No one wants to write a farewell post, but sometimes we must. This will be my final blog post as a filly. I’ve enjoyed my time at the junction meeting all you fabulous readers! Unfortunately, life pulls you in every direction during some seasons, and that’s a season I’m in. Having multiple book contracts is a blessing, but it’s difficult to juggle with everything else.
Tomorrow I have a new release. It isn’t a typical release. No cowboys, no Wyoming, no secret babies. Instead, this is a nonfiction book. I’ve been working on it for four years–fitting it around my contracted books–and I’m finally getting it out into the world.
Encouragement and advice for authors and writers
Bestseller lists, fame, and financial rewards don’t comprise your writing life—they’re products of it. This book will help you figure out the day-to-day decisions to make to achieve your writing dreams. Where and when do you write best? What equipment do you need? How will you handle envy? Rejection? Long droughts between contracts?
Creating a Writing Life gives you the tools to manage every aspect of your career, including income expectations and how to handle success. Author Jill Kemerer has experienced all this and more in her writing career, and this book will launch you into yours. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started creating your writing life!
Publishers Weekly bestselling author of nearly one million books worldwide, Jill Kemerer shares writing tips, business advice, and encouragement for authors in this inspirational book for writers.
***
If you’ve ever considered becoming a writer or you’re already an author, this is the book for you.
I encourage writers to evaluate all aspects of their writing life–where and when they write best, existing equipment and what’s needed, if they’re a panster or plotter. I share about the emotional ups and downs–envy, discouragement, celebrating wins, and how to manage expectations. There’s an entire chapter devoted to financial matters, including author income, tracking expenses, and business options like sole proprietorships, LLCs and S corps. Since most writers struggle with time management (don’t we all?), I devoted several chapters on this subject. There’s also tips on creative habits, basic story elements, and the agent-author relationship.
I hope anyone who reads this book ends up encouraged and excited about their writing life. There are so many subjects writers and authors just don’t talk about, and this book does. I go there. Ideally, you’ll feel like you’re sitting across from me at a coffee shop, having a conversation about the writing life.
Thank you to Petticoats & Pistols for allowing me to be part of the gang! And thank YOU for hanging out with me here for the past two years! As I’m riding off into the sunset, I’m keeping my good memories in my pocket.
First up, LUKE is out in the world! If you’ve been waiting to dive into a broody cowboy romance with a whole lot of heart (and a dash of heat), this is your moment. LUKE is live, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of his journey—and the woman who just might heal him.
Next, I’ve got something special on the horizon: The Everharts of Texas I’m reissuing a few of my older titles under this new series banner, complete with updated covers and a little extra polish. These are stories about tangled families, stubborn hearts, and love that finds a way—no matter what.
One family. Three unforgettable love stories. From small-town streets to wide open skies, the Everharts are proof that love runs deep—and that their hearts can be just as stubborn as the land they come from.
Welcome to Yee-Haw Day, the once-a-month day we’ve reserved to share our news with you – all sorts of fun news!
So check out the post below to get the details on the kinds of things that make us go Yee-Haw!!
Sarah Lamb
I’m so excited to share this new release with you! What happens when the pastor’s daughter is kidnapped, and the only one who can save her is the man who was told to stay far, far away?
He didn’t have a plan. He didn’t know what he was going to do when he got there, but he had to make sure Mirabelle was safe. If some harm had befallen her, all because he was too slow in acting…
Billy tried to calm his fearful thoughts. He knew he couldn’t think that way. It was important to stay calm. Focused.
The church was ahead, and just beyond it the pastor’s house. Windows were closed, curtains drawn. The sight made him run faster. Billy got to the door and pounded on it. For the first time ever, he prayed Tom would open it.
After he punched the man in the nose, he’d make sure Mirabelle was safe.
There was silence beyond. Now, worry filled him. Billy raised his fist and knocked again.
If no one was answering, that was even worse. It might mean Tom had done something to the family. Billy stepped back, about to ram his shoulder into the lock, when the door opened.
Pastor Blackstone stood there, the fear apparent on his face.
“Mirabelle,” Billy said. “Where is she?”
“She—she—I’ve—” The pastor was stammering so badly he couldn’t stop. His whole body was trembling.
Billy grabbed hold of his shoulders and shook him. “Where is she?” he repeated.
