Hi everyone! I am so excited to announce RELEASE DAY for my book, LANDON, Book #9 in the GUN FOR HIRE series! This is a 10-book, multi-author series that is the brainchild of Charlene Raddon, and I’m so grateful to her for having this fabulous idea and putting this all together.
Each of these stories is a stand-alone tale, but they are all about a hero who lives by the gun. In the end, of course, he’s going to find happiness when he meets the woman he comes to love passionately and who loves him back just as fiercely. Is there any better kind of story?
The books began making their debut in March, and we are about to complete the series with mine and Winnie Griggs’ stories, so they are all available but Winnie’s now, and hers will be out in 2 weeks! In the back of my book is a sneak peek at Winnie’s story (and it is a grabber!) Take a look at these beautiful covers Charlene created for us. Every one of them just makes me itch to pick it up and sit down in a comfortable chair and read all afternoon!
When I started thinking about the characters for this story, I knew I had to have a hero who was fueled by the need for justice of some kind, and he was determined to get it no matter what. Though I don’t go into his former life in the story, I mention that he was responsible for other men at one point. Was he an outlaw? A fugitive? A lawman? A soldier? A prisoner? It’s not clear, and I liked it like that because it leaves a bit of mystery in his personality, and we don’t know whether he is on the side of the law or not. All we have to go on is the same thing Alissa can see in him when she first meets him and gets to know him through their time together.
Alissa has been in a tight spot for many years now. After her own mother dies, her father marries a much younger woman. When the woman dies almost as soon as their baby is born, it’s up to Alissa to step in and raise the boy, even though she’s only 14 at the time. With a no-good gambler for a father, her life has been misery to try to provide even the most basic necessities for her younger brother. When her father is killed, she sees it as both a blessing and a curse. Set to travel to Indian Territory for the land rush of 1889, she has no choice but to continue with the plans her father has made and try to do it alone with a 5-year-old to care for.
Some of this series is available in paperback and in Kindle, and Landon is one that can be purchased in either format—and, hopefully, soon, in Audible, as well.
Here’s the blurb to whet your reading appetite! You can order LANDON now, as well as the rest of the series, all except Winnie’s – and of course, you can PRE-ORDER hers! (See links below!)
BLURB FOR LANDON
Alissa Devine finds herself in an unthinkable situation when her father is murdered, and she’s left to raise her young brother, Zach. With $22 to her name and her no-account gambler father’s burial to pay for, Lissie has no choice but to carry on with her father’s plan to take part in the Oklahoma land run. But single women aren’t allowed on the wagon train.
Landon Wildcat’s mission for months has been to find the man who abducted his younger sister. His search ends when crooked gambler Happy Devine gets what he deserves at the end of Land’s gun. But that act of vengeance leaves Lissie and Zach alone with no man to accompany them on the wagon train.
Wagon Master Bill Castle hires Land as his scout; a devil’s bargain—for both of them. Land offers Lissie his protection, suspecting the unscrupulous Mr. Castle has indecent intentions toward her.
When one of the settlers is murdered, Land takes the outlaws on in a desperate battle to protect the only witness, and nearly pays the ultimate price. Land’s life hangs in the balance, but the wagon train moves on, callously deserting him and the teen boy he saved, along with Lissie and Zach.
Through the hardship, Lissie and Land both realize how much they love one another, and what they have come so close to losing. Though danger lurks around every curve in the road, Lissie believes with all her heart there is a place for their small band of settlers in this untamed Territory. Now that love has finally come, will Fate allow a miracle for their happiness with this new beginning?
I’m giving away a KINDLE COPY of LANDON today! Here’s my question for the day: Alissa had several years of hardship before finding happiness—what was the hardest time you ever went through and what brought you happiness at the end of it? Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win!
AMAZON GUN FOR HIRE SERIES PAGE
I love series like this one. The heroes and heroines are all different because they come from varying backgrounds and places, but the heroes have something in common that holds the thread of the series together.
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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Happy Book Release!
When I was a child, the auto plant where my dad worked closed for almost a year during the energy crisis. It was a tough time for our family with the uncertainty if the plant would reopen–it did.
Oh, Denise! I can’t even imagine how hard that had to be. The uncertainty would just kill me–I can stand almost anything but that. So I’m guessing it reopened and all was well, but I imagine that was so difficult for your parents, especially, trying to maintain a good outlook!
Congratulations on your book birthday, Cheryl! It popped up on my Kindle and I can’t wait to dive in.
[Don’t enter me in the drawing.]
Thanks, Tracy! I hope you will love Landon every bit as much as I loved your Clint! I’ve got them all on my Kindle, but reading time has been short. LOL Thanks so much for stopping by, and for all your support.
