Janice Cole Hopkins

Gypsies in Western Novels by Janice Cole Hopkins

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I have traveled quite a bit, and I’ve noticed small bands of gypsies in many of the European countries. This sparked a special interest in their lifestyle, and it’s always been in the back of my mind to write a novel including them. My chance came when I became a part of the multiple-author collection, The Matchmaker & the Mother-In-Law. However, it wasn’t until I chose my book cover from the ones offered that I locked onto the idea. By the time I saw them to select mine, the only one I liked was a Spanish-looking woman. I remembered the gypsies I saw on my trips to Spain, and Carmen’s Wedding Dilemma was born.

 

The gypsies in Spain are called Cale (Kah.lay’). There, as in most places, gypsies have historically experienced prejudice and discrimination. They might be barred from entering certain establishments, and it was hard for them to find gainful employment if people learned of their backgrounds. All sorts of rumors followed them, saying they were thieves, kidnappers, dishonest, and disreputable as Carmen’s mother tries to explain to her when they first move to Utah:

 

“No, no, no,” Mother rushed into the room shaking her head. “Do not tell her about the gypsies. She doesn’t need to know about them. We all need to forget about that part of our lives.”

“Why, Mamá?” Carmen knew her parents didn’t want to talk about that time in their lives, and they didn’t want Carmen to know about any of it, but she’d never really understood.

“Other people don’t understand the gypsies,” her mother tried to explain again. “They accuse us of all types of criminal activities. A few of them are true for a few gypsies, but certainly not most of them. However, if others know you come from gypsy stock, they won’t like you or have anything to do with you. For your future, for all our futures, we must keep it a secret. Do you understand?”

Carmen nodded her head, and she did understand the words. She just didn’t understand why anyone would hate her because her grandparents and parents had been gypsies at one time. To her, the gypsies were fascinating, and she wanted to know all about them.

 

In the book, although Carmen was born in America, her parents and grandparents had been gypsies in Spain. Carmen’s father was falsely accused of a crime, so he and his family leave their gypsy camp in the middle of the night and sail to America. Carmen was born several months later.

 

Once in the new country, they decide it would be better to hide their gypsy heritage. After the Civil War begins, they move to Utah, her father starts a horse ranch, and he brings horses from Spain. When Carmen becomes a young woman, her parents decide that Mateo should be her matchmaker. After all, who has her best interest at heart more than a girl’s father.

 

Historically, Spain is known for their fine horses. The Andalusian, a famous Spanish breed known for its beauty and versatility, is one of the best-known breeds, but there are others as well as mixes.

The Hispano-Arabe is part Arabian and part Andalusian. Galician horses are an ancient breed believed to have come from the Celts. They are friendly horses who are people-oriented and very protective of their foals, so they make great mothers.

Paso Fina is a versatile breed. They come from several breeds that Christopher Columbus used when he was in the Dominican Republic, including, Barbs, Andalusians, and Spanish Jennets. These horses have a smooth gait, are extremely smart, easily trained, and like people. However, they can be spirited.

Merens are sturdy and strong and make a good all-around choice. They’re known for their endurance either riding or pulling vehicles.

The story continues with Holden Judd’s mother driving him crazy, trying to match him with a woman he has nothing in common with. When he goes to buy horses from Matteo for his livery business, he keeps returning, and it doesn’t take long for him to fall in love with Carmen. However, his mother is determined to break them up, even if she must be secretive about it. Carmen’s Wedding Dilemma is available for Kindle, KU, print, and Audible. Check it out – CLICK HERE.

Do you have a special interest in an ethnic or cultural group? Explain why or why not.

Leave a comment to enter the drawing for a Kindle copy of Carmen’s Wedding Dilemma.

 

A Match for Silas

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Hi, Janice Cole Hopkins here and I am thrilled to be a guest blogger on Petticoats & Pistols. It’s my fifth time doing this over the years, and I very much appreciate the opportunity of visiting with you. I’m a huge fan of Western romance because it’s what I mainly read and write. Of course, I wear several hats, and I also enjoy the P & P blogs daily as a reader. Even though I’m a prolific writer who published 16 books last year, I’m also an avid reader who reads over 365 books a year. I know because I leave at least one review each day on Amazon for the books I’ve just finished. Before you question my sanity, I agree that 16 books were too many for any one year, and I have vowed to slow down. I will only be publishing eleven books in 2024 and eleven in 2025. LOL.