From beyond, a figure drew closer, and Billy had his gun in his hand and pointed at the person before he could blink. A feminine scream made him lower it. “Mrs. Blackstone,” he said, pushing his way past the frozen pastor. “Where’s Mirabelle?”
“He took her,” she wailed, her voice near a scream. “He took my daughter!”
I’m thrilled that Cloaked in Beauty has won the Holt Medallion for best long inspirational novel. Such a huge honor.
Winnie Griggs
It’s Christmas in July time!
I’m thrilled to be part of the 2025 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza! From July 1st through the 31st, participants will be introduced to festive holiday reads (including one of mine!) and have the chance to win fun daily giveaways and over $2,000 in grand prizes. My book will be featured on July 13th.
Sign up using THIS LINK to learn more and join the fun.
ALSO
Luke releases at the end of the month. I’m so excited about this book – these characters and their story have been on my heart for nearly ten years now and to have the opportunity to finally give them life has been truly satisfying. Here is a little taste of what the story is about:
He left without saying goodbye. Now he’s back—injured, weary, and in her care.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near?fatal accident, Hattie’s hard?won peace is put to the test.
Luke never planned to return to Tucker’s Gap. As a Texas Ranger, he’s built a life defined by duty, danger, and distance from the past. But when an ambush leaves him badly injured, the only road to recovery leads back to the town he once left behind—and to Hattie, the woman he can’t ignore.
Luke’s plan is to heal and leave as quickly as he came. But the more time he spends in Tucker’s Gap—watching Hattie work, reconnecting with old ties, and facing the ghosts he never quite laid to rest—the harder it becomes to walk away. Especially when he begins to wonder if the life he’s built is really the one he wants… and if the woman he left behind might just be the home he’s been searching for all along.
Welcome to Yee-Haw Day, the once-a-month day we’ve reserved to share our news with you – all sorts of fun news!
So check out the post below to get the details on the kinds of things that make us go Yee-Haw!!
Karen Witemeyer
This past weekend I learned that I am a double finalist for the Holt Medallion Award! I am thrilled and so honored. Results will be announced later this month.
Then, just a couple days ago, I received that fabulous news that the same two books took first and second place in the Selah Awards for the Western Christian Fiction category. What a wonderful honor! A reader friend made me this wonderful graphic. I’m so blessed!
Jo-Ann Roberts
My new release!!!
Ash “Shotgun” McCrae can never make up for all the wrong he’s done. After leaving a notorious outlaw gang, he thought he’d discovered the peaceful existence he’d been looking for when he found work laying tracks for the railroad in Rivers Bend. Yet, when trouble shows up in town, he fears he may never free himself from the burden of his past.
Schoolteacher Kate Cummings stands as the one bright light in contrast to the curious looks and behind-the-glove whispers blowing through the town. The arrival of Padraic “Patch” Rooney and his gang challenges the small-town serenity she holds dear. Still, her steadfast trust in Ash awakens the strength of courage within them all, giving rise to the collective defiance against the approaching danger.
In a deadly game of dangerous outlaws and secret schemes, Kate and Ash must decide whether they are willing to risk everything for their love, including their lives.
“Run,” he told her, with a jerk of his head toward the door.
“Where?” she whispered.
Her father stepped closer, but Aaron pushed her away, blocking her father’s attempt to grab her. Rosalee stumbled, and her back hit the wall near the kitchen door. As her father lunged at her, Aaron blocked him again.
“It doesn’t matter where. I’ll hold him off as long as I can. If I’m not hanged, I’ll be in jail. But it’s worth it. All of it. The rest of my days—or minutes—no matter how few, I’ll be content knowing you got away. This is all I can do for you. To show you how much I love you.”
At his words, everything stopped. Her father stared between them in a mixture of anger and fear. Aaron’s expression was one of determination, and Rosalee felt goosebumps break out over her entire body.
A choking sob ripped from Rosalee’s throat. Her chest felt as though it were being torn apart. She couldn’t bear to see the desperation on Aaron’s face, and the anger on her father’s. How had everything changed so quickly?
Rosalee reached toward Aaron, and her fingers brushed against his arm. Then, she burst through the kitchen door and ran.
Welcome to Yee-Haw Day, the once-a-month day we’ve reserved to share our news with you – all sorts of fun news!
So check out the post below to get the details on the kinds of things that make us go Yee-Haw!!
Cathy McDavid
I recently came home from vacation to the awesome news that my book, DEADLY SECRETS, is a finalist in the Carolyn Readers Choice Awards contest. Whoo, hoo!
