Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Nan Reinhardt

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Hello, everyone! What a treat to be here with y’all for my very first Cowboys & Mistletoe promotion! As you all know by now, I’m just beginning the cowboy/Western romance journey with Tule Publishing’s Montana Born imprint, so I don’t have a cowboy holiday romance yet, but I have one coming out in November 2026. I do have Christmas romance for you, though! I actually have five sweet, small-town romances that happen in my little fictional town of River’s Edge, Indiana, so it was hard to pick one favorite. But if I had to choose, I think I’d pick Becker Lange and Harley Cole’s story, The Fireman’s Christmas Wish. Becker’s grumpy and Harley’s sunshine just seemed to work for this book, and there’s a little bit of my own story in Beck’s relationship with his father. I hope you enjoy The Fireman’s Christmas Wish. Happy holidays to you and thanks for joining us in this P&P celebration!

The Fireman’s Christmas Wish by Nan Reinhardt

Her heart is wide open, but he’s nailed his shut.

Preschool teacher Harley Cole has always viewed life through rose-colored glasses. With a career she loves, friends she enjoys, and a home that is her haven, there’s only one thing missing—finding her soul mate. As the holidays approach, Harley is inspired to help her former high school crush rediscover his holiday joy. It’s just a good deed…until the feelings she thought were gone come rushing back.

Fire Chief Becker Lange returns home to River’s Edge with a heavy heart. His divorce has emotionally ravaged him, leaving him more confused than ever about what women want. So to protect himself from another failure, he closes his heart. And then Harley Cole makes him a flirty dare that she can help him overcome the holiday blues. Beck’s not sure he wants to, but Harley’s a hard woman to tell no.

Can the magic of Christmas and a sweet stray kitten bring these two lonely souls together?

Buy Link

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

Time for a rally! Our whole town, or certain intrepid individuals, pull together to overcome the catastrophe.

So how do wed do it – how do we overcome this knotty situation we landed on? Let’s get creative on this one!

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.

 

Cowboys & Mistletoe – Sounds Of Christmas and A Catastrophe!

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Our little town of Hollyberry is really coming to life! Here are the latest developments:

The Sounds of Christmas:

This is a joyous season and that really comes through in the sounds that fill our town. There are the laughter and squeals of children at play and merry exchange of greetings from the adults. Carolers can be found strolling the streets and pausing in the town square to serenade the townsfolk. And the sound of bells – from the tinkle of shop bells, to the jangle of harness bells, to the peel of church bells – are everywhere. And if one passes by the open church door they can hear the sounds of the choir practice for the upcoming cantata.

A Catastrophe!

It’s two days before our Christmas Eve festival and a terrible blizzard has struck. The roads are impassable, not only because of the snow but of fallen trees and limbs, so those in outlying farms can’t make it into town. And even those in town will have trouble getting around with all the snow. And, oh no, the roof on the schoolhouse, where the meal was going to be served, has sprung several leaks, not only rendering it unusable but damaging most of the decorations for the program that were stored there.

Heidi Gray McGill Will Visit on Friday!

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Make time on Friday, December 12, 2025 for Heidi Gray McGill! She’ll talk about her new Christmas book as well as a few facts about people living in years’ past. During the Great Western Migration, family wasn’t always near so folks were forced to depend on friends and neighbors to take the place of blood relatives.

Her new book, A Place to Belong, is about one woman’s experience.

Miss Heidi is also bringing one print copy of the book to gift in a drawing of the commenters so leave a comment!

This year is winding down with only one more guest remaining. Let’s make Miss Heidi’s visit one she’ll always remember.

Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Winnie Griggs

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Hello everyone! Before I present my new release to you (or rather re-release!) I want to wish each and every one of you the happiest and most blessed of Christmas seasons. I truly count you all among my blessings – The Petticoats & Pistols readers are among the most supportive reader groups around.

