories are told from the point of view of a young boy. That stuff would be too mushy for him to think about for too long! No, these stories were more action oriented, and being told from the first person viewpoint, it was necessary to keep a high level of feeling to the forefront.
Will Green is the young boy who tells the stories. In RED EAGLE’S WAR: TEXAS LEGACY BOOK 
1, we meet him at the age of 9, almost 10. His parents and older sister have just been murdered by the Apache, and he has been kidnapped as they torch his home. But a few days later, just as he’s given up hope, a fearless man walks right into the Apache camp and rescues him. Jacobi Kane has a mysterious past that he isn’t too keen on discussing with Will, though Will senses a kind of kinship between the two of them as they travel toward Fort Worth and safety. Kane harbors a terrible secret that might force Will’s hero worship of him to turn quickly to hatred…or of understanding, that Kane is a man who does what he must. But will that realization be enough, and is Will mature enough to come to grips with what Kane had to do?
In RED EAGLE’S REVENGE: TEXAS LEGACY BOOK 2, Will continues to learn more about
Jacobi Kane’s past when a group of law officers seek Kane’s help in capturing some of the same Apache Indian band that killed Will’s family. Kane resists going because he is now re-married, with a new baby on the way and tells the lawmen he’s turned in his badge for good—years ago. But a promise he made in the past keeps him hungry for vengeance, and his new wife urges him to go and see an end to it all. Of course, Will is not going to be left behind. Jacobi might need him!
TEXAS FOREVER: TEXAS LEGACY BOOK 3 wraps up the trilogy with a surprise visit from a man Will had never expected to see—his ship-building magnate grandfather from Boston, Robert Green. His grandfather first tries to intimidate him into returning to Boston with him, then falls back on honesty only when he must to convince Will to come back. Will vehemently refuses, but when he hears two of his grandfather’s men planning to murder his grandfather, he knows he has to go at least part of the way—to the first stop, back where it all started—the little burned-out cabin where his family was murdered over two years past. Jacobi is out there, trailing them for protection, unseen and silent, but then Will learns a secret that makes his blood run cold. A man that Jacobi thought of as a friend is also caught up in the plot—but Jacobi doesn’t know the tide has turned. He’s in as much danger as Will and his grandfather are.
This is just a short bit about each story, but the big news is, now you can get all three stories under one cover, RIDE THE WILD RANGE! With a little bit of editing and changing here and there for “flow”, these stories are all combined into one novel now. This book is loved by young and old alike, a great YA novel for boys (and girls!), but also something adults enjoy as well. I loved every minute of writing these adventures of Will Green and Jacobi Kane, and I have a feeling I’m not done yet.
Livia J. Washburn did all my wonderful covers for these PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS books, and I just love them all.
I’m giving away one digital copy of RIDE THE WILD RANGE today to a commenter, so please remember to leave your contact info somewhere in your comment! My question for today is, what is the most memorable youngster you’ve read about in any story? I have several–Scout, in To Kill a Mockingbird is probably the “most” memorable young character, but what about Bob Starrett in Shane? So many, it’s hard to choose!
Here’s an excerpt from RIDE THE WILD RANGE:
THE SET UP: Thirteen-year-old Will and his grandfather are having a meeting of the minds as they travel up to Indian Territory from Fort Worth. Surrounded by men who want to kill both of them, they find themselves at odds in this conversation where Will tells his grandfather some things about himself that his grandfather didn’t know.
EXCERPT:
I had learned a lot from Jacobi. And by the way my grandfather looked away and fell silent, I knew there was a mighty big hole in the story somewhere.
“What is it you’re not tellin’ me, old man?” My voice was strong but quiet. I wasn’t sure if this was some kind of family secret or somethin’ he didn’t want Jack Wheeler, riding a few paces behind us, to hear.
He gave me a sharp look. “You may call me Grandfather, William. There’s no need for disrespect.”
“No need to tell half the story, either.”
At first, he looked at me from under his eyebrows like he’d like to take a strap to me. But I looked right back at him. Finally, he nodded and glanced away.
“I’ve been so desperate to find you because…you’re my only living heir. I built a ship building dynasty for my family, Will, and there’s no one left but you.” He cursed as the wagon hit a hole and jolted him sharply.
“My sister married a man, Josiah Compton, whose wife had died. He brought two sons to the marriage, but he and Margaret never had any children together. The boys are men, now, of course. George, the eldest, is a pastor. But Ben, the younger of them, is quite a wastrel. He has squandered his inheritance and is looking for more. If you weren’t…alive….well—everything would fall to the two of them. And though George is not the type to seek gain, Ben is quite a different story.
“Ben knows I won’t be around much longer. But you will always be a threat, Will. I’m afraid this is going to end badly for one of you.”
