Inspirational Western Romance

Welcome Guest Author Penny Zeller

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Howdy, y’all!

Penny here.

I am so honored to be a guest again on Petticoats & Pistols. This time, I’m taking us on a “look” into the past regarding eyeglasses.

In my book Love on the Horizon, our hero, hunky farmer Timothy Shepherdson, discovers he needs spectacles—ones far better than those he purchased from a traveling peddler that only seem to blur things even more.

I researched spectacles in the late 1800s and discovered eyeglasses were not seen as a positive. Instead, for men, especially, they indicated one was elderly or frail. I expounded on that for Timothy, a handsome young farmer in his twenties who did all he could to avoid wearing his new Brazilian pebble spectacles.

Eyeglasses, just as today, were pricey. Today, we can expect to pay $200-$500 per pair. In the late 1800s, fourteen-karat gold eyeglasses ranged from $4.50 to $8 per pair. Timothy, as a poor farmer, could not afford such an extravagance. Thankfully, he was offered a pair of Brazilian pebble glasses for $2.50.

Lorgnette glasses were popular, especially for women. These include a handle to be held to the face with one hand. Because they were not “fixed” on your nose with handles wrapped around your ears, they could be discarded at any time. Would Timothy want such a pair?

Miss Tudor’s titter echoed in the small room. “Oh, Father, you know a man such as Timothy Shepherdson would not cotton to a pair of lorgnettes.”

Timothy had no idea what the doctor was talking about. “I’m afraid I’m unfamiliar with that type.”

Dr. Tudor, who had joined his daughter in her amusement, temporarily sobered. “You may be aware of opera glasses.”

“I’m afraid I’ve never been to an opera.”

“Lorgnette spectacles possess a handle, and you hold them up to your face.”

Timothy could do nothing to hide his shock. He tugged on his collar, wishing it were looser around his neck. “My apologies, sir, but that will never do. I work long hours on my farm, and I need both of my arms.”

I found an interesting article regarding proper etiquette at a horse show from 1897. It mentioned that lorgnettes were available with a special design for the show, a design that included a “long silver handle formed of a miniature whip”. According to the article, “This lorgnette will be all the vogue at the Horse Show.” It’s priced at $7.50.

Traveling opticians were popular in those days. However, through my research, it seemed that these doctors felt the need to clarify that they were not fly-by-night snake oil salesmen who would sell you an expensive pair of eyewear, then disappear the next day, never to be seen again. Timothy had already been down that route with the unscrupulous peddler.

I found it interesting in an advertisement from 1894 that it must have been important for potential patients to know the optician’s age, as it is referenced that Professor Arnold is 59.

I’m super excited about the release of Love on the Horizon on October 28.

When Magnolia Davenport finally sets foot in the small town filled with friendly people and a slightly aggravating, but kind and handsome man who needs spectacles, will she find the new beginning her heart craves? I invite you to take a trip to Horizon, Idaho, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the Author of new beginnings.

Go here to snag your copy of Love on the Horizon.

I’m giving one lucky winner their choice of a paperback or ebook of Love on the Horizon. (Limited to U.S. residents only). In Love on the Horizon, Magnolia, whose dream it has always been to open her own bakery, realizes that dream when she moves to Horizon.

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment in answer to this question: if you were living in the 1800s, what would be your profession?

Thank you for joining me today.

As a special gift, be sure to snag An Unexpected Arrival, a Wyoming Sunrise novelette, for free by going here.

 

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page. She is a multi-published author of over three dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at http://www.pennyzeller.com

NEWSPAPERS IN THE OLD WEST–AND A GIVEAWAY! by Robin Lee Hatcher

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Headlines on the Frontier

When we imagine the Old West, we often think of wide-open plains, dusty boots, and rugged towns born almost overnight. But tucked into nearly every small frontier settlement was a heartbeat of civilization—the local newspaper. These humble print shops played a vital role in the daily life of townspeople in the late 1800s, delivering not just news, but connection, community, and a sense of order in an often chaotic and rapidly changing land.

