Hi, everyone! Now that LANDON is HERE, and the entire GUN FOR HIRE series is complete and available, I just wanted to talk a bit about this book that was so dear to my heart–and the series that has been a wonderful success for all of us!
Caroline Clemmons’ book, SHAD, was just released three days ago, and Winnie Griggs’ book, LUKE, came out on August 1st! Y’all know by now, this is a 10-book, multi-author sweet historical western set that contains stand-alone stories but with the common thread of a hero that lives by the gun–somehow–could be good, could be bad. AND, each of these heroes has their own unexpected way love comes to him and changes his life forever! Here’s a collection of the covers of all the books in the series, created by Charlene Raddon! And let me just say, they are ALL swoon-worthy, and every book is a new discovery of action, love, and a final happy-ever-after ending–so what more could anyone ask for?
When I started thinking about the hero for this story, I knew I had to have a person who was a good, decent man. But in his eyes, something so terrible has happened to his beloved younger sister there is nothing he can do but take action for justice for her–and he is determined to get it, no matter what it costs him. He has a healthy dose of mystery in his personality, and we don’t know whether he is on the side of the law or not–or what lengths he will go to for his vengeance.
Alissa has been in a tight spot for many years now. After her own mother dies, her father has married 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, Zach, 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 see it through alone with a 5-year-old to care for. To me, that took a huge amount of courage!
As the story unfolds, all we have to go on in judging Landon’s actions and personality is the same thing Alissa can see in him when she first meets him and gets to know him through their time together. By now, she is a good judge of character, after living the life she’s lived, but she barely knows him. Can she trust him?
Here’s their first meeting–and what a meeting it is! Alissa learns a lot in just a very few minutes!
EXCERPT:
Lissie’s head came up, her attention immediately arrested by the dark, piercing, eyes of the tall man who had just entered. He removed his hat as he came through the doorway, revealing black, too-long hair that reached his collar and fell in unruly, black spikes across his forehead.
He was tall, his hair as dark as Zach’s, with the same obsidian eyes and olive skin. He carried Indian blood, that much was obvious—but what could he want with her?
He stood beside their table, towering over them, and the barest hint of amusement entered his brown eyes, crinkling the corners upward.
“Miss Devine?”
“Yes—I—”
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Landon Wildcat.”
“I’m Zachary.” Zach put his hand out, and Land took it, the corners of his firm, sensuous lips tilting upward. “Everyone just calls me Zach.”
“Hello, Zach. It’s very good to meet you.”
“Zach—” Lissie started, but she was ignored as the conversation continued without her.
“This is my sister, Mr. Wildcat. Her name’s Alissa, but everybody calls her Lissie. Just like everybody calls me Zach. And we—we had a dog named Nashoba…a long time ago.”
“Ah. Wolf—in the Choctaw language.”
“Hey! Do you know it?” Zach’s surprised joy was evident. “My mother was—”
“Yes.” Land cut Zach off and Lissie noticed a fleeting look of pain that came over his face, then was gone as quickly as it had appeared. “Yes,” he said, more gently. “I know it.”
Land turned to Lissie. “My apologies, ma’am. I didn’t mean to intrude, but I was told that you and your brother plan to be in the wagon train that’s heading for Indian Territory come Monday morning. Is that true?”
Lissie nodded. “Yes—will you please sit down with us?”
There was uncertainty in Land’s eyes, but Lissie leaned forward and earnestly assured him, “Indians are allowed here, Mr. Wildcat.”
Caught off balance at her unassuming candor, he gave a quick grin. “Yes, ma’am, I know. But I wouldn’t want to cause your reputation any harm. Me being Indian and all…”
Lissie’s glance flicked to Zach and back to Land’s questioning gaze. “I have nothing to fear on that count, Mr. Wildcat. Zachary and I have had every kind of insult known thrown at us. We’ve heard it all before.”
Land pulled out a chair and positioned himself facing the door, his back to the wall. He shrugged, meeting her eyes. “It still hurts, when you’re that age.” He glanced at Zach. “And please just call me Land—that’s what my friends call me.”
