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Posts Tagged ‘western’

Just Look At Those Boots By Sherry Roberts ~ Blitz And Giveaway

Posted: August 5, 2026 in Children's books, giveaways
Tags: children's book, giveaway, western

Children’s Western

Date Published: 02-26-2026

Publisher: Solander Press

A.J. is so excited about his new cowboy boots. He wears them on the first day of the school year. Mom said it was for only one day and then back to his regular boots or sneakers. During recess, A.J. plays in an exciting game of kickball. When he gets home, Jon, the farmhand, sees the boots and tells him to clean them up. There are chores to do, and Lady Star has waited all day for him to go for a ride.

On the ride, while A.J. daydreams, Lady Star sees the pond. A.J. learns that daydreaming, horseback riding, and ponds don’t go well together. In this book, Sherry Roberts continues to tell stories inspired by her father’s childhood during the 1930s and 1940s in Northeast Oklahoma. For those who enjoy stories of the American West, as well as history, Just Look at Those Boots is must-read.

About Author Sherry Roberts

Sherry Roberts holds a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville in Curriculum and Instruction. She is an award-winning author and photographer of children’s picture books: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus; Hello, Can I Bug You?; Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s In Your Bonnet?, The Best Reading Buddy; What’s Wrong With Barnaby?, A Visit Through the Wetlands, and Amica Helps Zoe.

Dr. Roberts has a three-book middle grade series. Book one, The Galaxy According to Cece, began the series. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt arrived next, followed by book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align.

Her debut chapter book series begins with Just Call Me Pardner. The second book, Just Look at Those Boots, launched March 2026 and book three, Just Don’t Give A Girl A Frog, is coming in 2027. Each book can stand alone in this series.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Nightflower And The Comanche Mound By Katlyn Bates ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: August 4, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Western, YA
Tags: giveaway, teen, western, YA

Teen and YA, Westerns

Date Published: 03-03-2025

Publisher: Adventure & Quest, LLC

A troubled teen struggling with fractured family relationships forms an unexpected bond with a lost, blind horse that transforms her life, teaching her the true meaning of courage, resilience, and healing.

Enjoy this peek inside:

A week on the ranch had really transformed me. I looked the part, like I’d lived here all my life. Before jetting from Seattle, I had an expectation of riding a fast horse over a wide prairie, the wind whipping my hair. Never had I imagined myself in baggy-butt jeans with pockets that sunk to my knees. They were heavier than any I’d ever owned, and fastened high on my waist, as if pulled up with suspenders. The shirt tail draped my back, and I had to roll the sleeves five times.
But the boots! Oh, I loved how they made me taller. They fit like clamps, as if my feet were growing in bark.
I clomped to the large picture window, plunked the sombrero Sabion gave me on my head. “Eesh.”
I look like a mushroom.
If Mom had told me from the beginning that Pap didn’t have horses, maybe I wouldn’t have thought twice about coming. I had the idea of wearing the giddy-up home—I would walk right past her at the airport and she wouldn’t even know me. But then, what would’ve happened to Radar?
No. Destiny had brought me here.
Pap’s boots stammered on the porch. I couldn’t resist a cocky stroll past him—long, lanky strides that thunked my foot heel to toe. He sipped smugly from his coffee mug. Well, of course—nothing unusual to him. Just a set of sensible clothes.
Oh, well…as long as he’s happy—
* * *
Sabion’s smirk held a snicker. “Ah, si. You look…now you look right.”
I rolled my eyes. “Glug—”
Radar was pungent with horse sweat. Was it his timid nature that made me brave for him? A fearless front to give us both courage, like a parent protecting their child? Well, some parents. He sniffed my pant leg, and blew a snort that spewed junk on my knee. Now they’re broken in…
“How much time do I have today?” I asked. Sabion had honored his agreement to let me use Jennie half a day for training, but I’d already wasted a slip of his morning trying to make the blasted blue jeans work.
He looked at his watch. “None today. I am here too long already.”
“An hour?” I pleaded.
Sabion shook a finger. “Yesterday you say to me, ‘This day I will make repairs to the corral.’ You forget this? Now you say, ‘Este día voy a hacer reparaciones.’ Mas importante.”
I tried not to laugh. Sabion could never scold. Though he tried to sound tough, it only made him look leathery. It was kinda weird that I was beginning to understand him when I didn’t even speak the lingo.
“But you’re here already. I can make the repairs when you leave.” My plan today wasn’t to repair the corral; my plan was to string those blasted bells together while I had the workbench to myself. Then I’d reveal my fun training plan to Sabion when he returned.
His shoulders caved, the argument lost. “One hour okay is all.” His words netted altogether.

About Author Katlyn Bates:

Katlyn Bates writes contemporary fiction for young adults. Her debut novel, Nightflower of Comanche Mound was named a 2025 Spur Finalist by Western Writers of America (WWA) in the Juvenile-Young Adult Fiction category. The recognition, along with multiple 5-Star book reviews from Readers’ Favorite, encouraged her to dust off old stuff she wrote just for fun, and look at them with fresh eyes.

Drawn to action and adventure that is grounded in real life, Katlyn finds inspiration in the wildness of the world around us. “Nature doesn’t care what we think. It’s wild and ferocious and unpredictable—a good reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. The downright ridiculous seems to call for a twist of humor. What I can’t see, I can imagine.” Juggling family, work, and life, over the years Katlyn grasped whatever time she had available for a writing class when she could—poetry, creative, a bit of journalism. What she discovered was that stories come from deep within us…a moment. A memory. An experience or impression or dream. Only when they surface, can you add texture and color.

A late-bloomer by her own description, Katlyn’s writing kicked off when she joined Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), a community of like-minded people who selflessly share, uplift, and guide, one meeting at a time. “There’s so much to learn, just for the listening. Other writers energize me, challenge me to ‘say it better’. Everyone has a natural style, and it always amazes me how many ways there are to tell a story. From SCBWI to the Writers’ League of Texas (WLT)—where Nightflower of Comanche Mound was a 2022 Thriller/Action-Adventure Finalist in the Manuscript Contest—on to Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West (WWW), Katlyn has found that it’s networks of writers that encourage her “No matter what stage of writing skill, anyone, at any age, with a yearning to write should seek out others who love what you love. Don’t wait.”

A native Texan, Katlyn Bates lives near Dallas, TX, outside a small town that—like so many inter-connected communities, is quickly becoming absorbed by the sprawl. “As for me, it’s open skies and nature and landscape that frame a plot, and lend power to a story.”

