Montana

New Young Adult Story — Free E-book Giveaway

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Howdy!  Hope y’all are doin’ well on this beautiful Thursday!  Well I hope you’ll forgive me, but I just noticed (believe it or not) that this is more or less a repeat of my last post two weeks ago.  I must admit to being thoroughly swamped at the moment and so I hope you will excuse me.

I am filling in for the beautiful and amazingly talented Cathy.  I know.  Touch shoes to try to walk in, but I’ll try.

I have a new release out and it’s the third book in the Young Adult Series I’m doing entitled OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE.  This is a sweet teen romance, set in around the 1840’s between a Blackfeet Young Man and  a young teenager, Miss Starling) who came to live with her Uncle Jed when her parents died in a boating accident.  Jed just happened to be a trader in the far reaches of Blackfeet country.  The first story started when Starling (the heroine) was only 16 and on a steamboat set to take her into the dreaded Blackfeet Country.  Because her Uncle Jed was unable to meet her at the boat’s landing at Fort Union, he sent his almost-nephew — Good Eagle — to  meet Miss Starling and protect her on the steamboat as it was to go even further west…straight into Blackfeet Country.  Well needless to say, the two of them DID NOT hit it off.  However, he was told to guard Starling on the boat and he did.

Well, it’s now two years later and Starling is 18 and Good Eagle is 20.  But Starling is now considered an adult and, oh my, she’s now found herself in love with Good Eagle.  But, unfortunately for Starling, Good Eagle does not return her love (he is still in love with another)…though he and Starling have become the best of friends.

And so begins book #3, OUR ENEMY BRINGS CHANGE.  I write this romance under the pen name of Genny Cothern.

So let me tell you a bit more about this 3rd book with a blurb and an excerpt:

Our Enemy Brings Change

A spellbinding and sweet Native American historical romance for Young Adults featuring two people who are friends, but who must not fall in love with each other.

What Will Happen When We Give Our Enemy His Life?

When Starling Nelson begs Good Eagle—her best friend and partner— to spare the life of an enemy, little does she know how this one single action might affect her life. For a year now, Starling has realized her friendship with Good Eagle has blossomed into love. But, because Good Eagle’s heart belongs to another, she has learned to ignore the rapid beating of her own heart whenever Good Eagle is near.

Good Eagle finishes the fight the young Nez Perce warrior started and grants the warrior his life, but only because his partner, Starling, insists upon it. But when the Nez Perce warrior offers a piece of advice to Good Eagle, it has the effect of changing not only Good Eagle’s mind-set about love, it might very well change his life forever.

But, there are doubts about a happy ever after for Good Eagle and Starling, because, though Good Eagle’s past love is no longer alive, in spirit she still haunts him.

Can Good Eagle and Starling win against the supernatural? Or will this one chance at love fail, separating them forever?

Perfect for Readers who love

** A haunted hero and a beautiful “off limits” friend

** Sweet Native American Historical Romance

** Adventure and sweet love in the Old West

** Friends who believe love might destroy their honor

I hope you like this cover as much as I do.  It’s a bit of a change from my usual covers.  But I love the detail in this cover as well as the bright colors.  If you’ve ever been to Montana, then you probably know that the environment is not brown and drab, but it vibrant with color.

And so, here is an excerpt — a different one from my last blog two weeks ago.  In this scene Starling and Good Eagle are on the trail to discover a war lodge built somewhere in the Two Medicine area.  They have gone there to scout out the war lodge and to discover what (if anything) the enemy left behind.

EXCERPT

Our Enemy Brings Change

At last, by mid-day, we beheld the butte Deer Leggings had pointed out to us several days ago; it was known to the Pikuni as Móskizipahpi-istaki or Heart Butte. Rugged Mountains in the shape of a heart at its peaks jutted up toward the sky, while at its base, a large pine and hardwood forest butted up to it. We were only a few steps away from the pine forest now, and, entering into the cooler temperature of it, we traveled within its dense and dark depths, both of us keeping a look out for the war lodge or any other surprise.

The scent of pine was strong here and pleasant, despite the gloomy-like interior of the forest, where light so rarely found its way to the ground.

Good Eagle led the way, and, turning slightly in his seat, he motioned me forward. As I guided my pony up to Good Eagle on his right, he looked over his shoulder at me and said, “I believe I know where this lodge is. And, if I am correct, we will find it farther back from here and closer to the mountains. It is there where the pines are the most dense. I have been here before and I believe we will discover the lodge to be well hidden amongst the trees in this forest. Now, take heart and find your courage. Though I know the feel in these woods is gloomy, making it seem as if an enemy watches your every step, it is usually not so. I do not sense the presence of an enemy here. Still, keep your pony close to mine as we go through the pines.”

“Yes,” I said. “I will follow you. Indeed, with you here with me, I feel secure.”

Glancing at me quickly, Good Eagle smiled. “Okí, come on, let’s go!”

We then found the lodge with ease. I had never seen an actual war lodge and I was stunned to witness its cleverness in design.

Said Good Eagle, “I remember this war lodge from when I had once come here with my father. It is rather ancient and is not much used by my people anymore. It was many years ago when he brought me here. You see, it is the duty of my father, who is often the leader of war parties, to know where these war lodges are located all over Pikuni territory. They are usually found to be close to a trail, and they are used over and over by many a Pikuni war party.

