Guest Author

Bounty Hunter Trivia + Giveaway!

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Illustrated flowers on white background. Text, "Guest + Giveaway Caroline Clemmons. Petticoats & Pistols"

We have a guest at the junction today! Let’s give a warm welcome to Caroline Clemmons, author of SHAD!

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Hello, Fillies,

Thank you for sharing your amazing blog with me today.

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by tales set in the Old West. In fact, I love writing and reading about that time in our history, especially from 1870-1895. My father is partially to blame. He mesmerized me with stories of his ancestors who came to Texas from Georgia in 1877. They had many adventures that continue to fascinate me. Dad was a master storyteller who made the characters in his tales come alive. I believe it is appropriate to recognize his contribution to my career since we are almost at Father’s Day.

For instance, one of my father’s true stories was about a relative named Claud who was sheriff in a small western town. The family had a kinsman, Ossie, visiting from Georgia. During Ossie’s visit, outlaws robbed the bank. While Claud led the posse to capture the robbers, an angry mob decided to lynch Ossie. Never mind that Ossie was staying in the sheriff’s family home. With typical mob stupidity (likely fueled by alcohol), the hotheads decided Ossie had stolen their money simply because he was the only newcomer in town. Claud and the posse returned with the real culprits barely in time to save Ossie from being lynched. I’ll bet Ossie never returned for another visit!

Situations like that one can make a man cynical, wary, and harden his heart against his fellow man. Can you imagine a series about loners who have grown to distrust others? Guns For Hire is a series about bounty hunters, lawmen, and outlaws and the women who teach them how to love. Earlier, Cheryl Pierson and Linda Broday were featured here with their releases from this series, LANDON and CREEK.

My book, SHAD, releases June 15th. In the short time until then, SHAD is available for preorder. Shad, who slips in and out with no more noise than a shadow, is a bounty hunter. He’s the caretaker of his uncle who received a brain damaging blow in the Civil War and is now like a mischievous boy of twelve in a charming and handsome man’s body.

Avonleigh Adams, the heroine, is a fiery and intelligent redhead with green eyes and a strong spirit. She and her father own a beautiful ranch in northern New Mexico Territory. A land grabbing neighbor has decided to gain control of the area, starting with the Adams Ranch. Isn’t there always someone who feels entitled to take whatever he wants?

In my research for SHAD, I learned a few surprising things about bounty hunters. In spite of what we see in movies and on television, author and historical researcher Jennifer Uhlmarik says most rewards were from $25 to $200 rather than thousands. Exceptions to this included $10,000 for the Wild Bunch and $5,000 for Billy the Kid. (from Heroes, Heroines, and History blog, February 25, 2025.)

The Wild Bunch Gang Wanted Poster, $1000 Reward

One of the most successful bounty hunters of the Old West was John Riley Duncan. After trying several careers, he fell into law enforcement in Dallas, Texas, mostly dealing with small crimes. This changed with the pursuit of Wes Hardin, infamous outlaw in the area. The Texas Rangers recruited Duncan to work undercover. He followed Hardin to Pensacola, Florida, where—with various law enforcement agencies—Hardin was captured and taken in by Duncan and his associate, John Armstrong. Duncan received nearly four thousand dollars for Hardin’s capture. After that and until the end of his bounty hunting life, he collected around twelve thousand dollars, which would be equivalent to well over $375,000 today. (Calculators via Google vary in the amount, but all agree inflation makes it a large sum.) This made Duncan one of the most successful bounty hunters of the Old West.

Shad Stone is not after a career in bounty hunting. His goal is to gain enough in savings to buy a ranch where he can raise cattle and breed fine horses while keeping tabs on his uncle. Though injured in the process, Avonleigh Adams escapes kidnapping by the land grabbing neighbor. She is determined to reclaim her family’s ranch, but how? Shad has a plan to achieve both but it requires precision—and luck.

 

Cover of Shad by Caroline Clemmons. Mountain backdrop with cowboy.

Shad Stone is a bounty hunter with a mission. His uncle’s shenanigans have cost him the nest egg he had saved to buy a ranch and hang up his guns. Now he has to start over, so he wants to bring in a high-dollar capture. Shad’s sheriff cousin provides him with the wanted posters and a warning—dead men can’t buy anything. Shad is still determined to capture a man wanted for murder and a string of other offenses. The problem is the criminal keeps a dozen gunfighters with him and pays the local lawman to cooperate.

When Shad arrives near the culprit during a storm, he takes shelter in a cave where he discovers Avonleigh Adams. She was badly injured in her escaped from the murderer and her most serious wound is septic. The last thing Shad needs is the complication of any woman yet he can’t abandon a wounded and virtually helpless person. He learns the man he seeks has stolen her family’s ranch and bushwhacked her father.
How can one man win against a dozen gunfighters? Can the woman he saved now save him by teaching him to trust love?