I have now published three books in the multiple-author project, The Matchmakers – Agatha Returns. I’d like to share my new release about a blacksmith, A Match for Silas, with you today. Silas has abandonment issues since his beautiful mother left him and his father when he was just a child. His father was also a blacksmith, and his mother didn’t like that lifestyle.

 

Silas appeared briefly in both A Match for Marshall and A Match for Cord, but now, he tells his own story. When even Vanessa, the town flirt, wants nothing to do with him, Silas decides to follow Marshall’s and Cord’s examples and write to the matchmaker. But when his intended bride comes, she’s exactly what he doesn’t

Click to Buy–A Match for Silas

want, someone from high society. However, her circumstances prevent Jacqueline from returning home, so what’s he to do? They decide to take things slowly while he courts her, but he’s so afraid she won’t be happy with a lowly blacksmith that he jumps to conclusions.

Click to Buy–A Match for Merle

For my readers, this will be a series within a series because all eight of my books in this MAP are set in Pinyon Falls, in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. A Match for Marshall and a Match for Cord have already published, and Marshall and Callie and Cord and Moriah also make appearances in this new book. Then, there will be five more of my books to come in the series, the last being published in August of 2005. The next book is A Match for Merle. This will be Vanessa’s story, and I’ve already written the rough draft. It’s on Amazon preorder now and will be published on July 1. However, any of my books can be read as standalones because they all have a definite ending and never require you to read another book to tie up loose ends.

Do you like a series of books set in the same place that has former characters appearing again? Would you rather read a series like this or a standalone book? What is the longest series you’ve ever read (how many books)?

 

Those who answer all three questions in a comment will be entered into a drawing for a Kindle copy of A Match for Silas.

 

Click to Buy–A Match for Silas

Click to Buy–A Match for Merle

GOING TO MONTANA by Janice Cole Hopkins

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I am thrilled to be with you again and to introduce my third book in the Hers to Redeem series. As some of you have heard me say, this is my favorite multiple-author series. I love the premise where something happens in the hero’s life that causes him to change and withdraw. However, the heroine comes along and makes him reassess his decision.

Inman’s Impersonation is set in Montana, one of the most majestic states I’ve ever visited, and I’ve been to all fifty. With gorgeous scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and a wealth of natural minerals, it’s been called the “Treasure State. The Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park are two features that draw many tourists each year. The state is also known as “Big Sky Country.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click cover to order.

 

 

After his invalid father dies in Tennessee, Inman Lowe sells the farm and heads to Montana to find his older brother. When he finally finds him, Garvis is secretly mixed up with a group of thieves. Two of the bank robbers are caught and falsely tell the sheriff that Inman is also involved. At his brother’s advice, he runs and ends up being mistaken for the expected new sheriff in a small town. Being caught off guard, Inman goes along with the ruse, thinking it’s a good way to hide. He tries to be reclusive, but when he starts to fall for the storekeeper’s daughter, things get complicated. Why did he have to meet the woman of his dreams when he was living a lie?

 

 

 

Whenever I’m writing a book in this series, it becomes my favorite, and Inman’s Impersonation was no exception. I fell in love with Inman and the stray dog he picks up along the way. The man has a good heart, but he makes a bad decision and pays dearly for it. Come along with Inman and experience his adventures as he travels from Tennessee to find his older brother and ends up in Meadowlark, Montana where his life takes even more unexpected turns. The book just released and is available on Kindle, KU, print, and audible.

 

Here is an excerpt:

As he did with most growing towns, Inman skirted Missoula and headed north. About fifty miles out of Missoula, he decided to stop at the next town he came to because he needed to restock.

Meadowlark looked promising. He liked the neat town that had more businesses than he expected. He rode through to get the lay of the town, tied his horses, and turned to walk around on foot.