“But, my father has told me the enemy, too, knows of their locations, and so it is not unusual for the Nez Perce to have used this lodge. But, even knowing the enemy might also be aware of the location of these lodges, many of my people still use them. However, although these kinds of war lodges can be convenient when one has a need of them, my father feels it best to construct a new war lodge when he is at the head of a war party; he would make his own, one as yet unknown to the enemy.”

I nodded, but I did not speak.

We both dismounted, leaving our animals hobbled in a large area of grass so they might feast upon it and recover their strength. Good Eagle and I came up close to the structure and I asked, “How are these built? I can see they are constructed to remain here for use, but how is it done?”

Quite good-naturedly, Good Eagle took my arm and stepped toward the war lodge while he explained, “The leader of the war party selects a spot to build the structure, usually close to a war path and within reach of water for bathing and for drinking. All the men begin to build the shelter as a place where they can rest and smoke meat and prepare for the dangers of war. Windfalls, as you can see, are plentiful in these wooded areas and the cottonwood and willow tree branches are used mostly because they are in abundance here along the river bottom.

“Now, three, maybe four or five, large and sturdy cottonwood limbs are found and put together like a tepee. These form the structure of the lodge. And then, other, smaller limbs are placed here alongside the main structure, while smaller limbs, bushes and small branches are put here and there over the entire structure. Large stones are found and are used to hold the lodge in place. Then, slabs of tree bark are put onto and around the lodge in order to keep the weather out of the structure. Bushes, leaves and more pine boughs are placed around it, also, to keep everything in place and any holes are quickly found from within the lodge and are closed up so that no rain or snow will fall inside, nor will smoke escape through the holes to announce to the enemy where the lodge is built.

“Now,” said Good Eagle, pointing, “as you can see, there is a long tunnel leading into the structure so that it can only be accessed by bending low and crawling through the tunnel into the lodge inside.”

“Yes,” I replied. “I think I would say it looks like an inverted V shape.”

“Quickly,” said Good Eagle, “let us gather up some dry wood so we can build a fire within the lodge.”

We did so easily enough, there being many dry branches and logs on the ground. Within moments it was done, and, carrying the wood to the war lodge, Good Eagle bent and crawled into the opening, pushing the stack of wood before him. I followed.

It was dark in this tunnel-like structure and I was glad when we, at last, reached the interior of the lodge. But, because all the cracks in its walls were covered over with bush or tree bark from the outside, there was no light in the structure’s interior except for what came through the lodge poles from above. Also, because of the darkness of the forest, I could see almost nothing within, even once I came to stand up to my feet and my eyes had adjusted to the dark.

Said Good Eagle, “Let me start a fire in the center of the lodge so we might more easily locate the headdress we have come here to find.”

I didn’t help Good Eagle to build the fire because, using little more than flint and punk, it generally took me much longer than he to stoke up a fire. However, Good Eagle was a master at it, having learned how to do it long, long ago. And so, very quickly the interior of the lodge was thrown into a flickering, yellow light which seemed to me to be about as bright as moonlight, and perhaps, just as flattering.

At last, I could see what was inside the lodge, and, without looking at Good Eagle, I murmured, “Well, I can now understand why there is such a strong odor of pine here in this lodge. The men who had used this war lodge, slept on many pine boughs and have left them here. I had thought, when we first entered, that the odor inside here would be rotten, perhaps from the remains of animals. But, this is not so. It is the sweet smell of balsam, as well as prairie sage, which permeates the inside of this structure.”

Good Eagle didn’t reply to me. Instead, when I looked up toward him as he stood on the other side of the glowing firelight, I saw he was gazing at me in an uncommonly strange manner. He said nothing; he did nothing. He simply stood there looking at me as though he were seeing me for the first time.

Although I took note of how handsome he appeared in the flickering firelight, I thought little of it, for I had often admired his looks beneath the beams of a moonlit evening. And so, shrugging off my attraction to him, I said again, “I have noticed how sweet-smelling the inside of this lodge is.” I grinned at him.

Yet, he murmured not a single word in reply to me. He simply stared at me. A long minute ticked by in my mind, and, as I looked at him, I wondered what was wrong with him. Why didn’t he say something to me? Yet, he uttered not a single word.

“Well,” I said at length, “it might be wise for us to look for the headdress and return at once to the fort where we can present it to Deer Leggings.”

“Tsa, what?” At last Good Eagle seemed to come more fully into the moment. “I did not hear what it was you said.”

“Oh?” I asked, wondering what was affecting him in such a strange way. “Well, I will say it again, then. Perhaps we should look for the headdress and then make our way back to the fort.”

“Áa, áa,” was all Good Eagle replied. And then, as though he had been momentarily held in a trance, he shook his head slightly and shut his eyes. Opening his eyes and again looking at me, he said, “Of course. Let us do as you say.”

And, so began our hunt for the Nez Perce headdress. We each one inspected several different sleeping areas. But, it was Good Eagle, who, at last, found the tube which held the regalia. Not only was there a headdress neatly packed within it, there was another cylinder located close to it, and inside this other was an entire outfit of men’s dress regalia, complete with a tanned buckskin shirt, leggings, breechcloth and moccasins.

As Good Eagle was rolling the clothing up and stuffing it all back inside the tube, I said, “We should bring these back to Deer Leggings. I know he will be happy to see them.”

As I reached out to take one of the cylinders from Good Eagle, I accidentally touched the palm of his hand, and I almost jumped back because of the sensation of energy which fled over me. What had happened to me?