His Holiday Deadline by Winnie Griggs

One deadline. One secret. One Christmas that changes everything.
Seth Reynolds has one goal: finish the Rose Palace Hotel renovation by Christmas in order to secure the deal that defines his future. He’s not about to let sentiment—or anyone—stand in his way. But when the new owner assigns Abigail Fulton to handle the hotel’s décor and staffing during the renovation, everything about his carefully ordered plans begins to shift.
Bright, determined, and endlessly talkative, Abigail brings a warmth Seth hasn’t felt in years—and a reminder of everything his ambition has cost him. For her, the temporary assignment is the first step toward securing the permanent manager position and the independence she longs for. What she doesn’t know is that Seth’s secret could destroy her chance at the future she’s fighting for.
As the Christmas deadline draws near, their professional partnership deepens into something neither expected, forcing them both to weigh pride against possibility. In a season of hope and forgiveness, Seth and Abigail must decide whether true success lies in what they’ve built… or in who they’ve found.
NOTE: This book was previously published as Once Upon A Texas Christmas

Buy Link

 

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

Now it’s time for our story twist. A catastrophe befalls our town – affecting the celebration or the Christmas Day service or some other aspect of Christmas for our town.

So what kind of catastrophe do we have and what is at stake? It could be  disastrous – a blizzard threatens to cancel the charity food drive. Or tragic – a fever sweeps through the town. Or even slightly humorous – an unexpected balmy spell melts the snow and threatens to cancel the snowman building contest. Keep the year in mind so we don’t have a cattle stampede through town during modern times or canceled flights during the Oklahoma land rush.

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.

 

Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Sarah Lamb

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This is my favorite time of year. Is it yours? I love the heartwarming stories I keep reading about, both real and fiction. I love the way everyone seems just a little kinder, and I love the Christmas cookies. I won’t lie. I make a TON of them and yes…I eat them too. I mean…if you go to all that work…!

I don’t think there’s a wrong time of year to enjoy a good holiday story, but this time of year deserves ALL the feels. That’s why I wanted to share this box set with you. A collection of my historical Christmas romances, it’s ready to pull you into all those holiday feels.

 

Historical Holiday Collection by Sarah Lamb

In this Christmas historical romance collection, experience heartwarming (and heartbreaking) tales all taking place at or near Christmas. Each of these titles was previously published, and is available as a separate title.

Trapped in Deepwater

Laura Ashborne is convinced she’s a walking bad luck charm. Trying to make a fresh start, she sets out on a stagecoach to become a schoolteacher. However, the coach she’s on breaks down in the middle of nowhere a few days before Christmas, and she’s forced to spend an entire week in the tiny town of Deepwater.

Reverend Gabriel Sullivan wants to help the beautiful stranded traveler, and he’d determined to show her she’s not bad luck. But when his dark past catches up to him, he’s put into a dangerous situation, and Laura right along with him.

Can her desperate plan help him? Or will they let their past ruin the future they’d like to have together?

Letters to Santa

Edith Clarkson is determined to bring Christmas joy to the others in her boardinghouse—no matter that her own heart is aching. When someone humiliates her after she seeks help, she decides it’s silly, but she’ll send a letter to Santa. Edith doesn’t expect a reply. She just wants a way to pour out her heart to someone.

As Christmas draws closer, a mysterious letter writer posing as Santa helps Edith’s wishes for others come true. She learns there is still not only hope, but also kindness offered by strangers. But when the letter writer is unmasked, will things ever be the same again? And what of the one who has been Santa and needs the spirit of Christmas most of all?

Away in Deepwater

Trying to escape a scandal, Samantha Lundy, a talented singer with the voice of an angel, moves to Deepwater. It is her hope this tiny town in the middle of nowhere will both heal and hide her. Determined never to love or sing again so she can forget her past, she plans to become a recluse.

Dirk Schmit is surprised when a package is delivered to his print shop. Upon opening it, he sees it is actually intended for the woman who just moved next door. Curious to meet her, he brings her the package and is stunned to find the very thing he doesn’t believe in happens, does. Love at first sight. But Dirk refuses to be more than friendly—heartbreak can’t heal twice.

A Sleigh Ride for Charlotte

Charlotte Harrison dreams of being part of the winter festival, where romance fills the air and new starts are made. Penniless after her family was swindled, she’s always stayed home, unwilling to be looked at with pity. But this year Charlotte is desperate and willing to do whatever it takes to be there when she hears the most eligible man in town has his eye on her.

