Jill Kemerer

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books and long walks outdoors in Ohio where she resides with her husband.

Spring Birds and Flowers

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Peach background. Photo of two house sparrows on a branch. Text, "Spring Birds & Flowers. Petticoats & Pistols Blog"

We made it through winter! You might live in a warm weather climate, but here in northwest Ohio, winter can linger for far too long. In April, it snowed. It rained. One day it was in the eighties. We had severe storms. And we had sunshine. Go figure. Thankfully, it’s time for spring birds and flowers.

My husband and I spent a weekend working in the yard. He thatched the lawn, and our son and I raked the grass. I learned I had muscles I wasn’t aware of. I was pretty sore for a few days! But we also bought flowers to plant in pots on our deck and porch.

I love flowers.

I took this picture right after planting them. By the end of the month, the planter will be full of pretty petunias. 🙂

 

Deck and pot with white, purple and pink flowers

Another thing I love about spring? All the birds and bunnies and squirrels scurry around our feeders and birdbath. I watch them every morning while I sip coffee. It’s a blessing. The squirrels are silly. We have two regulars. One of them gnawed through the side hole of a birdhouse-turned-feeder, and he squeezed his way inside. His fluffy tail was sticking out of the feed tray. I laughed! I tried to take a picture of it. You can see his tail sticking out in the picture below.

Squirrel in birdfeeder

 

We have beautiful parks in our area, so I stopped at one along the Maumee River. I saw this chubby guy at their feeders. I don’t usually see raccoons out during the day! I figured it might be a pregnant raccoon, filling up before she has her babies. Who knows? She was cute, though.

 

Racoon at birdfeeder

The only birds I don’t like to see in my backyard are the predators–hawks, especially. They eat the sparrows and mourning doves. I don’t like it. I’m feeding the birds so they can live, not so they can be snacks! I know the hawks have to eat, too, but do they have to pick off the sweet little birds and bunnies in my yard? Ugh.

The hawk below is on the smaller side, and I saw him at the same park as the raccoon.

 

Hawk in tree

Oh well. Such is life.

We have two robin nests in our yard–one in the front and one in the back–but I don’t believe we have a cardinal nest this year. There must be one nearby, though, because we have a mama and daddy cardinal flying around, stopping at the feeders, every day. I love them. They’re such bright birds. Oh, and we have goldfinches. If you’d like to try to identify birds, check out AllAboutBirds.org.

What kind spring birds and flowers do you have? Do you have favorites?

Enjoy your day!

We’d love for you to stay up on our latest releases and have some fun, too, so join our Facebook Reader Group HERE!

Best April Fools’ Pranks?

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Pink background with gold confetti. Text "Best April Fools' Pranks? Petticoats & Pistols Blog"

April Fools’ Day is here, and some of you are pranksters. You know who you are!

While I have a juvenile sense of humor, I’ve never been good at April Fools’ pranks. Sure, I put a few raw potatoes in my kids’ lunches one year (don’t worry–they still had their regular lunches), and I’m sure I attempted other pranks, but none come to mind.

Here’s what happens. I can’t bear to scare someone with “big” news that isn’t real. I could never pull off the old “We won the lottery,” or “Surprise! I’m pregnant!” I can barely keep Christmas presents a secret. Expecting me to successfully pull off a prank is expecting too much.

I’m not built for pranks.

My mind went blank just thinking about them. What do people do nowadays? An internet search brought up several articles. Good Housekeeping’s “20 Best April Fools’ Pranks to Try This Year” was my favorite. Full of goodies.

April Fools’ Pranks

On my MAYBE list:

  • Whoopee Cushion. Yes, when I was younger, my cousin and I bought whoopee cushions and fooled our dads into sitting on them. We could not stop laughing. So this could be one I try again.
  • An Accident. I could see myself buying fake poo if we still had a pet.
  • All Eyes. Sticking googly eyes on everything in our fridge would require time and patience–I’ve been low on both lately!
  • All the Noise. Bubble wrap under the bath mat? Saving this one for future reference. Easy and fun.

On my Absolutely NOT list:

  • Change the date. We don’t own calendars anymore. We just check our phones.
  • Empty the drawer. I can’t even force myself to organize a drawer let alone empty it. Too much work.
  • Fan Fun. No. 100% NO. I’ve lived through this prank and had to clean up confetti and sparkles for months. Never again.

 

I’d love to hear YOUR best April Fool’s prank–either one you did to someone else or one done to you!

To stay up on our latest releases and have some fun, too, join our Facebook Reader Group HERE!