“What do you think, Driff?” Inman looked at his dog. “Do you think this might be a good place to settle?”

He didn’t intend to live in the saddle indefinitely. He wanted to find a place where he might fit in while he lay low. A town like this should have some kind of job he could do or at least at one of the surrounding ranches.

He decided to go to the general store first and see if he could gather any news. They would likely know of any jobs around.

“Hey, stranger,” a well-dressed man stopped him. “You look like you might be the man we’ve been looking for.”

Inman raised his eyebrows, but he didn’t say a word. He didn’t know what to say.

“We don’t get many strangers in Meadowlark, so I assume that you’re our new sheriff. I got a telegram, saying that you were on the way and should arrive today.”

The man put out his hand, and Inman shook it. “I’m Phineas P. Bradbury, the mayor of Meadowlark.”

“Inman…” Inman faltered. He couldn’t give the man his real name. He shouldn’t have even said Inman since an unusual first name would stand out.

The mayor looked pleased. “I know. Inman Lane. Except the telegram gave your name as I. J. Lane. Welcome to Meadowlark, Mr. Lane. We’re so glad you’re here. We are desperately in need of a sheriff. Come on; let me show you around and help you settle in. The rooms in the back of the jail should fit your needs for now. Do you have baggage?”

What is the place with the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever been to?

A winner will be selected to win a free Kindle copy of Inman’s Impersonation.

Welcome Guest – Janice Cole Hopkins

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I’ve been involved in several multiple-author projects this year, but I think my favorite is Hers to Redeem. I guess that’s why I’ve ended up with five books in the series. The premise is that something happens in the hero’s life that causes him to withdraw and become a recluse. However, the heroine comes along, makes a difference in his life, and causes him to reassess his decision. I’ve always liked the hurting hero trope, and this series fits my writing style.

In my first book in the series, Mason’s Memories, Mason Greene returns home from the war, but he can’t stop being drawn back into the fighting in his mind. When people in his hometown want to have him committed to a mental institution, he flees to Colorado and secludes himself on a farm. That changes, however, when he discovers a collapsed woman, who has endured a tragedy of her own.

In Simon’s Shame, Simon Carlson had never been able to learn to read or write. Although he’s intelligent and has many other skills, his deceased father was so disappointed he treated him as an imbecile and so do many of the other townsfolk in Flagstaff, Arizona. Even Simon thinks less of himself because of it. However, this begins to change when a new schoolteacher comes to town.

In my third book, Boone’s Burden, Boone Malone’s father and brothers were town drunks. When Boone gets drunk and does some things he would have never done sober, he thinks he has their tainted blood and decides never to marry or have children. He secludes himself on a ranch and becomes the foreman. He has no trouble keeping to himself until he decides to help a young cowboy resist spending his weekends in the saloon. When he takes him to church and meets the preacher’s daughter things move out of his control. Can he keep his resolve, or is he weak in yet another area?

In Inman’s Impersonation, Inman Lowe sells the family farm in Tennessee and heads to Montana to find his older brother. When he finally finds him, Garvis is secretly mixed up with a group of thieves. Two of the bank robbers are caught and falsely tell the sheriff that Inman is also involved. At his brother’s advice, he runs and ends up being mistaken for the expected new sheriff in a small town. Being caught off guard, Inman goes along with the ruse, thinking it’s a good way to hide. He tries to be reclusive, but when he starts to fall for the storekeeper’s daughter, things get complicated. Why did he have to meet the woman of his dreams when he’s living a lie?

On his deathbed, Solomon Levine’s father asks him to move West and hide his Jewish heritage in Solomon’s Secret. With misgivings, he does so; however, his life in Kansas doesn’t turn out as he expected. He’s kidnapped and robbed of all his money. A helpful pastor takes him to the farm of a young woman who’s known for helping those in need, but even as he hides his secret, she inspires him to deepen his Christian faith. However, with some people suspicious of him, he has no idea what his future might hold.