Through a series of surprising events, Charlotte learns that not everyone is as they seem, and when she goes to give her heart away, she’s faced with uncertainty. Who is she going to choose? The man she’s been longing for? Or the man who truly loves her?

An Angel for Alice (short story)

It’s Christmas Eve, and homesick newlywed Alice is all alone. It’s been three days, and her husband Robbie hasn’t returned home after what was supposed to be a day’s walk into town. A terrible snow storm rages outside the tiny cabin, and he is on foot.

As darkness closes in, can Alice find the faith to remember that even when separated from those she loves, she’s not alone?

A Second Chance for Beatrice (short story)

Beatrice was sure her childhood friend George was going to ask to be more last Christmas Eve. After all, they’d kissed under the mistletoe. But when she sees him with another woman, doubts and insecurities fill her.

When George tries to talk to her, Beatrice pushes him away, preferring to be alone with her heartache. But will there be a second chance for their love?

Buy on Amazon or Read in Kindle Unlimited

 

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

Next, let’s talk about the sound of Christmas in our town.

Do you hear bells every where you go? Do carolers stroll about the town square?  Do the children practice non-stop for the upcoming Christmas pageant? And again, keep the year in mind so we don’t have speakers blaring in a Victorian era town or a hurdy-gurdy show in modern times

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.

Cowboys & Mistletoe – Main Street Decor and How We Celebrate

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Again you folks didn’t disappoint! There were so many wonderful, evocative ideas it was difficult to narrow it down. But here is what we settled on.

How Main Street is decorated;

The storefronts are festooned with fresh greenery and red holly berries. The doors sport festive wreaths with holly sprigs liberally included. The Lamp posts are wrapped in red ribbon and topped with big red bows. The shop windows are displaying Christmas themed goods designed to delight and  tempt shoppers. There’s a Christmas tree in the town square that has been decorated by the townsfolk with handmade ornaments. And next to is is a wooden nativity.

Our Big Event:

There is a festival on Christmas Eve. It kicks off with a parade in the morning. Then there’s a community luncheon, followed by a children’s program consisting of songs and a nativity play. There are games and gift exchanges throughout the afternoon. That evening there is a Christmas Eve service at the church where the choir puts on a special cantata.

Now let’s see what happens next…

Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Karen Witemeyer

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What a fun couple of weeks we are having here at Petticoats & Pistols. Nothing like whipping up a little Christmas story to get in the festive mood! And speaking of Christmas stories, I have a new novella collection out this year that takes inspiration from elements of the nativity while giving them a western flair. I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Tracie Peterson and Misty Beller for this collection. Tracie’s story draws inspirations from the shepherds and an angelic visitor, Misty’s tale borrows the “no room at the inn” motif, and I have fun bringing three wise men from the east who happen to be Harvard professors coming to Baylor University in Texas so one of them can discover if the “star” he’s been following through letters might bring light to his life in person.

A Star in the West from On a Midnight Clear by Karen Witemeyer

A Star in the West 
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Buy Link

 

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

It’s time to discuss how our town celebrates as a community.

Is there a parade? A fireworks display? A church cantata? Santa in the Square? We can get as inventive as you like or stick with something heartwarming and traditional. And of course, our only restriction is that we keep it era appropriate so we don’t have an electric lights show in a frontier era town or carriage races during the Y2K period.

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.

Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Shanna Hatfield

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Howdy, friends! Happy Holidays to you!

I’m excited to be part of The Great Western Christmas Celebration. In fact, I have five new western Christmas books to share with you!

Covering Christmas by Shanna Hatfield

He wants a gold buckle. She needs a fresh start. But love—and a little girl—have other plans.

When the reigning world champion bareback rider retires, Keller Drake finally has a clear shot at claiming the title he’s chased for years, until an attorney corners him at a rodeo with life-altering news. Keller has a five-year-old daughter he never knew existed, and Ella’s late mother named him guardian in her will. Suddenly, the man who can ride the rankest broncs in the world is terrified of something far more dangerous—fatherhood.

As Keller fumbles his way through parenting, he discovers he’s not alone. Cobie Quinn, a sharp-witted reporter for All Things Rodeo, jumps in to help. What begins as a professional connection quickly deepens into a friendship filled with laughter, late-night talks, and a growing attraction Keller didn’t see coming.