The Press Arrives with the People

By 1879 (the time of my novella, To the Editor with Love), the American West was booming with railroads, homesteaders, gold rushes, and cattle trails. As new towns sprang up, one of the earliest establishments, after a general store and a saloon, was often a newspaper. Many frontier editors lugged hand presses, type cases, and lead type across rough terrain, determined to bring newsprint to the wilderness.

The press wasn’t just a luxury. It was a necessity. People longed for news of the outside world, for updates from Washington, the East Coast, or even Europe. But just as importantly, they wanted to see their own lives reflected on the page: births, marriages, land sales, sermons, socials, and saloon fights.

What Did They Print?

A typical small-town Western newspaper in this era was a weekly, usually four pages long. Here’s what you might find inside:

  • Local News: Council meetings, church gatherings, who was building a new barn, or who’d skipped town without paying their debts.
  • National and International Reports: Reprinted via telegraph or from larger Eastern papers.
  • Advertisements: Blacksmiths, milliners, doctors, boarding houses, or “a fine gelding for sale, sound and steady.”
  • Legal Notices: Homestead claims, land disputes, estate sales—all critical for settlers and ranchers alike.
  • Editorials and Sermons: Often fiery, sometimes humorous, and nearly always opinionated.
  • Fiction and Poetry: Short moral tales, serialized novels, or a sentimental poem about home.

The Editor: Typesetter, Journalist, and Town Agitator

The small-town editor was often a jack-of-all-trades—reporter, printer, typesetter, philosopher, and sometimes preacher. He (or occasionally she) might sleep in the back of the print shop, gather news by walking Main Street, and work by lanternlight to hand-set each line of type. The printing process was laborious and messy, involving ink, lead, and plenty of elbow grease.

Many editors weren’t afraid to stir up trouble. The paper might feud with a rival editor in the next town, support a particular sheriff or schoolteacher, or call out corruption in city hall. The editor’s pen could be as sharp as any six-shooter—and sometimes just as dangerous.

A Voice in the Wilderness

In isolated towns, the newspaper was more than a news source. It was a mirror of identity, a memory book, and a record of God’s grace and human grit. Church bulletins were shared, revival meetings announced, and sometimes a line or two of Scripture found its way into the editorial column. The tone of these papers could be bold, hopeful, humorous, or raw. But always deeply rooted in the place and people they served.

In those humble newspapers, the West told its story—one column at a time.

HAVE YOU READ ANY BOOKS ABOUT NEWSPAPER EDITORS OR WATCHED OLD TV SHOWS WHERE THE NEWSPAPER IS CENTRAL? I’M GIVING AWAY ONE PRINT COPY OF “TO THE EDITOR WITH LOVE” TODAY! BE SURE TO COMMENT TO BE ENTERED IN THE DRAWING!

Now, here’s a bit about the story!

 

TO THE EDITOR WITH LOVE
A Christian Historical Romance Novella

She’s got the words. He’s got the red pen. Things WILL get messy!

Molly Everton has ink in her veins and fire in her soul. Raised in her father’s newsroom, she’s fearless with a pen. And when her father bypasses her for the editor’s chair and hands the job to an outsider, Molly’s determined to send the new man packing—before he dares rearrange her beloved paper.

Jack Ludlow came West chasing adventure, not to fight with the boss’s headstrong daughter. Yet the more sparks Molly throws his way, the more intrigued he becomes. She’s smart, stubborn, and impossible to ignore—and Jack can’t resist the challenge of winning her over.

She’s determined to send him packing. He’s determined to stay. But in this battle of ink and wits, love might just rewrite the ending.

 

To learn more or order your copy of To The Editor with Love, visit the book’s page on my website at: https://robinleehatcher.com/books/to-the-editor-with-love/

WHAT MAKES A MOUNTAIN MAN HERO IRRESTIBLE? (AND A GIVEAWAY!) by MISTY M. BELLER

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

If you’ve ever glanced at one of my books, you probably have an inkling how much I LOVE a mountain man hero.