Also, I went back to the junction’s 2024 archives and found my post from April 2, 2024, “What Birds are in Your Backyard.” Feels like I just wrote that! Where does the time go…? Until next time!

Finally, I found this delightful April Fools’ post by our own Kit Morgan from 2021, “Jokes, a Fork, and a Giveaway!” Enjoy!

Cowgirls in the Kitchen – Jill Kemerer

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Ready for another vintage recipe? This new segment feature recipes our mothers and grandmothers used to make. This month’s recipe? Banana Chocolate Chip Bars!

I love to cook, and I really love to bake. If I had my way, I’d bake fresh cinnamon rolls with cream cheese buttercream frosting every single weekend! Alas, my family is working on improving our health, and that means yummy frosting is a once-in-a-while indulgence instead of every Saturday. Bummer.

One of my favorite cake-like bars does not feature fluffy frosting, and it even has some fruit in it. Practically a healthy dessert, right? Okay, I wouldn’t go that far! My mom, aunts, and both grandmothers were always making banana bread, and this has a slight twist–mini-chocolate chips! These bars are delicious and very easy to make.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Time: 10 minutes prep

Bake: 30 minutes

Makes: 40 small bars (or 20 normal-sized bars)

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (3-5 bananas, depending on size)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

6 TBS melted butter or 1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup milk

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray nonstick spray in 13×9 baking pan.
  2. Whisk mashed bananas, sugar, butter (or oil), milk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl until mixed thoroughly. Whisk in flour just until blended. Gently stir in 1/2 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
  3. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining mini chocolate chips over the top.
  4. Bake 15-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Cool completely before serving.

I hope you enjoy this Banana Chocolate Chip Bar recipe!

If you could have one sweet treat every weekend, what would it be?

Jill Kemerer has a Winner

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White background with illustrated flowers. The Cowboy's Easter Surprise by Jill Kemerer cover. Text, "Giveaway Winner! Petticoats & Pistols blog"

Thank you to everyone who entered Tuesday’s giveaway!

The winning commenter of The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise is Trudy C!

Congratulations! Trudy, look for Jill’s email and check for SPAM if you don’t see it!

***

Dear readers, have you joined the FB Petticoats and Pistols Reader Group? Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2143576775865837

The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise + Giveaway

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Illustrated flowers on white background. Cover of The Cowboy's Easter Surprise by Jill Kemerer. Text, "New Release + Giveaway. Petticoats & Pistols Blog"

I have a new book in stores! Yeehaw!

The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise is the fifth book in my Wyoming Legacies series. Trent Lloyd is navigating his new life as temporary guardian for his three adorable nieces while managing Cade Moulten’s new horse boarding center. Trent quickly realizes he needs help with the girls. He just wishes the helper was anyone but Gracie French.

Gracie is a former wild-child determined to make better choices about men and life in general. Her heart goes out to Trent’s nieces, and she’s drawn to him. But he sees her as she used to be, not as she is now, and that’s a deal breaker for her.

If you’re a fan of opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers, cowboys, horses, and fun little girls, this book is for you!

 

Cover for The Cowboy's Easter Surprise by Jill Kemerer. Prairie background with little blond girl in a cowboy hat and sundress. She's holding a white bunny.

Can three little hearts bring two opposites together?

As temporary guardian of his three nieces, stable manager Trent Lloyd is in desperate need of a babysitter. His only option: former classmate Gracie French, who’s back in town and determined to prove she’s a responsible, independent adult. The girls instantly adore Gracie, and after a fun-packed Easter weekend, Trent fears he’s not the only one captivated by Gracie’s charm. But he can’t forget the wild child he knew in high school. If he can trust Gracie with his nieces, can he also learn to trust her with his heart?

Read an excerpt:

Trent Lloyd sensed mutiny in the air.

If he didn’t ask any questions, there was a slim chance he’d avoid whatever headache his three nieces were preparing to hit him with from the back seat of his truck. One by one, the trio buckled their seat belts. Click, click, click. The snowy weather couldn’t be more miserable for a Monday in the third week of March. That was Jewel River, Wyoming, for you, though—harsh winters were the norm. Trent checked the rearview mirror as he backed out of the babysitter’s driveway.

Three blondes with different shades of blue eyes met his gaze in the mirror. None of them looked happy.

Nine-year-old Emma sat directly behind him, four-year-old Noelle was kicking her legs from the booster seat in the middle and seven-year-old Sadie sat in a matching booster seat on the other side of Noelle.