I’m so excited to be a part of this project. The first two books have already been released, and the other three are on preorder. All the books are written, and I’m looking forward to publication. They are or will be available on Kindle, KU, print, and Audible.

To win a Kindle copy of your choice from these five books, answer the following:

Has becoming a recluse for a while ever appealed to you? Why or why not?

Buy links:

Janice Cole Hopkin’s books:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Janice-Cole-Hopkins/author/B00SIFWZLG/allbooks?tag=pettpist-20

Mason’s Memories:  https://www.amazon.com/Masons-Memories-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLBXT18?tag=pettpist-20

Simon’s Shame:  https://www.amazon.com/Simons-Shame-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLFP2T2?tag=pettpist-20

Boone’s Burden:  https://www.amazon.com/Boones-Burden-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNLCF3Y7?tag=pettpist-20

Inman’s Impersonation:  https://www.amazon.com/Inmans-Impersonation-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BV7D196D?tag=pettpist-20

Solomon’s Secret:  https://www.amazon.com/Solomons-Secret-Hers-Redeem-Book-ebook/dp/B0BZ51YB3P?tag=pettpist-20

 

Janice Cole Hopkins: A Few Bumps in the Road

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The Fillies give a big welcome to Janice Cole Hopkins. She’s a long-time P&P follower and a lover of history as well as historical western romance. Janice writes her own books many of which are series! Now that’s a big Yee-Haw!

As wagon trains began making the trek west, more of the West opened to settlers. The midwestern states were once the frontier to be settled. However, the discovery of gold in California and the rich, fertile land in Oregon brought larger numbers.

To help protect the pioneers against hostile Indians and to give them a trading post along the way, forts were built. Forts Laramie, Bridger, and Hall in what is now Wyoming were constructed of logs, mostly cottonwood. Fort Kearney in Nebraska was built using adobe, sod, logs, and boards. Fort Boise in Idaho first used adobe. Travelers were excited to visit a fort and break the austere, often monotonous life on the trail. Yet, they found the prices outrageous because it cost to transport the goods there.

In my new release, A Few Bumps in the Road, Judith Johnson takes her younger brother and travels along a portion of the Oregon Trail to Kansas as a mail-order bride after their parents die. She meets her intended and his brother at Fort Ferguson, a fictitious fort based on most of the others I researched. Her husband, although handsome and charming, turns out to be a womanizer and has a drinking problem.  Judith is determined to make her marriage work, however, and she keeps telling herself her situation could be worse. At least Calvin’s older brother is stable and responsible, providing a home for all of them on the farm. But farm life on the prairie can be hard in 1850, and Calvin’s attitude makes the struggles even worse. But she knew one thing. After the harsh conditions on the Oregon Trail, she never planned to go back, and she hadn’t even gone all the way to Oregon like most of the others were doing.

Although A Few Bumps in the Road is part of the Idioms & Clichés series, like all my books, it can also be read as a standalone. These books are loosely connected by one family’s generations. It is available in print, Audible, and Kindle.

Here’s an excerpt:

Judith’s eyes began to sweep around the fort when she saw a tall man striding their way. Despite his long steps he didn’t appear to be in any hurry to get there.

Mr. Davis took a few steps forward to meet him and extended his hand. Robbie followed Mr. Davis, so Judith did too.

“Good to see you again,” Mr. Davis said. “Allow me to present to you Miss Judith Johnson and her brother Robert, better known as Robbie. Miss Johnson, this is Matthew Miller.”

A momentary flash of surprise flickered over Matthew’s face, but he tipped his hat and nodded. “A pleasure, Miss. Welcome, Robbie. I hope you both will be very happy here.”

She looked around wondering where Calvin could be. She didn’t see another man who fit what she knew of her fiancé.

“Cal woke up not feeling well and needed some extra time. He sent me on out to meet you, but he should be coming along soon.” Matthew must have seen her search.

“I hope nothing’s wrong.”

“No, we came into the fort yesterday evening. Cal woke up with a headache and queasy stomach this morning.”

Judith’s worry deepened, but she didn’t say anything.

“Come and we’ll go over to the building they use for a church. Cal will meet us there.”