“Will you be going West with the wagons, Mr. Wildcat? Ah-Land?” Lissie raised a bite of the succulent beef to her mouth.
“I’ll be the scout.”
“Oh…”
“I’ll come right to the point, ma’am. Wagon train’s no place for a woman alone—especially a woman and child with no man.”
Lissie’s skin flushed with anger. She tried to keep her voice calm as she spoke. “Are you warning me away from going, Mr. Wildcat?”
He grimaced at the return of the formality, watching her a moment before he answered. “No, ma’am,” he said finally. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. Fact is, I…I know this wagon master, Bill Castle.” He frowned. “He’s…ah…not someone I’d trust to be alone with a woman—just a word of caution.” He spoke slowly, choosing his words with care.
Lissie daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Why are you telling me this? Truly, are you trying to scare me?”
He shook his head. “No. Just warning you. I know you two are alone. You’ll be the most obvious target.”
Lissie smiled, but she had to force it. “I assure you, sir, I’ve handled far rougher men than this Mr. Castle, I believe. And I’ve held my own. You must have heard of my father, Happy Devine, gambler extraordinaire.” She said it with a dash of mockery she couldn’t hold back. “I’ve dealt with everything life’s thrown so far. I don’t believe Mr. Castle will be the exception.” Bitterness seeped into her words. “And if you know I’m alone, you also must be aware that my father is dead.”
Land leaned forward and lowered his head a fraction, veiling his expression. “Yes, ma’am. I know.” Slowly, he raised his dark, tempestuous gaze to hers once more. “I was the one who…I was there.”
For a moment, Lissie thought she had to have misunderstood. But no. His eyes told her all that he’d kept from saying—for Zach’s benefit, she was sure. Not only had he been “there”—he had pulled the trigger. How could a man who possessed such a heartbreakingly handsome smile be a killer? How could she have invited her father’s murderer to sit at the same table with her and Zach?
But, she had to know one thing—and everything depended on his answer. Her gaze arrowed to his and held. “Was he cheating?”
The question took Land by surprise, she could see. He slowly leaned back in his chair, his near-black stare puzzled. But he wasn’t a man accustomed to wearing his thoughts in his expression, and in the next instant, a curtain slid into place, transforming him, hiding anything that may have given Lissie a hint as to his feelings.
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.
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 TWO KINDLE COPIES of LANDON today! Here’s my question for the day:
Do you think you could have traveled from another part of the United States to settle in Indian Territory during the Land Run of 1889? What would you do for a living? Where would you settle–near a town or out in the country away from others? 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. I have loved every single one of these books as I’ve read them, and I think you will, too!
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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https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules
Honestly, I don’t think I could have traveled West. There were too many unknowns. But I am glad there were some who did.
Ann, I don’t know if I could have done that, either. It seems to me, to pick up and make a trip like that back in those days, your current circumstances would have to be very poor and you’d HAVE to be looking for anything you could finde to better yourself and your situation! I agree about the unknowns, and if your entire family didn’t move, you pretty well knew you’d never see them again in this lifetime.
I might would have traveled West. I think I would have been a seamstress. If so, I would prefer to live in town as opposed to the country.
Bonnie, I think I could have done that if I’d been a young teenager and not realized EVERYTHING that could happen and not known what kind of circumstances I might wind up in. Young people don’t have any way of realizing those things because they have not had enough life experiences, and to them, it seems like a big adventure. I was like that, and I think I probably would have been in any time period I lived in. LOL
I don’t think I would have traveled west unless my parents moved west. I would have wanted to live near a town but knowing my parents they would move us to the middle of nowhere, in fact they did just that when I was 11. Our nearest neighbors were 3 miles away and the closest town 30 minutes away. We didn’t have electricity or a phone..to a preteen this was torture lol.