Purchase SHAD on Amazon!

 

Photo of author Caroline Clemmons

Caroline Clemmons writes about forceful and handsome western heroes, the strong and determined women who love them, and the scheming villains who challenge them. The over 85 books she’s created have made her an Amazon bestselling and award winning author. She has written sweet and sensual romances but now writes sweet books about the West: historical, contemporary, and time travel romances and cozy mysteries.

Caroline and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued pets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading, dining out, travel, browsing antique malls, digging into family history, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap. Find her at http://www.carolineclemmons.com.

Giveaway Alert!

Caroline has generously offered to give away an e-book to two readers who leave a comment. The winners will be randomly selected and announced on Sunday, so be sure to stop by the junction then!

Would you have made a good bounty hunter? Why or why not?

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

Paulette D Marshall and a Giveaway!

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Hello, dear readers!

I’m beyond excited to visit with my Petticoats and Pistols family! Today, I want to share a little about my latest book, The Railroad Tycoon Rescue, a story filled with romance, secrets, and a touch of suspense.

One of the things I absolutely love about writing historical romance is the research that goes into each book. For this story, I spent time studying medicinal plants their healing properties, their dangers, and the fascinating ways they were used in the past. That research led me to incorporate one particularly potent plant into my novel in a rather…unexpected way. But I won’t spoil it for you! You’ll have to read it to find out how it changes everything for my heroine, Etta.

I have a deep admiration for strong, independent women, especially those who faced hardships in the Old West. Etta is a perfect example of such a woman. Living in the South after the war, she’s been doing everything she can to survive on her own. But survival isn’t always enough when someone else wants what you have.

Etta’s knowledge of plants becomes her shield and her weapon when she’s faced with an unwelcome suitor who refuses to take no for an answer. With a little creativity (and some well-timed botanical assistance), she manages to make him leave earlier than planned. But escaping one problem only leads her to another…

On the other side of the country, Cornelius-Cory, as he’s known, has all the wealth he could ever need. What he doesn’t have is a wife. And according to his grandfather’s will, if he doesn’t marry before his 23rd birthday, he stands to lose his inheritance. Tired of being pursued for his money, Cory takes matters into his own hands and applies for a mail-order bride, keeping his fortune a secret.

When fate and a tragic train derailment throw Etta and Cory together, neither of them is fully prepared for the secrets that threaten to pull them apart. With unexpected visitors, accusations, and the past closing in, will they find the happy ending they so desperately seek?

If you love stories of resilience, faith and romance wrapped in the charm of historical settings, The Railroad Tycoon Rescue is a book you won’t want to miss!

I pray you enjoy it.

A Giveaway!!!

Tired of only being wanted for his money, and with an urgent need to marry to keep his inheritance, Cory applies for a mail-order bride through his cousin’s agency. He tells himself he’ll let her know before their wedding that he’s actually wealthy. After all, he doesn’t want to start their marriage with a lie.

After her parents’ death, Etta has sold nearly everything she owns just to survive. Now, the man who owns the mortgage has made it clear, marry him, or else. Desperate, she fills out a mail-order bride application, and sneaks away under false pretenses. She plans to tell her intended about her situation before they marry. But fate has other plans when the train she’s traveling on derails, leaving her injured and vulnerable.

With danger lurking, secrets unraveling, time is running out, will Cory and Etta overcome their past to build a future together?

I’d love to hear from you! What do you love about historical romance? One winner will be picked from the comments left below. The winner will receive an eBook of The Railroad Tycoon Rescue.

About the Author:

Paulette D. Marshall

Residing in Northern California with her husband, where she weaves stories of love and faith, and adventure, capturing the charm of small-town life and the excitement of historical settings. She has a passion for blending romance with a touch of mystery, all while celebrating strong heroines who defy expectations.

When she’s not writing, Paulette enjoys gardening, crafting, drawing cooking, and spending time with her beloved Shih Tzu pups. She finds joy watching the changing seasons, observing wildlife, and harvesting homegrown produce. An avid reader herself, she delights in both creating new worlds and escaping into the pages of a good book.

Despite facing health challenges, Paulette’s passion for writing and historical research has only deepened, enriching her novels with heart, faith, and resilience. She is blessed with four children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and five precious grandchildren.

 

Guest Author MK McClintock & A Giveaway!

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How Writing Historical Western Romance Transports Me to a Simpler Time

As the sun dips behind the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, my mind wanders, as it often does, back in time, envisioning a world where adventurers, seekers, and settlers roamed the vast landscapes and frontier towns bustled with life.

(And yes, I’m ignoring the realities of poor hygiene and a dearth of men who look like my characters, but I write fiction, so go with it.)

