Giveaways

The Rose of Sharon by Kara O’Neal–and a giveaway

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Howdy, fellow western romance readers! It’s great to be back!

I’m excited to share the sixth book in my Wildflowers of Texas series – THE ROSE OF SHARON – with y’all.

This romance features Miss Libby Mae Truman, who first appeared in PRICKLY POPPY. Libby became quite the person for me. She’s formidable and had suffered a broken heart, so I just had to give her a happy ending.

We also meet the man who adores her in PRICKLY POPPY. Except…he’s already married.

Brannon Welch has had a painful life, but he’s managed it with as much care as he possibly could. He’s secretly in love with Libby, and when his wife deserts him, he decides to go after what he wants.

This is my first “later in life” romance, and I must say that I truly enjoyed writing these two characters. They are both people I admire, and I think you will, as well!

This series has been interesting, because each heroine connects with a wildflower in some way. When I first “met” Libby, her flower came instantly to my mind.

The Rose of Sharon is strikingly beautiful, and it can withstand the harshest elements of West Texas. This describes Libby perfectly. She’s a leader, manages all sorts of problems and people, and doesn’t cower in a corner when faced with something difficult. She’s a “general of the west” for sure!

 

THE ROSE OF SHARON represents Libby’s resilience. If you had to pick a flower that describes your personality, which one would it be and why? One lucky commentor will win a free copy (print or ebook)!

Blurb

Brownwood, Texas, 1883

Libby Truman was once a fool for love, and she vowed never again to be so ridiculous. Time has passed, and she’s now forty-two, a pillar of society, and in complete control of her life. But when someone begins leaving the striking blossoms of the Rose of Sharon for her, her heart begins to yearn.

Brannon Welch, forty-five, successful businessman, respected member of the town, is in love. But not with his wife. With Libby. He’s tired of hiding his feelings. And now that his wife has deserted him, he’s found the courage to give romance another try.

But vengeance comes for Libby, and Brannon must do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means his own life.

Excerpt

He loved her.

He had to stop lying to himself, stop pretending.

He loved her.

Libby Truman.

Libby Mae Truman.

At the thought of her name, his heart swelled to almost bursting.

He allowed her angelic form to materialize in his mind’s eye, and his pulse began to race.

Letting out a slow breath, he rose from the chair behind his desk. He drifted closer to the second-story windows of his office and looked out at the sunset.

The red was blending into orange. West Texas had its beauty, and it never failed to amaze him. The rawness of the land, the untamed nature, had appealed to his soul, and despite what his wife had wanted, he’d settled here to build his legacy.

And that’s when it had all gone bad.

Penelope hadn’t wanted to live in Brownwood. She’d wanted Austin. Or Houston.

He’d put his foot down.

That had been his mistake, but he’d tried to make up for it. He’d worked his fingers to the bone, had created three companies, had amassed enough wealth to give her whatever she wanted.

Whatever she wanted, though, was never enough.

He hadn’t known that the strawberry-blonde curls, the sparkling hazel eyes, the sweet smile had hidden a selfish, manipulative viper.

After ten years of trying, he’d given up. He’d fallen out of love, which made having a marriage impossible. Not that Penelope had cared or noticed. She’d thrown all her efforts, time, love, and care into their son, Anson.

Who was now in prison. For murder.

As it always did, the memory of his child being arrested, tried, sentenced, and taken away made his heart crack. It was a wonder the organ still worked.

He thought about his life, catalogued his mistakes and regrets. Hanging his head, he slipped his hands into his pockets, pushing his gray suitcoat back.

There was only one bright spot in his world.

Libby Truman.

Blonde-headed, blue-eyed, petite.

Generous. Hard-working. Highly intelligent.

Fiercely independent.

They’d operated side-by-side over the years, both helping with various social functions. He’d sat on the Town Council multiple times, and she’d been the leader of many events that had needed the council’s approval. They also attended the same church, where she was very active, and had consistently inspired him to be the best he could be.

She was the epitome of womanhood.

