Guest Blogger Lisa Prysock – Nuns in the Wild West?

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Hello Petticoats & Pistols! Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Fillies.

It’s hard to imagine Annie Oakley, cowboys, and nuns holding down the Wild West. I’m envisioning something like The Sounds of Music starring Julie Andrews, or Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act, or my absolute fav, The Trouble with Angels starring Haley Mills, right?

 

Well, kinda. Bear with me.

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In publishing my newest series, Montana Meadows, in conjunction with Magnolia Blossom Publishing, I began researching Montana Territory in the 1870s at the onset for the setting. I discovered some pretty cool stuff. Montana is known for their great big blue sky, gorgeous mountains mainly in the west, and plains throughout the middle of the state. They share a corner of Yellowstone in the southeastern part of the state, and they’re wildly famous for huckleberry pie.

I also ran into a Catholic mission operating as St. Peter’s Mission in my research. The mission had nuns, priests, and orphan students. The nuns and priests had come to Montana from a diocese in Toledo, Ohio. One of the volunteers for the mission, Mary Fields, an African American and former slave, moved to the area seeking freedom and independence. She eventually became known as “Stagecoach Mary,” a fascinating real-life heroine who ultimately became a stagecoach driver delivering mail to the mission and other establishments and residents in the area. You can learn more about Mary here–:

 

Fascinated by Mary’s story and all I’d learned about missions in the western hemisphere, for Book 1 of the series, Cherry Crossing, I invented a fictitious mission and town loosely based on my research. I named my fictional mission St. Paul’s and sketched out the lay of a fictitious version of the mission building and nave in my book and character building notes, resembling the one in my research. I didn’t have a “Stagecoach Mary,” but I did create and invent an interesting cast of nuns and priests who play a fun and significant role in the book. My nuns and priests come from a variety of dioceses in the western hemisphere.

 

I named the town in Cherry Crossing, Honey River Canyon. Imagine eight mountains trailing around the northwest corner, a river named Honey River winding through those mountains, and the town of Honey River Canyon spilling out from this backdrop.

 

The series is based on three Hayes sisters—Jocelyn, Jacqueline, and Jillian—whose parents perished in a blizzard some years before. The sisters rise to the challenge of managing the farmstead, named Cherry Crossing for the imported Canadian fruit trees on the property. Each book centers around a romance blossoming for one of the three sisters.

Of course, there are some gangstas, or bad guys, antagonists, or bad dudes, and we’ll definitely need a hero. Enter, Jake Hunter. Jake inherits the mayor’s mansion and remaining town plattes from his grandfather. He comes to Montana Territory to claim his inheritance, and Josie (Jocelyn) immediately thinks he’s swindled her out of the horse she planned to purchase. These two clash right from the start.

Jake has his work cut out for him in Book 1. He’s also framed for a murder. He has to find his faith, clear his name, capture the gangsters, and win the girl’s heart in order for us to have a happy ending. In Book 2, Sparrow’s Hope, readers will meet more of Jackie, but wear your bullet proof vest and hold onto your hat. She can load and shoot a six-shooter better than most men in the Wild West. (Coming soon!) In Book 3, Silver Mountain, readers will get to know the sweet, quiet Jillian as she finds her own true love and her dream of being a teacher.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy of this faith-filled romance. I’ll give away a signed paperback to one person who comments. Just tell me what you love about western romance or ask me a question about writing. We’d love to hear from you at Petticoats & Pistols!

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling, Award-Winning Author of more than 33 Christian romance novels and a devotional. She and her husband reside in beautiful Kentucky in a rural area. Together, they have five children, grown. New empty nesters, they are slowly reclaiming their average colonial style house. Lisa loves espadrilles, long sundresses, and hats. She enjoys cross-stitching, crochet, sketching, reading, cooking, swimming, and many other things she finds hard to get to because she’s usually writing the next book. She loves sharing her faith in Jesus through her writing.

Readers can check out more about this author and view her books on the carousel at her author website. Sign up for her free newsletter here–: https://www.LisaPrysock.com

They can also connect with me at–:

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https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J6MBC64?tag=pettpist-20

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64 thoughts on “Guest Blogger Lisa Prysock – Nuns in the Wild West?”

    • I love these, also. It’s nice to find out a variety of different denominations such as Protestant and Catholic faiths existed together as the west took shape.

  3. What interesting facts your research found.

    Your books sound wonderful.

    I love the setting, hard working people, and how they forge a life and romance in the West. Cowgirls, cowboys, ranching and life.

  5. Your new series sounds like it will be a good one!

    I love western romance because there is so much excitement. The grit and determination of the people that lived and survived in that time is fascinating.

  7. I have to look up the word espadrilles because I have no idea what that is! Ha! Western romance is so dear to my heart because it involves real life struggles, fighting for a cause, and working hard for dreams to come true. I cherish the culture, picturesque landscape, and so much more. I could go on and on …. Thank you for coming today. I’ll be sure to check out this series.

  8. Oh, that’s funny. I’ve outlined a story about a girl escaping from her groom on her wedding day dressed as a nun and she has to carry the charade on for several chapters! LOL. I’ll have to read Cherry Crossing!

  11. I love the history of what makes a place unique and appreciate the research that goes into a great story.

    • Julie, I’m so glad you mention your appreciation for the research. I feel the same and try to put a lot into each of my stories.