I looked up at Good Eagle’s face and saw a look of surprise upon his countenance, also; one probably mirroring my own reaction. I hardly knew what to do. Perhaps I should have taken a step back away from him. But, I didn’t. It was as though I had become glued to the floor.

Again, it was a long minute within my mind before Good Eagle at last said to me, “I think we should return to the fort, yet my people are not camped far from here, the Two Medicine area being a common camping spot for us during the Yiipo, the moon when the leaves grow. Would you like to come to my people’s encampment with me before we return to the fort? Perhaps it is well for you to meet the rest of your family, my father, my mother, my sister and brother.”

Taken a little by surprise, I replied, “I would be honored to go there with you.”

When he grinned at me, I thought my heart might likely have jumped up from my chest and into my throat, so quickly did it beat. I didn’t know quite what had happened to me…or to Good Eagle.

But, whatever it was, it left me with a warm sensation which was spreading all over me. Something, though I knew not what, was different between Good Eagle and me. And, whatever this was, it was so pleasant, I longed for more of the same.

But, of course, I didn’t say any of this to Good Eagle. He is, after all, my best friend, my almost-brother and my partner.

When Good Eagle seemed to become more of his usual good-humored, though teasing self, we left the lodge, as well as the pine forest and headed toward the camp of his people.

To say I was honored by his suggestion to take me to meet his family would have been an understatement, and I found I was so nervous at the prospect of meeting his parents, as well as his sister and brother, I barely spoke at all to Good Eagle along the trail.

But, in truth, this was as it usually was; one didn’t overly converse when on the trail.

Inwardly, I started rehearsing what I might say to his father and his mother, but alas, I could think of nothing which seemed to me to be quite worthy of the honor I felt. However, sighing deeply, I kept trying to practice what I might say….

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HG88KVRV?tag=pettpist-20

And now for some more news:  She Steals My Breath , book #1 in The Medicine Man Series is on sale for $,99 and If She Were Mine is on sale also for $.99.  But If She Were Mine is going to be on sale only until the end of this month.  So do hurry and get your copy today!

If She Were Mine:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWY3P5KS?tag=pettpist-20

She Steals My Breath:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TNDS67H?tag=pettpist-20

Well, that’s all for today!  Hope your Thursday is both beautiful and romantic!  Don’t forget to post a comment.  I’ll be giving away a free e-book of this story to one of today’s bloggers.

Location, Location, Location (And a Fun Giveaway!)-by Nancy Fraser

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Location, Location, Location

Nancy Fraser

As dedicated as most authors are to the authenticity of our characters, their professions, and the historical details of the time period we’ve chosen, we get a small amount of latitude from… you guessed it… our latitude and longitude! Our location, to be exact.

While some authors choose to set their stories in real-life towns with the location’s history already built in, a good majority of western romance authors create their own small pieces of eventual paradise. I say “eventual” because it’s not uncommon for one or both of our main characters to be thrust into a place or situation not of their choosing.

As an author with over sixty sweet, western romances under my belt, I’ve gone in both directions. The three books I wrote for the popular Christmas Quilt series were all set in the real town of Castle Rock, Oregon. I chose Castle Rock because of it’s interesting history. From the early Native American Yakima tribe who drove their horses across the Columbia River, to the thirteen-family wagon train campsite in 1847 who were subject to a livestock stampede initiated by a number of tribes from the surrounding area, the early going was difficult.

Eventually though, Castle Rock was settled. By 1881 they had a train station, a steamboat landing, warehouses for wheat and wool, and a general store. They got their first post office in 1883 (a fact I used when I made my heroine’s father the postmaster). And, while some dreamed of leaving Castle Rock for bigger and better things, that didn’t always happen. My heroines, Audrey, Sarah, and Raine, were destined to find their HEA so I’ve bundled all three stories into A Castle Rock Christmas and the ladies seem right at home.

While bringing history to life is a worthy endeavor, creating a fictitious town is also a lot of fun. In one of my earliest sweet western historical romances, A Christmas Baby for Beatrice, I created White Mountain, Washington. Designed as a somewhat remote location, my hero’s home sat on the side of a mountain, surrounded by trees. Given my hero is an author and a professor of horticulture with his own university-funded greenhouse, the location made sense… even to a city girl like my widowed heroine.

All these exciting locations (real and made up) aside, I’m about to embark on my biggest location challenge. On September 25, I’ll release Agnes: Cape Breton Highland Bride. Set in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia in the early 1900s, it’s part of the National Park Brides series that began a couple of years ago and is still going strong today with it’s third set of books scheduled for this fall.

It’s not just the location that’s going to be a challenge. I’ve been to Cape Breton Highlands National Park a number of times. The story I’m planning is a homage to my late mother-in-law and father-in-law. It’s their love story and, while I may bend a few of the details to fit the book, the locations and romance are all true. I’m excited and nervous in equal measure.

However, before I get myself off to Cape Breton, I still have to deal with one of my favorite twice-used locations, the fictitious town of Santa Rosa, Montana. My latest release, Their Marriage Bargain, is the second book set in the small town not far from Bozeman.

Their Marriage Bargain

Julia Wilson is tired of life in Baltimore, and of her mother’s incessant attempts to marry her off despite having a career of her own. When the opportunity to travel to Montana and work with her doctor cousin presents itself, she jumps at the chance.