And yet, she’d never married. He didn’t even know if she’d ever been courted.

The man who might turn her head would be the best of men.

And he was not.

Yes, he was a good businessman, and he had reasons to believe he was a good boss and a good Christian. But he’d failed as a husband and father, the two most important roles.

He lifted his head and gazed once again at the setting sun.

And thought of her.

Libby.

He loved her.

Brannon Welch loved Libby Truman.

He would hold the truth inside, though. He would never act on his feelings.

He had a wife. She’d deserted him, had moved back to Dallas, but he had one.

And Libby had principles. She never went back on them.

He smiled softly.

My God, how I love her.

Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/3L1Q8D

Kara O’Neal is an award-winning author of over thirty historical romances. Humor, family, love, and romance take center stage in her novels, and her characters have been touted as “real, complex, and down-to-earth”. Her books are available in print and ebook.

When not writing, she’s a teacher, but she’s always a mother to three talented children, and the wife of a man quite worthy of being called “hero”.

Telling stories is her passion, and she does so with memorable characters and unique plots certain to keep you reading late into the night! Visit Kara O’Neal at http://www.karaoneal.com.

Where to Find Kara

Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon

 

Winnie’s Winners

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Hello everyone. A big thank you to everyone who dropped by to join the conversation on earthquakes earlier this week. Some of your stories were really eye-poppin. I put the names of all those who stopped by in a cyber hat and randomly selected

Danielle B 

Valri Western

Congratulations – you have each one a signed book of your choice from my backlist (You can find a list HERE). Once you’ve selected, send me  the title along with your mailing info and I’ll get the book right on out to you.

Is There Ever Such a Thing as a New Idea?

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We’re so happy to welcome back guest author Nancy Fraser! She’s toting four books to give away so be sure to leave a comment.  

One of the things authors struggle with the most is the challenge of finding a new historical romance trope… something that hasn’t been done hundreds of times. It’s not easy.

It helps if you’re writing your book as part of a multi-author series, because the initial trope is already there. Whether it’s a mail-order bride scenario, or wagon train romances, or even the land rush decades, the author’s job is to breathe fresh life into a tried-and-true formula.

Where to begin?
One thing that helps me is to first set a time period. I’m partial to the late 1880s or early 1890s, and for the silliest of reasons. I want indoor plumbing. I can’t tell you the number of historical romances I’ve read where nobody goes to the bathroom because there’s nothing engaging about hiking to the outhouse.

Indoor plumbing came to the cities and states east of the Mississippi not long after the Civil War. In some instances, e.g., well-to-do homes, it a was even earlier. However, the luxury was slow to arrive out west. In the more remote areas, homes didn’t rid themselves of the outdoor facilities until well into the 1900s. As a child (1950s), I remember one aunt who still used her outhouse. Believe me, for an eight-year-old, that pre-bedtime hike was both exciting and scary. Especially when you were being followed by an ornery turkey.

I digress. My intention was to talk about finding a different story angle.

So, how do you find that one ‘new’ story? Once I’ve set my time period and chosen my main character’s profession and the location for my story, I search for late 19th century facts about the area and the job, e.g., “1880’s medical facilities in rural Oklahoma”. Once I’ve found something quirky or, at least, interesting, I can fashion my plot around a little-known fact. I’ve even begun adding a feature to the back of most of my books called, “The More You Know”. I recap my research and share what I’ve learned over and above weaving it into my story.

Earlier this month, I released Lost in Her Dreams as part of the Chasing a Dream Series. I set the story in Alaska at the time of the Klondike Gold Rush. My fact sheet was full for that one.

Once an author has an idea for something unusual, the plot twist comes next. The what-ifs are used to tweak the facts without breaking them. Whether your unique story comes from the location or the premise itself, there are a number of ways to work in new ideas without compromising your research.

I’ve had the privilege of writing for a most unusual series of western historical romances beginning late last year. The series is titled, “The Bride Who…”. The objective of the series was to put our heroine brides in unusual circumstances. The titles in the series have been wonderfully entertaining.