  12. I saw on the history channel about a woman who dressed as a man and was called Charlies she rode stages. No one knew she was a woman till a doctor delivered her baby

  13. Welcome today Lisa. I suppose I just assumed that nuns were a part of the west, seeing as the Catholics were ones to minister to the non believers. It is nice to see real evidence to this fact. thanks for sharing this information. I think what I really love about the west the most is that it is a place for those who want to work and live hard and make something of themselves and their families. That their faith is tested and rewarded.

    • Hi there, Lori! Thank you so much! Yes, I loved finding out more about the presence of the Catholic faith in the West. I agree that these pioneers wanted to work and build a life in this new frontier and it makes for a compelling read.

  14. I enjoy the western settings and the different lifestyles and values of the pioneers. Have had the pleasure of visiting Montana twice and I remember the beautiful scenery plus the signs for huckleberry pie, etc. at some cafes.

    • Oh, I’m so glad you mention the huckleberry pies! I loved learning more about these berries. ? Now I want to try them. A reader of mine described the taste and texture for my writing who has tried them. She was a delightful help.

  15. The Western novels are unique and captivating. They give me such enjoyment because of the individual and their lives. Such grit and strength was required.

  16. Historical westerns are real and come alive. I enjoy this history as it is fascinating and meaningful. The people struggled but had the tenacity and determination to succeed.

    • Tenacity is one of those wonderful words, and I love when we find it in our characters in these stories! Thank you so much for stopping by today.

  17. The principles and the values, the beauty of the land, the work ethic, the striving for a better life and future. My admiration for these souls is neverending and makes reading about them unforgettable.

  19. I love the variety of characters. What a multitude of different personalities came to live and work in the west.

  20. I love westerns because you can often learn little know historical tidbits from them, plus I admire the courage and grit the people that lived out West had to have to survive.

  22. I enjoy western romances as long as they are clean, but especially if they are inspirational. The historical details from Lisa’s research are very interesting. Congratulations to Lisa on the new book and series!

  24. I have entrenched in western romances full of bad guys, good looking guys, ugly guys and the man I would choose for me. There is so much feeling and the description of the outdoors is so very visual and thought provoking. I have traveled to Montana about 3 times and find the state very beautiful, especially the western portion A beautiful place for a romance with horse riding included.

  25. Hi Lisa, your book series sounds like a Great read!! I love stories about sisters, I have 2 younger sisters and 3 older brothers. I love cowboy romance stories because they seem so romantic. Have a great weekend and stay safe. I enjoyed reading your post.

  27. I enjoy Western set stories because most depict the strength necessary to settle and thrive there. It was a good place for people to leave a troubled past behind, find a new start, and prove just how capable they are, no matter who they are and what their background may be. Of course, it was also a haven for those whose motives were less than good and many preyed on the good, hardworking people. Women had a bit more freedom, but still often had to fight for what they wanted and earned.
    This sounds like it will be an enjoyable series.

  28. Hello Lisa,
    Thanks for offering to answer writing questions. Do you have any advice about publishing? I know you’re a hybrid author, so I bet you have a great perspective on both indie and traditional. I’ve written 3 books and I’m currently in the “trying to find an agent” phase, so anything you care to share is appreciated!

    How long does it typically take you to write one of your books, from idea to publication? I love to hear about other peoples’ processes.

    I’m so glad you guest blogged today; you write exactly the kind of stories I like. I just visited your website and signed up for your newsletter.

    Thanks!
    Abby

    • Hi Abby,
      Thank you so much for signing up for my newsletter. Secondly, I am thrilled you are writing books!

      I haven’t looked for an agent, yet. Ha ha! I may at some point. So far, the Lord has kept me busy enjoying every full, rewarding, sweet moment in writing. I find it a fun adventure. I try to keep it fun. Our readers sense this in our writing.

      In my journey, He seems to have opened the doors for me where he wanted me to go and sent so many wonderful people to help me along the path. I try to keep learning everything I possibly can from everyone around me in the industry, and I keep trying to improve my writing craft.

      I love keeping Jesus first in my writing. I think this is the most important part. I love adding humor and research to my writing, and I try to prayerfully select a theme for each story.

      Do what works for you. Learn from the reviews about what you can do better, if possible. Never give up, and keep a lot of notes about each book. The more you write, the harder it is to remember the details, so those might come in handy. Each journey is unique. Your tribe will find you.

      I hope these mentions will be of some use to you.
      Lisa

  29. Hi Lisa. I am so glad you are here today. Thanks for sharing some of your research. I am not sure if I missed it or if you are just sharing the information about the nuns and priests coming from Toledo, Ohio. That is where I live. That is such cool information. I enjoy reading historical books because I always learn some part of history that I did not know. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.

    • Hello dear friend, Debbie! What a blessing you are to me. I think this is the first time I shared about the nuns who came from Toledo in my research about the real-life St. Peter’s Mission. I have had so much fun creating my fictional one. I look forward to hearing what you think about this book.

  30. I find it fascinating to see how people lived in the past and how they managed without so many of the amenities we take for granted during our current time period.

    • I love that you brought this point up about how people lived in the past and how much we take for granted in the present. Blessings!
      Lisa

  31. This sounds like an amazing series. I love stories of strong women who hold their own while leaning on God.

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