You can read more of A Few Bumps in the Road in the Amazon sample and get more information by clicking here.

If anyone would like a free code for an Audible copy for A Few Bumps in the Road, message me on Facebook or email me at janicecolehopkins@gmail.com. (You must have the free Audible account activated to redeem the code.)

For a chance to win a Kindle copy of A Few Bumps in the Road, what do you think would be ONE of the biggest hazards to living on the Kansas frontier in 1850?

JANICE COLE HOPKINS IS OUR GUEST TODAY WITH A GIVEAWAY!

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It is wonderful to be sharing with you today. The last time I was here, back in February, I shared the first book in the Cactus Creek series, Second Choice Bride. Today, I would like to share the two other books in the series that have been published since then, Sterling Orphans and Poor Relation.

Often town leaders in the West encouraged the establishment of churches if they wanted a family-oriented, growing town. Pastors were recruited through various organizations to come west. But pastoring could be a harrowing task, and it often took tough, tenacious men to stay. There were even rare cases of men who held both the positions of sheriff and pastor and toted guns most of the time. Congregations also preferred their preacher to be married, but this could be a challenge, too, unless the man brought his wife to the West with him. Eligible, single women could be scarce in the early West. In Sterling Orphans, Preston King finally finds a man to start a church in Cactus Creek. He had been holding Sunday services for the people on his ranch prior to Gray Fox rescuing Dan Proffit from the Apache and bringing him to the ranch. Preston talks him into starting a church in town. Dan becomes one of the two main characters in Poor Relation, and readers get a good look at his life as a pastor in a small, Western town.

These books continue the family saga of Preston and Abby King, but their family grows to not only include children, but also close friends. In Sterling Orphans, Book Two, Rose Sterling needs to leave the Sterling Orphan House since she’s turned eighteen. She’s asked to take toddler, Katie Hudson, to her father who works on the King Ranch in New Mexico Territory. She thought her biggest adventure would be getting there on the wagon train, but she was wrong. And Will Hudson can’t believe he has a daughter. His wife left him for a gambler, and he’d been trying to cope ever since. He doesn’t make the best impression on Rose Hudson at first, but he sees how much his little daughter loves and depends on her. Can he adjust to fatherhood, or will he always be a disappointment to the women in his life?

Letty Sawyer also comes to the King Ranch, and she’s traumatized by the sight of an Indian since they killed her adoptive parents. Gray Fox terrifies her, but he wants to show her that all Indians aren’t alike, and he would protect her with his life? All this sets the stage for adventure, conflict, personal growth, and a great ending.

In Poor Relation, the third book in the Cactus Creek series, Dan Proffit, Cactus Creek’s pastor, mistakenly thinks the niece of the town’s busybody will be a young girl. Instead, Hannah York turns out to be a beautiful young lady with remarkable musical abilities. However, she is also shy, overworked, and under her two aunts’ thumbs. As his attraction grows, so do the problems.

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What is a specific problem you think a pastor in the early West might encounter?

I will give a free Audible promo code for Second-Choice Bride, the first book in the series, to anyone who has an Amazon Audible account and asks for one in the comments as long as they last. Please specify if you need a U.S. or U.K. code. You’ll have to check back later in your comment for your promo code.

Please be sure to do that.

Sterling Orphans on Amazon

Poor Relation on Amazon

 

Early New Mexico – by Guest Janice Cole Hopkins

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During the years when Spain ruled Mexico and territories to the north, they allowed very few foreigners to enter, and trade was nearly impossible. However, once Mexico gained its independence in 1821, things opened-up. Almost immediately, traders began to enter New Mexico Territory, and the legendary Santa Fe Trail began.

Much of the merchandise available from Mexico was inferior to that produced in the United States, and those in the territories were eager for the higher quality goods. Hauling the items that far was difficult and dangerous, but the lucrative profits were appealing. From its beginning, the Santa Fe Trail was only meant for wagon trains hauling goods. Other western trails, such as the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail would be for settlers coming to the West. That didn’t keep settlers from trickling in, however, and for the most part, the Mexican government welcomed them.