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Fatal Saving Grace By Jim Nesbitt ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: February 24, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Western
Tags: crime, giveaway, western

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THE FATAL SAVING GRACE

by Jim Nesbitt

February 9 – March 6, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

ED EARL BURCH HARD-BOILED TEXAS CRIME THRILLER

MAYHEM WITH A BADGE

After wandering the peephole wilderness of a private detective for two decades, defrocked Dallas homicide detective Ed Earl Burch is finally an official manhunter again, wearing the badge of a district attorney’s investigator working in the harsh desert mountains of West Texas. Big D, it ain’t. And life as a resurrected lawman isn’t everything he hoped it would be. Too many rules. Not enough satisfaction. And a boss who hates him for saving his life. But Burch is back, playing the same deadly game he mastered as a murder cop, tracking a serial killer who tortured and murdered his ex-lover with a straight razor—an Aryan Brotherhood gang leader Burch thought he killed in a desert shootout. He’s also trying to protect the fugitive granddaughter of an old friend and her four-year-old son—from this remorseless killer and cartel gunsels hired by her incestuous Dixie Mafia daddy. Throats get slashed. Bullets smack flesh. Bodies drop. And Ed Earl Burch and his partner, Bobby Quintero, are in reckless pursuit, dodging death, closing in on their prey. No place Burch would rather be. Unless he gets killed.

Praise for The Fatal Saving Grace:

The Fatal Saving Grace is the Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite for Action/Adventure 2026 “Nesbitt delivers a scorched-earth tale where every shadow conceals an ambush and every road bleeds history. He paints West Texas in colors of rust, smoke and whiskey, and the result is a story that feels carved in stone. This is cowboy noir at its finest.” ~ Baron Birtcher, Will Rogers Medallion winning author of Knife River “Ed Earl Burch, who’s partial to Lucky Strikes and Maker’s Mark, makes Mike Hammer look like Miss Marple. Jim’s novels offer wicked humor, an eye for detail, brass-knuck action and language that would strip the paint off a Hummer.” ~ Noel Holston, author of Life After Deaf and As I Die Laughing “Jim Nesbitt knows his Texas crime and writes one fine line at a time. Hard-boiled with prickly pears, old leather boots, a bit of tobacco, freshly spit of course, he gets it right.” ~ Joe R. Lansdale, champion mojo storyteller and author of the Hap ‘N Leonard crime thrillers “A gritty and deadly must-read, THE FATAL SAVING GRACE cements Nesbitt’s standing among the best writers in the pantheon of Southern noir.” ~ Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of the Detective Justice Mysteries “Ed Earl Burch is back, and that’s great news for readers who love classic hard-boiled noir, colorful characters, crackling dialogue and plenty of action. Highly recommended!” ~ R.G. Belsky, author of the Gil Malloy and Clare Carlson mysteries “Some would call it justice. Some would call it revenge. No matter what you call it, the concept has been a long running theme of the Ed Earl Burch series. The same is very much true in the fifth book of the series, The Fatal Saving Grace: An Ed Earl Burch Novel by Jim Nesbitt.” ~ ‘Ace Texas book reviewer’ Kevin Tipple

Book Details:

Genre: Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction, Western

Published by: Spotted Mule Press Publication Date: December 15, 2025 Number of Pages: 301 ISBN: 9780998329482 (ISBN10: 0998329487) Series: Ed Earl Burch Hard-Boiled Texas Crime Thriller, Book 5 | Each is a Stand-Alone Thriller

Ed Earl Burch Novels, 1-4

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Enjoy this peek inside:

From Chapter 1

When a man gets hit by a .45 ACP Flying Ashtray or three, by all that’s ballistically holy, he ought to get dead and stay dead. All manner of official paperwork swore he was dead. All of it based on a bogus death certificate filed by parties unknown in the Cuervo County Coroner’s Office, with copies popping up like blowflies on a cow carcass. Even the federales had him playing poker with the Devil, his prison mugshot tucked away in ATF and DEA files, DECEASED stamped across his face in bold, black letters. The con was slick and easy. Money changed hands, files were swapped or ditched, reports were shredded or faked. Somebody else’s corpse became him. The relentless power of bureaucratic incompetence and inertia did the rest. Yessir. According to all that yellowing, lawdog paper, he was nobody they had to worry about no more. Finito. A shade. A ghost who said adios. A good thug now that he was a dead thug. Muerto. Not hardly. That’s what John Wayne said to all those hombres who thought he was dead in Big Jake. With a growl and a scowl. Not hardly. He liked that. Matter of fact, he just trotted out the Duke’s line to a guy he used to be tight with. Caught up to him climbing the three cinder block steps to the front door of his desert double wide. Tapped him on the shoulder, saw the wild-eyed fear when the dude turned and saw who the finger belonged to. Blurted out: “You’re supposed to be dead!” Not hardly. Said it with a growl but no scowl. Then grabbed him by a greasy hank of raven black hair, yanking his head back and cutting a crimson smile across his throat from ear to ear. With a bone-handled straight razor. His favorite. Threw the guy into the sand at the side of the steps. Listened to the choking gurgle and death rattle. Then licked the blood off the blade. Not hardly. He tilted his head back and laughed. Savored the kill. Alone and alive. An endless dome of stars glittering in the midnight sky above the rocky desert outback near Radium Springs, New Mexico. No moon. A dead man at his feet. Used to be a member of his crew. Frankie Sheridan. Met him at Pelican Bay. An Alice Baker brother doing a long stretch for bank robbery. Had a shamrock tattooed on his chest with the initials AB in capital letters—Alice Baker, Aryan Brotherhood. Blood in, blood out. Ex-Army. Knew his way around diesels, alarm systems, and weapons. Sent him a ticket to Texas when he got out. Made him a member of his crew, smuggling guns and drugs out of a ranch north of Faver, the Cuervo County seat, a bent outfit that ran cattle for cover and fleeced bitter and gullible white trash while promising them the return of the Republic of Texas for Caucasian Christians only, a New Zion based on God, guns, guts, and the Good Book. Niggers, Jews, Arabs, and Spics need not apply. Bad move. Frankie was a ratfuck snitch. Uno chivato. Not to the lawdogs. Just as bad, though. Frankie sold him out to a rival outfit of gunrunners and drug smugglers. Kept them one step ahead of him as they chased a third outfit that held a cache of stolen military hardware everybody wanted. Rockets, bloopers, mortars, and full-auto carbines and rifles. Bang-bangs that could tip the scales on both sides of the river. All in the hands of a crew fronted by a flashy woman in jeans, tall boots, a bolero jacket, and a blonde wig. A wet dream for the pendejos she hustled. La Güera. Just the thought of her caused his molars to grind. He wanted her dead. No, he needed her dead. She and her lover were the reason his life got flushed into the sewer, his crew dead, his stash of guns and drugs long gone. Had him climbing out of the shitter, clawing to the top of the dung heap. Again. He caught the lover. Sliced off his manhood. Slit his throat. Then chopped off his head and butchered his body to stuff into a giant barbecue smoker. Tucked the man’s jewels into his mouth as the crowning touch to a cannibal’s mesquite-smoked delight. Not the same. Didn’t have her. She still needed to feel his blade, feel his eyes boring holes into hers as he gave her that crimson smile. He needed to lick her blood off that sharp stainless steel. Taste it. And grin. Only then would the circle be complete. He’d be whole again. Well, not completely whole. His right eye was gone, blown out by a glancing hit from one of those .45 ACP slugs that also shattered the orbital bones. Nothing extensive plastic surgery, bone implants and a new glass eye couldn’t cure. Had to stack plenty of cash up front to repair damage that severe. Gave that part of his face a waxy texture straight out of Madame Tussauds. But it sure beat wearing an eye patch and the lopsided face of a Dick Tracy cartoon villain. His left knee was also shattered, replaced with a titanium joint that allowed him to walk with only a slight limp. Another five-figure hit to his stash of greenbacks. The man who fired those rounds was also on his payback list. An ex-cop. Big-ass older fucker with a gray beard. Said to be a washed-up Dallas P. I.. Beg to differ, sir. Sumbitch sure kept him from getting to her during that clusterfuck in the West Texas desert. A real Wild West shootout between rival drug gangs wanting the blonde bitch’s bang-bangs. He was oh-so-close to grabbing her up, dodging bullets and bodies, closing the gap between him and Ol’ Dude, who was carrying the bitch draped over his right shoulder. He screamed her name and leveled an M-16A1 at the both of them. “La Güeraaaaaaa! I got you, bitch! Got you now! Gonna slice you wide open and watch you bleeeeeeed!” Ol’ Dude spun on his heel and emptied a 1911 mag at him offhand. Yelled this: “Not today, you cockbite motherfucker. Not in this lifetime or the next.” A lefty. On target without dropping the bitch. Only thing that kept him alive was a Kevlar vest that caught the Flying Ashtrays that would have shredded his chest. Washed-up, my ass. The man wrecked me. His time was coming, though. Count on a reckoning. Soon. But not now. He was working his way up the ladder of a list he kept in his head. One body at a time. Frankie was the bottom rung. La Güera was at the top with Ol’ Dude second. Five other rungs between Frankie and them. Time to get gone. And get busy. *** Excerpt from The Fatal Saving Grace by Jim Nesbitt. Copyright 2025 by Jim Nesbitt. Reproduced with permission from Jim Nesbitt. All rights reserved.