Friends, my latest sweet historical western romance, “Ash” – Gun for Hire will release this month. It is Book 6 in a multi-author series.
Ash “Shotgun” McCrae can never make up for all the wrong he’s done. After leaving a notorious outlaw gang, he thought he’d discovered the peaceful existence he’d been looking for when he found work laying tracks for the railroad in Rivers Bend. Yet, when trouble shows up in town, he fears he may never free himself from the burden of his past.
Schoolteacher Kate Cummings stands as the one bright light in contrast to the curious looks and behind-the-glove whispers blowing through the town. The arrival of Padraic “Patch” Rooney and his gang challenges the small-town serenity she holds dear. Still, her steadfast trust in Ash awakens the strength of courage within them all, giving rise to the collective defiance against the approaching danger.
In a deadly game of dangerous outlaws and secret schemes, Kate and Ash must decide whether they are willing to risk everything for their love, including their lives.
Book #3 Blackstone Ranch Sweet Contemporary Romance
will be FREE
starting tomorrow!
Shandi Flanagan has lived in Paxton Springs, Texas, her whole life. When the bar and grill she’s been working at since high school comes up for sale, she vows to find the money to buy it. But when her house goes up in flames, so do her entrepreneurial dreams. The only good thing to come of it? Being rescued by the hottest cowboy around, Jace Paxton.
Jace has his hands full finding a way to grow his family’s vacation resort and tracking down the rustlers who stole his new herd of calves. At least being able to save Shandi, the town’s favorite sweetheart, goes right. She needs a place to stay, and there’s plenty of room on the Blackstone Ranch.
But he needs the bar and grill as much as she does. And while he’s a formidable competitor…she’s not. How can he take away her dream and future? How could she love him if he did?
How about a .99 ebook and a .99 preorder? To celebrate the release of Rosalee, I’ve got the book where we first meet her for just .99!
Evie Brown would do anything for her uncle, the only family she’s ever known. So when he comes to her with a desperate plea to help save his home and business, she takes the only job she can find—housemaid for a rancher she knows nothing about. Making friends with a ranch hand who literally sweeps her off her feet is just a bonus.
Andrew Radcliffe is tired of every woman he’s ever met only interested in his money. Giving up on love, he focuses on expanding his ranch, and demanding loyalty from those who work for him. Mistaken by Evie for a servant in his own home, he plays along. At first, he enjoys the chance to learn more about the spirited young woman working for him. But complications arise as he falls in love with her.
Just after Evie admits to Andrew she’s fallen for him, her uncle arrives with a scheme. Now Evie faces an impossible choice—lose the man she’s fallen in love with, or turn her back on her family. Who will she betray? And when Evie discovers Andrew isn’t just a ranch hand, she’s certain no matter her decision, a happy ending is heartbreakingly out of reach.
And then, you can preorder her story at .99 for a limited time!
Rosalee Milton never imagined that she’d go from a wealthy heiress to a woman in hiding, but that’s just what happened. Now, she’s living in a boarding house where the well meaning but nosy woman who runs the place is determined to set her up with someone. The last thing Rosalee has ever wanted is marriage, but it might be the only thing that saves her life.
Aaron Woods loathes the Milton family. He’s been forced to work off a false debt by her father, and now the man demands the unthinkable. Secretly protect his daughter on a trip East. If he does, Aaron’s debt will be cleared. If he fails, he’ll be in jail. Getting too close might give away his true mission, but it also might be the only way to keep her safe.
Complications arise as each realizes that the very things they’ve been running from are no longer avoidable. Will Rosalee let herself fall in love with the man who vowed to protect her? Or will Aaron walk away, letting his feelings for her father come between them?
COMING SOON! From the pen of Genny Cothern, aka Karen Kay
TO TAME THE WILD HORSE
Book #2 in The Untamed West series!
Good Eagle and Starling Nelson have become friends and partners, and, after facing down a thousand pound grizzly bear together, they are off on their next adventure, To Capture and Tame the wild Black Stallion.
Well, I did a thing! I created an audio book of my Christmas Stocking Sweethearts novella, MERRY’S CHRISTMAS COWBOY.
Full disclosure, the audio book is AI narration. But rest assured, the story is an original work written entirely by me. Only the naration is AI.