Growing up, tales of the Wild West—of fearless outlaws, resilient pioneers, and rugged cowboys—always captivated me. (Again, I’m okay with the fiction versions.) These stories painted a picture of an untamed world where every sunset brought new adventures and every thunderstorm whispered secrets of the land. The captivation was fueled by summer vacations in Colorado, where horse rides on mountain trails awaited, and sitting by campfires was the way to unwind after a busy day. The thrills continued when, from an early age, my family made the Rocky Mountains our home and still do today.

In my writing, I strive to capture the essence of the American West—the raw beauty of the untamed wilderness, the code of honor that defined interactions, and the unshakeable spirit of those who braved the unknown. Each character is a testament to the resilience and courage of the people who shaped the history of the American frontier, accepting the bad with the good. If authors play up the fiction quite a bit with romance, adventure, and mystery, all the better!

Every day, I feel the crisp mountain air on my skin and hear the whisper of the wind through the pines, allowing me to transport myself to a time long before the mountains became overcrowded with modern-day developments, hikers on cell phones, and so much traffic heading to some mountains that you wonder if you’ll ever reach the peaks.

With each word, we can be drawn deeper into an era where time moved a little slower and the vast expanse of the frontier held endless possibilities. The rugged beauty of Montana serves as the ideal backdrop for many of my tales of love, courage, and adventure, allowing me to escape into a world where the untamed spirit of the frontier still triggers dreams of what was and could have been had we had allowed it to remain wild.

As a fellow Western romance enthusiast, likely seeking a respite from modern life, I invite you to join me on a journey through pages where love knows no bounds and the spirit of the frontier beckons us to explore its untold wonders.

Thankfully, books allow us to escape to these times and places whenever we want.

I’m happy to give away either a paperback set of the three Crooked Creek books or an e-book set (1 winner, US only, reader’s choice on format). What do you do to escape life when it starts to wear on you? What brings solace and peace?

Everyday heroes who find the courage to believe in extraordinary love.

Two years after the devastations of war left their mark on a country torn apart, Wesley Davenport, a former soldier haunted by his experiences on the battlefield crosses paths with Leah Tennyson, a teacher who helps him heal his emotional wounds—and discovers unexpected love in the most unlikely place.

The Trail to Crooked Creek, a novella, is a tale of resilience, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit set in the breathtaking and sometimes unforgiving landscape of post-Civil War Montana Territory.

 

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Welcome Guest KyLee Woodley

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Inspiring Women of the West

Hi, everyone. I’m KyLee Woodley, and I’m delighted to join you here at Petticoats & Pistols to talk about my love for strong, western women.

When people read the tag line for my book—A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard—they often pause after the last clause and say something along the lines of, “Wait the outlaw is a woman?” To which I respond, “Yep.”

The female bandit element sets book one apart in the Outlaw Hearts series because western lovers find the outlaw motif thrilling; throw in the fact that she is a woman, and you have the start of a compelling character. But what drives a female bandit who is still smart, ladylike, and brave? Let’s look at the historical women who helped to inspire Lorraine Durand—the heroine of The Bandit’s Redemption.


“God intended women to be outside as well as men, and they do not know what they are missing when they stay cooped up in the house.” – Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley (1860–1926) was born in a log cabin in Darke County, Ohio, and grew up in poverty. She honed her shooting skills by hunting game to feed her family. When she was still in her teens, a local hotel owner invited her to compete in a sharpshooting contest against professional marksman Frank E. Butler, whom she later married. They joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in the 1880s. Annie, known as “Little Miss Sure Shot,” was famous for her sharpshooting and trick performances, including shooting coins in the air, rifle spinning, breaking glass balls midair, and performing blindfolded shots.

Like Annie, Lorraine is a performer. Having spent part of her childhood with a Romani band outside Paris, where she learned acrobatics and equestrian skills, she used these abilities to make her way in America. Her expertise and moral compass landed her the job of robbing a gold shipment. At the beginning of the book, her gang of outlaws overtakes a wagon full of gold guarded by the hero. Lorraine, riding horseback, stands in the saddle and vaults herself into the wagon, knocking the driver and guard unconscious before one of the gang members can shoot them.


“I name you Calamity Jane, the heroine of the plains.” ~ Captain Egan

The next female heroine of the West that inspired Lorraine is Martha “Calamity” Jane (1856–1903). Since first reading about her, I have felt a deep sense of sadness on her behalf—mainly because she had to survive from such a young age and died alone. Still, her life told through the lens of a dime novel was impressive. Calamity Jane was bold, strong, intimidating, and ruthless. Orphaned at a young age, she had to rely on her skills to survive. Jane worked in men’s clothes when necessary and was even a scout for George Armstrong Custer.