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About Author Jim Nesbott:

Jim Nesbitt has the perfect radio face, bionic knees that can grind coffee beans and tell time and a cat who poaches his cigars and uses his cellphone to place bets on British soccer. He is also a recovering journalist who once chased politicians, neo-Nazis, hurricanes, rodeo cowboys, plane wrecks and the everyday people swept up in a news event who gave his stories depth, authenticity and a distinct voice. A lapsed horseman, pilot, journalist and saloon sport with a keen appreciation of old guns, vintage cars, red meat, good cigars, aged whisky without an ‘e’ and a well-told story, Nesbitt is also the award-winning author of five hard-boiled Texas crime thrillers that feature battered but relentless Dallas PI Ed Earl Burch — THE LAST SECOND CHANCE, THE RIGHT WRONG NUMBER, THE BEST LOUSY CHOICE, THE DEAD CERTAIN DOUBT and THE FATAL SAVING GRACE. A diehard Tennessee Vols fan, he now lives in enemy territory — Athens, Alabama — with his wife, Pam, and is working on his sixth Ed Earl Burch novel, THE PERFECT TRAIN WRECK. When he’s off his meds, he’s been known to call himself Reverend Jim and preach the Gospel of Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction.

Catch Up With Jim Nesbitt:

www.JimNesbittBooks.com Jim’s Substack – @edearl56 Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @edearl56 Instagram – @edearl74 Threads – @edearl74 Facebook – @edearlburchbooks

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win! Click here to view the Tour Schedule

Join In On This Hard‑Boiled Texas Noir Giveaway:

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jim Nesbitt. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

THE FATAL SAVING GRACE by Jim Nesbitt | Gift Cards Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Finding His wyoming Sweetheart By Virginia McCullough ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: February 19, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance, Western
Tags: giveaway, romance, western

Welcome to my stop in the virtual book tour for Finding His Wyoming Sweetheart organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Virginia McCullough will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Finding His Wyoming Sweetheart

By Virginia McCullough

Genre: Sweet Western Romance

Synopsis

When it comes to his seven-year-old son, new lodge owner Mack Fisher has a lot to make up for. Fortunately, the small Wyoming town of Adelaide Creek provides the perfect fresh start—that is, if he can avoid the distraction of Erin Hunnicutt’s warm brown eyes. The free-spirited musician has a way of bringing out the best in everyone—especially Mack. When they’re thrown together unexpectedly to help their town, sparks fly and a dangerous secret is uncovered. But searching for the answers only leads them to fall deeper for one another…and starts Mack wondering if there’s room for one more in his new family.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Mack lowered his phone and wrapped Erin in a tight hug. “We did this together, along with your four-legged pal, Neptune.”

Neptune was standing next to Erin, as if waiting to be given a job. Erin stood on tiptoes, and put her hands on the side of Mack’s face and gave him a quick kiss.

Even in the dark his smile lit up his face. Then it disappeared when his phone buzzed.

“A text from Jeff?”

Mack nodded. “They plan to come in close to the gate, but without lights. They’ll cut the fence and walk in. They want these guys to stay calm.” Mack quickly keyed a response. “I reminded Jeff that these thieves are still teenagers.”

They turned their attention back to the corral, where the light from the headlights shone on a guy coming out of the barn. A horse by the fence hurried past him and out of sight under the shelter of the barn roof.

“Hurry, Jeff, hurry,” Mack muttered. Erin noted every move the men made. No matter how wrong and horrible the actions, the four thieves, whoever they were, had been taking care of the horses in their crude stable.

She kept her eyes on the scene below, conscious of Mack standing sitting beside her. She could feel the intense energy passing between them. She ran his words through her mind again. “Uh, Mack?”

“What is it?”

“In case I don’t get a chance to tell you later, I’m falling in love with you, too.” Erin smiled. There. She’d said the words out loud. No regrets.

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About Author Virginia McCullough:

Award winning author, Virginia McCullough writes romance for the Harlequin Heartwarming line, and FINDING HIS WYOMING SWEETHEART is Book 4 of her Adelaide Creek series. She also writes women’s fiction and nonfiction on a variety of topics. Virginia’s characters could be your family, friends, or neighbors, and all her stories offer hope, healing, and plenty of second chances. Drawn to water, she almost always sets her stories on a body of water, from oceans, lakes, rivers, and the winding Adelaide Creek.