The rugged, self-reliant mountain man holds a special place in the hearts of readers who love historical romance. There’s something undeniably captivating about a man who thrives in the untamed wilderness, facing danger with quiet strength and a determination to survive.

In Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy, the hero embodies many of these timeless traits that make mountain men irresistible. But what is it about them that draws us in? Let’s take a closer look.

  1. Strength That Goes Beyond Physical

Mountain men are known for their physical strength—hauling logs, scaling cliffs, and braving the harshest elements. But the true allure lies in their inner fortitude. These men endure isolation, danger, and nature’s unforgiving hand. Their resilience shows us that they’re not just physically capable but also emotionally steadfast. This unwavering strength is a cornerstone of the mountain man hero, making him someone we can admire—and trust.

In Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy, the hero uses his strength not only to survive but to protect those he loves. His ability to endure hardship while still showing tenderness to the heroine is what makes him unforgettable.

  1. A Connection to Nature

Mountain men are deeply connected to the world around them. They understand the land, navigate it with ease, and respect its power. This connection gives them a sense of calm and confidence that’s incredibly appealing. Who wouldn’t want a man who can track a deer, build a fire from scratch, and find his way home under a starlit sky?

In my novel, nature is more than just a backdrop—it’s an integral part of the story. The hero’s ability to navigate the wilderness becomes a lifeline for both himself and the heroine, showcasing his resourcefulness and his bond with the natural world.

  1. A Quiet, Brooding Persona

There’s something irresistible about a man of few words. Mountain men aren’t known for boasting or unnecessary chatter—they let their actions speak louder than words. This quiet, brooding nature gives them an air of mystery that draws us in. We can’t help but wonder what secrets lie beneath their rugged exterior.

In Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy, the hero’s stoic personality hides a well of emotion and vulnerability, which makes his eventual openness with the heroine even more rewarding.

  1. An Unexpected Tenderness

Despite their rough exteriors, mountain men often surprise us with their tender hearts. These are men who know how to care—whether it’s for an injured animal, a struggling companion, or the woman they love. Their tenderness feels earned, making it all the more precious when it’s revealed.

This duality—rugged strength paired with a gentle heart—is what makes the hero of Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy so compelling. His care for the heroine and his willingness to protect her, even at great personal cost, show that beneath the gruffness lies a man capable of deep love.

  1. The Ability to Adapt

Life in the wilderness demands adaptability, and mountain men rise to the challenge. Whether it’s a sudden storm, a wild animal encounter, or an unexpected threat, they’re quick on their feet. This resourcefulness makes them dependable and, let’s face it, incredibly attractive.

In the novel, this adaptability plays a key role in the hero’s journey. His quick thinking and ability to face challenges head-on not only saves lives but also wins hearts.

Why We Love Them

Ultimately, the mountain man hero is irresistible because he represents the best of humanity: strength, independence, and a capacity for love that runs deep. He reminds us that even in the harshest conditions, beauty and connection can thrive.

And when he falls in love? He falls hard and forever. (Be still my swooning heart!)

If you’re drawn to a hero who can chop wood, tame a wild horse, and still melt your heart with a single look, then you’ll LOVE Sampson Coulter in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy.

To celebrate, I’m excited to give away a signed copy of the previous book in this series, Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret! To be entered for the giveaway, I’d love to hear what you think makes a mountain man hero irresistible? Let me know in the comments!

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKYH43XB?tag=pettpist-20

 

 

Campfire Ballads and Cowboy Truths + Giveaway

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Mountains and prairie in background. Campfire in foreground. "Campfire Ballads & Cowboy Truths"

We have a guest at the junction today! Let’s give a warm welcome to KyLee Woodley, author of The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender. KyLee’s giving away a copy of her book!