Lorraine too lost both her parents and had to survive on her own. She relied on her skills, as did Calamity Jane. Lorraine also wore men’s clothes when the job called for it, but she enjoyed the tug of skirts about her waist and the support of a proper corset. Lorraine first appears in the book wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, britches, chaps, and boots, but when the gang of outlaws must travel by train, she changes into a sky blue summer dress, complete with a bustle, ruffles, French lace, soft cotton undersleeves, and a forward-tilting hat adorned with feathers and ribbon. She is a character that blends the ruggedness of the frontier with the grace and elegance of a lady.

 

In a small way Miss Pearl Hart (1871 – 1955) inspired Lorraine Durand’s character because of this simple quote from the Cosmopolitan when they said Hart was “just the opposite of what would be expected of a woman stage robber,” though, “when angry or determined, hard lines show about her eyes and mouth.” Lorraine is attractive and of a modest stature. She is generally quiet and melancholic, and unlike Calamity Jane, does not come across as intimidating.

However, when provoked, she can be quite formidable as Jesse seems to realize in the quote below.

Lorraine drew her Colt, the solid handle a comfort in her palm. She twirled it, took aim at the log just behind his head, then holstered it. “Just remember this—I may be the smallest, but I am the fastest.”

“And the meanest. Likely the best aim and the smartest too. All the more reason not to ask you for assistance.” He held her gaze, eyes veiled beneath thick lashes. “That, and the fact that you are a lady.”

 

Finally, Etta Place was a beautiful, young outlaw who ran with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s gang, known as the Wild Bunch. She had a romantic relationship with Sundance (and possibly Butch). Her origins and death remain shrouded in mystery, making her a figure ultimately lost to history. Some reports claim she sought the Sundance Kid’s death certificate in Chile years after he escaped, later residing in San Francisco. Others believe she married boxing promoter Tex Rickard. Another theory suggests she returned to teaching after Butch and Sundance left the US.

Lorraine too mirrors Etta Place because she lives a private life, sometimes using aliases when needed and is intelligent and attractive. Like Etta, she is a private person. Etta tried to stay out of the limelight, so to speak, as does Lorraine so much so that when her face ends up on a wanted poster (spoiler alert), she takes measures to change her appearance and avoid capture.

I hope you enjoyed these simple comparisons between Lorraine Durand and these truly unique historical women. If you enjoy a historical western romance with thrilling adventure, The Bandit’s Redemption is a must-read. This is a story about a female outlaw with a dangerous past and a disgruntled heir suffering recent tragedy. In a treacherous journey across the Idaho Territory, they will have to trust each other to find the freedom they seek.

Giveaway!

KyLee is giving away one print copy of The Bandit’s Redemption to someone who leave a comment.

Who are some unconventional women you admire?

A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard.

Life in the American West hasn’t been easy for French refugee Lorraine Durand. She has precious few connections and longs to return to her native land. So when the man who rescued her from a Parisian uprising following the Franco-Prussian War persuades her to help him with a deadly holdup, she reluctantly agrees. Despite his promises otherwise, the gang kidnaps a man, forcing Lorraine to grapple with the fallout of her choices even as she is drawn to the captive she’s meant to guard.

Jesse Alexander must survive. If not for himself, then for the troubled sister he left behind in Los Angeles. At the mercy of his captors, he carefully works to earn Lorraine’s trust, hoping he can easily subdue her when the time comes. But as they navigate the treacherous wilderness and he searches for his opportunity to escape, he realizes there may be more to her than he first believed.

With danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other enough to plan a combined escape or risk falling prey to the gang’s devious schemes.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo

 

KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches at Baylor University’s lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. She is a writer for Wild Heart Books and is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky—a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Welcome Guest Author Eve Gaddy and a Giveaway

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That Special Character

Sometimes a character comes along who insists I need to tell his story. Usually RIGHT NOW when I’m working on another book. In my case, the character is usually male. What can I say? I like men.:)

Liam McFarland, the hero of The Christmas Cowboy, is that character. I knew from the moment he stepped on the page in The Wrong Brother, the first book in the Montana Made series, that I would write his story. What I didn’t know until I got into that first book was that Liam would be such a strong character that I would have to slap him down the entire book, assuring him that his story was next.

To me Liam is the ultimate hero. He’s a hard-working cowboy, who’s extremely nice to look at, and who loves animals and his family, and he wants a family of his own. Which was why he arranged for Cici Bradley to come to town. But Cici and Logan, Liam’s brother, fell in love so Liam stepped aside, still waiting for his own story.

Val Fletcher, the heroine of The Christmas Cowboy, has lived on the ranch next door to Liam her entire life. She’s a horsewoman and rancher who has a soft spot for animals. She fell in love with Liam when she was thirteen-years-old and he saved a dog from some bullies who were torturing it. She’d done her best to rescue the dog, but she wasn’t having a lot of luck against two older boys. Until Liam stepped up.