A ghostwriter, book doctor/editor, coach, and experienced workshop presenter, Virginia is a wanderer, but currently lives in Northeastern Wisconsin. When she’s not writing, she’s walking on trails near her home or in some faraway place. She reads, streams series, hangs out with other writers, and daydreams about her next adventure.

Author Links: Facebook / Reader’s Group / Instagram / Newsletter

Buy Links: Amazon / Apple / Kobo / Nook / Google Play

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

A Pioneer Christmas Beyond The Oregon Trail by David Fitz-Gerald ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: November 27, 2024 in Excerpt, giveaways, Historical, Holidays, Western
Tags: Adventure, giveaway, guest post, historical, western

Can the love that binds this family deliver Christmas
miracles?

Or will the unforgiving wilderness crush their holiday
spirit?

A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon Trail

A Ghosts Among the Oregon Trail Holiday Novella

by David Fitz-Gerald

Genre: Historical Holiday Western Adventure

Dorcas and her family endured a harrowing trip along the
Oregon Trail in 1850. Now, they face their first brutal winter in the rugged
wilderness. Can they survive the harsh realities of frontier life?

Devastating setbacks threaten their lives, crush their
hopes, and test their faith in timeless traditions. Their cabin is unfinished.
Wild animals shred their tents, ruin their food supply, and wreck their camp.
As winter closes in, a powerful storm strikes their remote homestead. How much
more can they endure?

Dorcas suggests skipping Christmas to focus on survival, but
her children balk. They don’t want to give up on the cherished holiday. Is
Christmas a luxury they can’t afford?

When her husband, Agapito, fails to return from a critical
supply run, Dorcas ventures into the wilderness with a rifle in search of food
for her children. She must brave the elements as a mountain lion stalks her
through a violent winter storm.

Can the love that binds this family deliver Christmas
miracles? Or will the unforgiving wilderness crush their holiday spirit?

Start reading A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon
Trail today. Get wrapped up in this gripping western adventure of
love, survival, and the enduring power of hope. Perfect for fans of frontier
fiction and heartwarming holiday tales, this novella will keep you on the edge
of your seat.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

That scream curdles my blood and makes me shiver in fear. I clutch Agapito tightly against me.

Agapito says, “I think it is an owl. I do not know why owls howl like that. But I think it is because they are owls.”

I say, “We’d better check on the children.” After a mad dash to the river’s edge, I shiver as I climb into my clothes.

Agapito scampers after me. Racing to catch up, he laughs and says, “I lasted longer than you.”

The wilderness is full of undiscovered frightening beasts. Fortunately, the camp is safe, the children are asleep, and whatever attacked the camp while we were away is not a danger now.

It’s hard to believe an owl can make a sound like that. If I believed in such things, I might say it was a banshee.

It has been ten days since something attacked the camp, but we remain vigilant. Whatever it was could return at any time.

Being short of food is a constant worry. We’re trying to get by on less. The boys sometimes complain about the watery soup, but we must stretch what we have.

This morning, instead of chopping wood, Christopher and I are fishing in the Clackamas River. But neither of us are having much luck.

Dahlia Jane sits nearby, making nests. She collects dried grasses, then weaves them together into long strands, and then coils the lengths into bowl-shaped replicas. Considering she’s only four years old, her creations are quite convincing.

The cat plays nearby, never venturing far from the girl. It’s hard to believe the docile kitten is the same animal that we took in almost two months ago. I thought that vicious monster could never be tamed, but somehow the fur ball came around. Dahlia Jane says Christopher tamed it.

**Don’t miss the rest of the series!**

Find them on Amazon!

Blogger’s Introduction: Today, I’m stepping into the dreams of Christopher Moon, or as he’s more fondly known, Dunk. He’s a lively nine-year-old boy who’s experienced more adventure on the Oregon frontier than most could imagine. With his almost magical knack for understanding animals and his boundless curiosity, Dunk’s life is full of excitement and discovery. Join me as I chat with him in the warmth of a dream, where stories and secrets are shared.

Blogger: Hi, Dunk! Thanks for meeting with me in this dream. Tell me about your nickname.

Dunk: [As he speaks, he motions with his hands, forming a cup with one, and making a dipping motion with the other.] People make fun of me because I like to dunk food in stuff. Like biscuits in stew, pancakes in porridge, or donuts in syrup. So, they call me Dunk instead of Christopher. I reckon that’s shorter.

Blogger: I’ve heard you like to get away on your own sometimes. Is there someplace special you like to go?

Dunk: [Eyes light up with a mischievous grin] Oh, I got a place, all right. Found an abandoned cabin deep in the woods. A mountain man called Crabapple Nick used to live there. Nobody knows about it but me. I like sneaking back there when I need a bit of quiet or when I just want to pretend I’m a real explorer. It’s like my own secret fort. Just don’t tell anybody, all right? I’d like to keep that a secret.

Blogger: Your secret’s safe with me! I’ve also heard that animals seem to listen to you in a special way. What’s your trick?

Dunk: [Leans in close, voice dropping to a whisper] It ain’t really a trick. It’s just something I can do. Boss, our puppy born right along the trail, listens to me better than anybody else. And then there was Dahlia Jane’s kitten, mean as a snake at first, but now that ball of fluff is all soft and purrs. Even the oxen, they do what I say like I’m the head honcho. Sometimes, I even talk to birds. [Laughs and looks around] Better not mention that either. Don’t want folks thinking I’m daft.

Blogger: That’s incredible, Dunk! It sounds like you’ve got the heart of a true adventurer. Do you ever wish you could be out on the trail more?

Dunk: [His expression shifts to a mix of longing and excitement] Yeah. Boy. Do I ever! I sure was mad when Alvah and the crew left without me. They get to have an adventure every day. I wanted to go so bad, but Ma said no. Said I’m too young, but I ain’t. Someday I’ll be a guide. Or a soldier. Maybe even a trapper. [His lips shift from side to side as if trying to decide which profession might be best for him.]

Blogger: I’m sure you’ll show them all, one day. Speaking of the trail, I heard you broke your arm. Tell me about that.

Dunk: [He looks at his arm and gives a proud smile] Got trampled in a river crossing. It hurt real bad, but I didn’t cry much. Hated the sling though. Ma said I was brave, and I reckon I was. It just made me tougher, I think. If I can go through that, I can do just about anything. I’ll be the best guide or adventurer this side of the Mississippi, you’ll see.

