The past few months, I’ve been working on a brand-new sweet western romance series set in a modern-day town that only exists in my head.
I can’t speak for other authors, but I have the absolute best time dreaming up towns, businesses, and oddball characters.
I first started thinking about a series set near Burns, Oregon, years ago. At that time, I jotted down a few notes, tucked them away, and thought about the characters and stories I wanted to write but just never had time to work into my schedule. Last summer, I began thinking of ideas for another ranch series, one with Summer in the title (inspired by a ranch sign I saw on the way to church one Sunday when I ventured along a back road). Finally, I landed on the idea of combining the two series into one and naming it Summer Creek. Of course, I came up with that idea ten minutes into a three-hour road trip with Captain Cavedweller. So the entire trip he was trapped in the pickup with me as I brainstormed ideas. Lucky for me, he’s great at brainstorming and tossing around “what ifs” so it was quite a trip!
By the time we got home, I had the basics outlined for the first three books with oodles of notes for more in the series.
I like to have a cover in finished before I start writing the book, or at least something in mind. And I knew I wanted the covers for this series to be different — original. After searching for hours (days!) online, I ended up asking a local photographer if she’d sell me three images from engagement sessions. She specializes in western photography and I fell in love with this image.
It was so incredibly perfect for the story I wanted to write and in fact, I wrote this image into the last scene of the book.
I had such a great time creating not just the characters and story, but the town of Summer Creek. It’s an old town that’s been around for more than a century, but it’s fallen on hard times and when the heroine arrives, she boosts the population up to 497. Did I mention it’s a really small town? One where a goat named Ethel roams around eating grocery bags and tube socks. Where the mayor is also the barber and locksmith, and… you get the idea.
Catching the Cowboy is the first book in the series and it will release June 9. I can hardly wait to share it with everyone.
She’s fresh out of jail . . .
He’s fresh out of luck.
Spoiled heiress Emery Brighton indulges in one mimosa too many, attempts to steal a horse, and winds up in jail. A sentence of community service leaves her at the mercy of strangers on a remote ranch near a small town in Oregon. Adjusting to country life is hard enough, but she has no idea how to handle her growing affection for a surly cowboy and his adorable daughter.
Steady and dependable as the day is long, rancher Hudson Cole just wants to raise his little girl and be left alone. When his grandmother invites a lawbreaker dressed in Louis Vuitton to Summer Creek Ranch, Hud is convinced Grammy has lost her ever-loving mind. Determined to detest Emery, he instead finds himself doing the one thing he vowed would never happen again: falling in love.
With one foot out the door, will love be enough to convince Emery to stay?
This sweet romance offers a funny, delightful happily ever after adventure in a quirky small town. Discover a meandering goat named Ethel, meddling matchmakers, and a community that feels like home in a story filled with heart, humor, and hope.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Sit by me,” Cricket said, snagging Emery’s hand and pulling on it.
Jossy feigned a pout. “I’ve been displaced as the favored seatmate.”
Emery glanced from Jossy to Hud. “I don’t want to steal anyone’s seat.”
“You’re fine,” Jossy said, giving Emery a warm smile then settling into the chair on the other side of Hud. “This looks and smells fantastic, Grammy. Thank you for making my muffins.”
“Of course, sweetie. It’s a treat to have you join us,” Nell said, lifting Jossy’s and Cricket’s hand in hers. “Let’s hold hands while I offer a word of thanks for this food and beautiful day.”
Hud would rather pet a rabid porcupine than hold Emery’s hand in his, but to appease his grandmother, he reached out and clasped it. Unprepared for the wild jolt of electricity that zipped from the point of contact up his arm, he would have dropped her hand and left the room if it wouldn’t have created a flurry of questions from his grandmother and Jossy.
Instead, he forced himself to sit still and listen to his grandmother say grace. As soon as he uttered “amen,” he released Emery’s hand, although his skin continued to tingle. He picked up the mug of coffee in front of him and took a long, bracing drink. He did his best to ignore the way it burned all the way down his throat as he picked up the platter of sausages. When he held it for Emery before passing it on to Jossy, he caught the woman eyeing him, as though she was equally disturbed by the unsettling, unexpected feeling that continued to linger in the air.
This … whatever this energy was that pulsated between them, was not something he wanted to explore or even acknowledge. He’d vowed years ago he would never be stupid enough to let another woman into his heart and life, and he intended to stick with that decision.
You can pre-order Catching the Cowboy for just $1.99. After it releases, the price will increase to $5.99 for digital copies. It will also be available in paperback.
To find out more, please visit my website, or order your copy today.