Lucas Palmer is the sheriff of Santa Rosa, Montana, a growing town surrounded by large cattle ranches and mining concerns. He’s also a recently jilted groom, his intended shunning the cold winters of Montana in favor of the warmer western coastline. Determined to remain single rather than face another failure, he must delicately sidestep the young women looking to snag a husband.

When Julia arrives, it’s attraction at first sight for both her and the handsome lawman. Yet, she’s determined to settle in with her new job and new home before she even entertains being courted. Frustrated by the unwanted advances of the town’s men, she’s at her wits end when Lucas suggests they strike a bargain.

A pre-marriage, engagement bargain. While they’re both immediately taken off the market, their ruse is anything but convenient with each passing day making them long for a real arrangement, rather than make believe.

Which one will crack first and admit their feelings? Or are they destined to suffer in companionable silence?

You can find Julia’s and Lucas’s adventure on Kindle Unlimited HERE.

GIVEAWAY

I’d love to hear from the followers of Petticoats & Pistols. Do you have a favorite book location? It can be either real or a figment of the author’s imagination. Did they sell their make-believe town so well, that you fell in love?

For all those who comment, I’ll be giving away a few prizes as follows:

Two e-book copies of my latest release, Their Marriage Bargain

Two e-book copies of A Castle Rock Christmas anthology, and

I’ll reserve one e-book copy of Agnes: Cape Breton Highland Bride to be sent on release day.

BONUS! In addition to the above giveaways, Nancy has a free copy of A Christmas Baby for Beatrice for everyone! You can download your free copy Available today through the weekend only.

Thank you so much for allowing me to spend some time here on the blog. I look forward to your comments.

Blessings,

Nancy

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

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

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

You can follow Nancy here:

Amazon Author Page ~ Bookbub ~ BlueSky Social  ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

 

The Husband Tree–rereleased–and a giveaway

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OK HERE WE GO!

The Husband Tree

Belle Tanner, the meanest woman I’ve ever created.

My book opens in a line I consider among my best–

Belle Tanner threw dirt on Anthony’s handsome, worthless face.

She’s burying him.Yes, burying him along with husband’s #1, and #2 under the over-burdened roots of a tree she’s come to think of as The Husband Tree.

And vowing to never, ever marry again.

Made worse because the second scene in the book is Silas Harden, losing his second ranch due to a scheming woman and vowing to never let himself get mixed up with a woman again.

Oh, yeah, it’s a clash of titanic proportions. I’ll add here that there are three MORE books coming, beyond the six in that banner at the top, and Belle Tanner appears in them, too. Always her usual, easy-going self (kidding). One of my favorite scenes of all time is in Doctor in Petticoats when Belle Tanner appears and despite a terrible situation, somehow, once Belle enters the picture, we know everything’s gonna be okay.

What’s your favorite romantic couple in literature? Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of The Husband Tree.

Are you the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy–Pride and Prejudice type? The Wuthering Heights/Romeo and Juliet tragic type? Think about couples, either iconic, classic books or something you’ve read that’s more contemporary. You’re all readers here at P & P so come up with one. I have a few I’ve written I might like as well as Belle and Silas, but honestly, none were more fun to write.

Possibly my favorite romantic couple is in Mischief by Amanda Quick.  Imogene and Mattias. Those two. I re-read it every once in a while, a regency romance, just to watch those two clash and fall in love. She wants to catch a killer. He wants to keep her from getting killed if there even IS a killer. Mattias the grim, ruthless, powerhouse earl everyone fears. Imogene believes (somehow) that it’s all lies and he’s a delicate, rather sensitive soul. She sets out to protect him and take care of all the dangerous stuff herself.  It’s hilarious.

The Husband Tree

A spirited Western romance filled with danger, determination, and unexpected love—a tale of a fierce widow rancher, a hardworking cowboy, and the family that brings them together. Perfect for fans of historical romance and strong heroines.

Belle Tanner has buried three husbands under the “Husband Tree” and managed her Montana ranch alone while raising four daughters. When she needs help with a dangerous cattle drive, she hires Silas Harden—a man who actually knows his way around cattle and horses. Unlike her previous husbands, Silas isn’t afraid of hard work, but Belle’s not about to let another man take charge of her ranch or her heart.

Silas never planned on falling for a widow with four daughters, especially one as independent as Belle. But as they face treacherous mountain passes, wolf attacks, and winter storms together, he discovers that what he thought was just another job might be his chance at a real family—if he can convince Belle to trust in love one more time.

With winter closing in and dangers mounting, Belle and Silas must learn to work together and trust in God’s plan. But can Belle let go of her iron control and let love lead? And can Silas prove he’s different from the husbands who came before?
A heartwarming story of faith, family, and finding love in the rugged Montana Territory.

http:maryconnealy.com 

 

250th Year Anniversary of our Country Book, FREEING MISS ABAGAIL — And a Surprise

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  • Howdy!  Welcome, Welcome to another terrific Tuesday!

As many of you already know, the Pettocoats & Patriots books have now launched!  Yay!  My book, #2 in the series, Freeing Miss Abagail, launched on the 23rd of June.  Yay!  So, I thought I’d post links to both of the terrific newsletters — given to us by wonderful Shanna Hatfield — which will give you not only excerpts of each book, but is filled with games and bits of information you might not be able to find elsewhere.