Liam is eight years older than her and Val has never been on his radar other than being his best friend’s little sister. Eventually, he realizes she’s all grown up but she’s still his best friend’s little sister and off-limits. Until he discovers Val crying at his brother’s wedding and learns she’s pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or her baby.

So Liam does what any good guy would do and offers to marry her. The last thing Val wants is a marriage of convenience to a man she’s been in love with forever. But between the knowledge that her old-fashioned father will never accept an unmarried pregnant daughter, no matter her age, and Liam convincing her that the marriage would benefit him as well, she’s tempted.

It may sound like I’ve told you the whole story but I promise I haven’t. This snippet is from page 10 of the book. They’re discussing what the marriage would be like. As in would it be a real marriage?

“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like having a marriage without sex,” Val said. Might as well get that out there now. “Would you?”

He was staring at her now with his hazel eyes deepening to green, and she had no idea what he was thinking. Great. He wasn’t attracted to her and he didn’t know how to tell her.

“No.”

“No, what?” she asked.

“No, I wouldn’t like to be married and not have sex with my wife. But if that’s what you want—”

“I just said it wasn’t.”

“Okay, then.”

Oh, the enthusiasm is killing me.

Liam and Val not only have to navigate a marriage of convenience becoming a real marriage, but they have other challenges along the way to their happily-ever-after.

Liam McFarland is one of my very favorite heroes. The quintessential cowboy with a heart of gold and a strong sense of right and wrong. He’s not perfect, no person is, but he darn near is. And it doesn’t hurt a bit that he’s hot as sin.:)

Do you like marriage of convenience stories? What qualities do you think are essential for a hero to have?

Please comment to be entered to win ebooks of The Wrong Brother (Bk 1 Montana Made series) and The Christmas Cowboy (Bk 2 of Montana Made series)

I love to talk to readers so please stop by and chat!

Eve Gaddy

 

http://www.evegaddy.net

https://www.facebook.com/EveGaddyAuthor/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D5HWNH7Q?tag=pettpist-20

 

 

Welcome Guest Author Misty M. Beller and a Give Away!

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I’m so excited to visit with my Petticoats and Pistols family again!

My latest book, Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret, released this week! In it, our heroine and her uncle are working with a group of surveyors to map out potential routes for the coming railroad.

One of the things I love about writing historical romance is the detail I get to research for each book. So much of my research doesn’t make it into the story, but I still love to learn it!

Surveying back then was no walk in the park. These brave folks had to trek through some seriously rough terrain, lugging around heavy equipment like compasses, levels, and surveyor’s chains (called Gunter’s chain). The chains were a whopping 66 feet long, with 100 links! Surveyors would stretch them out to measure distances, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat.

Gunter’s Chain & Surveyor’s Compass. Courtesy of the New Hampshire Historical Society

One of the surveyor’s secret weapons was triangulation. By measuring angles between distant points and doing some fancy math, they could figure out exactly where landmarks were and create a grid of reference points across the land. This technique was a game-changer, allowing for more accurate maps that covered bigger areas.

In my story, the surveying was done for the railroad. But history tells us that later in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey stepped onto the scene with a larger mission: to create detailed maps of the entire country, including the wild, wild West. Surveyors working for this agency had their work cut out for them. They battled through dense forests, climbed steep mountains, and crossed dangerous rivers, all to gather the data needed for these maps.

So the next time you look at a map of the American West, give a nod to those early surveyors. These hardworking folks played a huge role in shaping the frontier, giving settlers the information they needed to build new lives and communities. Without their dedication and skill, the West might have remained a mystery forever!

To celebrate, I’m excited to give away a signed copy of the previous book in this series, Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife! To be entered for the giveaway, I’d love to hear some of the interesting jobs you’ve seen women perform in historical fiction novels. Leave a comment below to share. 

I pray you enjoy Miles and Clara’s story in Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret!

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second
chances…and a hidden fortune.
Miles is the youngest of six brothers, and he’s spent most of his life helping guard the family’s
secret: a sapphire mine hidden deep within the Montana mountains. With threats from a past
enemy looming, a survey team’s arrival stirs suspicion—until he meets Clara Pendleton, whose
presence captivates him.

Clara Pendleton joins her uncle on a survey team tasked with mapping the coming railroad's
path, only to find herself entangled with the enigmatic Coulter family. When her uncle’s accident
leads them to find refuge in the Coulter home, Clara is irresistibly drawn to Miles Coulter and his quiet strength. This feels like the haven she craves…until a series of mysterious attacks endanger
everyone on the ranch.