I have always lived in hardship with my diseases always fighting each other and not behaving. They all mess each other up. So, I guess I’m still looking for that real sense of happiness. That’s why I bury myself in books with HEA’s.
I do have some happy moments/ few hours sometimes. Like when I visit family or see my granddaughters.
Carrie, I’m so sorry. I have a relative who is in the same boat as you with a LOT of health issues, and emotional issues, that require meds, certain foods, and so on. It must be terribly hard to deal with, especially on a constant basis. I hope things will get better for you, and so glad you have your family and especially your granddaughters to bring you some sunshine. Hugs.
I am going through a tough time right now. My husband of 53 years passed away last December. It’s been a hard time trying to adjust, everything is different without him. Having good friends and relatives help, reading books, doing some flower gardening, and doing things like this on the computer help keep my mind from dwelling on my situation.
Oh, WOW, Connie! FIFTY-THREE YEARS! That is a very long time. I can’t imagine how you must miss him. My husband and I have been married 46 years and I don’t know what I would do without him, either. Probably do a lot of reading and writing. We also have a wonderful senior citizens center only a couple of miles from our house that I keep vowing I’m going to go get involved in. Time just slips away, but I’m going to make an effort to get involved. I’m thinking of you and hoping that things will get easier as time goes by. I know that had to be such a horrible loss for you.
As I look back, it would be my divorce at 21 as I graduated college.
Oh, Kate. That had to be so tough for you. What an emotional roller-coaster ride! So happy to have graduated from college, but sad that your marriage was ending at the same time. I hope you had lots of better days ahead in your life. That would have been so hard.
The hardest thing I went through was the death of my husband. I met a widower and remarried 4 years later. We will be celebrating our 12th anniversary next month.
Rhonda, I think the death of a spouse or the death of a child would be the hardest thing to ever have happen in one’s life. I’m glad that you found happiness again!
There have been several times. One of them was when I was married to an abusive man (to the children as well as me). I prayed for peace and harmony for my family, he moved out and several months later when he wanted to come back, my pastor’s wife advised me not to allow him to unless he got right with God. He refused to and filed for divorce, so my happiness was when the divorce became final. The other bad time was when I miscarried at 14 weeks. It was a time to grow with God.
Karijean, you were really strong to be able to say NO to your abusive husband when he wanted to come back. So many would have taken him back and started that cycle all over again. You surely did the right thing. And I know that the miscarriage was heartbreaking. You’ve had some tough times, for sure.
Good morning, Cheryl. Your book sounds exciting. I look forward to reading it. As to the hardest time I have had in my life, I would have to say when my mother died. She was murdered. She was so young, almost 42, and left 3 siblings without a mother. At the time they were still at home. With a total of 6 children, my mom was deeply loved and tragically missed. We all still relive this event today.
OH JUDY! How horrible. What a tragedy for the entire famlly. And a lifelong one for all of you. When something so inexplicable and horrendous happens so suddenly, it can’t help but leave a terrible lasting mark on everyone who knew her and loved her forever. My heart just aches for you and your entire family, Judy. God bless you all. Hugs…
I can’t put my finger on just one hard time. It was the loss of my 18yr old nephew in 2020. His loss is felt everyday by so many. We just had the 5 yr anniversary this month. It’s very hard to get through that day, but with strength and will, I get through that day, and hopefully will get through what hardships come in the future.
Kathleen, I know exactly what you mean. My stepson was killed when he was 18. He would have been 50 this past June, but there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. I’m so sorry for the loss of your nephew. When death comes to one so young, you just can’t help but wonder “what if” they had had the chance to grow up? What could they have done? Hugs, Kathleen.
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!!
You are so welcome, Bridgette! Got your name entered in the drawing!
My hardest times were when my parents passed. It was “easier” when Daddy did, as I still had Mom. Now, almost five years after Mom’s passing, it’s still hard, though I’ve come out even stronger on this side, thanks to God walking with me!
Trudy, that was one of my hardest times in my life, too. My parents died within 3 weeks of one another. My dad died on Dec. 23, 2007, and Mom on Jan. 12, 2008. Christmas time is always bittersweet for me now–it was always my favorite holiday, but now, those other memories are there at that time of year, too, so it’s hard. It’s still hard for me, too, even after all these years. Thinking of you.
Early in the marriage is always a tough time – we had love but not much else!