Here is a link to the Petticoats & Pistols Magazine #2:  https://sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/assets-shanna/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Patriot-Magazine-2-digital.pdf

And here is the link to magtzine #1:  https://petticoatsandpistols.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Petticoats-Patriots-Magazine-Volume-1-2026.pdf

Don’t miss the fun!  There are interviews, excerpts, games (many games), recipes and more!

And for those of you who would like a hard copy of the first magazine, it is for sale at Lulu:  https://www.lulu.com/shop/shanna-hatfield-and-karen-kay-and-kit-morgan-and-sarah-lamb/petticoats-patriots-volume-1/paperback/product-65k4g8k.html?page=1&pageSize=4

So, here are the eight books in this series:

Book 1

She never intended to become a spy … or fall for one.

Philadelphia, 1776

As whispers of revolution turn swell into a roar for freedom, Lucy Carlson is no longer content to simply watch from behind the counter of her father’s jewelry shop. When a mysterious woman—none other than Martha Washington—leaves behind a locket, Lucy discovers the piece is more than a pretty keepsake. The necklace is a secret vessel for the revolution that carries the promise of love.

Drawn into a dangerous spy ring, Lucy begins crafting coded messages concealed within the locket’s clever design, living a secret double life and risking everything she holds dear in a time of sacrifice and war.

Continental soldier Branch Barton is a man defined by duty. Tasked with rooting out traitors, he moves through the shadowed world of deception and divided loyalties. He’s trained to trust no one, yet he finds himself drawn into a slow-burning connection with the jeweler’s spirited daughter.

But when Lucy begins to suspect Branch may be a Redcoat in disguise, their fragile bond is tested by mistaken identity, growing mistrust, and the threat of betrayal.

In a war where even allies can become enemies, Lucy and Branch must navigate a world of hidden truths and guarded hearts. With the fate of the colonies—and their hearts—hanging in the balance as Lucy delivers a message in enemy territory, will they find the courage to trust each other and choose love?

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 2

Two hearts. Two worlds. Can love be the key to free the woman he loves?

Saratoga, 1777

Nineteen year old Indentured Servant, Abagail Densbury, is running for her life. Accused of stealing a necklace she didn’t take, and facing a beating that could claim her life, she has no choice but to take this one chance to run away, especially when Mr. Wilson, the proprietor of the Saratoga Inn, has told her “to get.” But Abagail has spent her life on the city streets of London, and she is a stranger to the forests of New York. Still, she might have survived on her own, if only Miss Stockenridge hadn’t sent the hounds after her.

Twenty-four year old Skenandoah is an Oneida Indian and a scout for the Patriots. When Mr. Wilson asks Skenan to help a girl to survive through the forests and to reach Fort Stanwix, Skenan doesn’t hesitate to act. What he didn’t count on is that the girl, though dressed in rags, is as beautiful as she is sweet and brave.

Closeness on the trail unites their hearts. But, when a coded message is found in a locket in Abagail’s apron, both Skenan and Abagail know they must reach Fort Stanwix as quickly as possible, even though it means they will be forced to part—she back to her world and he to his.

But, since the Patriots are fighting to throw off the chains of the English Father, is there a way Shenan can make them see that the woman he loves should be free, too?

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 3

In a house filled with British officers, colonial spies, and dangerous secrets, falling in love may be the most reckless act of all.

Long Island, 1778

Anna Turner serves quietly at Pembrooke House, hiding her patriot loyalties beneath the careful routine of a household maid. But when cheerful messenger Nathaniel Reed begins delivering private correspondence to the British captain residing there, Anna becomes convinced he’s the enemy.

Nate, however, is hiding secrets of his own.

As two rival spy rings unknowingly move information through the same household, suspicion turns to uneasy partnership—and then something far more dangerous. Because in a city where spies are hanged in the streets, one wrong move could condemn them both.

And surrendering her heart to Nate Reed may prove deadlier than war itself.

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 4

A traitor in the Continental Army. A raid that could end Virginia’s government. And one woman willing to risk everything for love.

Charlottesville, 1780

Anna Randolph has always believed women are capable of more than society allows. The daughter of a prominent military supplier in Revolutionary Virginia, she manages her father’s correspondence and longs to contribute meaningfully to the cause of independence. When she meets Major James Coleman at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, she’s drawn to the self-made officer who sees her as an equal—but in the uncertain spring of 1781, with war raging through Virginia, falling in love feels like both a gift and a gamble.

Major James Coleman earned his rank through merit, not birth. A Scots-Irish officer from the Shenandoah Valley, he’s gathering intelligence for the Marquis de Lafayette while avoiding romantic entanglements—his dangerous work is no life for a family man. But Anna Randolph is unlike any woman he’s ever known: intelligent, passionate, and brave. For the first time, James allows himself to imagine a future beyond the war. Until a routine visit to the Albemarle Barracks uncovers a deadly conspiracy threatening both Jefferson and the cause itself.

When whispered treason reveals plans for a devastating raid on Charlottesville and James is left for dead by a jealous rival, Anna must become the courier he never meant to send into danger. Racing thirty miles through enemy territory to reach Lafayette’s camp, she carries intelligence that could save Jefferson and alter the course of the war. In a world where women are meant to wait and worry, Anna Randolph will ride into the heart of danger to prove that sometimes the most perilous mission requires not just courage, but love.

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 5

North and South. Yankee and Rebel. Union and Confederate.
In the midst of the Civil War, can two hearts come together?