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Campfire Ballads and Cowboy Truths

Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print/%5B/caption%5D
 
Before playlists and pop charts, what did music mean to a cowboy riding under the stars?
Music was more than mere entertainment—it was a tool for teaching lessons, building community, and expressing faith. On Petticoats and Pistols, we’ll focus on songs and stories that shaped cowboy culture.
The first song we’ll look at was used in a minstrel-style format, with a with versions dating from colonial times to the early 1900s. “Root Hog or Die” had a quirky title—rooted in colonial practices of letting pigs roam free to fend for themselves—that helped it evolve into a colorful and enduring piece of Americana.
“Root Hog or Die” started as a sort of proverb or adage, warning folks to work hard. The Vermont Gazette (1829) called it a “vulgar proverb” but admitted it often encouraged a strong work ethic. During the Civil War, both the Union and Confederate sides created their own versions of the song. One variation, taken from the Confederate tune “Flight of Doodles,” goes:
I saw Texas go in with a smile,
But I tell you what it is, she made the Yankees bile;
Oh! it don’t make a nif-a-stifference to neither you nor I,
Texas is the devil, boys; root, hog, or die.
 
A 1911 folk version of the song shares a glimpse into the difficult, unpredictable life of the cowboy. One verse reads:
Sometimes it’s dreadful stormy and sometimes it’s pretty clear.
You may work a month and you might work a year.
But you can make a winning if you’ll come alive and try.
For the whole world over, boys, it’s root hog or die.

[caption id="attachment_107357" align="aligncenter" width="363"] Photo Credit: Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads. (1918). United States: Macmillan.

 

This next song is dear to my heart. I’ll forever remember my mom singing “The Streets of Laredo”—likely the Johnny Cash version—with its hauntingly sweet melody and timeless cowboy sorrow. “The Streets of Laredo” traces its roots to the late 19th century and was first published in 1910 in Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads by John Lomax. It originated from the older Irish folk tune The Unfortunate Rake, which also later influenced St. James Infirmary Blues. Over time, cowboys adapted the lyrics to reflect frontier life, making it one of the most enduring Western ballads. (You can listen to a gorgeous duet version by Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash online.)

Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print%5B/caption%5D

“The Texas Ranger” is a traditional ballad, dating back at least to the 19th century, tells the story of a young Texas Ranger facing danger on the frontier. It often highlights encounters with Native American tribes and frontier justice. Passed down through oral tradition, one well-known version was documented in 1959 but here is one of the earliest versions.

I was scarcely sixteen years of age when I joined that jolly band;

We marched from San Antonio unto the Rio Grande.

Our captain there informed us, perhaps he thought it right,

“Before you reach the station,” says he, “boys, you’ll have to fight.”

As we trace the melodies of the old West, we’re reminded that the music of that era wasn’t polished or perfect—but it was real. These songs echo the grit, humor, grief, and resilience of everyday folks navigating life on the frontier. Whether sung around a campfire or carried in a mother’s voice at bedtime, they were a reflection of a people learning to hope, endure, and belong. And maybe, just maybe, in a world that feels far from simple, they still have something to teach us today. Thanks for taking this journey with me. I’d love to hear which cowboy tune holds a place in your heart.

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THE BOUNTY HUNTER’S SURRENDER

 

Book cover The Bounty Hunter's Surrender. Man in frontier clothing and brunette woman in prairie dress

An expecting widow, a rugged bounty hunter, and a set of secrets that might shatter her fragile heart.

The death of Aubrey Willot’s wealthy but abusive husband left her with an unborn child, an empty chateau, and the last name of a criminal. When she learns he double-crossed a ruthless business associate, she’s forced to accept the protection of the handsome and daring bounty hunter tasked with finding her late husband’s fortune. Though Aubrey swore never to trust another man, she can’t help but be drawn to the bounty hunter’s rugged charm.

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, Nathan Reed spent years running from his past. Now, he needs funds to care for his orphaned niece, and quickly. The chance to retrieve a set of stolen documents offers an opportunity he can’t resist. He’ll find those papers and claim the reward, even if it means deceiving the alluring young widow.

As danger rises, Audrey’s strength, honesty, and compassion break down Nathan’s defenses, daring him to embrace a future he never imagined—a loving wife and a family of his own. But when his secrets are exposed, will his chance at redemption and Aubrey’s heart slip through his fingers?