As Christmas approaches, a sleigh ride through a snowy wonderland fans the growing spark
between Clara and Miles into a flame, but a broken runner leads Clara to discover the family's
secret. Now she’s faced with an impossible choice: betray the man she’s coming to love or risk
the lives of his entire family—and her own uncle.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure,
forced proximity, a Christmas surprise, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Amazon   Barnes and Noble     Google Play   Books 2 Read

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books old. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country
home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Author Page   Amazon   Facebook   Instagram   BookBub   Good Reads

 

Welcome Guest Author Nicole Helm!

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Thank you all for hosting me today. This week my book, Cold Case Discovery released. This is the 6th book in my Harlequin Intrigue Hudson Siblings Solutions series. As you can tell by the title, and all the titles in this series, all 7 books involve a group of siblings who work cold cases together. There is also one cold case that is in the background of the first five books, and takes center stage here in book six—the mysterious disappearance of the Hudson siblings parents some fifteen years ago.

When I first started the series, I didn’t quite know for sure what had happened to the parents myself. I like to let the story guide me towards answers that both make sense and surprise me as I write, but sometime when I was writing the first books, I was on a vacation to South Dakota and we went to Wind Cave National Park. There, I saw a map of all the cave systems in the United States and got a lot of information about caves. It started lots of potential ideas percolating, especially since, years ago, I worked at a state park, and while we didn’t have caves, it was at this job where I learned that Missouri (where I live), believe it or not, is known as the cave state. And I did some work at a different park dedicated to one such cave. So I had some basic knowledge of caves as dangerous places and delicate ecosystems. The perfect place for not just a mystery, but a murder!

Wyoming—where my Intrigues are set—doesn’t have nearly as many caves as Missouri, but there are enough that I knew it could be the backdrop of this mystery (and then the final book in the series as well.)

What better place to hide than somewhere underground and undiscovered? Caves are mysterious and easy to get lost in. They make a great hiding place if you know how to survive. A good thing to know for heroes and villains alike!

For both Cold Case Discovery and the following book, Cold Case Murder Mystery—releasing next month, I had to do some more research on caves—what would it take to hide in one for any period of time? What kind of effect would the ecosystem of a cave have on human remains? I also looked into old stories about bodies found in caves, just to spark some potential ideas.

In the end, the fictional cave system I created was the perfect backdrop for an old crime that turned into a new crime. It also gave me the idea for the heroine in Cold Case Murder Mystery’s job (forensic anthropologist). In the end, that trip to Wind Cave, a combination of my previous knowledge and new research, led me to interesting and surprising places in both Cold Case Discover and Cold Case Murder Mystery.

Cold Case Discovery on Amazon

Have you visited any state or national park caves? Did you think they were interesting…or maybe a little creepy? One random commenter will be entered to win a digital copy of the entire Hudson Sibling Solutions series.

 

Welcome Guest Author Jolene Navarro

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When fiction reflects real life.

Hola from the back porch of my aunt’s Texas Hill Country ranch. My husband, cousin and I are listening to my nephew singing.

As a seventh-generation Texan from a long line of ranchers and farmers, it’s logical for my stories to explore the lives of those people I know. Using the setting that shaped me came naturally. Horses, dogs, cats, and various other animals are a part of my stories because they are a part of my life. The best thing about creating stories is I get to make sure everyone who deserves it gets a happy ending.

Life is too short and, at times, tragic for sad stories. So, I write about struggles that lead to happy endings.

The path to becoming a published writer is rarely straightforward, but for any neurodivergent individual, it can be fraught with unique challenges.

The Texan’s Journey Home is ironically closest to my own journey.

The Texan’s Journey Home is my 20th book. For the first time, I used my personal experience of going through school with an undiagnosed learning disability to create my hero’s scar. Reno Espinosa has gone through life not knowing he was dyslexic. He dreams of being a firefighter but can’t pass the written exam.

Personally, I didn’t get dysgraphia diagnoses until I was studying education in college.

Dyslexia and dysgraphia are learning disorders (LD) that affect reading, writing and oral language-based processing skills. It is not a simple matter of “backward” letters. Think about b, d, p, q – what if the line and circle shifted on you – how can you tell them apart?

It significantly impacts a person’s educational and personal development. When a learning disability remains undiagnosed, the challenges it presents can be misinterpreted as laziness, lack of intelligence, or behavioral issues.

My hero learned to cover it up by smiling and making a joke out of everything.

People with undiagnosed a LD, often internalize the struggle and blame themselves and are afraid of asking for help. The difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. The fear of judgment and the constant comparison to peers can further erode self-confidence.

I was an avid reader. Growing up, I probably spent more time in a book than with real people. So, I didn’t understand why I had a problem with spoken words, grammar and spelling. I would know all the answers on a test but would fail it because the answers were spelled wrong.

Making up stories was how my brain liked to spend time, but I didn’t have the confidence to try and write them.

I mean the message was clear. If I couldn’t spell, I couldn’t write. That was the falsehood I believed until I was almost forty.