Roswell, 1863

When the tide of war sweeps south and the Union Army invades and destroys the Georgia cotton mill where Kate Brodie is a nurse, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s branded a traitor and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely attention of a Yankee major makes the trip tolerable.

Union major, Griffin Fletcher loathes the part of his job that requires him to destroy homes, towns, and livelihoods of innocent civilians. But he’s sworn to uphold the Union at all costs. Yet, he vows to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Marietta. Especially the one whose fiery determination, proud stance, and soft heart draws him closer.

Determined to remain in the South, Kate makes a daring leap of faith to nurse wounded Yankee soldiers, never expecting Major Fletcher to be one of her patients. Along with his healing, they each faced the fears and prejudices that had brought them together.

With survival so tenuous, can faith help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy?

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 6

She’s fighting to honor the past. He’s haunted by it.

Hawthorn, 1876

As Hawthorn, Texas, prepares for a grand celebration honoring America’s centennial and the town’s own fifty-year history, schoolteacher and archivist Mercy Owens is determined to see that every act of sacrifice and service is properly remembered. So when one local veteran refuses to take part in the festivities, she cannot simply let the matter rest.

Livery stable owner Wilson Porter has spent years quietly rebuilding his life after the Civil War left him carrying wounds no one can see. Respected by the town but haunted by the past, he wants no public recognition—especially not from a committee determined to call him a hero.

But as Mercy’s research draws her deeper into Wilson’s history, and a series of shared journeys begins to chip away at the walls between them, both must confront long-held beliefs about honor, sacrifice, and worth. Because sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is allow themselves to be truly seen.

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 7

She’s lived with his name for three years. He’s never known hers. Until they meet.

Halsey, 1955

Jackie Sinclair is good at what she does–flying airplanes during the Korean War. But when she makes a mistake that will haunt her forever, she’s determined to build a new life of peace and freedom in Nebraska. Except she comes face-to-face with Beckett J. Archer, the soldier she had failed so terribly, and her hopes for a new future threaten to fall apart.

Beck has returned to heal at the one place that means more to him than anything else–his father’s ranch. The memories of war have left their mark, but the brave and beautiful woman who lands in his life–literally–stirs up feelings he never expects, especially when an old family legacy threatens to drive them apart.

As trouble closes in from every side, Beck and Jackie are drawn together by danger, duty, and a growing love neither of them can deny.

BUY ON AMAZON

Book 8

In a season of fireworks and freedom, can two independent hearts make a declaration of love?

Holiday, OR, Modern Day

Grady Guthry understands the weight of a promise. Years after returning from the Army to help his widowed sister and young nephew rebuild their lives, he’s created a solid life in Holiday, Oregon. With a thriving construction business and deep roots in his small town, Grady’s world is steady, dependable, and safe—just the way he needs it. The last thing he’s looking for is change, especially not in the form of the town’s new, temporary postmaster.

Kate Barton has always followed the horizon. An Air Force veteran who thrives on freedom and fresh starts, she moves from one assignment to the next, never staying long enough to put down roots. But when she arrives in Holiday, she carries more than just her bags. A cherished locket left behind by her father draws her into a legacy she never knew existed—and begins to stir a longing she can’t quite ignore.

As Holiday prepares for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an unexpected friendship between Grady and Kate deepens into an undeniable slow-burn romance. Grady offers Kate a sense of home she’s never known, while she reminds him there’s more to life than duty.

But with Kate’s departure date looming, the independence they’ve both fought to claim may become the very thing that keeps them apart.

In a season of healing, hope, and second chances, will they find the courage to let go of their plans—and choose a future together?

BUY ON AMAZON

You’re gonna love these books from Petticoats & Patriots.

But wait I have some more news:  Because I recently signed on with OHB Publishing (a small press publisher), I have four titles of my backlist newly edited and reissued, and there are some truly beautiful covers and so, if you’ll bear with me, I’ll show those covers below.  A word about this series: it is a solid Historical Romance but with a paranormal element.  Each hero in these four books is charged with a task of ending a centuries old curse.  Each hero in the books must free his band of the tribe from the curse.  Many before him have failed to free his people.  Will he, too, fail?

Okay, so here’s the covers:

Book #1:

The Angel and the Warrior

 

Book #2

The Spirit of the Wolf

Book #3: 

Red Hawk’s Woman

 

Book #4

The Last Warrior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book #4

The Last Warrior

And now for the surprise: I will be doing a drawing on the day after this blog (tomorrow/Wednesday) of all those who left a post on this blog– day after this blog — and the winner of the drawing will get her choice of one of the e-books shown here on this page.  Just please be aware that not all of the e-books are yet out.  However, if the e-book you’d like is not yet out, on the day of its release (or perhaps if I can preorder the book before it is released), I will gift you the e-book you have chosen.

I look forward to all your posts.

Do Well!

 

Help Wanted, Cowboy

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I am generally loath to crow about my own books, which is sorta silly when you think about it. I mean, who else is going to crow about my books if not me? I’m not good at look at me, though, and if it were possible in this day and age to simply write a book, hand it to my publisher, and then crawl back into my writing cave and start a new one, without ever having to think about said book again, I would do it that way. But publishing doesn’t work like that these days. Maybe it never did.