Oh, gosh, Vicki. I bet that WAS torturous for you! You must have done a LOT of reading. See, you were a pioneer even in your own lifetime! I wouldn’t want to move without my parents, either. It would be hard to give up the known, and head off into the complete unknown, and leave everyone and everything familiar behind.
I finished Landon yesterday! What a wonderful story – congratulations, Cheryl!
TRACY! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I really loved writing that one. They had to go through a lot, but yet, they persevered. Thanks for ltetting me know, my friend.
Good morning Cheryl! I have also loved this series and I really liked Landon’s story. And Zack was a cutie pie!
I’m not sure I would have went west, but I came from a family who migrated from Scotland, and a Cherokee great, great grandmother….so who knows? But, they all seemed to have settled in Georgia and Florida. About the only places I would love to visit is Montana and Wyoming. And that’s from someone who has had research in a modern world. Back then we wouldn’t have known much of those territories. And what would I have done? I do love the country life, but the idea of running a hotel or cafe seems to be one. Or running a ranch. I could see either of those. It is fun to wonder Cheryl, but I would be a totally different person, wouldn’t I? Being born in another time and place? I don’t know. But it’s fun to imagine!
Best wishes to you!
Tracy, thanks so much for your very kind words! You are MUCH appreciated!
Your family history is a lot like mine–some of my ancestors came from Scotland and Ireland, and we do have Native American blood on both sides of my family. Many of them were Cherokees and came from Georgia, as well, so you and I might be related! LOL
I probably would have done something like you’re talking about–running a hotel or a cafe, or how about a saloon? (Only a reputable one, though!) LOL Yes, just thinking about all the possiblities of what might have been in another time and place is fascinating. I would miss our modern conveniences–I always say if I could take one thing back in time with me it would be antibiotics, but then gosh, I think of air conditioning, and cars, and so many other things like even running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity that have made our lives so much easier and better!
So glad you stopped by today, as always, Tracy!
I don’t think I would have been brave enough to travel west with all the unknowns. Thanks for your contribution to this series.
Sharon, thanks for stopping by today! You know, the more I think about that question of traveling west into the unknown, the more I think it would have depended on my current circumstances where I was (and what I’d be leaving behind) and probably what age I was when the opportunity to go west came up.
I don’t think I would have been brave enough to go to the wild country to live. If I did though, I would want to be living close to other people not far from a town. I would want to work in a business in town like a mercantile store, bakery, or restaurant.
Connie, I think I would too. I probably would want to be a teacher, the more I think about it. But of course, that wouldn’t be possible in a lot of places, so I might have to do something like work in a dry goods store, or a cafe or something like that. There are a lot of possibilities!
I am not sure I would have wanted to travel west and go through what they had to do to get there. If I did go I would have been a teacher of a seamstress or maybe run a store.
Quilt Lady, all those occupations appeal to me, as well. I think trying to run a ranch would be monumental without any help. Maybe as a husband/wife team, but in my book Noelle’s Christmas Wish, Noelle’s Aunt Icie had ended up taking the reins and running the ranch when her parents passed, and of course, she was older, and it was something she’d grown up with and helped with all her life. But I think, to just move somewhere new and start from scratch would be REALLY REALLY TOUGH.
Oh, this sounds soooo good!! I hope I would have been brave enough, if circumstances were forcing me to do something like that! Back then, women sometimes had those decisions forced on them, like in your book, and sometimes they made the decision thinking it was the lesser of two evils. I guess, honestly, none of us know what we’re truly capable of until we’re forced to make those kinds of decisions. As long as we walk with God, though, He will get us through, even something like this!
Trudy, you are so right. If I was in a situation that I just could not bear a moment longer, I would jump at the chance, and just trust that God would help me through it, one way or the other. And we truly do not know what we are capable of doing until we are in such a circumstance and have to make that decision. Lissie, in my story, had had no choice in anything that had happened to her in her entire life. Even in going to Oklahoma, everything was already in place when her father was killed, and she knew she could not stay in that town where he’d been killed. She had to follow through with his plans, but she was able to make her own life by doing that, and learn that she had been independent, in some ways, all along. How else could she have managed to take care of Zach and survive herself? I just love being able to think of all the possibilities available to people back then!