People have asked me to speak about the journey of a published author with a learning disability, but it never occurred to use that experience for a character.

Until Reno. He needed a turning point to find his place and purpose in life.

The journey from undiagnosed to a purpose-driven life often involves a turning point—a moment of recognition, a diagnosis, or a newfound strategy that unlocks potential. This for me is where reality and fiction meet.

Turning points can take various forms:

  • Diagnosis: Receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia can be a life-changing event. It explains the struggles experienced and opens doors to support and accommodations. With a diagnosis, I understood the problem. It was freeing to understand it had nothing to do with my intelligence. For Reno, I brought in Lyrissa Martinez. The heroine is a trained special ed teacher who recognizes the signs and sees the strategies Reno has been using to cover his inability to read. She sees him, the real man he is hiding.
  • Self-Discovery: Some individuals may discover their own learning style and develop coping mechanisms that enable them to navigate the challenges of their LD. This is what I did in college as I earned my master’s degree in special ed. Again, I used Lyrissa to walk Reno through ways he can learn. Movement can be a big help for processing new information. In a traditional classroom this can cause problems.
  • Mentorship: A supportive mentor or teacher can play a crucial role in recognizing potential and providing guidance and encouragement. I meet a woman you might know. Jodi Thomas. She was amazing and inspirational. Every time I heard her speak; I grew in confidence. Lyrissa does this for Reno.

Of course, Lyrissa has lessons she needs to learn too. Reno’s charming smile and ability to live in the moment, helps her open-up and trust herself to live her fullest life. Truth be told Reno and Lyrissa might be my favorite couple from all my books.

Recognizing strengths, celebrating achievements, and seeking positive feedback is something all of us could use a little more of. And I think reading romance is just one way to do that for ourselves.

The Power of Perseverance

One of the strongest lessons I have taken from Jodi Thomas is the power of perseverance. No matter the obstacle, it is perseverance that gets us through the hard times and into success.

The journey from an undiagnosed learning disability to being a published author or a first responder is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in your faith. This is why I write what I write.

Despite the challenges, neurodivergent individuals can and do achieve remarkable success in the literary world and beyond. Their unique perspectives and experiences can enrich their lives and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles.

Here I am, signing copies of The Texan’s Journey Home at The Boerne Bookshop.

Reno and Lyrissa’s story can be found in The Texan’s Journey Home and is available now in Walmart and anywhere books are sold.

The link is the direct link to Harlequin.

A surprise homecoming…

Could give him a second chance.

Working as a ranch hand isn’t Reno Espinoza’s dream job, but it lets him keep his lifelong secret hidden. Until an accident on the ranch leads him to unintentionally reveal his learning disability to his childhood crush, Lyrissa Martinez. Teaching Reno to read is no trouble for the special ed teacher, but his carefree attitude reminds her of a past she’s trying to move on from. As the two spend more time together, can they help each other heal old wounds for a chance at forever?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

I haven’t seen many books with a lead character with a learning disability. Have you. Do you have a certain type of hero you love reading? I’d love recommendations to any book you have recently enjoyed.

I’m delighted to give away one print copy The Texan’s Journy Home to a U. S. resident. Please leave a comment below.

Jolene, a seventh-generation Texan, knows, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that dancing in the rain never gets old.
Her stories are full of family, faith, and grit. Spoiler, they all end with a happy-ever-after. She loves spending time with her four kids, and can be found at jolenenavarro.com and fb @ jolenenavarroauthor

Welcome Guest Author Louise M. Gouge

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Thank you for inviting me back to Pistols and Petticoats. Seems like it was just yesterday when I visited to promote my first contemporary Love Inspired book, Safe Haven Ranch. Actually that was all the way back to last June, and I’m delighted to visit with you again. It’s always a treat to talk to you about our favorite genre: western romances. As I said last time, we love to cheer for our heroes and heroines as they work through adversities and earn their happily-ever-after. Today I want to talk about my brand new release, A Faithful Guardian, a sequel to Safe Haven Ranch.

Just a reminder: My first book in my New Mexico series was a novella, Yuletide Reunion (LIH 2010). Inspired by the little ranch where my late sister retired, I set my story beside the Rio Grande in New Mexico Territory and created the Mattson family of five brothers, each of whom deserved his own story. In the end, each brother found his happily-ever-after with the perfect heroine for his personality. I’m honored to say Finding Her Frontier Family and Finding Her Frontier Home were both finalists for the prestigious Selah Award. These stories were so much fun write, and I was sad to leave this family behind. With the Love Inspired Historical line coming to an end, I was doubly sad, because I love to write historicals. By the way, you can find my complete Booklist and more info about my writing at my website: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Loving all my heroes in any of the genres in which I’ve written, I couldn’t forget about those Mattson brothers. So I began to write about their many descendants, each with a story worth telling! My editor at Love Inspired loved the idea, and now I’m excited to announce that I signed a three-book contract for more Mattson descendant stories. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