Purchase links can be found HERE.

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Author Kylee Woodley with long wavy blond hair, smiling, wearing a floral shirt

KyLee Woodley teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest and spent part of her adult life in Texas, she has a deep respect for American values. She grew up in an impoverished area and began ministering to homeless, drug addicted, and desperate people while in her teens. As a result, she feels a deep sense of concern for society’s unloved. This comes through in her stories, enriched with historical detail that shows how loving the unlovely is a timeless need. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

KyLee has generously offered to give away one copy of The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender to one commenter. The winner will randomly be selected on Sunday.

What ballads, nursery rhymes, or songs shaped you growing up?

Thanks, KyLee, for being our guest today!

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!

U.S. Boarding Schools for Native American Children

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We have a guest at the junction today! Let’s give a big welcome to our guest, Kiersti Giron!

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When I began researching the story that would become my historical novel Beneath a Turquoise Sky, I decided to set it at a mission school on the Navajo reservation in the early 1900s, since I’d spent five years in that area of northwest New Mexico during my teens. However, I soon realized I had much to learn—including that to be historically accurate, my mission school needed to be a boarding school for Native children. But why?

Only a few generations ago, the United States grappled with what was known as the “Indian problem.” European settlement—and even railroads—had spanned from coast to coast by the late 1800s, yet many First Nations tribes, the original inhabitants of the land, remained. And conflict abounded, especially since the United States government broke nearly every treaty it made with tribes as sovereign nations.

Some Americans subscribed to the “annihilation” solution. Shocking as it may seem to us today, the author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, wrote this in a South Dakota newspaper in the 1890s:

“The Whites, by law of conquest, by justice of civilization, are masters of the American continent, and the best safety of the frontier settlements will be secured by the total annihilation of the few remaining Indians.”

But other more “progressive” voices spoke also. Captain Richard Henry Pratt promoted the “assimilation” solution instead, advocating in a famous speech that white people should “Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” Pratt founded the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, which took Native children from tribes all over the country and attempted to, indeed, “kill” all about them from their own cultures, including language, dress, and family ties, molding them into the image of Euro-American culture as much as possible.

 

Students at Carlisle Native Industrial School in Pennsylvania, c. 1900 (public domain)
Students at Carlisle Native Industrial School in Pennsylvania, c. 1900 (public domain)

 

This school became a model for other government and mission boarding schools all over the United States. Between 1869 and the 1960s, tens of thousands of Native American children were taken from their families, sometimes by force, and placed in boarding schools. It is estimated that by 1926, over 80% of school-age Native children attended these military-style residential schools, numbering over 60,000 students just in 1925. Many children endured horrible abuse at these schools, and many never returned home, often buried in unmarked graves and still unaccounted for by the U.S. government. Even well-intentioned teachers and missionaries did grave damage in removing children from their families and stripping them of their Native identity and culture, tragically cloaking Christianity in Euro-American, “white” garb. Generations of children lacked parenting and endured punishment and trauma merely for speaking their own languages, trauma that still wracks Native communities today.

 

Three Rosebud Sioux children the day after they entered boarding school, 1883
Three Rosebud Sioux children the day after they entered boarding school, 1883. By John N. Choate, Carlisle, PA – https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-1b90-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99, Public Domain.

 

The same boys several years later, after their forced cultural assimilation
The same boys several years later, after their forced cultural assimilation. By John N. Choate, Carlisle, PA – https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-1b90-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99, Public Domain.

As I continued to research my story and learned from Navajo friends and mentors, the history I hadn’t known before broke my heart. Yet I also saw hope for healing and relationship, though so much work remains to be done. My Navajo mentor and his Dutch-American wife met and married at a mission boarding school in Gallup, New Mexico, back in the 1960s, and their true story—and how they welcomed me into their hearts and lives—did much to shape the story I was writing, changing my own life and perspective on history and Native peoples for good.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of U.S. boarding schools for Native children, I recommend The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition at https://boardingschoolhealing.org/. You can also look up the powerful short film “The Cutting of the Tsiiyéél,” by Susie Silversmith, a Navajo boarding school survivor.