This is the historical background to my new five-book series set in early New Mexico. The first book in the Cactus Creek series, Second-Choice Bride, is already out, and the second book, Sterling Orphans, will soon follow. In Second-Choice Bride, Abby Carter was horrified with herself when she blurted out a marriage proposal to Preston King. A proper lady would never do such a thing, but her cousin had just jilted Preston, and she wanted to ease his hurt. She cared too much for him. Preston is confused, but he knows he needs a wife to help him run his uncle’s ranch in New Mexico Territory, so he asks Abby to marry him. But will he ever purge Magnolia from his heart, and will they even survive the long journey west?

I lived in New Mexico for two years and learned much about the area and its history during that time. My husband and I bought an old adobe house and remodeled it. I had a great time decorating it with a southwestern theme. When my mother’s health began to fail, and her insurance wouldn’t pay out-of-state beyond six months, we returned to North Carolina, and I began writing some of those novels I had always wanted to write. Second-Choice Bride is my thirtieth published book.

I love writing about the places I have lived and worked, and I have a lot to choose from. I’ve been to all fifty states and about forty-five other countries. With my love of history, I always explore the past and culture of an area. Having grown up in the eastern part of the Appalachian Mountains, I often joke that I lived much as people did in the 1800s. However, there’s some truth in that statement, but it’s given me a good background for writing historical fiction.

Leave the answer to the question below in a comment, and I will give a Kindle copy of Second-Choice Bride to the winner whose name is drawn.

If you could temporarily move to a new place for a year or two, where would you choose and why?

Also, free to ask me any questions or make comments. I look forward to chatting with you.

You can check out Janice’s books HERE

In From the Storm with Janice Cole Hopkins

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The Scots who came to settle the mountain regions of the United States were a hardy lot, especially those who hailed from the Scottish Highlands. They felt at home settling in these areas few other immigrants wanted – areas like the Appalachians or the Rocky Mountains. A large amount of my heritage can be found among this group. Eighty-three percent of my ancestry come from the British Isles with a mixture of Scot, English, and Irish.

This is what happens in Mountain Storms, the first book in my In from the Storms Trilogy. Ian MacGregor was wounded in the Civil War and left Maryland to hide away in a mountain cabin in Wyoming Territory. He had been rejected because of his war wounds and wanted to move from society. Aileas Campbell stumbles on the cabin in a snowstorm after she runs away from unwanted attention. Neither suspect the adventure they’re about to begin or the changes God has in store for them.

The family saga continues in Past Storms. Jeannie MacGregor, at seventeen, feels imprisoned in the secluded mountain cabin with her taciturn brother, so she runs away and goes back to her aunt in Maryland, hoping to have a social life and find a suitor. But nothing turns out as she expected, and within a few years, she finds herself on a train back to Wyoming with her young daughter in tow. The unexpected interest of three men there surprises her, but only one man makes her heart beat faster. However, he’s the new pastor, and what would a man of God want with someone like her. He could hardly find a more unsuitable wife.

In Dust Storms, Brady Sharpe, Aileas’s stepbrother, wanders his way to Texas after Aileas refuses to leave with him. He tries ranching and becomes a foreman but never feels he truly belongs. After catching some cattle rustlers, he decides to leave but discovers a young woman in desperate need of help. He does his best but ends up deciding to take her back to Wyoming and get Aileas to help her. In their journey, they battle many storms, including a major dust storm and storms of the heart.

I loved writing this trilogy. Originally, I hadn’t planned to write Dust Storms, but when I finished Past Storms, Brady said I needed to tell his story, so I did. This has happened before in my character-driven novels. Readers seem to like this series, too, because these books have been my best-sellers for months.

I would like to offer one of you the chance to win a free copy of Mountain Storms. In addition, as long as they last, I would also like to give free codes for audible editions of one of the 3 books to any who have an Audible account (which is free but required to redeem the code). You can email me at janicecolehopkins@gmail.com, and I will send you the code for the book you request. Have a blessed day, ask me any questions you’d like, and I hope to hear from you soon.