After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky western heroes.
When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Good morning Ms. Shanna- I am so so excited about your new book. I have mine & my aunts pre-ordered. It sounds like it’s going to be another award winning series for you. I’m reading Travis and Tess’s book right now and I’m in heaven. You write the best books. All your books put such a smile on my face and love into my heart. Have a Blessed Day, love you dearly.
Oh, your sweet note gave me the biggest smile, Tonya. Thank you. I’m so glad we “met” here on Petticoats and Pistols and thrilled that you enjoy my books. I can’t wait for you to read Hud and Emery’s story. Love and hugs! <3
This sounds wonderful! Summer Creek …. love it! Sounds dreamy. The cover is beautiful too. Will look forward to your new series Shanna. Thank you for being you!
Thank you, Kathy! I so appreciate the kind words and you stopping in today. Have a lovely Wednesday!
I was instantly drawn to the beautiful cover. After reading the excerpt, I know I definitely want to read this book.
So glad the cover caught your eye, Janine. Thank you. I hope if you do read the book, you’ll enjoy it! Best wishes!
I love the cover. It is so beautiful. I would love to read more of this book.
Yay! So glad it caught your interest, Debra. Thank you so much for being here today.
Good morning! I need to read this book, I love a book with a single cowboy dad! I love the cover! Have you had any contact from the couple in the picture? It would be so exciting to have one of your own wedding pictures become the cover of a book! That’s quite a story to be told for generations!
Hi Stephanie,
I haven’t had any contact with the couple, but I do plan to send them a copy of the book when the paperbacks release. It would be a fun story to share with their grandkids!
I love a single cowboy dad, too. Hope you enjoy meeting Hud, Emery, Cricket, and all the gang!
I can’t wait to read this! Your small towns are amazing and I love your characters!
Oh, Jess, you are so sweet. Thank you, my friend!
Your new book sounds great!!!
Thank you, Trudy! I hope you’ll enjoy it if you read it.
Catching the Cowboy sounds like one not to miss! Beautiful cover!
Thank you, Caryl. I just love the cover and hope you’ll enjoy the book!
I live in Oregon and have driven through Burns several times on trips to various other states (I live near the coast) so I am familiar with that area of the state! Your new series sounds fun and interesting!
So fun you live in Oregon and near the coast – so fun! That is neat you’ve driven through the Burns area. It really is fun to create an imaginary town near there. Thank you for stopping in today, Valri!
I am so excited for this new book and series. I love love the cover!! That cover is BEAUTIFUL. I especially love books with children. I love Cass from the Grass Valley series and I just know Cricket will find a place in my heart as well. All your wonderful characters come alive in the pages of your books just as if they are living, breathing friends. I believe that’s one reason I love your books so well is that you make your characters come alive and they walk straight into my my heart. Love and Hugs to you Shanna
Aw, thank you so, so much, Glenda. I’m so happy my characters come to life for you. Just love hearing that. Thank you, thank you! Love and hugs to you, sweet friend.
The cover is perfect! That is so neat how you got it!
Thanks, Linda! I’m so happy with it! Thank you for stopping by today!
Your new series sound like such a very good reads and it sounds like you have a lot of fun writing your books, How Awesome is that! The cover for your new book is Beautiful, I love it! Have a wonderful rest of the week. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing about your Great sounding books.
Thank you so, so much, Alicia. I do have such fun with my books – and that is such a blessing to me. Thank you for stopping in today and have a beautiful rest of the week. Blessings to you!
what a lovely cover. this sounds like a fantastic book.
Thank you so much, Lori. Thanks for popping in and leaving a comment. So appreciated!
love the excerpt
Thanks, Denise! I had a lot of fun with these characters. Have a lovely day!
Excellent choice for the cover. Using her photos is a good idea. I look forward to seeing what the other covers look like. I love the two excerpts (this one and the one from your website). I love the interplay, brief as it is, between he and his grandmother. I enjoy your writing and look forward to this book and series. Good people can change when challenged and it sounds like both Emery and Hudson are going to do some growing. The kindle is a convenient way to get a book, but it is too easy to forget it and hard to find it.
Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Patricia. It really was such fun to create these characters and the town. I look forward to sharing more about Summer Creek with readers in the coming months. You are right – it is easy to forget the books you have on an electronic device.
Stay healthy and safe.
Thanks so much for stopping in!
Your book sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it. I love the cover you couldn’t have picked a better one.
Oh, thank you so much for saying that. I love the cover – and the characters. I hope you’ll enjoy them, too!
Thank you for stopping by today. Have a lovely rest of the week!