Although I’ve been writing since I was a child and starting working as a book editor in 1996, I came into publishing as an author in 2012—on the cusp of digital first and e-books. I joined Facebook about that time and Instagram shortly after, but it took me awhile to figure out how to make those platforms work for me as an author. I’m not sure I’ve mastered it yet, you know, because it means being present when what I really want to do is stay tucked in my little writing space. My fictional worlds are so much safer than the real world of social media and promotion.

All that said, I’m here today to be Nan Reinhardt author (<– over there) promoting a brand-new release — out today, as a matter of fact. If you love romance and Montana and spunky heroines and handsome cowboys with big hearts, Help Wanted, Cowboy might just be the book for you. Rory and Millie’s story is book 3 in my Juniper Falls Ranch series, so if you’ve read books 1 and 2, you’ll recognize Beth and Del Foster, who own Juniper Falls Ranch, Gus, their grizzled ranch hand, Bo Kennedy, the former rodeo cowboy turned ranch foreman, and others, as well as the little Montana town of Marietta. Sage’s Chocolate Shop, the Graff Hotel, Copper Mountain—all the places in Marietta that you already know and love are part of the story, too, as Rory and Millie feel their way to their own happily-ever-after. Because of course, there’s always an HEA in a Nan Reinhardt novel.

I confess, the theme—Millie wants a little favor from Rory—was a tricky one to do in a sweet romance, but we pulled it off, and there is even a treasure hunt up in an old mine in the foothills to add to the fun. I hope you enjoy reading Help Wanted, Cowboy as much as I enjoyed creating it.

GIVEAWAY: To celebrate this book release—#17 with the fabulous Tule Publishing—I’m giving away three e-book copies of Help Wanted, Cowboy to three lucky commenters. Just tell me what attracts you to a cowboy romance—the cover? The blurb? The author? Inquiring minds want to know…

Help Wanted, Cowboy

A Montana bull rider temporarily working as a ranch hand. An OB nurse who wants “a favor.” Two opposites thrown together. A treasure hunt adds to autumn magic. 

When a family emergency brings cowboy Rory Pearson home to Marietta, he hires on to Juniper Falls Ranch for seasonal work. He’s hoping to explore an intriguing family legend. Armed with research and his grandfather’s stories, Rory thinks he’s ready, but nothing goes as planned. Then a sweetly sexy nurse propositions him.

Nurse Millie Sparks is tired of playing it safe. She’s been too focused on her education and career and romance and adventure have passed her by. Staying on the ranch to care for a patient with a tricky pregnancy, Millie’s interest in Rory is immediate. He offers to teach her to ride, and she wonders if the lessons could extend to something else she’s been hiding.

It’s a game of flirtation and fun. Feelings can’t be serious. But as the clock ticks down, hearts interfere, and saying goodbye just got way more complicated.

Amazon | B&N Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play

Oh, oh, P.S.: If you haven’t been to Juniper Falls Ranch yet, here’s a great opportunity for a first visit–Forever Cowboy, book 1 in the JFR series is just 99 cents right now! So race over to your favorite book retailer and nab it at that discount before it goes back to regular price.

Montana Rose–coming soon–and a giveaway

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We are on to book four in this NINE BOOK SERIES!

These books are formerly published and out of print, so I’m giving them a new life with the help of Wild Heart Books.

But only six covers so far. I can’t wait for the rest!!!

This month the book re-releasing is………..

Montana Rose

Montana Rose is one of the first books I ever wrote. Not first by any means but before any of the other five books that are included in that lineup.

To make it into a series I had to rewrite it, along with The Husband Tree…which I wrote a bit later…move Montana Rose to Montana…or did I move the Husband Tree to Montana? And I know it was The Husband Tree that I had to date a lot later to match up with the time of The Husband Tree and, if you’re reading Montana Rose, you’ll see that Belle Tanner, the heroine of The Husband Tree is in the book, as is Tom Linscott…neither of these people were originally in Montana Rose. There might have been a  passing mention of the name Tom Linscott as a cranky neighbor who would bid to buy the land that is being seized by the bank near the beginning of the book.

He never appears on the page. He never had a line of spoken dialogue and, in my imagination, he was an old codger. Now he’s a handsome young cranky neighbor bound of a love story of his own.

All of this changed when I threw my back (okay, my fingers!) into making these books a series. Adding in Wildflower Bride well, that was the first original book I wrote after I became published.

Montana Rose was written as my effort to re-create Love Comes Softly. If you’re familiar with it, it is the beginning of Christian Publishers buying and publishing fiction. It was all non-fiction before Love Comes Softly.  It’s a beautiful story, classic and widely known. Also at this point in my writing, I’d been creating female characters that were tough, feisty lady ranchers. I wanted to try and grow as an author, test my skills. Can I create a true damsel in distress…and in the truest, old fashioned sense of the word.

Cassie is meek. She’s been mistreated by her first husband, a much older man who, after Cassie’s mother’s death, tended the vast wealth Cassie inherited. Well, he married her and took her west, spent her whole fortune, got her pregnant and died. Leaving her penniless, alone, used to taking orders and convinced she’s stupid and childish and someone needs to tell her every decision to make.

There, on the freshly turned grave of her husband….

…………..Here’s the thing. I like to think of Montana Rose as Love Comes Softly … Only with Mayhem and Gunfire.

I suggested to my publisher we call it that. Or maybe Love Comes Hardly. Or Love Comes Loudly.

I felt like that captured the spirit of the book. In their usual wisdom, they picked a title of their own.