I don’t think the voice sounds bad. You can listen to a sample if you click the Virtual Voice Sample button on the Amazon page. Here’s the link of you want to check it out 🙂
I’m excited to share with you my new Christmas books. It’s been a busy writing year. I’ve published 13 new books this year, as well as a few short stories, and I’ve loved writing each one of them!
Last December, Captain Cavedweller and I were able to cross one trip off our travel bucket list – seeing the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. That visit inspired me to write a new holiday series of books set in a beautiful home on the Columbia River in Oregon. The four books follow four generations of the Hudson family, beginning with Brant Hudson, who builds Hudson House, and the feisty woman who captures his heart.
He came to build the house of his dreams, but found a home for his heart.
After an extensive search for the ideal location to build a house he’s spent years designing, Brant Hudson knows he’s found the perfect site the moment he sets foot on the land near Silver Bluff, Oregon. However, frustrating delays leave him laboring alongside the very crew he hired to finish the house in time for Christmas. His work leads the woman who catches his eye to believe he’s a carpenter rather than the owner of the grand manor.
Holland Drake grew up on a farm, but she aspires to secure a position as a housemaid at Hudson House. While delivering lunch to her brother at the worksite, the door opens to a job when Holland encounters a strikingly handsome carpenter whose charm captivates her. Soon, Holland discovers the enchanting man is none other than the owner of the house and her new employer.
As the holiday season arrives amid a flurry of excitement and possibilities, Holland and Brant face choices that could change their lives forever. Will fear hold them back from stepping into the future together, or will their Christmas dreams of love come true?
A Christmas Dream is the first book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.
Will Christmas spark a romance that blooms into lasting love?
After losing his brother and part of himself on a French battlefield during the Great War, Kase Hudson seeks refuge from the haunting memories at his childhood home. He finds solace in carving wooden Santa figurines in his workshop in the stables that he sends to gift shops to sell. Kase distances himself from his family’s unwanted sympathy until his sister, Sarah, arrives for the holidays with her vibrant friend. He never expected beautiful Dori to breathe warmth and joy into the house right along with his heart.
With no family of her own, photographer Dori Stanford eagerly accepts Sarah Hudson’s invitation to join her for Christmas at her family’s home in Oregon. The two friends travel from their college in California to Silver Bluff, excited to spend the holidays at Hudson House. Once they arrive, Dori makes it her mission to connect with Sarah’s sullen brother, Kase, and draws him into the wonder of the season.
Will her persistence and encouragement be the spark Kase needs to step out of the past and into his future—possibly one that includes Dori?
A Christmas Spark is the second book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.
Will a Christmas romance lead two searching hearts to a lifetime love?
Bound to the Hudson House family estate, Vienna Hudson strives to uphold the legacy her grandparents established. When she’s not busy preserving her heritage or managing the family corporation, she steals away for horseback rides across the sprawling grounds—until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger turns her world upside down.
Surveyor Sam Bishop is tasked with plotting a new interstate through the Silver Bluff area. He faces a significant challenge when his calls to an elusive landowner go unanswered, prompting an impromptu visit to Hudson House. Excited to explore the beautiful acreage, nothing could prepare him for Vienna’s fiery welcome—armed with a pistol and a courageous spirit.
As holiday bells ring across the estate, Vienna and Sam work together to navigate the complexities of both the road project and the ever-evolving feelings dancing between them. Will the pair find a way to embrace their unexpected connection? Or will the pressures of responsibility and ambition tear them apart before they realize love is the most precious gift of the season?
A Christmas Love is the third book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.
A heartfelt holiday tale of a family’s legacy that leads two hearts to love.
Reeling from the recent death of his father, Alex Hudson returns to Silver Bluff to protect his family’s legacy. Upon reaching Hudson House, he discovers the once-vibrant estate all but abandoned. On top of that, his conniving aunts seem intent on seizing his inheritance. In search of support, Alex turns to a local attorney. There, he meets a woman who becomes an ally, friend, and the one person who can give him hope and a place to belong.
Nori Laroux enjoys working as a partner at her father’s law firm. However, when he entrusts an important client to her care, Nori finds herself grappling with her feelings for Alex Hudson from the moment they meet. Committed to protecting his inheritance, she is determined to help Alex preserve the legacy of Hudson House, even if it means risking her own heart in the process.
When Alex suggests the idea of reopening the historic home for a Christmas celebration, Nori and her family eagerly step in to help deck the halls and fill Hudson House with cheer.
Will the holiday season bring Alex and Nori to the discovery that hope is a special gift and that love is the most treasured of all?