I don’t think I could just leave home – but I have never been in this type of situation either!
Teresa, I feel that way, too. We have thought about moving out of Oklahoma, but our kids are here, and settled, now. I wouldn’t want to move anywhere away from them. But I guess if something happened, I might try to convince them to come with us. LOL! “It’s free land, y’all! We can all build houses for each other!” LOL
Only desperation could compel me. Not sure the job I’d have. I’d want to be close to the town, but not in the center of it.
Denise, I feel the same way at this point in my life. When I was much younger, I might have been more adventurous (well, I definitely WAS more adventurous, back then!) and taken such a chance. I probably would want to live close to town, too, to be nearby for any medical emergencies and so on.
When I was younger I might have considered leaving home, but not now. As for a job, possibly a teacher if it was available and I would want to be close to town, but not in it.
Karijean, I feel the same. When I was younger, I would have probably done it. But not now. I would like to be a teacher, too, and though I would not have minded living in town, I would like it better to be just a little way out.
I think I would have traveled west. It is a big undertaking and not to be taken lightly.
Debra, as a younger person, I probably would have, too. Now? I don’t know if I’d have the stamina and the energy!
Yes, I think I could have. I would want to live close to a town but not in it.
I think I could have done it, too, Barbara. Not sure if I could do it NOW. But at least if I did, I know I’d have to travel with a group and there would be help to be had if anything happened.
I think I would have stayed closer to the east where the people are. I’d love to say that I’d go west and be a school teacher but I really don’t think I would have. I would have been afraid of the harsh travel and then trying to find a place to live would have kept me skirts where they were.
Carrie, I really do think it would have depended on my age, AND my circumstances and prospects where I was back East. I might have taken a chance if all that had fallen just right. But like you, I enjoy the things I’m used to and once we are familiar with a way of life and so on, it’s hard to just think of giving it all up and leaving to go somewhere that’s dangerous and uncivilized. Even if you were married, what would happen to you if your husband was killed by violence or even in an accident? I’ve often though of my great grandmother. She was only about 14 when she got married and had a child I think that very first year of marriage. After that, it was a baby every 2 years, and after #4, her husband was killed in an accident. There she was with 4 kids, and really was fairly young herself. She and her husband and kids were already in Oklahoma, but my grandmother, the oldest of their kids, was born in 1898, not even 10 years after the land run I wrote about, So it was basically the same time frame. Of course, she ended up remarrying quickly, to a man who was a widower and had several kids, and then they had kids together. SEVENTEEN IN ALL!!! Well, she lived to reach her late 80’s but good grief…the WORK and the hardships she went through. I don’t know if I’d have that in me!
Cheryl, I LOVED, LOVED this book!! Landon was the ultimate hero willing to risk death for what was right. He had principles and Lissie had a deep determination that went all the way down to her bones. Everyone I’ve talked to really liked LANDON. One thing that struck me about this story is the “extra” people they took in when they had nowhere else to turn. Loved that. The Oklahoma Land Run really gave people who had nothing to own a piece of land which in turn gave them a feeling of self-worth. All they needed was a chance and they took it and carved out a satisfying life. Good job! I’m already looking forward to your next one.
Linda…I can’t tell you how much your support means to me! THANK YOU so much for your very kind words about Landon. You know, I was kind of afraid about writing so much history into that story, but I think it worked and made it more realistic, and that’s what I love in stories I READ, so I try to WRITE that way, as well. Yes, Landon had a very deep sense of right and wrong and he was going to see that he did the right thing, no matter what. I think that was one thing he loved so much in Lissie’s personality, too, that she’d managed to take care of Zach the best she could to actually be a child herself when she inherited that responsibilty. She’d given up so much of her own life to be sure that Zach had whatever she could provide for him, and he loved that about her so much because he realized that they had that in common.