 

Giveaway:

I am giving away one copy of Beneath a Turquoise Sky! Here’s a little about the book:

Cover of Beneath a Turquoise Sky by Kiersti Giron. Western background with mountains, a Native American on horse, and a woman in pioneer clothing.

A young teacher at a Navajo boarding school begins to wonder whether the mission is doing more harm than good.

After her life takes an unexpected turn in 1911, Caroline Haynes pursues a long-buried dream westward to teach at a Navajo mission boarding school. However, walls of hurt and cultural misunderstanding threaten to keep her from reaching the children she longs to touch. The handsome Rev. Willis Abernathy seems sure he knows what is best for the Navajo people—and for Caroline—but she finds herself drawn instead to Tse, the young Navajo man in charge of the mission’s livestock, who claims to still follow Christ despite returning to the ways of his people.

Tse Tsosie longs to introduce Jesus to his people in a way they can understand, but now that family need has brought him back to the mission, he battles past wounds and the disapproval of the missionaries. Meanwhile, Caroline’s arrival brings surprises and more turmoil to the school…and to Tse’s heart.

When crisis forces Tse and Caroline to make a choice, will they find a path together…or will the chasm between their peoples be too great to span?

Purchase Beneath a Turquoise Sky here!

“Beautifully written, Beneath a Turquoise Sky is as colorfully woven as a Navajo blanket with well-drawn characters, a fresh setting, and heartrending history. Kiersti Giron tells a tender, soul-stirring story unlike any other in this moving journey of change, forgiveness, new beginnings, and ultimately, love.”

~ Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of Courting Morrow Little 

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One reader who leaves a comment on this post will win a copy of Beneath a Turquoise Sky! The winner will be randomly selected from the comments and announced on Sunday, June 8th!

Had you heard of the “Indian boarding schools” before? What is a little-known side of history that has surprised or sobered you?

Kiersti Giron writes stories to lift hearts toward hope and healing in our divided world. Her debut novel, Beneath a Turquoise Sky, came inspired by her years living in New Mexico near the Navajo Nation. Kiersti also collaborates on series of historical fiction series with bestselling author Lauraine Snelling. When she’s not writing, Kiersti enjoys spending time with her husband, little boy, and two kitties, as well as teaching writing and literature to teenagers. Learn more at http://www.kierstigiron.com or follow her on Instagram @kierstigiron or Facebook.

Heidi Gray McGill: Grit, Grace, and a Deputy

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Grit, Grace, and a Deputy with a Past: Behind the Story of Written on My Heart

If Louis L’Amour wrote Christian historical romance, he might’ve dreamed up someone like Deputy Gabe “Little Sun” Manning.

Of course, Mr. L’Amour would’ve probably added a few more bar fights and left out the slow burn romance—but the grit, the honor, and the determination to do what’s right no matter the cost? That’s pure Gabe.

Set in the rugged town of Shumard Oak Bend, Written on My Heart is where tumbleweeds meet transformation, and where the path to justice often overlaps with the journey of faith. It’s a story of belonging, redemption, and learning to trust God’s purpose—especially when life feels more like a shootout than a Sunday sermon.

Gabe Manning isn’t your average lawman. He’s Arapaho, raised in a world that rarely gave him the benefit of the doubt. Now, as deputy in a town with more secrets than saloons, he’s sworn to uphold the law—while carrying his own burden of past regrets, unspoken grief, and a question that keeps him up at night: Can a man with blood on his hands ever truly be clean?

Enter Betsy Smith. Schoolteacher. Book lover. Dreamer. The kind of woman who keeps her boots polished and her heart guarded. She’s not looking for romance, especially not with a deputy whose silence speaks louder than most folks’ shouting. But Betsy’s world isn’t as tidy as her lesson plans. Trouble’s brewing in Shumard Oak Bent, her past is knocking louder than she’d like, and she’s about to find out that heroes don’t always wear white hats—or follow the script she imagined.