I thought about what he’d told me. It seemed like maybe he needed me to say somethin’. It bolstered my confidence to know that somewhere out there, Jacobi was ridin’ along easy, keepin’ a eye out on us. Especially, now that I’d learned this part of the story.
I looked at him straight in the face. “I’ll tell you one thing. It ain’t gonna be me that ends up dead.”
“I didn’t say that—”
“It’s what you meant though, ain’t it? When there’s a pile of money to be had, somebody’s always worried it’ll get taken away from ’em. Even if he knows I don’t want it, he’ll be worried about it. I’ve killed before. I’ll do it again, if need be.”
His expression turned to one of shock. I went on with what I was saying. “Ain’t nobody gonna take my life over somethin’ I don’t even want.”
He studied me openly, as if he were trying to decide what he should say. I saved him the trouble.
“I know you’re wonderin’ about it, so I’ll tell you.” And I did just that, from start to finish, from the day Papa and I had been out working together and seen the Apaches ride up all the way through when Jacobi had rescued me and we’d ridden out of the Apache camp together.
“We rode as long as we could, until I fell off the horse. Then Jacobi picked me up and we rode some more. When Red Eagle caught up to us, Jacobi and him fought.” My throat dried up just thinkin’ about how I’d felt to see Red Eagle and Jacobi locked close together, fighting with everything they had, and knowin’ one of ’em was gonna end up dead.
“I killed Red Eagle. Shot him dead.”
Grandfather was quiet.
“I ain’t sorry for it, either. It felt good. Every time I think about what he did to Papa and Mama, I know it was the right thing. But mainly it was right because he was so dang pure evil.”
I’m really proud of this story, and it’s amazing to me to think it came from a short story idea. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to write the story to the length it really needed to be. And you know…I think there is more to Will’s story that needs to be told. So, I’m wondering, what DOES happen between Ben, the evil relative, and Will when the time comes?
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A native Oklahoman, I've been influenced by the west all my life. I love to write short stories and novels in the historical western and western romance genres, as well as contemporary romantic suspense! Check my Amazon author page to see my work: http://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson
I live in Oklahoma City with my husband of 40 years. I love to hear from readers and other authors--you can contact me here: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com
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Summer Johnson from the book Summer Remains by Seth King!
WOW!! Rarely does a book move or tug at my heart the way this one has done. Such an eye opener!! To Love one another is everything. The Summer Remains really really moved me and I’m so glad it came into my life.
Thanks Cheryl for posting about your book. Sounds interesting.
Have a blessed week.
tlucas68@icloud.com
Your book sounds like one I’d love to read, I love the cover too! From what I’ve read here, I know if I read this book I would have to know what ended up happening to Will and Ben!! You need to finish the story!!
Oh my, you’ve asked a very hard question for me to answer. I’m a virtual newbie to the reading world. I just started reading again in November 2016 after decades of not reading. I can’t really think of many children in the stories I’ve read in these last three years except for Marley Rose in Knight on the Texas Plains by Linda Broday. I fell in love with Marley Rose from the moment she appeared in the Texas Heroes series as a baby being put up as a bet in a poker game by her scoundrel of a so-called father. The series goes on until she is an adult and I just love her story. I’d love the opportunity to read your book and add it to the 253 books I’ve read since I started reading again. Awesome blog!
Oh yes Miss Marley Rose will always have a special
Place in my heart.
Oh, YES, Stephanie! Marley Rose, of course! A great example! You know, my husband did that with playing the guitar–took about 10 years off where he never touched it. If you could know him, you’d know how odd that was for him, because before that not a day went by that he didn’t play for probably at least 45 minutes. Now, I’ve done that with the piano. I used to play every single day, and it’s now probably been about 2 years since I sat down to play. I don’t know if I could put books aside for one day, though–not to mention a week or a month. I’m so glad to know you are reading again! It’s like breathing to me.
Well now I want to read this book since it’s highly recommended by you, I know I’d love it!
Stephanie, so many great books out there. I could sit and read and write nonstop if I was able! LOL
Tonya, I’m making a list. I love young people in books. I love to read YA for that very reason. I’m reading GodPretty in the Tobacco Field right now, and gosh, is it good. The main character is a teenager in it. I’m going to read Summer Remains now that you’ve mentioned it. Sounds good!
I am wondering too. Thanks for the great post
Debra, I have a lot of ideas. I want Will to decide to go look into the “holdings” and of course, he’s going to discover a lot more than he bargained for. I wish I had about 24 more hours in every day. LOL
Same here wondering.