“We aren’t going back there. The three of us decided.” Emma tended to assume responsibility for her younger sisters. Sadie was more reserved, but her brain never stopped processing information. And little Noelle had Trent wrapped around her pinkie finger and tied into a tight bow. All three of them did, really.

The girls had been living with him for over a week, and his carefully ordered life had been turned inside out and upside down, leaving him thoroughly shaken.

He flicked on the windshield wipers and checked for oncoming traffic before pulling onto the road. Should he ask Emma why? He wasn’t thrilled with Mrs. Pine, either, but at this point, she was the only person willing to watch Noelle while the other two were in school. After school, Emma and Sadie joined Noelle at Mrs. Pine’s, and Trent picked them up at five.

“I don’t like her!” Noelle’s outburst held a tint of fear, and he inwardly sighed at the tears sure to be on their way. “She’s mean.”

No point in arguing. Mrs. Pine didn’t seem to enjoy children much for being a full-time babysitter.

“She spanked Sammy, and he didn’t do anything.” Emma huffed. “He’s only three. That kid cried and cried. Gave Sadie a headache.”

“My head does hurt, Uncle Trent.” Sadie’s small, pitiful voice made his gut clench. Not Sadie, too. He glanced back again. Sure enough, his middle niece was on the verge of tears. Noelle reached over to hold Sadie’s hand.

“And she smokes surrogates.” Noelle’s lower lip plumped out. “It’s yucky.”

“Cigarettes, Noelle,” Emma said sharply. “She smokes cigarettes.”

“Well, I don’t like ’em! They stink. Make me wanna throw up.”

Mrs. Pine smoked? Trent grimaced. This wasn’t a good development. His brother—technically his stepbrother—would not be okay with the girls being exposed to secondhand smoke. Nor would Kevin allow the girls to be physically disciplined by anyone but himself.

None of this was sounding good.

***

Purchase Links: The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise

I’m giving away one copy of The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise. Simply answer the question below in the comments to be entered! The winner will be selected via random number generator and announced on the blog Thursday, 03/06/25, in a separate post.

Do you enjoy children in novels?

Thanks for celebrating with me!

Have you joined the FB Petticoats and Pistols Reader Group? Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2143576775865837

5 Reasons I Love Western Historical Romance Novels

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Photo of horses in pasture. Green and pink bars and flowers. Text, "5 Reasons I Love Western Historical Romance. Petticoats & Pistols."

It’s a chilly morning here, and I’m sipping coffee, thinking about how nice it would be to snuggle up and read all day. I get on kicks where I devour a certain genre, then taper off to the next one. Currently, I’m between genres, but I’m sure it won’t last.

5 Reasons I Love Western Historical Romance Novels

I remember when I first started reading western historical romance novels. I’m pretty sure a Jodi Thomas novel got me hooked roughly twenty years ago. I don’t remember the title, but I do remember reading through her backlist and buying every new book of hers that came out. I particularly enjoyed her wife lottery series.

Side note: Jodi Thomas has been a guest at the P&P junction many times over the years. “How Deep Do Your Roots Go?” is a fun read by her!

Why do I love western historical romance novels? I’ve got five reasons.

  1. Rugged lifestyle of the American west. I’m a sucker for rural settings, tough living conditions, and a no-rules atmosphere to survive in.
  2. Strong, protective cowboys. Sure, strong, protective cowboys aren’t unique to historical romances, but there’s something special about a tough guy protecting the woman in his orbit. Bonus points for strong heroines and a cowboy reluctantly getting in touch with his feelings. *swoon*
  3. Danger! Outlaws, wild animals, and the weather all play factors in western historical novels, and I can’t get enough of the danger. There’s something delicious knowing the characters can’t call 9-1-1 for help. They’re on their own, and we know it.
  4. Trains, wagons, and horses. The transportation options were limited. Going anywhere took more time in those days. I love the slower pace and the forced proximity of characters due to the time period. If the heroine is mad, she can’t hop in her car or on a plane and leave. There will be an argument or a silent stand-off. Bring it on!
  5. Circumstances all but impossible in modern times. Mail-order brides? Yep. An orphan baby a couple can just keep without stacks of paperwork? Uh-huh. Hiding away in a mountain cabin for the winter? You betcha. I love all of these scenarios.

It’s fun to get lost in a world so unlike our own. And now that I’ve taken this trip down memory lane, I’m off to pick up a western historical romance novel!

Do you love western historical romance novels? Why or why not?