Edge-of-your-seat moments—ambushes in the woods, stormy confrontations, secrets that threaten to unravel everything—abound in the story, yet its quiet, faith-filled pauses might leave you breathless. Because woven through the gunpowder and grit is the undeniable thread of God’s grace.

I didn’t set out to write a story that balanced intense drama with tender romance, but sometimes, characters have minds of their own. Gabe wouldn’t let me ignore his pain. Betsy wouldn’t stop fighting for her future. And in the end, I found myself writing about two people searching for purpose in a world that seemed set against them.

But that’s the beauty of Westerns, isn’t it? They strip life down to its bare bones. What do you stand for? Who will you protect? And how do you move forward when the dust settles and the silence creeps in?

In Written on My Heart, the answers come not just through love, but through faith—a God who redeems broken stories, restores hope, and reminds us we are never too far gone to be called His own.

So, if you’re in the mood for a romance with the soul of a cowboy tale, the stakes of a showdown, and the heartbeat of a Savior’s love—I’d love to invite you to Shumard Oak Bend.

Just watch your step. The horses spook easy, the past has a nasty habit of showing up uninvited, and there’s a deputy with dark eyes and a heavier heart than he lets on.

But I promise, the ride is worth it.

 

Why do you like stories set in the old West? Is it the history, the setting, or maybe just the good “feeling” they give you? Leave a comment to get in the drawing for one ebook copy of Written on my Heart.

AUTHOR BIO:

Heidi Gray McGill is a celebrated author whose award-winning Christian fiction transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the past, where faith and fortitude reign supreme. With a talent for crafting historical and contemporary tales, Heidi has penned nine compelling books, each filled with resilient characters navigating the wilds of life with God’s love as their guide.

Heidi’s writing is as bold and purposeful as the untamed West itself. She began her literary journey in March 2020. She quickly became a beacon of inspiration, weaving stories that echo the timeless themes of redemption, courage, and the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Much like the pioneers of old, her characters face adversity head-on, offering readers a chance to journey alongside them, discovering healing and insight through God’s Word.

Living in a quaint town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. When she’s not crafting stories of grit and grace, she treasures moments with her family, especially her grandsons, and finds joy in cooking, playing games, and exploring new worlds through books.

Join Heidi on her inspiring journey into the heart of the American frontier and beyond. Visit HeidiGrayMcGill.com to discover the transformative power of God’s love woven into her stories. Connect with her on social media and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free prequel to her bestselling series.

Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories. Fusing Faith and Fiction™

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Heather Fry Blanton Talks Proximity and Emotional Tension Trope

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Trust on the Trail: Forced Proximity and Emotional Tension in Frontier Romances

There’s something deeply compelling about a romance that begins with distrust and danger, especially when it unfolds on the rugged frontier. In Western and frontier fiction, the “forced proximity” trope—where two strangers are thrown together by circumstance—is a beloved storytelling device. Why? Because it strips away all pretense and forces characters to confront not just each other, but themselves.

In stories like my new release, Lance, from the Gun for Hire series, Lance Wister finds himself wounded and on the run. He’s got no choice but to accept help from a wary peddler named Cat Callahan. She could turn him in. But she’s running from something, too, and he could bring trouble to her door. Survival, however, demands that they work together, and slowly, necessity begins to shift to something deeper.

On the frontier, trust isn’t just emotional—it’s practical. Will this person guard my back? Tend my wounds? Keep my secrets? When you’re traveling alone through Colorado’s wild terrain, every decision is high-stakes. Forced proximity amplifies the tension, especially when characters are hiding past sins or running from pain. And it’s in those quiet, inescapable moments—sharing a campfire, sharing a wagon bed, binding a bullet wound—where the seeds of intimacy are planted.

But here’s where the faith element takes root.

In many of these stories, trust doesn’t just bloom between two reluctant partners. It also becomes a journey back to trusting God. Often, both characters are running from something, like danger, or more emotional elements like grief, betrayal, or shame. They’ve lost faith in people, and sometimes in the Lord Himself. But being forced to depend on a stranger reveals a deeper truth: that God hasn’t abandoned them. He’s working, even in the wilderness, even in the mess.