You are so right about the Land Run! What a great thing for those people to be able to get that chance to settle on land and have it to start anew on, but the dark side to that was how they treated the Indians. When I was in school, we always celebrated the Land Run every April 22. We dressed up like settlers and lined up on the playground and raced to the other end, etc. but of course, we were not ever taught the other side to that history–that that land was taken away from the Indians in order for the settlers to be able to have a place to flourish. I’m glad that Land got to have part of that legacy and create the life he wanted, no matter WHAT.
I’m working on the next one, Linda! LOL I’m about halfway through it! I’m really excited–it’s a sequel to my Pink Pistol book, LOVE UNDER FIRE!
Hugs, my filly sister. Love you!
I love exploring something new so I think I could have.
Kim, I think I could have earlier on. Now, I am too settled in where I am!
I think I could have done it. But a woman alone is in real dsnger. I would hope I found a decent hero like Land. I’ve always been fascinated with the Oregon trail.
Tonya, you are so right. And I know that Lissie’s “bravery” was just a lot of bravado, too. She had wished so often that her father would care about her, but realized she had to take care of herself. So she was used to it, but that didn’t mean she liked it. I’m sure deep down she was glad to know Land was coming along and at least he knew what kind of man Castle was and would be keeping an eye out for her.
I don’t know if I could have,
Honestly, Bridgette, I”m not sure if I could have or not, either. I’m thankful I won’t have to find out! LOL
I don’t think I would have been brave enough to travel especially if I were single. If I did I would probably live in town and be a shop keeper. This sounds like a great book.
Awww, Linda! Thank you for those very kind words. You know, I don’t think any of us COULDN’T do it. It’s just a matter of if we would CHOOSE to do it! LOL And I enjoy being where I am, usually, though I know there would be some situation in that world, especially, where I’d think otherwise. Circumstances were so harsh in those days!
Alissa was SO brave to carry on by herself after the death of her no-good father. I admire her! I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t read it!
Jan! Thanks for dropping by today! I want to thank you again for that wonderful piece you did on your blog–such a great review for Landon, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support! I admired Lissie, too. There were times when she wondered how on earth things would turn out, but she always kept pressing on, and mainly for Zach. And I think so many of us do that very thing for other people, even more so than for ourselves, sometimes. I’m so glad you loved LANDON so much, and again, I appreciate your loving support!
Good afternoon, Wow, your book sounds so good and so intriguing and I Love the book cover! I dont think I would have been that brave to travel by myself, but if that was the only option , then I would do it. ( not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy, but Thank you). Have a Great week.
Alicia, thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m thrilled to hear you say how interested you are in my book, Landon! I love that cover, too. Charlene really outdid herself on every one of these covers, IMO! I don’t know if I could have traveled alone. If it was with a group, I might have attempted it! LOL Good to see you today!
I don’t think I would
It would sure be a tough decision–and life changing either way–either you’d be glad you did it or think, “I should have stayed where I was.”
I think I would have gone just for the excitement of the trip and the promise of free land. I’m pretty sure I would want to settle close to other settlers.
Rhonda, that promise of free land would certainly have been a huge enticement!! And it would have been exciting for sure!
That would be a hard decision to make. If I were married and traveling with my husband, yes I would definitely go. We have been married for 59 years and he has moved me away from family at least five times, to other states. I trust the Lord to take care of us and my husband as well. I would rather settle near a town but I’m sure my husband would rather settle out in the country. lol
Can’t wait to get to your book in the series. So far I have three of the books. Yours sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Sarah, wow, that is a LOT of moving. You’ve had experience in going new places and adapting, so going west might not have been all that tough on you at all! When I married my husband, we got a little place in the country in WV…and let me tell you, that was “ENOUGH” for both of us from then on. Having to drive so far to everything–nothing was convenient, and the weather was bad a lot out there with snow, etc. We’ve never lived “out” in the country again, and I’ve been really happy about that! LOL Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for your kind words about Landon. I hope you enjoy it!