Have the best day, and share your favorite western historical romance novels in the comments!

 

Winter Delight – Snow!

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Snow-covered trees against a pale pink and blue sky. Text, "Winter Delight Snow! Petticoats & Pistols"

One winter delight I look forward to every year is snow. There’s something relaxing about sitting on the couch with a hot mug of coffee as snow falls down outside. I especially enjoy the large, intricate snow flakes. They tend to dance down from the sky. Now, the little pellets of snow are not my favorite. They usually come with a storm, and they make the roads slippery. Yuck.

The best is when I wake up and our backyard is covered in a white blanket and snow drips like frosting from the trees. So pretty!

Several years ago, we had a major winter storm. It was one where more snow accumulated each day. We’d shovel the drive. Then the county snow plow would leave a foot of snow and chunks of ice at the end of the drive. We’d shovel again. And repeat the process. I did NOT enjoy that snow experience. It lasted over a week. Here’s a picture of our mailbox from that storm.

Several feet of snow piled around a mailbox

Yes, too much snow can be a problem, but for the most part, I love the white stuff. I don’t even mind shoveling the driveway as long as it’s not too deep.

Winter Delight – Snow!

I recently read an article in the Cowboy State Daily, “What the Heck…Are Those Giant Snowballs that Seem to Roll Themselves?” by Greg Johnson (apologies for the slang in the article’s title). Intrigued, I checked out the photos (click on the above link to see them). Some of those snowballs look like rolled bales of hay. Apparently, the conditions have to be just right for them to form.

  • The surface must be wet, loose and relatively thin.
  • The layer below must be dry snow or ice that will detach easily from the top layer.
  • The wind has to be strong enough to move the roller, but not so strong to break it up.
  • It helps to be on a slope so the roller can be moved along by momentum.
Source ~ “What the Heck…Are Those Giant Snowballs that Seem to Roll Themselves?” by Greg Johnson via Cowboy State Daily

Have you ever seen a giant snowball that seemed to roll itself? I haven’t!

I always chuckle when a movie or commercial features people making snowmen, and it’s obvious these people have never made one in real life. When someone’s casually carrying a massive snowball like it weighs less than a pizza, I shake my head. Large snowballs are heavy–really heavy. It takes muscles to pick one up and plant it on another snowball to form a snowman. And they’re rarely perfectly round. Sometimes they have a little grass or dirt stuck in them. All part of the charm.

Before I wrap this up, I thought you’d like this picture. We had an ice storm years ago, and this tree bore the brunt of it in our backyard. We were blessed the ice didn’t break any of the branches. You can see how overcast and gray the sky was, too. Typical January day in Northwest Ohio.

Ice covered tree branch

I try to enjoy winter as much as possible. By March, though, I’m pretty much over it. I just want to burn my winter coat and feel the warmth of the sun on my bare arms. But for now? I’ll revel in the winter delight of snow.

Do you have snow where you live? Do you like snow? Why or why not?

Enjoy your day!

Cowboys & Mistletoe – Jill Kemerer

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Whee! Christmas is almost here, and I’m loving all these Cowboys & Mistletoe posts! I, too, have a Christmas book out now. THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS TREASURES is the fourth book in my Wyoming Legacies series with Love Inspired. Think a cowboy with a painful past, a single-mom heroine trying to raise toddler identical twin girls, and a small-town in Wyoming full of the Christmas feels!

Book cover: Snowy background with red barn, cowboy, twin toddlers in matching red coats and pompom stocking hats. Text "The Cowboy's Christmas Treasures by Jill Kemerer"

Making peace with his past…
To be a part of their future

After his father’s heart attack, ranch hand Dean McCaffrey has no choice but to temporarily take over the family business—while hiding a shameful secret. But he doesn’t expect to fall for pretty widow Brooke Dewitt and her twin toddlers while remodeling their house. Brooke is counting on Dean to make her home wheelchair-accessible by Christmas. And soon she’s dreaming of a life with the handsome cowboy. But with both their futures uncertain, can they overcome their fears…and place their trust in love?

Purchase THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS TREASURES here!

 

 

Provide your best caption for the picture below – humorous, thoughtful or poignant – to be entered in the drawing.

All entries will be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize, too!

Winners announced Sunday, December 15!

(USA winners only, please.)

 

Yay! No More Political Ads!

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Light blue background with fireworks and party poppers. Text "No More Political Ads. Petticoats & Pistols"

It’s election day in the USA, and I, for one, am glad. Why? Well, let me start by saying that I consider it pretty amazing I can vote, and I do love my country. However, they aren’t the reasons I’m glad the election will be over. Nope, I’m thrilled because, as of tonight, I won’t have to sit through another political ad for a long, long time.