Kim, my evil brain never stops plotting. LOL After I wrote this post I started writing down possibilities…
Your book sound fantastic and I would love to read it. I love reading about children in books and I am going to have to go with Marley Rose also. I think she stands out for me because she was won in a poker game. quiltlady110 at gmail dot com
Lots of people loved Marley Rose! Linda really has a knack of creating unforgettable characters, for sure! Thanks for your very kind words, Quilt Lady!
Hi! I’m just writing to say hello (since I don’t have an ereader) but I surely enjoyed your post and am hoping good things for your new book. I think you already picked out the two best children figures in a story!!! Best wishes and take care.
Hi Eliza! Good to hear from you! Well, it’s not really “new”–it’s been out a few years, but I was surprised when that popped up on my Facebook feed. Doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds really good!! I’m thinking it’d be something I’d really like! I liked Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and also Jimmy in the book Jimmie by Robert Whitlow. I watch reruns of the old TV Show Shane (which a bit different than the movie!), and have to admit Bob is a memorable character!TCordl2@cfl.rr.com
Bob was different in the book, too, from the movie. You know at the end of the movie where he calls, “Shane, come back!” — PERFECT for the movie ending. But the book ends differently. Shane says his goodbyes, and leaves, and Bob understands why he has to go and there’d be no use asking him to stay. I loved seeing the “growth” of Bob through this story, so both the film and the book had their perfect endings but in different ways. LOL And of course, Bob was so entertaining all the way through both of them. For some reason, in the movie, his name was changed to Joey. LOL I DIGRESS. I love that story. And I loved Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird, too. She was so unforgettable in so many respects! Thanks so much for stopping by Trudy!
Being a writer myself, I understand the hold characters have on us, how we think about them long after the last page is read (or written). Yes, there is definitely a sequel needed, Cheryl, with all the foreshadowing you’ve done for Will’s future safety and happiness. I can’t help wonder if a few years will pass and the story picks up when Will is 18 and can face Ben like a man. Or, on the other hand, accomplish this at his current age, thus being a role model of courage and character for young readers. I look forward to reading what happens. And as for a character who I loved reading about as a child and read that book so many times I had it memorized….was, Heidi and her gruff grandfather, and the young crippled girl in a wheelchair. So many years since I read that book that Mom bought for me, and sadly I’ve forgotten some parts of it. I’ll have to find a copy and reread it. The Alps and I have a special kinship.
Oh, yes, HEIDI! How I loved that story! My mom loved that story, too, Elizabeth, and she bought me the book and later on the movie (after I was grown!) LOL
Yes, I think Will must go back East and set things right once he’s 18 so he can deal with Ben as a man. So many great possibilities! Thanks so much for stopping by today! So glad you mentioned Heidi. That’s a great example!
Great post, Cheryl. I loved Ride the Wild Range! Such a good, good story. You’re one of the best historical western authors around. Your stories always captivate.
Linda, thank you so much for those VERY kind words. Made my day! Hugs, filly sis!
Your book sounds Awesome!! It sounds like a book I would love to read. I really love the covers also. I love this post, Thank you so much. I loved the young boy on Old Yeller , Lassie, Heidi, Laura and Mary Ingals in Little House On the Prairie, so many out there. I loved reading this post. Have a Great week. God bless you.
Oh, thank you so much Alicia! It was a real departure for me but I loved writing it so much because it just seemed to ‘flow’ and was not a hardship to write at all. I love that cover, too–it’s so perfect for this story. Oh, yes, how could I have not mentioned Arliss in Ol’ Yeller???? He was such a great youngster. I read that book to my kids when they were younger and they loved it except…well, you know…THAT PART. :(((( So glad you stopped by today!
I’d have to go with Alec Ramsey from The Black Stallion series. Not only did those books cement my love of horses, but I’m pretty sure he was my first fictional crush. (I couldn’t bring myself to read The Black Stallion and the Girl until I was an adult and married with a family. The thought of Alec with anyone was more than my preteen heart could take!)
Oh, goodness, yes, Carrie! And that made me think of those other books I read about that same time–the Little Women, Little Men, and Eight Cousins…sigh. So many great books with younger hero/heroines in them. You made me laugh about the though of Alec being with someone else breaking your heart! LOL Thanks for stopping by today!
You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but
I find this matter to be actually something that I think
I’d by no means understand. It seems too complex
and very extensive for me. I am taking a look ahead in your subsequent
publish, I will try to get the dangle of it!
Thanks for coming by! I didn’t understand it either when I first started writing. LOL
You know how I loved these stories and those who read them are in for a treat. Doris
Doris, thank you for your support! I appreciate you! Xoxo!
Cheryl, you always write the most interesting books that keep us coming back for more.
This book sounds Awesome too!!
Aw, Lois! Thank you so much. You made my day. I hope you love this one. Thanks for coming by!