Yesterday, February 26th, marked the release of my third book in the series. Titled: The Bride Who Writes Penny Novels, it was fun to create an alter ego for my heroine. Worried that some would deem her a loose woman, she chooses a nom de plum to honor her family history and stay hidden at the same time.

My first two books in the series were equally as much fun (and as challenging). The Bride Who Keeps Running Away came first and is an old-west reimagining of the movie, Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The second book, The Bride Who Reads Too Much, gave my heroine a goal and a profession… one that the hero was happy to accept (eventually).

Whether it’s research that drives the author’s new idea, or maybe a unique group premise, the important thing is always to entertain and draw the reader into the story.


Here’s a sneak peek at The Bride Who Writes Penny Novels:

Kathryn (Kate) Montgomery has a secret… a big one.

Trained as a schoolteacher, she’s happy to spend her days teaching the primary grades in one of Denver’s most prestigious schools. By night, Kate sets aside her primers for a vocation of a different kind. Writing penny novels.

Left an inheritance of property in the small town of Elbert, Colorado, Kate decides to leave Denver behind and try her hand at writing full time.

Sheriff Rafe Nichols is summoned by a neighbor of the old Montague property because they suspect a squatter. When he arrives at the slightly rundown home, he’s surprised to find a beautiful, young woman who claims to be the owner. They butt heads when he tells her he’ll need to check into the legality of her claim.

What will happen with the small town of Elbert discovers her alter-ego’s identity? And how will it effect her relationship with Rafe?
You can find Kate and her handsome sheriff on AMAZON
As with all my books, it’s enrolled in Kindle Unlimited and available in print.

When you’re looking for a new book to read, do you try to find something with an unusual plot, twist, or historical detail? Or do you prefer to stay with the tried and true? As a thank you for the commenters who will spend time with me today, I’m pleased to give away four prizes, two copies of The Bride Who Writes Penny Novels and two copies of Lost in Her Dreams. 



Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well-read.

Nancy

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NANCY FRASER is a bestselling and award-winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Her preferred genres are sweet western historical and sweet small-town contemporary. However, she has been known to dabble in the most unusual settings.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

You can follow Nancy here:

Amazon Author Page ~ Bookbub ~ BlueSky Social  ~  Goodreads

 

Why Western Romance Stories Feel Like Coming Home

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This week, we welcome back a dear friend–Robin Lee Hatcher! I hope you’ll make her welcome!

There’s a reason Western romance fiction continues to draw readers back, year after year. It isn’t only the sweeping landscapes or the promise of new beginnings. At its heart, Western romance is about people who arrive carrying the weight of the past—and discover that love, faith, and belonging can be found in the most unexpected places.
That truth is at the center of To Find Where She Belongs. When Keely arrives in Idaho, she isn’t chasing adventure or freedom for its own sake. She’s running—from fear, from shame, and from a life where she learned too early that safety was fragile and trust came at a cost. Like so many heroines in Western romance, Keely comes to the edge of the frontier hoping the wide-open land might offer something she has never truly known: peace.
William Overstreet, on the other hand, is already rooted. He belongs to the land, to his faith, and to a way of life shaped by responsibility and quiet perseverance.

He isn’t searching for change; he believes he’s exactly where God has placed him. Yet even in the midst of that certainty, he carries a loneliness he barely allows himself to name. Western romance often pairs a wandering heart with a steady one, and Keely and William embody that contrast.

The ranch at Eden’s Gate becomes more than a setting. It becomes a proving ground. In the West, there is little room for false appearances. Hard work reveals character. Consistency builds trust. And slowly, through shared days and ordinary moments, Keely begins to experience something unfamiliar: kindness without expectation. William doesn’t demand to know her past or rush her healing. He offers space, respect, and grace. Qualities that define the best Western heroes and the kind of love stories readers long for.

 

Keely’s journey mirrors that of many beloved Western romance heroines. She believes belonging must be earned through silence, obedience, or perfection. William, shaped by his faith, understands something she does not yet grasp: that grace is freely given, not bargained for. Their growing affection isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady, patient, and rooted in safety. In a genre known for rugged strength, their love story reminds us that gentleness can be just as powerful.