The ads started earlier than usual this year and ramped up each week. It hasn’t been uncommon to see the same advertisement repeated five, ten (one hundred?) times in an hour. Okay, maybe one hundred is stretching it a bit, but the commercials wear on you like water dripping on dry clay. Plus, there are only two or three ads for each candidate, so you can recite each one by heart after a few hours of watching television.

It’s been a lot. Too much.

If you haven’t gotten the message–I AM SO GLAD  I DON’T HAVE TO SEE POLITICAL ADS ANYMORE! No more commercials. No more stacks of political mailers to toss in the trash every day. I can resume throwing out the regular mailers–the roofing ones and credit-card offers! Yippee!

So, I’m sighing in relief. I’m wrapping up in my favorite cozy throw. And I’m basking in normal commercials. I’m even excited for the Christmas ones! We’ll see what company makes me cry first this year. A few years ago, a Dick’s Sporting Goods Christmas commercial had me sobbing. They really know how to tug on the heartstrings. This particular one, The Hoop, featured a dad and his little girl playing basketball, and it shows her growing up. With my own kids getting older, boy, it got to me. Here’s THE HOOP (linked) if you’d like to watch, and I’m embedding it below.

 


So, yes, lots to look forward to starting tomorrow. I can enjoy my morning coffee and watch Good Morning Football  in peace. Last Friday I purchased three bags of Halloween candy at half-off (Twix, Reese’s, and KitKats–yummy!)–I might have one of each to celebrate. I have a new jigsaw puzzle waiting for me. Four novels are stacked haphazardly on the end table. Have I started recording Hallmark Movies? You betcha!

I am ready to relax and enjoy the rest of the year! Who’s with me?

*Please NO political comments–we’re all getting through the day as best we can!! Any political comments will be removed.*

Do you, like me, get sappy at the Christmas commercials?

Have the best day!

 

Favorite Things: Halloween Candy

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Orange, maize, brown background. Image of cup full of lollipops. Text "Favorite Things: Halloween Candy. Petticoats & Pistols"

For the past month, I’ve been at war with myself. Every time I walk into the grocery store, I’m weaving through towers of displays with every kind of Halloween candy imaginable. I push the cart around bags of Reese’s, only to be confronted with “fun-size” peanut M&Ms. *gulp*

I’m not buying it. Come on, Jill, stay strong!

Beads of sweat line my forehead. The cart slows. Maybe I slow. Who knows? But a sharp right turn leads me down the first row of delicious candy. Then the next one. And the next.

I’m pretty sure I clipped a digital coupon for 30% off. And, wait, is that a buy one get one free deal?

Before I know it, five bags of candy are in my cart.

I have no regrets.

Jill Kemerer at fall festival pretending to stir a steaming cauldron
I’m getting into the spooky season spirit at a local fall festival!

Candy, candy, candy! I love it all! (Well, not candy corn, although I will eat it occasionally.)

All this candy brings me back to my days trick-or-treating. We lived out in the country in mid-Michigan. My mom would usually drive my sister and I to trick or treat. We always stopped at Grandma and Grandpa B.’s house first. Good call on my mom’s part. Grandma would take a bag of mini Milky Ways and start dumping them into our bags. I loved her!

Then we’d head to various aunts and uncles and stop at Grandma and Grandpa D.’s house. Grandma usually made up little treat bags. She was a fabulous cook, so when I saw a popcorn ball, I got excited. Occasionally she’d throw in an apple or shelled peanuts, too. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t into the healthy stuff. The apple and peanuts were probably the last thing I ate!

Another highlight was stopping at our babysitter’s house. Margaret would line a cookie sheet with full-size candy bars, and we could choose any one we wanted. Exciting times!

After we’d made all the stops, we’d head home and dump out our bags. Then came the negotiations. My sister and I had fun trading for favorite candy. My mom and dad always got my Mounds and Almond Joy bars. Coconut wasn’t my thing back then. I don’t mind it now.

I still love Tootsie Rolls. I’m sure it’s from my Halloween days. Oh, and Smarties–the little sugar candies. And Laffy Taffy, and M&Ms, and Twix, and Reese’s, and Snickers, and…

Oh, boy.

I have a problem.

What can I say? I love Halloween candy!

What’s your favorite candy? Were you allowed to trick or treat when you were young?

Have the best day!