For Lance and Cat, being “stuck” together becomes divine design. It’s not just about survival—it’s about healing. Scripture tells us that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and sometimes God uses the most unlikely people and situations to refine us. What begins as distrust slowly turns to cooperation, then protection, and finally—if they’re brave enough—love.

That’s the heart of the frontier romance: it reminds us that in the loneliest, most desperate places, God still writes love stories. He still calls the broken into partnership. And He still brings beauty from the hardest trails.

 

So the next time you pick up a romance with a wounded outlaw and a wary heroine forced into close quarters, remember—it’s not just sparks and suspense. It’s about learning to trust again… each other, and the One who never left.

Can you think of a Western romance that hinges on forced proximity? What do you think of this trope? Comment below for your chance to win one of 5 copies of my new release. Lance and Cat are waiting to get to know you!

About Heather:

Heather Blanton is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of thirty Christian Western romances, including the highly rated and awarded “Romance in the Rockies” series.

She is a former journalist and often weaves real history in among her fictional storylines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand.

Her novels are all Christian Western Romance because she enjoys writing about feisty pioneer women who struggle to find love and hold on to their faith. Like all good, old-fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and often a touch of suspense. Her work is inspired by authors like the great Louis L’Amour, Francine Rivers, and Linda Lael Miller, to name just a few. Her Defiance series has been optioned for TV.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  | AMAZON  | BOOKBUB

In the Market For Love

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I never intended to write the book.

The one that just released two weeks ago.

In the Market for Love is a story of redemption, hope, second chances, forgiveness, and listening to your heart. It’s just that the hero was originally the evil twin of the hero in my book Capturing Christmas.

Try as I might, I couldn’t think of Ransom Kressley in terms of hero material.

But my readers could.

In fact, over the years, you’ve requested his story more than any other.

After I received another flood of requests after Christmas for Ransom to please get a happily ever after, I surrendered to the inevitable and decided to try seeing him in a new light.

The result is In the Market for Love . It has laughter, love, heartache, and heartwarming moments, and I hope if you give it a chance, it will make you smile (and maybe sigh a little at the sweet ending).  You can even preview the first chapter here.

 

He’s never opened his heart to anyone. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When romance blooms, will they realize love is what they both need?

Ransom Kressley possesses the gift of gab, striking good looks, and a blistering disdain for his family’s Idaho ranch where he resides with his father and identical twin brother. His genuine passion is football, but a knee injury shattered his dreams of an NFL career. After years of channeling his frustration and anger toward those who care about him most, Ransom resolves to change. He accepts a job in Portland as a promotions manager for an arena football team and eagerly steps into his new life. As he makes a fresh start, his past continues to plague him, interfering with his chance to get to know the woman who lingers in his thoughts.

Despite her sunny smile and tender spirit, Kelly Truman isn’t in the market for love or even a relationship when she agrees to have lunch with her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Familiar only with Ransom Kressley’s notorious reputation, Kelly is determined to keep her guard up around him. However, Ransom proves to be nothing like she expected. Soon, she realizes she cherishes time spent with the man, but fears trusting him with her heart.

When their friendship evolves into something more, will Ransom’s charm and silver tongue split them apart or bind them together?

A sweet romance full of warmth and humor, In the Market for Love is a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

In the story, Kelly’s favorite flowers are tulips. 

For a chance to win a mystery prize,

just share your favorite spring flower and why you like it. 

Bonus question: Do you like redemption stories?

The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise + Giveaway

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

I have a new book in stores! Yeehaw!

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

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

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

 

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

Can three little hearts bring two opposites together?

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

Read an excerpt:

Trent Lloyd sensed mutiny in the air.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

None of this was sounding good.

***

Purchase Links: The Cowboy’s Easter Surprise

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

Do you enjoy children in novels?

Thanks for celebrating with me!

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