My newest release, A Faithful Guardian, is my first book to feature a dog. As a cat mama, I don’t really know that much about dogs, but I had plenty of help from friends who are experts and who kept me on the right track. Specifically, Lady, my border collie is supposed to herd cattle, but this little gal has a mind of her own. She’d much rather be with her brand new friend, Zoey, a fifteen-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who needs a canine companion. That doesn’t sit too well with the dog’s owner, who’s convinced Zoey’s mom, Lauren, stole Lady. Of course, conflict ensues as the hero and heroine wend their way toward their happily-ever-after. Here’s the back cover blurb:

An unexpected canine friendship could bring their families together. After her teen daughter, Zoey, bonds with a stray dog, the last thing Lauren Parker anticipates is the owner accusing her of stealing it. The prominent rancher and widowed father, Robert Mattson, doesn’t believe Lauren’s innocence, but even he can see the special understanding his dog, Lady, has for Zoey’s medical needs. When Robert’s twins become fast friends with Zoey, his prickly interactions with Lauren soon give way to something more. As Lady brings them all closer together, Robert can’t harden his heart any longer…but is he too late to win Lauren’s love?

I’m delighted to give away one print copy of A Faithful Guardian to a U. S. resident. Please leave a comment below and answer one of these questions: Do you prefer cats or dogs, and why? Do you have or know of a K-9 companion dog, and how do they help their human friend? Full sentences, please.

My personal photo of my sister’s adobe house that inspired my stories.

South Carolina author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Awards and is a current finalist for the 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a member of the Christian PEN and has been copyediting for well-known authors for fifteen years. Married for fifty-four happy years to her beloved husband, David, Louise is now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.

Web site at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMGougeAuthor

Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge

Guest Jodie Wolfe and a Give Away!

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The Impact of Journals

Did you ever keep a journal or diary as a kid? Maybe you still keep one as an adult. Perhaps as a child you recorded events like a grade you received on a test, interactions with siblings, or the weather. Perhaps you wrote about a secret crush you had on someone.

As a writer, I love coming across actual journals of people who lived in the area I plan to write about, especially if it happens to be during the era I’ll be dropping my book into. When I first planned on writing stories about mail-order brides, I enjoyed reading through Hearts West: True Stories Of Mail-Order Brides On The Frontier by Chris Enss. Whenever you can get actual accounts to draw from, it helps a writer to create a deeper, and hopefully more accurate book.

When I set about starting a new series set in my neck of the woods, my first time departing from books set in the west, I spent a lot of time researching. I asked questions in FB groups to find out as much as possible about the local history. In the process, I came across a woman who used to work at the historical society where my new series takes place. Through conversations and questions, we developed a friendship founded on the love of history. As we came to know each other more, she helped to discover obscure information about the names of local businesses, names of people living in the area, and who owned properties nearby. I would have relied on searching through newspapers from the town, but unfortunately a fire destroyed the records for the years in which I was searching.

I had planned on setting the first book in the early 1870s. Even though I live in an area steeped in Civil War history, I never desired to write a book set during that time until…. My local historian shared two journals written in 1864 by two local farmers. Each one chronicled daily what the weather was, what was happening around town, as well as their activities. Each of these two farmers only wrote a short paragraph each day, but these journals are full of history with names, businesses, etc. They shared about Rebel sightings, how much they were paid to provide meals/housing when Rebel soldiers passed through the area, as well as what they saw when a local town was burned. Here’s a sample of the entries:

January, Saturday 16

Beautiful day I paid my Breakfast 25 cts and then walked about through

Harrisburg till 8 Oclock. Took the car and came to Mechanicsburg and stayed there with

cousin Kate Seabrooks for the next train. I then came to Shippensburg my fair was $1.35

cts. John and cousin [first name] Diehl was in town and I came with them.

I used some of these journal entries in my new book, Abigail’s Pursuit. Here’s a little bit about it:

Abigail Stewart, with the Civil War raging, is on the verge of losing everything. The man who is responsible for her brother’s death comes to Shippensburg offering to help. How can she work with her enemy? What’s to stop him from betraying her?

Wounded during the war, Daniel Thompson must find a way to make amends and fulfill his friend’s dying request. Daniel’s homecoming proves anything but easy as he seeks to find forgiveness from his family when they can’t be found. The woman he tries to assist, doesn’t want anything to do with him.

Can two wounded hearts find their way back home?

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschool mom. She enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking. Jodie creates novels where hope and quirky meet. Visit her at http://www.jodiewolfe.com.

So how about you, when’s the last time you kept a journal? You never know, one day it might be of interest to a writer. 🙂 

One lucky respondent will win a digital copy of  Abigail’s Retreat.