Blogger: I have no doubt about that, Dunk. Now, Christmas on the frontier must be quite different. What’s the best part for you?

Dunk: The best part’s the stories and songs we share. And this year, we had a Christmas cake! I don’t know where it came from, but it was like magic. Hey, do you like to dip your cake in milk? [He laughs heartily] You should give it a try. Tastes even better.

Blogger: I’ll have to try that! One last question before you wake up: if you could tell other kids one thing about life out here, what would it be?

Dunk: I’d tell ‘em that life’s tough sometimes, real tough. But there’s always something worth smiling about. Whether it’s your dog, a warm fire, or dipping cake in milk. And even if folks say you’re too young, don’t listen. You know what you can do.

Blogger: That’s wonderful advice, Dunk. Thank you for sharing your stories and dreams with me. Merry Christmas!

Dunk: Merry Christmas to you, too! And remember, keep the cabin a secret. [He winks as the dream fades away]

Blogger’s Closing Note: Christopher “Dunk” Moon is a boy full of heart and wonder, with dreams as big as the frontier. His stories remind us that even in the hardest times, there’s always room for hope, adventure, and a bit of magic. And, if you enjoy this character as a child in A Pioneer Christmas and the series Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, you might be surprised to encounter him as an adult in the newly released book, First Drive: A Seph Vermillion Western Adventure.

Blogger’s Closing Note: Andrew’s ambition and depth remind us that even in the hardest times, dreams and determination can light the way. His story is one of hope, resilience, and finding a voice amid the wilds of the frontier.

David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He
is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the
Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best
in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers
of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye
and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has
hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s
happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes,
movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing
memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of
wild horses.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram
* Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

A Montana Feud by Jim Overstreet ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 25, 2024 in Excerpt, giveaways, Western
Tags: giveaway, rodeo, western

A Montana Feud

by Jim Overstreet

(Rodeo in the Blood, #3)
Publication date: August 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Western

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A Montana Feud brings back all the rugged and passionate characters of the Rodeo in the Blood series for another drama-filled adventure. Fans of thrilling rodeo rides and the complexities of human relationships will find this story absorbing.

During the pandemic shortened 2020 rodeo season, former rivals, Rusty Blackstone and Warren Weston, join forces to pursue their rodeo dreams. At a rodeo in Chinook, Montana, Rusty accidentally reignites a dormant feud between his father and rodeo producer Jake Augustine. Rusty is lucky to survive the ensuing turmoil.

Meanwhile, Warren battles his ex-wife, Jenny, for a portion of his rightful inheritance. Throughout, Rusty, Warren, and Jenny struggle with the new arrangement to share their son, Todd. Warren battles to care for his invalid mother. Unexpected violence mars Rusty and Amanda’s horseback wedding.

Harlan, the only man they all trust, does his best to help them through everything.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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Enjoy this peek inside:

August 8, 2020

Buffalo Bill Rodeo

North Platte, Nebraska

As they pulled into the Nebraskaland Wild West Arena on the north side of North Platte, Rusty and Casey were listening to the audio version of Craig Johnson’s book The Dark Horse. Casey, who was driving, parked the truck. In a suspenseful part of the story, neither one of them wanted to get out. Casey killed the engine, but they sat there slightly embarrassed until, after a few minutes, all the electronics in the pickup shut off automatically.

“Dammit, Rusty,” Casey said. “Now you’ve got me addicted to these stories of yours. I guess I could start up again.”

“Don’t you dare,” Rusty said. “We’ve only got an hour to get bulldogging on our minds.” He opened the door and got out. Casey followed. A hot wind swirled and ebbed and swirled again. They unloaded the horses. There was a dark cloud to the south.

“I don’t like the way this wind is gusting,” Casey said. “I hope it doesn’t mean that thunderhead is coming this way.”

“It looks like it’s well south,” Rusty said. “The river is between us and it. There’s probably an air current over the Platte that will push it away from us.”

“I hope so,” Casey said.

More concerned about his horses than the weather, Rusty tied Apache to the trailer and watched as Casey walked Peanut around in a circle. The horse seemed to be walking without pain, at least not much. Rusty wasn’t sure but thought his strides were an inch or two short compared to his normal gate. “How does that wound look?”

“It doesn’t look too bad. The stitches are holding,” Casey answered. “It’s draining a little, but his chest is swelled up a bit.”

Rusty shook his head. “The vet said we could ride him as soon as we figured he was ready. I think we need to give him at least a few days off. I don’t want to ask him to run when he’s sore.”

Casey said, “He’s been stuck in the trailer all day. Why don’t I lead him around for a while, loosen him up? Maybe find him some water.”

“Okay,” Rusty said. “I’ll saddle Apache and go to the rodeo office. I’ll find someone to haze for us. When I get back, I’ll pony Peanut in the arena while I warm up Apache.”

Rusty encountered Wesley Martin, a former world champion steer wrestler who hauled a team of ‘dogging horses, outside the office. He was more than happy to haze for them.

When Rusty rode into the arena, the announcer said, “Our next cowboy is Rusty Blackstone, the current World Champion. He calls that horse he is riding Apache. Apache might be a little bit on the homely side, you can see that for yourself, but he is one of the top two or three steer wrestling horses in Prorodeo. The last time I saw Rusty was at the rodeo in Minot, North Dakota over the Fourth of July. He was traveling with Casey Jones and Warren Weston. They have all competed at the National Finals. I teased them about coming in like a pack of wolves. I was right. They took nearly all the money.”

Rusty had drawn the good steer he had at the Phillipsburg, Kansas rodeo where he’d thrown him in 4.1. Considering the mud at that rodeo, he thought he could be faster on dry ground. Since the steer wasn’t terribly fast, he took a conservative start and threw the animal in 3.7.

The announcer introduced Casey Jones as a National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “He travels with Rusty Blackstone who made a spectacular run here minutes ago. He’s riding Rusty’s good horse, Apache. As I mentioned a few minutes ago, he also got a big chunk of the money in Minot last month and is sitting about tenth in the standings right now.”

Casey threw his steer in 3.9.

“See, what did I tell you?” the announcer crowed after the run. “Only two thirds of the Wolf Pack and they still got a big chunk of the money.

Rusty ended up in second place for the rodeo and Casey third.

After the rodeo, Casey sat in the trailer looking at the road atlas. He said, “It would have been a lot quicker trip if we could have come here directly from Phillipsburg.”

Rusty laughed and answered, “If those rodeo committees had asked me, I’d have gotten them to set up the rodeos so that we could have gone from Sidney to Sikeston to Lawton to Dodge City and then to Phillipsburg and North Platte. I don’t know why they didn’t ask me. Would have saved us a lot of miles. Maybe we could get Ruby to organize them next year.”