Teresa, you are soooo right! LOL! Same with us, too. We had practically nothing, but we sure did love each other. Ate a lot of beans and cornbread and managed to get by, but we really had no one to fall back on and it was really hard times for us. I imagine a lot of people had that same experience. LOL
Congratulations, Miss Cheryl!!! I’m so excited that your book is out. I’ve wanted to read this since I first read your blurb. And that cover! Landon is a hottie! I hope this sells like hotcakes.
To answer your question, the hardest thing I ever had to go through was the pandemic. The place I was living at in Amarillo locked us down and we were not permitted to step foot outside our apartments. Day after day of loneliness did a number on my mental faculties as it also did on millions of others. It was like being in prison in solitary confinement. I hope I never have to go through that again. But, the reward was I got to move down here with my family. I’m not alone anymore. Wishing you tons of success, my dear Filly Sister!
LINDA! Thank you so much for all your support, my friend. I appreciate you so much. I love that cover so much, too. Charlene outdid herself on all of these covers, truthfully. They are all good, and the stories are all just as good as the covers!
Linda, I would have freaked out totally to be told I could not leave my apartment for anything. That should be a personal choice for each person! I bet they had a lot of people move out of there over that. I know I sure wouldn’t have stayed! That’s really horrible. I’m so glad it led to something good for you, being able to move down to where your family is so you can be near them and not ever have that happen again! UGH.
Thanks so much for all your well-wishes for this story. It was a long time in the making. Like Winnie’s “LUKE”, I’d had Landon in mind for several years before he got his story! Hugs, Filly Sis! Thanks so much for stopping by today.
The book sounds exciting! Looking forward to reading it. The hardest time I ever went through was when my hubby and son were falsely accused of something horrendous and both went to prison for several years and I had our other two children taken away from me. I got through it with Jesus’ help and the help of a new church and new friends.
Barbara, bless your heart. I cannot even imagine how hellish that ordeal had to be for you and your entire family. The whole thing must have seemed like an ongoing nightmare with no way out. My heart just breaks for you and your entire family. How hard that must have been for all of you! I’m glad you came through it, and so glad you had your faith and church family to rely on at such a terrible time in your life. I’m so sorry that happened. You and your entire family are in my thoughts–God bless you all.
Finding out that my boyfriend of three years was hiding very important information. Getting advice from friends and reading and studying my Bible has helped
Chrystal, that must have been devastating. A betrayal of trust is something that can rarely ever be fixed. I hope you are okay now, and on the mend from such a shocking discovery that he was hiding important things from you. I’m glad you stopped by today.
Congratulations on your new release! Your book sounds like a great read and I love your book cover! (not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy, but Thank you) have a great day nd a great week.
Alicia, thank you so much! I can’t get over what a wonderful job Charlene did on those covers. She is one very talented lady, and I do love them all (but of course, especially Landon!) LOL I’m not very tech savvy either, so I tell you what, if I draw your name we will work something out, okay? I don’t want you to be locked out of the giveaway. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Alicia!
college
Oh, yes, I think college can be a really bad time for so many reasons. So many changes taking place from what we knew in high school–it’s so totally different. Like stepping into a new world somehow. And the lord help you if you get crosswise of any of your professors, too! It’s a giant learning curve and hard to take it all in so quickly.
I will have to say after I was married and my husband and I both lost our jobs at the same time. We met in a factory and they closed it down and moved and it was pretty rough until we found jobs.
Oh, you must have been so scared and worried. I can’t imagine how frightening that had to be, especially if you had no one to help you if you needed it. Gary and I lived in WV, a thousand miles away from my family here in Oklahoma, and his mom was in no position to help us out. He did have a brother who co-signed on a loan for us, and that was a huge help, and my dad loaned us some money for a downpayment on a car, but of course we paid him back as we were able. I think those were the only two times we ever had any kind of help. He had a job with the FAA, but he’d had to start as a GS-5, which back then was about $7K a year. I got a job quickly after we got married. So I was settling in from driving back from OK (IN THE WINTER)! LOL and having a whirlwind wedding and then trying to find a job quickly. I guess that was a pretty stressful time for me! LOL
From childhood to the present was my hardest time still looking for my real happiness
Crystal, I hope you find it. I’ve felt that way for long periods in my life, but have had many brief times where I was happy–but it seems like those don’t last nearly as long as the times when we are searching for it. You take care of yourself.
Hi Cheryl, The hardest thing that I ever did was putting my Mother in a Nursing Home & watching her whither away & finally die. What, brought me happiness was having my families support & love.