Western romance stories resonate because they echo a deeper longing: to be known, to be forgiven, and to be welcomed home. For Keely, home is not simply a place on the map. It’s found in a man who sees her worth even when she cannot, and in a God who has never lost sight of her, no matter how far she’s wandered.

That is why Western romance feels like coming home. And I hope you’ll find that is true when you read To Find Where She Belongs.

I’m delighted to give away an autographed paperback of To Find Where She Belongs to one US Petticoats and Pistols reader. Just let me know in the comments what is your favorite thing about Western romance fiction.

Back cover copy:
Guilt followed her across an ocean. Grace called her home.

Desperate to leave Hooke Manor, Keely Boyle does what she feels she must in order to flee England for America, hoping to make a new life with the help of a man who befriended her years before. But when she arrives at Eden’s Gate, a large cattle ranch in the shadows of the Tetons, it is William Overstreet who offers her a fresh start.

William—a steady, God-fearing man—doesn’t need the complications falling for the pretty Irish immigrant would bring. He has enough problems already: water on the range has been poisoned and cattle are dying. But even as danger stalks the ranch, William can’t stop himself from being drawn to Keely’s fiery spirit and winsome ways.

When Keely’s secret sin is exposed, her world—and the love she’s come to cherish—teeters on the edge of ruin. But through danger and redemption, both she and William will find that belonging isn’t a matter of where they stand, but Whose grace holds them fast.
Set against the rugged beauty of 1890s Idaho, To Find Where She Belongs is a tender story of redemption, love, and the God who can turn even our deepest shame into belonging.



Robin Lee Hatcher is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 95 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of courage, faith, and love. In addition to many writing awards—including the Christy, Carol, and RITA Awards—she’s the recipient of prestigious lifetime achievement awards from both ACFW and RWA. She lives in the Boise area with a demanding papillon dog.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCPHGG3P?tag=pettpist-20

An Unusual Groom and a Giveaway!

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It’s such a pleasure to be with you again today. In our literary world, I wear two hats: reader and author. The reader’s hat is the one I’ve worn the longest; I’m an avid book lover who read 385 books in 2025, even while writing eleven of my own. But every so often, I trade that reader’s hat for my author’s Stetson and step into this paddock to share what I’ve been working on.

 

 

As you might imagine, growing up as a half Native American and half white child in the Old West could present many problems. Many times, the children didn’t feel as if they were accepted in either world, especially when they were raised in a white culture. Neighbors often discriminated against them, and they might or might not be allowed to attend a school. If they were, they often met strong prejudice, harassment, and sometimes abuse. They had few, if any, friends, and as they grew older, there were no one to court. They were rarely able to find a job, apart from riding as a scout for the military, and no one wanted to sell them property. So many of the doors that others took for granted were closed to them. This is the backdrop to my new novel.

 

My final book in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series released on February 10th. These four novels have been a joy to write, and with 68 titles and more still on the way, it’s clear readers have embraced this series as much as we authors have. I didn’t intend it, but I may have saved my most tender, heartfelt story for last. Gwendolyn’s Groom invites readers into the rugged beauty of the Old West, where love rarely comes easy, sacrifice may be demanded, and true courage sometimes means choosing the harder road.

Gwendolyn Corbett never imagined her father would secretly contact a matchmaker on her behalf, and she certainly didn’t expect her potential groom to come with a heritage that would shock her small Wyoming community. With her father’s heart failing and the doctor warning that any stress could hasten his decline, Gwendolyn faces an impossible choice: marry a stranger or risk losing the man she loves most.