About Author Jim Overstreet:

Jim Overstreet is a lifelong cowboy and author of A Montana Rivalry. Raising horses for most of his life, he earned multiple titles in tie down roping, from youth rodeo to the senior circuit. As an accomplished writer, his work has been published in national magazines including Reader’s Digest, Persimmon Hill and numerous equine magazines, including Western Horseman. The American Horse Publications honored him as a winner in their Feature Article category.

Jim rode horses before he could walk. He grew up on the Sun Ranch, a large cattle and horse ranch in the Madison Valley in southwest Montana with a father who was an avid horseman and well-respected cowboy in the area. He grew up believing that cowboys were special. His father helped him begin training horses and later he learned from Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance.

Jim’s adult life was filled with roping and rodeos along with raising two daughters with his wife amongst his many horses in the shadow of Montana’s Crazy Mountains.

Jim loves to write, except when he hates it, and although he is old enough to know better, Jim still rides and trains horses. He is passionate about telling stories of the contemporary West that demonstrate the physical toughness, mental determination, and dependence on community inherent to ranching and rodeo. His first book, A Montana Rivalry, released by Palmetto Publishing in fall of 2023, is the first book in the Rodeo in The Blood Series.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Falling For A Smart Cowboy by Karen Baney ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: August 12, 2024 in giveaways, Guest Post, Romance, Western
Tags: christian, giveaway, romance, western

Book Details:

Book Title: Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 4) by Karen Baney
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 208 pages
Genre: Christian Western Romance
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release date: June 25, 2024
Content Rating: G. Brief mention of kissing. No bad language. No sex of any kind.

Book Description:

She’s on a mission to bring orphaned children hope. He wants off his family’s ranch for good. Will they survive his shocking family secrets?

Devon Vargas longs to be more than just a cowboy. After finishing his teaching degree, he plans to leave his family’s guest ranch for good. Between his growing affection for the new children’s program director and a huge family secret revealed, he second guesses everything about his life.

Raina Crawford lost her parents at a young age. Through the grace of God, she survived life in the foster system. She desperately wants to bring children the life-changing faith that gave her hope. The job at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a steppingstone. Except she’s losing her heart to the smart, ambitious cowboy bent on leaving his family’s ranch—and her—behind.

Will Raina finally find the family she’s always wanted? Will family secrets unravel his new dreams? Will those same secrets tear them apart?

Buy the Book:
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Book2Read
add to goodreads

Author Guest Post

What I Love Most In A Cowboy Romance by Karen Baney

Horses. Horse scenes. I mean, what is the cowboy without his horse?

In each of the books in the Vargas Ranch Series, I’ve included a horse-riding scene. Sometimes it is a central or pivotal part of the plot. Other times it’s a chance to draw the two main characters together.

In Book 1, Falling for a Real Cowboy, the horse-riding scene spans several chapters, starting with grooming the horses. Even though River knew how to ride horses, she had never groomed one, which provided a perfect opportunity for some zinging (clean) attraction between her and Dalton Vargas. Then the horse-ride and picnic added critical drama to the romantic arc of the book.

In Book 2, Falling for a Shy Cowboy, Dylan Vargas manages the stables, so there are many horse related scenes. While he asked Brisa on a horse ride, circumstances delay it. The first time we see her on a horse is when she searches for him after he’s been missing for hours, heightening the tension in the story. When they finally experience their peaceful horse ride together, it’s part of their happily ever after.

In Book 3, Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas shows up at Madison’s casita with a saddled horse for the horse ride he never told her about. The scene provided a great opportunity to emphasize the boss and sass dynamic between them, settling into a pleasant get-to-know-you conversation.

Well, of course when it comes to Book 4, I needed a horse-riding scene. In Falling for a Smart Cowboy, Devon Vargas runs the children’s center at the resort part of the ranch. Growing up on the ranch, he enjoyed gathering his thoughts as he rode his horse. But how could I create the perfect moment for him and Raina? Easy. She asked him to teach her how to ride horses. A little (clean) zinging attraction from the close proximity. A few errant thoughts on his part. And viola! A lovely horse scene for the romantic tension in the story.

It’s a lot of fun coming up with different ways to throw my fictional couples together in a horse scene. Wonder what I’ll come up with next?

Meet Author Karen Baney:

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Visit Karen on the web at: www.karenbaney.com

connect with the author: website ~ amazon ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/Twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

FALLING FOR A SMART COWBOY by Karen Baney Book Tour Giveaway

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell

Posted: June 11, 2024 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways, Western
Tags: giveaway, romance, western

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Catch A Cowboy organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Rachelle Paige Campbell will award a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Catch A Cowboy

by Rachelle Paige Campbell

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Western Romance

Synopsis

Kincaid Ranch’s lead cowboy, Ted Stirling, isn’t looking for romance or entanglements. He settled in Herd, Montana over a decade ago after a devastating loss. He’s seeking comfort and friendship. Nothing more. If he was going to try for love again, he would pick someone sweet and sunny, exactly like kindergarten teacher, Stephanie Patricks. But she’s too young for him.

Stephanie has nursed a crush on quiet, handsome Ted for years. Unfortunately, every time she’s around him, she gets tongue-tied. She only seems to be able to find her words when she’s working with her students. When Ted’s sister unexpectedly arrives in town with his five-year-old niece in tow, he needs help, and Stephanie is just the woman to provide it.

A sudden emergency puts into sharp focus exactly how fragile life is, and Ted needs to decide whether to open his heart again, or let love slip away forever.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Ted didn’t land on the ground with his usual grace. His jeans snagged on the top rail and his back foot caught. His palms scrapped against the rail. He fell in a heap on the ground.

Tires squealed as the car stopped on the shoulder.

“Ted? Are you okay?” Stephanie shouted.

He winced and sat up, easing his legs out in front of him. Testing his muscles, he’d ache in the morning but hadn’t twisted his major leg joints. He waved a hand. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“No, you’re bleeding. Hold on,” she called.

He sucked in a breath and flipped over his palms. She was right. He’d torn through the top layer of skin and bled in several sections. The wounds didn’t look deep enough for stitches but he’d have to keep bandages on and use his work gloves for a few days. He should have worn the gloves before he’d hopped the fence, but he’d been so sure of his abilities his ego led to his fall.

“May I see?” Stephanie asked in a soft voice.

He met her concerned gaze and swallowed the lump in his throat. With her knees pressing into the ground, she was close. Almost as near as last night when she’d kissed him.

His cheek burned from the memory of the tender press of her lips. Would she kiss his palms? He didn’t think that would make him all better but he wasn’t about to stop her from trying.

“May I?” she asked again.