After walking away from a broken engagement and a high-pressure job, Cobie thought covering rodeos across the Northwest would be nothing more than a temporary assignment. She didn’t expect to enjoy it—let alone lose her heart to a rugged cowboy and his sweet little girl. Then a new opportunity arises, forcing her to choose between long-held ambitions and a future she never imagined.

With the holidays approaching and Christmas joy in the air, Keller and Cobie must decide if they’re willing to take a chance on a future wrapped in faith, family, and the magic of the season.

Fall in love with Covering Christmas, a wholesome holiday romance sparkling with western charm, healing hearts, and Christmas cheer.

ORDER NOW

Silver Bell Sweethearts by Shanna Hatfield

Four generations of love. A legacy of craftsmanship.

Four stories of hearts finding joy as well as finding their way home.

Begin the legacy with A Joyful Ring– Enjoy the setting of 1876 Lovely, Oregon—a dusty little mining town where hearts are tender, snow is falling, and love is about to ring with Christmas joy. Gunder and Risa’s story will warm your heart faster than a mug of cocoa by the fire.

A Joyful Love  – A runaway woman and a hometown silver artisan discover that Christmas in a small Oregon town may hold more than snow and sleigh bells—it may hold the love they never knew they were searching for.

A Joyful Promise – Step back to 1957 and spend Christmas in the charming town of Lovely, Oregon—where a silver-crafting cowboy and a shy, artistic dreamer discover that the greatest gift may just be a promise of love.

A Joyful Home – Bo Birke’s silver artistry honors her family’s past—but horse trainer Rafe Judson may be her reason to dream about the future. Together, they might find a place to finally call home.

READ NOW

 

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

Now that we know what year it is, let’s talk about how Main Street might be decorated.

What do the storefronts look like? Are there any special window displays? Ribbons on the lamp posts? Again, anything goes, so long as it’s era-appropriate. Keep the year in mind so we don’t have electric lights in a Gold Rush era town or inflatables in the Roaring Twenties.

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.

 

Cowboys & Mistletoe – Our Period and Town Name

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What fun it was reading everyone’s suggestions and responses to our Day 1 questions! You all are such a creative bunch. After reading through each and every comment and trying to pull out commonalities, this is what was decided we will be using going forward.

Time period: 1850s

Town Name: Hollyberry

Now, on to the next stage of our story!

Cowboys & Mistletoe (Week 2) – Jeannie Watt

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I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years! I have a gift for you–my Christmas release (actually re-release) is free until December 16! If you follow the buy link you can add A Montana Christmas Homecoming to your holiday To Be Read pile. Happy Holidays!

A Montana Christmas Homecoming

This Christmas, home might be the best destination of all.

Jason Regan doesn’t do relationships or long-term commitments. His engineering firm keeps him constantly on the move, and that’s the way he likes it. But one quick trip to Holly, Montana, turns into an extended stay when a judge hands him community service at the town’s underfunded animal shelter.

Tess Evans traded courtroom battles for saving strays, pouring everything she has into the Forever Home Animal Shelter. With her make-or-break “Home for the Holidays” adoption event approaching, the last thing she needs is distraction… especially in the form of a broad-shouldered, maddeningly handsome volunteer who makes her pulse race.

Between fixing kennels, brushing shoulders in the supply closet, and chasing one mischievous terrier named Neville, their chemistry sparks hotter than a Christmas fire.

But Jason’s clock is ticking. Can a little holiday magic—and a lot of temptation—convince him that some things are worth staying for?

Previously published as A Home for the Holidays.

Buy Link

The Great Western Christmas Celebration

Next, let’s give our town a name.

Every town needs a name. So let’s hear your ideas, be they quirky, holiday-themed, heartwarming or something traditional – let your imagination run free.

Everyone who leaves a response by Saturday 12/13 will get their name entered in the random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Every entry will also be eligible for our oh-so-beautiful Grand Prize – a gorgeous quilt hand made by our very own Jo-Ann Roberts

 

NOTE: ALL winners will be announced on Sunday 12/14.