 

River Donahue has spent his life on the margins. Since his grandmother’s death, he’s been left with a bitter grandfather and a lineage that makes landowners refuse to sell to him and employers unwilling to hire him. When the matchmaker his grandmother trusted sends him to a dying horse rancher, River is offered something he never dared hope for—a home, a future, and a family. All he must do is marry the rancher’s daughter. But promises can cast long shadows, and dreams often demand a price. Are River and Gwendolyn stepping into a blessing or a storm?
I’m thrilled to share this story with you. Gwendolyn’s Groom is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and in paperback. My Audible narrator offered such heartfelt praise for the story that I can’t wait to hear what readers think. I hope you’ll check it out. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLKB5Q2W?tag=pettpist-20

To win either a free Kindle or a free Audible copy of Gwendolyn’s Groom, answer the following question: Would you ever agree to a marriage of convenience if it meant prolonging the life of someone you loved deeply and trusted? Why or why not?

Winnie’s Winners

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Thanks to everyone who stopped by to leave comments on my post about dentistry in the old west – it was fun hearing your stories. I randomly selected two names for my giveaway – they are:

Rhonda McDermitt

Cherie J

Congratulations ladies! You’ve won your choice of a signed copy of any of my books. You can find a list of my books on my website HERE  Once you’ve made your selection, email me with the title and your mailing info and I Ill get the book on out to you.

Western Slang

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Welcome everyone to a little bit different of a blog post today! It’s a mite chilly, what with the snowcrete that has no signs of thawing, and the shockingly high electricity bill, so it’s got me pining for the days of the past, though I don’t know if they were really all that warm in the winter. 

Since I write mostly historical, I’m a stickler for my research. I love to learn new things, and I bet you do too. Today I decided to share a few interesting phrases with you! 

These were all common words or phrases in language in the 1800s, like our modern day slang. I really don’t know how in the world they came up with these. That would make for an interesting story. 

Ready to learn a few new words? Maybe you can work them into a conversation this week! 

Pudding Foot – This was the “cowboy talk” for a horse with big feet

Dinah – This was one of the names miners and loggers used for dynamite. 

Loma – A Southwestern term used for a rise or a low hill. It was borrowed from the Spanish, and was often used to name places.

Long Sweetening – Molasses! How about that? I’d have never guessed! Molasses had other names too, sich as blackstrap, larrup, lick, long lick, and long-tailed sugar. And, sugar itself? It was called short sweetening. 

Grama – Any species of the Boutelou grass that was common in the West. Early explorers and pioneers were surprised that it was as nutritious when tried and brown as it was fresh and green in spring and summer. 

Corral Dust – Cowboy talk for a yarn, or a tall tale

Cart Wheel – A big coin, like a silver dollar

Book Count – A bit different than I’d have guessed! This means the number of cows the tally book says are on there. 

Tedra – Adapted from the Spanish word heidra, which  means ivy, yedra means poison ivy or poison oak. 

Bridal Chamber – Among miners, the far end of a narrow tunnel where work is being moved forward

Owl Hoot – An outlaw

Mail-Order Cowboy – A tenderfoot decked out fancy-like in what he hopes is cowboy gear. This was also called mail-order catalog on foot. 

Goosey – A man or a horse that’s jumpy

Doctor – This was the logger’s name for their camp cook

Weren’t those some fun words? Now that the learning for the day is done, how about a giveaway? I think an eBook of my Mail-Order Teacher would be a fun one! 

Here’s a little look at what that one’s about. 

He thought he was heading to a teaching job, not that of a husband. Now what?

Samuel Donner, an experienced schoolteacher with a steely gaze and a firm grip on his principles, arrives in the dusty town of Cottonwood Falls answering their call for help. He’s determined to bring order to chaos and transform the unruly children into well-educated citizens. His first target: the blatant disregard for attendance.

Abigail Lees, a single mother of three, struggles to keep her head above water. When Samuel visits, warning that her eldest son, Thomas, needs to attend school more often, she’s surprised. Unbeknownst to her, Thomas has taken on the responsibility of providing for the family, sacrificing his education in the process.

Torn between his duty to the town and his growing affection for Abigail, and the fact another woman insists he’s her mail-order husband, Samuel finds himself in a difficult position. He wants to help Thomas and Abigail, but adhering to his promise to the school board, and fending off unwanted advances, proves increasingly challenging.