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About Author Rachelle Paige Campbell:

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives, and every story needs a happily ever after.

Author Links / Website / Facebook / Instagram / BookBub

Pinterest / Amazon / Goodreads

Buy Links: Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Goodreads / BookBub

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Ghosts Along The Oregon Trail by David Fitz-Gerald ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 29, 2024 in giveaways, Guest Post, Historical, Western
Tags: Adventure, giveaway, historical, western

Embark on a harrowing trek across the rugged American frontier in 1850.

A Grave Every Mile

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 1

by David Fitz-Gerald

Genre: Historical Western Adventure Fiction

Embark on a harrowing trek across the rugged American frontier in 1850. Your wagon awaits, and the untamed wilderness calls. This epic western adventure will test the mettle of even the bravest souls.

Dorcas Moon and her family set forth in search of opportunity and a brighter future. Yet, what awaits them is a relentless gauntlet of life-threatening challenges: miserable weather, ravenous insects, scorching sunburns, and unforgiving terrain. It’s not merely a battle for survival but a test of their unity and sanity.

Amidst the chaos, Dorcas faces ceaseless trials: her husband’s unending bickering, her daughter’s descent into madness, and the ever-present danger of lethal rattlesnakes, intensifying the peril with each step. The specter of death looms large, with diseases spreading and the eerie howls of rabid wolves piercing the night. Will the haunting image of wolves desecrating a grave push Dorcas over the edge?

With each mile, the migration poses a haunting question: Who will endure the relentless quest to cross the continent, and who will leave their bones to rest beside the trail? The pathway is bordered by graves, a chilling reminder of the steep cost of dreams.

A Grave Every Mile marks the commencement of an unforgettable saga. Start reading Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail now to immerse yourself in an expedition where every decision carries the weight of life, death, and the pursuit of a brighter future along the Oregon Trail.

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Lighten the Load

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 2

After a devastating tragedy, Dorcas Moon faces brutal choices in the unforgiving wilderness.

An unsolved hometown murder casts a foreboding shadow over the journey. Mounting responsibilities weigh heavy on Dorcas’ shoulders while navigating the trail along the Platte River. Family, friends, and neighbors can’t seem to get along without her help.

The gruesome trail exacts a heavy toll. A sweeping grass fire blazes across the prairie. A doomed wagon careens down a treacherous hill. A fellow traveler is gored to death while hunting buffalo. Each disaster pushes the pioneers to the brink. Amidst the chaos, Dorcas grapples with the realization that she must dump her precious cook stove and her husband’s massive safe. The oxen can no longer haul the heavy weight of unnecessary cargo.

When her daughter mysteriously disappears while the wagons are at Fort Laramie, Dorcas despairs. She is desperate to help her daughter when the troubled youth is found in the arms of a Brulé man in Spotted Tail’s village.

Secure your copy of Lighten the Load and delve into an unforgettable saga of empowerment, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of the American frontier. Rejoin Dorcas Moon on the adventure of a lifetime as she confronts the challenges that shape her destiny.

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Meet the Hero from Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail

Dorcas Moon is a one-of-a-kind protagonist.

In April of 1850 she is 34 years old. Her husband, Larkin Moon, is an aspiring banker who recently left his job as the manager of an inn. They are the parents of four children and together they journey from Independence, Missouri toward a new future in Oregon.

She has many strengths but plenty of faults as well. Hopefully, that makes her relatable. In many ways, she belongs in 1850. In other ways, she’s ahead of her time. Perhaps that makes her interesting. She’s always loved to cook but hates to sew. As a young woman, her mother couldn’t keep her indoors. The westward journey reawakens the tomboy in Dorcas. Sometimes, she pokes her nose into other people’s business and now and then she can’t help listening in on private conversations.

After working with her as a young woman in my novel, WAKING UP LOST, part of the Adirondack Spirit Series, I couldn’t get her out of my head. She wasn’t the hero of that book, but she often stole the scenes in which she appeared. She was such a unique character, I just had to spend more time with her. Now that she’s been the center of attention for five books, and the series built around her is complete, I’m still not tired of this indomitable character. Maybe someday I’ll return to Dorcas Moon. We shall see.

Who doesn’t try to picture the character they’re reading about? As the author, I’ve described Dorcas as a tall woman, taller than most men. She’s self-conscious about that and has a history of arguing that she is not six feet tall. She’s a full eight of an inch shy of that. She has frizzy blond hair that is not easily contained. I have a collage featuring pictures of women that could be Dorcas Moon. It includes Lady Liberty from United States coins and the blond woman who looks like she’s wearing a toga floating like an angel above the prairie in artist John Gast’s 1872 painting titled American Progress.

What famous people, past or present do you picture when reading Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail? I welcome your email at dave@itsoag.com – and if you’d like to know what famous woman’s picture I have pasted on my collage, I’ll tell you in my reply.

Where did the name Dorcas come from? It’s very rare these days. When writing historical fiction, I love to find names that were used during a particular time period that are far less common today. I reached way back into my own family tree to find this memorable name and when business took me to Newark, New Jersey, I visited her grave.

I’ve been asked about writing in the first person from a woman’s perspective. I enjoy the challenge of inventing characters unlike myself and trying to bring them to life. It helps having the perspective of my editor, Lindsay, who has collaborated with me on all of my fiction. I love putting myself in the shoes of my characters and trying to imagine what they’d do or say. That could be the best part of being a novelist.

Now that I’m finished writing Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, I wonder whether the protagonist is the real hero of the series. The case could be made that the true star is the trail itself. Maybe it is the iconic prairie schooner that captures readers’ imaginations. Just the sight of a wagon sets off something in me. It’s as if I’m connected to that symbol. Maybe it is a flicker from a past life. Who knows for certain?

Stay With the Wagons

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 3

Venture deep into the uncharted wilderness and crest the continental divide.

Stay with the Wagons is the enthralling third chapter in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. Dorcas Moon has discarded her mourning dress and yearns for freedom and independence amidst the vast frontier. But a perilous world and a commanding wagon master keep her tethered. Ultimately, it’s a brutal bout of fever and ague that confine her to camp.

Relentless disasters and beguiling challenges unfold in this installment. A young man is crushed beneath a wagon wheel. Dorcas’ son breaks an arm, a grizzly bear attacks the wagon train, and the looming threat of attacking outlaws whips the emigrants into a worried frenzy. How many must perish before they reach the end of the trail?

As chaos reigns, her troubled daughter, Rose, disappears once again, leading Dorcas on a perilous quest. Tracking Rose to a sacred site, they encounter a blind seer and a legendary leader, Chief Washakie. Rose’s enchantment with Native American adornments sparks Dorcas’ concern about an unexpected suitor and raises worries about Rose’s age.