A Christmas Hope is the fourth book in the Hudson House Holiday series of wholesome, heartwarming Christmas romances full of the joy of the season.
I also have a new book in my Rodeo Romance series.
It was so fun to write because the heroes are funny guys and Mending Christmas includes a few scenes of Billy (the hero) and Beth (the heroine) babysitting her best friend’s three lively youngsters. The book releases December 12!
When life throws them together, will love mend the broken pieces of their hearts?
Injuries are an inevitable part of the job for rodeo bullfighter Billy Clark. But when a feisty bull tosses him over the fence, Billy lands at the feet of a captivating woman. In that moment, he concludes the pain might be a small price to pay just to experience her gentle touch again. Having grown up as an orphan, Billy has struggled with loneliness his whole life. Yet, the way this woman gazes at him ignites a flicker of hope that he might one day find love.
After years of working in a bustling big city emergency room, Dr. Beth Moore desperately needs a break. She retreats to Twin Falls, Idaho, and settles into the house she recently inherited from her grandfather. When her best friend, Sierra, talks her into attending a local rodeo, Beth never expected to have an injured cowboy land at her feet much less to be so attracted to the charming man.
Concerned about Billy’s recovery, Beth travels with the rodeo stock company to keep an eye on him, while he unwittingly teaches her about the importance of embracing happiness. Will their budding friendship begin to mend the broken pieces of their hearts?
Mending Christmas is a wholesome holiday western filled with heartfelt moments, humor, and a tender romance.
I also wrote a brand new short story for this collection of historical Christian romances from a group of amazing authors, including our own Karen Witemeyer!
The best part – it’s free!
Beneath A Christmas Sky is my contribution. If you’ve read any of my Pendleton Petticoats stories, you’ll be thrilled to see old friends, like Riley and Bertie Walsh and Steve the Mule, make appearances in this heartwarming holiday romance.
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!
Howdy, everyone! Cathy McDavid here with an exciting announcement.
Lately, there have been a few changes in the corral here at Petticoats & Pistols. To celebrate our newest members and reacquaint you with familiar faces, we’ve put together a short video featuring all of the fillies. Take a peek at some of their awesome books and learn a little bit about them. Just click on the link below, and you’ll be taken to the video.
We hope you enjoy the video and will even share this post to help us spread the word. We really appreciate all our friends here at Petticoats and Pistols and love starting our days with you.
We’re always sad when a filly who’s been here for a long time moves on, but career changes happen. The Fillies had grown very attached to Julie Benson and hated to see her leave. But her new five-book contract with Tule Publishing is about Texas soldiers, not cowboys, so she felt it best not to stay. Please look for her romances as they come out. We’ll be sure to shout it to the rooftops. We’re so proud of her.
But that left one empty space in the corral and we’ve found an excellent author – Sarah Lamb – to fill it. Miss Sarah is quickly learning the ropes and we’re tickled to death to have her join us. She’s put her horse in the corral, and my Jasper has taken a shine to the mustang already.
Miss Sarah is the wife of an amazing teacher and mom to two boys who are growing up just a little too fast. Her day job is helping others to become writers, while she squeezes in each spare moment she can on her own books. She spends her days working and writing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and planning her next trip to Disney World. Miss Sarah has written a slew of bestselling romances, both historical and contemporary, thirty-four to be exact. We’re already finding her a wonderful Filly to complete our little family. Her first blog is April 3rd, and we’d love for you all to drop by and welcome her.
We have big changes at the corral again. First, we bid a sad farewell to Kari Trumbo who had exciting things happening in her life and you’ll see a lot of new releases from her soon. Man, we hated to see her go though. Kari had entrenched herself into our hearts and brought an extra measure of sweet smiles. We wish her the very best in all she does. Reach for the stars, Kari! They’re not that high.
But we’re really excited to welcome a lady that I know will become a great friend. I want to introduce you to Jill Kemerer. Jill writes modern-day cowboys who drive pickup trucks as easily as ride horses. Each inspirational Harlequin Love Inspired becomes a Publisher’s Weekly favorite and over half a million of her books are sold world wide. We’re absolutely tickled to death to have her put her horse in our corral. Her newest book – United by the Twins – comes out February 20, 2024. Jill’s first blog with us will be Tuesday, February 6th. Please stop by and make her welcome.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near?fatal accident, Hattie’s hard?won peace is put to the test.