Then Thomas is accused of a serious crime, and Samuel must reach a decision. Will he stand by the boy, even if it means jeopardizing his reputation and potentially betraying the trust of the community? And can his love for Abigail survive the storm of doubt and suspicion that threatens to engulf them all?

If you’d like to learn more, or read this book, you can find it here. 

To be entered to win your own ebook copy, just tell me which of the phrases above you thought was the craziest! I’ll choose one commenter randomly to win the ebook!

Where Is Felicia – Answer Revealed

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Well, shoot. Ya’ll are far too good at guessin’. Or maybe I’m just an excellent clue-giver. Let’s go with that.

But ya’ll were right. My first road trip took me to Abilene, Texas to visit Karen Witemeyer. West Texas sure is flat, but they got some right fine sunsets. The type that would be perfect for ridin’ off into with a handsome feller. Too bad I couldn’t find one to scoop me up. Maybe when I visit the next filly.

After throwin’ all the names into my hat, I pulled out a winner.

Congrats go to Patricia B!

Mz. Witemeyer will be sendin’ you an email, Patricia, with instructions on how to claim your prize. Keep yer eyes peeled on yer inbox.

See ya’ll at my next stop!

Welcome Misty M. Beller

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Hello Reader Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to be back with my Petticoats and Pistols family again today!

And I get to share the brainstorming behind my new series, The Lords of the Rockies. This idea has been percolating in my mind for a couple of years now—a mash-up of two of my favorite historical romance worlds: Regency England and the rugged American West.

When we think about the American West, English dukes and titled gentlemen don’t usually come to mind. We picture cowboys, homesteaders, and folks chasing a fresh start under wide western skies—not men raised in manor houses an ocean away.

But here’s the fun historical truth: English aristocrats really did head west, especially younger sons who had little waiting for them back home.

In England, the system of primogeniture meant the eldest son inherited the title, the estate, and the future. Younger sons were expected to find respectable paths—often the military, the church, or law—but not everyone was suited to those roles. And not every family could afford to set each son up comfortably.

For many of those younger sons, the American West offered something England didn’t: opportunity without expectation.

Out West, no one cared who your father was. What mattered was whether you could work hard, hold your own, and pull your weight. Land could be earned. A man could reinvent himself. Titles meant little when cattle needed herding and fences needed mending.

British newspapers and letters home talked about open land, ranching opportunities, mining booms, and railroads pushing into new territory. English money was already flowing into western investments, so the idea of heading to America didn’t feel quite as far-fetched as we might think.

Some English gentlemen came west to manage land or investments. Others came for adventure—or escape. Quite a few stayed and put down real roots.

There are plenty of real-life examples of Englishmen trading tailored coats for dusty boots. Some learned quickly that ranch life was harder than it looked. Those who succeeded were the ones willing to set aside Old World habits and embrace western practicality.

For men raised with strict expectations they never chose, the West offered something powerful: a chance to be judged by who they were, not who they were born to be.

Of course, the past doesn’t always stay put. An unexpected death, a title suddenly in play, or family duty could call a man back across the Atlantic—sometimes just when he’d found the life that fit him best.

That tug-of-war between duty and freedom is one of the most fascinating parts of this little corner of history.

That blend of English tradition and western grit is what inspired my Lords of the Rockies series. In Book One, Mail-Order Duchess, English inheritance finally catches up with a life built in Montana. And in Book Two, Mail-Order Baroness—coming February 10th!—the ripple effects of those aristocratic ties continue to complicate lives that once felt safely distant from England.

Because when English aristocrats head to the American west, things are bound to get interesting.

I pray you love Mail-Order Duchess—and that you’ll be just as excited to return to Montana for Mail-Order Baroness very soon!

To celebrate, I’m excited to give away a signed copy of Mail-Order Duchess! To be entered for the giveaway, I’d love to hear what you think: If you could reinvent yourself in the American West, what would you do—and where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

Petticoats & Pistols