Lois, my heart goes out to you. We were lucky enough in our family that my sister was able to bring my parents to live with her and remodel her bathroom to accommodate them, so they were able to live with her in their final days. But, my oldest sister had her third stroke, followed by a fourth, when she’d gone out to see her daughter and her family for Christmas in Albany, NY. She was in a nursing home for a few days, then came home to her daughter’s house to live until we could arrange medical transport from NY to OK! What a time that was. We got her back in Oklahoma and she went into a nursing home very close to my house. She lived in Oklahoma City for the next 8 years in different facilities, none of them much better than the others, I’m sad to say. It was very hard–at the end of those 8 years, my other sister, Karen, convinced her to come down to her neck of the woods in SE Oklahoma, and she moved down there to live for another 7 years in nursing homes until she passed in 2022. That was a very hard time in our lives. She’d always been so vibrant and outgoing, and just seeing her spirit and happiness leave her so suddenly was tough. And of course, there was nothing anyone could do to restore it. I don’t know what I would have done without our sister Karen’s support and ability to step in when I needed her most. Family is such a blessing in times like those.
Congratulations on the release of Landon. I am really looking forward to reading it and the rest of the series. Charlene has done a wonderful job with the covers. They set the tone for the series: gritty and a little dark. I notice your cover is the only one with a dog on it. Most appropriate.
I think my darkest time was when I finished my tour with the Peace Corps. I was happy and had a few months of travel planned. After less than 2 weeks, I was notified at the Am. Express office (when I went to cash a money order) that they had a message for me to go to the American Embassy. There I was notified they had a message for me to call home because my mother was dying. She was 47 and I had gotten a letter from her just a few days before I left my assignment with nothing mentioned about her being ill. I flew home immediately. They had done exploratory surgery and just closed her up. She had ovarian cancer that had spread everywhere and was in her liver. What was difficult was they were not telling her how bad it was and we had to pretend nothing was wrong. I am sure she knew. She died 4 weeks to the day after her surgery. It was such a blow. She was the person who kept the family together. No one coped well. My dad’s immaturity regressing to teen behavior didn’t help much, especially since the two youngest were still in junior high. Caught in the middle trying to referee between my dad and all my siblings was tearing me up. Luckily I had become reacquainted with a friend from high school when I had come home at Christmas. He drove down to support me while mom was sick and was there for the funeral. The one bright spot was my mom got to meet him and know I had found someone. We got engaged, were able to see each other for a weekend every 3 weeks. We were engaged 3 months before he was sent to Vietnam with plans to marry when he got back in 6 months. The promise of a life with him is really what kept me going. There have been a couple other tense times and we are in the middle of another one now, not dissimilar to my mother’s. A son with serious cancer & a broken collarbone and no health insurance, so no treatment. I am not sure what will bring me happiness afterward with this one. Sorry, I should erase this
Patricia, thank you so much for your kind words about Landon. I feel like it’s taken a long time for me to get his story told. LOL Yes, Charlene really outdid herself with these covers she created–and I love the little dog she added to mine!
I’m glad you didn’t erase your comment above. What a journey you had. First the Peace Corps tour, and then having to cut your plans short to come home for your mom’s illness. I can’t imagine having to keep up such a pretense about the severity of her illness. That must have been the hardest part, for everyone. I have read where death sometimes brings about odd behavior changes in other people that were close to the deceased, such as you describe with your dad. What a tough time for you, to have to try to be the source of sanity for all in such a situation! Especially while trying to cope with your own deep grief. I’m so happy that you reconnected with your high school friend who ended up becoming so much more to you in your life. What a happy, happy ending to things! That hope that your upcoming marriage and happier times awaiting was sure a blessing for you amidst all that sadness and turbulence.
I’m so sorry to hear about your son. I can’t even imagine how horrible that must be, as a parent, to have to try to deal with for someone you love so deeply and can’t do much to control or alleviate his suffering. No matter what age our kids are, they will always be our kids, and we have that mother’s instinct to try to fix things and make them better. Sometimes it just isn’t possible, and that realization hits very hard. I am keeping you close in my heart, Patricia. Thinking of you and hoping that things will somehow improve for your son. Some doctors will do pro-bono work. I know my sister’s husband had no insurance and got a hip replaced with a generous doctor willing to help at no cost. I hope you can locate someone like that for him.
As always, I’m so glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts today. Take care of yourself, my friend.
Thanks so much for your kind words and understanding. I am trying to convince our son to talk with a social security representative. She told me months ago she was sure he would qualify for help and now that he can’t use his right arm (the collarbone is shattered at the socket at the shoulder) and it may never heal to where it can be used without pain, he should. We will see. He is leery of applying for help from the government with all that is happening. With all that is going on he is afraid he will be denied or get into trouble.
Take good care of yourself and loved ones. Give the dogs a hug for me.