Montana Rose, coming June 23. That’s next Tuesday. Available now for preorder, along with The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride.

Have you read Love Comes Softly? It was a movie on The Hallmark Channel…the author Janette Oke, absolutely beloved, has had many many books made into movies, six in the Love Comes Softly series alone. In some ways they really launched The Hallmark Channel and those movies run and rerun to this day.

So my humble attempt to capture that beautiful pregnant woman, grieving from her husband’s death on a wagon train, in terrible need, her forced marriage of convenience to a near stranger, and how those two learned to trust. And how Cassie learns to risk her heart again.

With me as the author, it fell into chaos of course, lots of shooting and such. But I love it just the same.

Have you read Love Comes Softly? Have you seen the movie? To get your name in the drawing for an ebook copy of Montana Rose, let me know in the comments. Then, if you dare!!! Risk the mayhem of Montana Rose.

Montana Rose

A poignant Western romance about second chances, redemption, and the healing power of faith—a moving tale of a heartbroken young widow, a compassionate rancher, and the love that helps them both find their way home.

When Cassie Griffin’s abusive husband dies, leaving her pregnant and destitute, she’s forced to marry a stranger to survive. Red Dawson, a hardworking rancher and part-time preacher, steps forward to save her from a worse fate. Though Red fears marrying a non-believer goes against his principles, he can’t stand by and watch Cassie be claimed by the ruthless Sawyer clan.

Living in Red’s rustic cave home is a far cry from Cassie’s former life of luxury. But as she learns to work alongside him, she discovers strength she never knew she possessed. Red’s gentle patience and unwavering faith begin to crack the protective shell she’s built around her heart. When a dangerous enemy threatens their newfound happiness, Cassie and Red must trust in God’s plan—and each other—to survive.

Can a marriage of convenience bloom into true love? And can a woman who’s known only submission find the courage to stand tall? A tender story of healing, hope and the transformative power of unconditional love.

http://www.maryconnealy.com

Nan Has Two Winners

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I have two winners from my post on June 2! The two people who will receive an e-book copy of Forever Cowboy–the book where Rascal the stray find his Furever Home are:

  • Julie Bullock
  • Kim Hansen

Ladies, watch for an email from Tule Publishing!

Thanks everyone for stopping by!

 

 

Cowboys, Rodeo, & a Stray Dog

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I have to confess that I panicked last year when my publisher Jane Porter asked me to move from River’s Edge, my little town on the Ohio River to Marietta, Montana. I mean, holy schnikeys! Except for flyovers and the very urban Bay Area of San Francisco to visit our kids, I’d never been west of Mississippi, and now I was supposed to write in the mountains of Montana? About cowboys? And rodeos and ranches? Yikes!

To be honest, the only things I had going for me as I headed into this new writing territory was a love of and experience with horses, the fact that I’d read a lot of Tule Publishing’s Montana Born books, and a deep respect for Jane and the team’s marketing expertise. They’d never steered me wrong yet, so I took a deep breath and dove in. I even took a trip to Big Sky, Montana, in July with my pal, mystery writer Carol Light, just to get a feel for the setting. Wow, was that ever grand!

I was grateful that I was starting my Montana Born journey with three other romance authors, all of whom already wrote cowboys and Montana and ranches and rodeo. Our 4-book, 4-author series, Montana’s Rodeo Cowboys released one book a week throughout September of 2025. And we needed a theme that would run through the entire series—something that tied all the books together. Someone said, how about a stray dog? That was fine with me, so our little thieving pup first appears in Jeannie Watt’s Unforgettable Cowboy, turns up again in Nicole Flockton’s Headstrong Cowboy, and in Sinclair Jayne’s Rogue Cowboy. Each time, the little trickster is stealing something … and then disappearing. He is a sheltie/border collie mix and cute as can be! Check him out here.

Then my turn came. Because I am the last book in the series, I got to decide what would happen to the little dog we’d named Rascal—because he truly was! Husband and Son both said words to the effect of you can’t kill off the dog. Like I would ever do such a thing! I’ll grant you I’m more a cat person than a dog lover, but surely Rascal needed a happily-ever-after just like all our cowboys and their ladies. Sorry, I’m not going to tell you where that poor critter ended up. You’ll have to read the whole series, ending with my Forever Cowboy to find out. Just trust me … fairy tale ending are my specialty.

Hope y’all enjoy all four books in the Montana’s Rodeo Cowboys series—we sure had fun writing them! And here’s the best part: I have three more Montana Born stories coming up here in 2026! I got into the cowboy thing so much that I created my own Montana world—Juniper Falls Ranch, so although  Forever Cowboy may be book 4 in the Montana’s Rodeo Cowboys series; it’s Book 1 in the Juniper Falls Ranch series. Book 2, The Cowboy’s Comeback, released January 30, 2026. Book 3, Help Wanted, Cowboy releases July 7, 2026, and book 4, The Rancher’s Christmas Wife, which I’m currently writing, releases in November! And you know what else? I’m havin’ the time of my life in Montana! Come join me!

To whet your appetite for my Juniper Fall Ranch cowboys, how about we do a little giveaway? Just tell me below if you like to see pets–dogs, cats, parrots, hamsters, rabbits, really any kind of pet–in your cowboy stories? I’ll give away two e-book copies of Forever Cowboy to two lucky commenters!

Thanks for spending time with me today! See you next time!

Petticoats & Pistols