Stay with the Wagons is bursting with action, adventure, and survival. It is a story of resilience and empowerment on the Oregon Trail.

Claim your copy now and re-immerse yourself in a tale of high-stakes survival, unexpected alliances, and the indomitable spirit of Dorcas Moon.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Snarling Wolf

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 4

Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.

The famed Snake River marks the point the wagon master claims that all the greenhorns turn loco. After twelve hundred grueling miles and four relentless months on the trail, the expedition teeters on the brink. Frayed nerves, exhausted patience, and the specter of doom cast a dark cloud over the travelers.

At every turn, new dangers emerge. A young man who is like a brother to Dorcas Moon is ravaged in a mountain lion attack. A heat wave grips the dusty, barren plains and spreads sickness. The wolves that lurk in the shadows edge closer. Even the rattlesnakes seem emboldened.

Dorcas’ daughter, Rose’s descent into madness can no longer be ignored. What began as an eerie preoccupation with death takes a shocking turn when Rose reveals her truths. Dorcas is thrust into a realm of disbelief, and her worst fears about Rose’s mysterious suitor become a stark reality.

As weary emigrants yearn for respite, tales of murderous outlaws spread like wildfire across the prairie. Passing strangers share the latest terrifying news. It’s only a matter of when, not if, the notorious highwaymen will strike. Which bend of the mighty snake shelters the feared outlaws?

Grab your copy of Snarling Wolf now and unveil the next chapter in Dorcas Moon’s relentless saga. Sink your teeth into this tale of survival, madness, and the unyielding spirit of those who brave the treacherous migration.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Rolling Home

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 5

Climb aboard! Don’t miss the heart-pounding climax of the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. Rolling Home is the final installment.

In the heart of the rolling village, dissent brews as the stubbornest naysayer refuses to continue the journey. With an ominous early snowfall and memories of the ill-fated Donner Party haunting the pioneers, Dorcas Moon faces a new wave of challenges. Just when she believes things can’t get worse, a disastrous river crossing claims their wagon and submerges their belongings.

As the rolling village approaches the final leg of the journey, the looming threat of outlaws intensifies. The notorious bandit known as The Viper and his ruthless brothers are determined to rob the greenhorns, sell their stock, and kill every last one of them. The pioneers had heard tales of their brutality, but now, with Dorcas’ daughter kidnapped and Dorcas captured, everyone is in danger.

What will become of Dorcas Moon, her family, and their friends? Will anyone survive the perilous journey?

Rejoin the expedition and witness the thrilling end to a gripping saga.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Falling For A Bossy Cowboy by Karen Baney ~ Author Interview And Giveaway

Posted: March 28, 2024 in giveaways, Romance, Western
Tags: christian, giveaway, romance, western

Join Us for This Tour from Mar 26 to Apr 22, 2024

Book Details:

Book Title: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3) by Karen Baney
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 204 pages
Genre: Contemporary Christian Western Romance
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release date: Mar 26, 2024
Content Rating: PG + M. My book deals with a main character overcoming his sexually immoral past. He is in active recovery and God’s grace and strength shine through his story line. Written tastefully with character showing true remorse for his past actions. There are NO cursing or graphic descriptions of any kind.

Book Description:

She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?

Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.

Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.

Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?

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Interview with Author Karen Baney

How long have you been writing? When did you start?

I first started writing Christian historical romances back in 2010. In 2011, I finished my first series and dabbled in contemporary Christian romance with one book, recently re-released as The Heart I Rescue. I released a few books between 2011 – 2016, before taking a break for health reasons. Then in the fall of 2021, I began writing in earnest again, releasing two more historical series, before focusing on contemporary and cowboy romances in 2023 and 2024. I love writing and hope to continue releasing multiple novels per year.

What comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

Characters. When I first mapped out the Vargas Ranch Series, I started with the five brothers: Dalton, Dylan, Derin, Devon, and Drake. After figuring out their personalities, motives, and the setting, I mapped out the plot highlights for the entire series. Of course, as I write a novel, the plot can shift. Sometimes the characters surprise me, like Derin did in Falling for a Bossy Cowboy.

What part of Falling for a Bossy Cowboy was the hardest to write?

The last few chapters took me a bit to write. I reached a certain point in the story and knew it needed to be wrapped up, but felt like I had more to tell. In the end, I shuffled a few scenes around so I could head towards the final dramatic tension and then the happily-ever-after.

Did anything surprise you when you were writing Falling for a Bossy Cowboy?

Yes! Derin himself surprised me. I knew I wanted to take this over-confident man and thrust him into a situation that caused him to feel insecure. But I never expected his character arc to take the shape that it did. And the huge family secret that gets revealed in this book—never saw that coming. It just flowed from my heart and is one of my favorite scenes in the entire book because it explains why Derin is the way he is.

What can a reader expect from your books?

I love writing about flawed characters who struggle with life and their faith (or come to faith). Sometimes they have some ugly or painful things to overcome. In the end, they learn to grow in their faith. They change and so do their lives.

Are you planning any more books in the Vargas Ranch series?

At least two more books are planned. Falling for a Smart Cowboy is the fourth son’s story. Devon is the one son that longs to get off the ranch and teach. He’s torn between his dreams and contributing to the family ranch and resort. When a life-altering family secret is revealed, it changes the course of his life.

Falling for a Grumpy Cowboy follows Drake Vargas after he learns of the life-altering family secret. Nothing about his life will ever be the same and he lets it steal his joy. Until the sunshine Candi Kane shows up at Christmas time…

I am also toying with two or three more stories to follow the cousins and some cowboys I’ve mentioned throughout the series. Not sure if I’ll write a spin-off series or not.

Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like to share with my followers?

Thanks so much for hosting my Vargas Ranch Series with the release of book 3, Falling for a Bossy Cowboy. Readers and audiobook listeners can find me on my website: www.karenbaney.com or on Facebook, Instagram, X, BookBub, and GoodReads.

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Posts Tagged ‘western’

GIVEAWAY

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THE FATAL SAVING GRACE

by Jim Nesbitt

February 9 – March 6, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

ED EARL BURCH HARD-BOILED TEXAS CRIME THRILLER

MAYHEM WITH A BADGE

Praise for The Fatal Saving Grace:

Book Details:

Ed Earl Burch Novels, 1-4

The Last Second Chance

The Right Wrong Number

The Best Lousy Choice

The Dead Certain Doubt

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Enjoy this peek inside:

From Chapter 1

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About Author Jim Nesbott:

Catch Up With Jim Nesbitt:

Tour Participants:

Join In On This Hard‑Boiled Texas Noir Giveaway:

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jim Nesbitt. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Meet the Hero from Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail