Cowboy Kisses

Root Beer Float Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Renaissance Women) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

How many remember the Root Beer Float? It was a summer favorite where I grew up. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing some research on the subject. Here are some interesting facts. But first, we must set the stage.

In late 1890, Bob Womack found gold in the Cripple Creek area. By 1891, the strike was verified, and the rush was on.

By 1896, Coors had started selling his beer in a store he purchased for that purpose. Prior to this, many miners brewed their own spirits. There was even a root beer called Myers Avenue Red, brewed in the area.

Now, we come to the Root Beer Float.

In August 1893, Frank J. Wisner was looking out at night and saw the snowcap on a dark mountain, Cow Mountain to be exact. It reminded him of vanilla ice cream in a dark liquid. The next day, he put vanilla ice cream into the Myers Avenue Red root beer. He called it the Black Cow.

The other story says Wisner saw the snowcap on Cow Mountain, which reminded him of the black-and-white cow. Hence the name Black Cow.

Now, here's the question. Was Frank J. Wisner in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in August of 1893? Did he own the Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Cripple Creek, Colorado?

The evidence seems to suggest the answer to those questions may be 'no'. Perhaps the most telling piece of the puzzle. His family called him a flim-flam man.

As with all legends, there may be elements of truth. I leave it to you whether you want to believe the story or do further research.

Still, it's a great story and can give Colorado another first.

Until next time.

Stay safe - Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Niki J. Mitchell--Romancing the West!) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In 1869, Wyoming Shocked America by Letting Women Vote

In Wyoming Territory, women didn’t have room for fainting couches. They ran boarding houses, filed homestead claims, managed ranches while husbands were on cattle drives, and taught school in one-room buildings with coal stoves.

So it’s no surprise that a strong woman, Esther Hobart Morris, helped change history in the rugged mining towns of the West long before women across America won the right to vote.

Morris lived in South Pass City, a rough gold-rush town filled with miners, saloons, and muddy streets. At the time, women in the United States had almost no political power. They couldn’t vote, hold most public offices, or influence the laws that shaped their lives.

Morris believed that needed to change. When the Wyoming Territory debated whether women should have the right to vote, she supported the idea and spoke openly about equality. Territorial leaders eventually passed a groundbreaking law—granting women the right to vote in 1869. Wyoming became the first place in the United States to do this. The law was signed by John Allen Campbell, and it sparked national attention.

Morris didn’t stop there. In 1870, she became the first woman in the United States to serve as a justice of the peace, helping settle disputes and uphold the law in South Pass City. Her role proved that women could serve in positions of authority just as capably as men.

Thus, a Wyoming woman in the 1870s could walk into a polling place, argue her opinion, and go home. The men adapted because on the frontier, survival depended on respect. Strength wasn’t intimidating. It was necessary.

Wyoming became known as the Equality State. Decades later, when the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide, Wyoming had already been allowing women to vote for more than 50 years.

On the frontier, where people often had to build new communities from scratch, bold ideas sometimes took root first. I am thankful that Esther Hobart Morris was brave enough to stand up for a women’s right to vote.

Cowboy Kisses News ~ Julie Lence

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Lence) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Good Morning Cowboy Kisses Readers & Authors. To keep you up-to-date with blog happenings, Amanda A. Brooks is on hiatus until further notice. Her 9-5 job is keeping her extra busy, and rather than leave the group and take a chance there won't be a slot for her when she can return (she really doesn't want to leave us), a hiatus is the best thing for her and for us. I will let you know when she resumes dazzling you with her blogs.

Thank you!

Julie

Character Interview with Barbie Bennett ~ Julie Lence

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Lence) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On a warm, spring afternoon in Reno, Nevada, I’m visiting with pop music star and CEO of Bella Cosmetics, Barbie Bennett. Exiting the elevator into Bella’s newly renovated offices of charcoal grey and raspberry, Barbie’s niece and assistant, Tina, strides toward me, a red skirt swishing around her knees and the hum of typewriters and hushed voices wafting behind her. After a warm greeting, Tina leads the way to Barbie’s office; a large room with the same grey and raspberry colors, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the mountains outside of town, and an over-stuffed sofa and chairs grouped around a coffee table. Seated in one of the chairs is Barbie Bennett. Long dark hair, flawless makeup, and a blue pin-striped suit tailored to fit her slim figure, Barbie’s smile puts to ease any jitters I may have regarding the famed singer. Tina is quick to make introductions and point me to a chair, then she leaves and Barbie turns her attention my way.

‘Thank you for meeting with me today, Ms. Bennett.’

‘Please, call me Barbie.’

‘All right,’ I swallow nervously. Afterall, she is famous world-wide. ‘Barbie, can you tell my readers a little about yourself? Please?’

A small crease in her brow, she lifts a silver coffee carafe off a tray on the table before us and pours coffee into two cups. ‘I’m not sure what I can tell your readers that hasn’t already been printed about me.’ She sets the pot down, pushes the creamer and sugar my direction, and a platter of pastries, which I decline, even though they look sinfully delicious. ‘Everyone knows I have a twin sister—Bailey. She’s a big star in country music.’ She fixes her coffee then, with cup in hand, sinks back into the chair’s cushions. ‘We grew up on a ranch outside of Reno with our six older brothers. They’re all married now, with children of their own. Mom and Dad still live on the ranch, along with our several head of cattle and numerous horses. Almost everyone in the family rides, and alongside our ranch hands, we have three barns to house most of the horses. The others are housed at my brothers’ private barns. A smile spreads across her heart-shaped face. Zach works the ranch. He and I have been together ever since the afternoon he rescued me at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.’

‘When was that? And how did he rescue you?’

‘Four years ago. At the time I didn’t know, but Zach was a bull rider. He was at Frontier Days to compete in the rodeo. I was there to sing. My tour bus and trucks had just pulled in to the back lot when my crew decided to go in search of turkey legs, including my bodyguard, Seth. I wasn’t hungry, so I decided to walk behind the chutes and pens housing small animals. Two days on the tour bus and I really needed to stretch my legs.’ She pauses for a sip of coffee. ‘Anyway, my ex was there, which I didn’t know. He and I didn’t part on good terms.’ She grips the cup, and hard. ‘He came up behind me, accused me of sabotaging his career—he’s a musician. I tried to get away, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. That’s when Zach pulled him off me and shoved him to the ground. Before I could react, Seth appeared and squired be back to the bus. Later, I sent Seth in search of Zach, to ask him to join me for supper.’

‘How did that go?’

Her eyes twinkling, a blush creeps into her cheeks. ‘He was… I was…’ She swallows hard. ‘I don’t remember what we ate, but I can tell you, I wanted him to kiss me. So much, I actually ached for his touch, which surprised and scared me. As I said, my ex and I didn’t part on good terms. He broke my trust and my heart, so much that another relationship was the last thing I wanted. But Zach was different. He was every bit the cowboy; polite, quiet, and so gosh-darn handsome. And those muscles…’ She sighs dreamily. ‘He’s still all of those things. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful I met him the following afternoon behind the chutes.’

‘How would you describe Zach?’

‘Honest, hard-working, loyal; someone you’d want for a friend. Lucky me, I’m the one who has his heart.’

‘How would Zach describe you?’

‘A total mess.’ She emits a small laugh. ‘Anxiety-ridden, spoiled, stubborn, demanding to a fault… Sometimes, I can’t believe he willingly puts up with all of that, but he does. And I love him more than words can say.’

‘What is your biggest fear?’

‘Losing Zach. He’s everything to me, the one person except for Bailey who knows me better than I know myself. He keeps me grounded, and warms my heart every time he smiles my way. The fame and fortune; I’d give it all up in a heartbeat. But not him. There’s no living without him.’

‘How do you relax?’

‘Friday nights, I snuggle against Zach on the couch in my suite at Ringo’s, the family casino. The lights are low, soft music plays on the radio, and with his arms around me, that’s the best way to forget the tension and stress of the week.’

‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’

‘With Zach. Hopefully, in our own home either on Bennett Ranch or in town. I see him promoted to one of the three foreman we have and me continuing to find ways for Bella to remain successful while singing at the casino.

‘I can positively say I and my readers wish you and Zach all the best. The way you glow when talking about him, I’m certain you’ll have that home with him in less than five years.’

Blushing, she ducks her head. ‘Thank you.’

‘Thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with me. And for those of you who haven’t read Barbie and Zach’s story, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of, The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll be glad you did!’

www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

Blue Moon Cowboy

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna Hatfield) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:30:00 +0000

It's almost release day for Blue Moon Cowboy!

When I saw the cover for sale from one of my favorite designers, I knew I had to have it. She'd put "Blue Moon Cowboy" as the title as a placeholder, but I loved it.

So, I decided to write a story to match the cover, and ended up using an older couple who had no intention of falling in love.

Once in a Blue Moon is such a fun phrase. Did you know it's been kicking around for more than 400 years?

The earliest known recording of a "blue moon" appeared in a 1528 pamphlet by William Roy and Jerome Barlowe. Back then, saying "the moon is blue" was synonymous with something completely impossible or untrue—much like saying "pigs can fly."

By the 19th century, the phrase began shifting to mean something highly unlikely but possible. This is because massive volcanic eruptions (such as Krakatoa in 1883) and forest fires (like the 1951 Canadian wildfires) threw dust and smoke high into the atmosphere, which really did make the moon appear pale blue.

The Maine Farmers' Almanac popularized the term in the 19th century, defining a "blue moon" as the third full moon in a season that contained four instead of the usual three.

Regardless of where or when the term originated, it sure fits the cowboy in my story.

He’s spent decades guarding his heart.

She’s spent a lifetime chasing the horizon.

Neither of them were prepared for love to catch them by surprise.

Widower Jason Price isn’t looking for romance. As a trusted pickup man for the Rockin’ K Rodeo Company, part-owner of his family’s ranch, and a proud grandpa, his days—and his heart—are already full. Love is for younger folks with fewer scars and more time.

Photographer Lainey Collins traded corporate life for the open road, capturing the faces and stories of everyday people. Living out of her travel van, she’s built a life of freedom, purpose, and just enough distance to keep her heart safe.

But when a chance meeting at a rodeo puts her in Jason’s orbit, everything begins to shift.

As Lainey sets out to create a book featuring the faces of the rodeo, she finds herself returning again and again—to the arena… and to Jason. What begins as a project turns into something deeper as sparks fly, laughter comes easy, and two guarded hearts start to open.

Falling in love is one thing.

But trusting it—and daring to build a future—is another.

Can a cowboy who’s learned to live without love and a woman who’s always kept moving finally find a place to belong… together?

Coming June 4!

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet and wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength. Her historical westerns have been described as historically accurate, blending facts with engaging fiction, while her contemporary works have been called laugh-out-loud funny, swoony, and heartwarming.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website.

Update on The Falcon

noreply@blogger.com (Kristy McCaffrey) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

By Kristy McCaffrey

THE FALCON, Book Twelve in my Wings of the West series, has a new release date of 9/22/26.

One goal I had was to tie it back to THE WREN (Book One), to create a satisfying bookend to the entire series, since THE FALCON will be the last book. THE FALCON features Josie, the daughter of Molly Hart Ryan from THE WREN, and the two women are very much alike.

It’s taken me longer than I’d planned to find the threads that connect the two stories, but I've finally got a handle on the recursiveness I've been searching for, and now I just need to write it. (Hint: it involves the backstories of both Molly and her husband, Matt.)

If you preordered at Apple Books or Nook, then you're fine. No need to do anything. Your e-book will be delivered to your e-reader on the new date.

If you preordered from Amazon, unfortunately your order has been cancelled. Amazon only allows a change of one month. No worries, though. You were never charged. When the book releases in September, it will of course be available on Amazon, and you'll be able to purchase it then. (Which I hope you will!!)

On release day, the book will also be available at Kobo and Google Play Books, as well as Everand and Kobo Plus.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I think it will be worth the wait!

The Falcon by Kristy McCaffrey
Wings of the West: Book 12
Coming September 22, 2026

Mexico

December 1899

Josie Ryan’s connection to Texas runs deep, from the land to an almost preternatural kinship with the animals in the wild. This bond has led her to the edge of life and death, from saving a boy caught in a fire when she was eleven years old to being struck by lightning to a mountain lion attack that almost ended her life. The discovery of an abandoned falcon chick leads to a fierce attachment, but with only intuition to guide her, Josie struggles to train the wildest creature she’s ever encountered. When she learns of a man who could help, she’s determined to gain an introduction.

Mateo Almirón, El Halconero—The Falconer—and Argentine gaucho, is tasked with delivering two prized purebred Criollo mares to Matt Ryan, a man whose reputation casts a long shadow. Years ago, Ryan saved the life of Mateo’s father, and the horses will settle the longstanding debt, but when the exchange goes wrong, Mateo is entrusted with protecting Ryan’s daughter, Josie. Now Mateo and Josie must hide in the mountains of Northern Mexico where stories abound of Josie’s mother, a woman who lived among the Comanche and rose from the dead.

But in a place alive with superstition, Josie and her untamed falcon will give rise to a new legend …

Josie is the youngest child of Matt and Molly from THE WREN.

* * * * *

Available for pre-order from Nook and Apple Books.

(It will also be available at Amazon, Kobo, Google Play Books, and in paperback on release day.)

Connect with Kristy

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Newsletter

Using horses as therapy for children and adults

noreply@blogger.com (GiniRifkin) — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Buy link

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing my lovely neighbor, Robyn Lawrence. Her book Hoofbeats & Heartbeats has recently been released. Congratulations, Robyn! How exciting for you. That’s quite an achievement, and thank you for joining me today.

Thank you for having me, and for featuring my book.

It sounds like you have dedicated many years to learning and helping both people and horses.

Yes, as a psychotherapist, I’m certified as a recreational therapist and a teacher for special needs middle school student. These skills have come into play over my years of volunteering at the nearby therapeutic facility, Hearts and Horses. I’m also a Reiki practitioner and am trained in equine massage therapy.

That’s an impressive list of accomplishments, (I bet your horses love spa day, lol). I understand before you wrote your book, you were also putting these skills to use in your EASE program. Tell us about that.

I initiated the EASE program with my equine facilitators at my own home in Northern Colorad,. EASE stands for Equine Assisted Self-Empowerment. This can be done in groups, or on an individual basis. For more information, please shoot me an e-mail.

rlaw46@hotmail.com

Q: How did your decision to write Hoofbeats & Heartbeats, an interactive journal for self-discovery, come about…longtime idea or a sudden flash of inspiration.

A: I’d have to say it was a combination or both. My passion for horses stretches way back. Then, after a recent physical trauma of my own, I gained personal insight as to what this type of healing can do.

Seeing the increase in mental health issues for young adults, and the general decline in mental wellness of all ages, I felt a need to reach out. Trauma, physical or mental, is very personal, and effects people on many levels from life threatening to simply having a series “bad days”. If my learning and experience could help, I wanted to make it available to others.

Q: As far as readers, whom do you see as your target group.

A: Generally, the 11-19 age group, but that means emotionally, as well as chronologically. We are all learning as we grow, and many adults have found lessons in the book helpful too.

I really liked the way you brought the spirit of the horse and other animals into play. Nature and animals are so amazing if we take the time to look.

Q: In Hoofbeats & Heartbeats you tackle some weighty subjects such as past abuse, grief, bullying, and lack of confidence, but then you give people tools to heal and help deal with these situations.

A: Yes. In this chaotic world so many of us are burdened by some form or stress, and we often lack support or direction. The journal is meant to help ( especially young people) identify their emotions, which leads to empowerment.

Q: Can people work on this journal both individually, as well as in groups--perhaps with a facilitator.

A: Absolutely. Both the book and the EASE program can be approached in groups or on the individual level.

Q: What animals do you have now? How about a bit of a brag as to your past adventures and achievements showing horses.

A: At present, I have a great combination of two dogs, twenty chickens, three horse, and one terrific husband.

I showed Paint and Quarter horses for over twenty years, both Western and English style. And I was thrilled to place in the world show competition. So many great experiences, and several fellow competitors remain dear friends.

Q: What is the most important thing you would like readers to take away from Hoofbeats & Heartbeats.

A: You are enough, and you are not alone. Horses can help you become aware of your authentic self, while building trust in yourself. Understanding your emotions, empowers you.

Now for a fun question:

Q: What would you like to be for 48 hours—a rock star, butterfly, a tree, a ballerina, a soaring eagle…a horse! Why?

A: An eagle. I’m afraid of heights so the eagle might help me there! I would feel the power of freedom, and get a wonderful aerial view to broaden my focus and see the world from a different perspective.

Q: A brave choice, considering your fear of heights. Anything you would like to add?

A: During my research and writing process, my eighteen-year-old granddaughter and twenty-one-year-old grandson were so helpful with input from their point of view. It was such an unexpected opportunity for spending quality time with them.

You can find Robyn Lawrence’s book Hoofbeats & Heartbeats at Amazon. Buy link

To inquire about the EASE program or purchase books in bulk at a reduced rate, please e-mail Robyn at: rlaw46@hotmail.com

Blurb:

This interactive journal is a journey into the lessons we learn from horses that reflect our own inner voices. Each prompt, page, and lesson opens a doorway to a deeper self-discovery. Understanding what horses can reveal helps uncover personal clarity and empowerment toward becoming one's authentic self.

When life's disturbing circumstances create frustrating situation, sometimes we need a mirror to help create a new path, one to celebrate. All situations are opportunities for growth. Horse therapy is a process that teaches us how to understand patterns of behavior that no longer serve us. The changes you learn to incorporate help you become stronger, more resilient, and proud of who you are becoming.

Activities and lessons will engage you in the journey.

Blog www.ginirifkin.blogspot.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Gini-Rifkin-Author/100001680213365

Amazon author https://amzn.to/2R53KA9

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ginirifkin/pins/

Goodreads http://bit.ly/2OnHbrK

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2xPs9S4

AudioBooks https://adbl.co/2OlWbGJ

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gini-rifkin-15950489/

Universal link https://books2read.com/u/3JLGMv

The wild rose press https://wildrosepress.com/?s=rifkin&post_type=product&type_aws=true

May Rock and Frémont’s Fort by Zina Abbott

noreply@blogger.com (Zina Abbott Author) — Sat, 23 May 2026 02:08:29 +0000

My most recent romance, Ardith Yosemite Bride, is set partly in Yosemite Valley in 1903 and 1907. However, because it also features the development of the Yosemite Valley Railroad that ended up bringing thousands of tourists to the Yosemite National Park region the first half of the twentieth century, a big portion of my story takes place along the Merced River.

The Merced River starts high in the Yosemite National Park located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Although this map does not picture it well, as the river leaves the park, it flows down through steep mountains and foothills, creating steep banks with very few level spots to accommodate roads for a railroad bed. Although not as accessible as some rivers, it played a vital role in the Mariposa Grant owned by Colonel John C. Frémont, a prominent U.S. Army mapmaker and explorer and, at one time, candidate for the office of President of the United States.

View of Merced River less than a mile north of the Fremont Fort marker site

Col. Frémont was in California at the time of the Mexican-American War. In 1847—after Alta California capitulated but before the Treaty of Hidalgo, which ended the war, was signed in February 1848—he bought a "floating" grant of over 44,000 acres for $3,000. One of the stipulations of the treaty was that the United States government would honor legitimate Mexican land grants. Once Frémont learned of the presence of gold in the Mariposa County foothills, he adjusted his boundaries to include many rich mining areas, which they named Bear Valley.

1874 by Carleton E. Watkins

He and his wife, Jesse Benton Frémont, built their home there. It was north of the city of Mariposa and south of the Merced River.

While Frémont was gone on other business, other miners "jumped" his claims. This led to court battles that did not conclude in Frémont's favor until 1854. While waiting for court's ruling, Frémont built a fort to control the only entrance to the gold-producing mines, primarily the Josephine and Princeton Mines. The terrain was steep and rugged, and the road were few.

2011 Photograph by Barry Swackhamer for hmdb historical marker

One prominent physical feature on the Frémont property was an outcropping of quartz rock which at eighty-two feet, was considered the largest in the Motherlode Region. Originally known as Tower Rock, it became known as May Rock because for years, Jessie Frémont sponsored an annual May Day celebration at the location. Activities included picnics, racing, music, and a May Pole dance. People came from Bagby, Bear Valley, Elkhorn, Hornitos Mariposa, Quartzburg, and Princeton.

The land was later owned by Louis Trabucco, a prominent retailer in the area.

What is the connection between a California Gold Rush town of the 1850-60s and Bagby in the early 1900s? Both May Rock and Frémont’s Fort are not many miles south of Bagby—now abandoned and covered by the water in the Bagby Reservoir. Part of Bagby on the south bank of the Merced River held Benton Mills—named after Frémont’s father-in-law—which was a quartz stamp mill to extract gold mined from Frémont’s various mines.

To find the book description and purchase options for Ardith Yosemite Bride, please CLICK HERE

Sources:

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=5783

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=298255

https://noehill.com/mariposa/poi_may_rock.asp

California State Library; https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalHistory/posts/589102804633841/

Thee's a new cowboy at Creed's Creek Ranch by Rhonda Lee Carver

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda Lee Carver) — Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

(Make sure you stay until the end. I've included an unedited snippet)

There's something about a romance novel that can make a person feel...special.

Especially a contemporary western romance.

Maybe it's the contrast between the grit of the ranch and the softness of romantic chemistry. The way a cowboy can get his hands dirty, wrangle cattle, mend a fence, and work the land through a thunderstorm without flinching, and then turn around and unravel a woman with just one look.

The modern-day cowboys aren't just riding their horses across dusty prairies any longer. In novels, they're fighting to save ranches and farms, ex-military heroes who are running away from something or toward something, carrying old scars, champions chasing one last dream. Readers expect these cowboys to be stubborn, small-town charmers who always expected a bull to know them flat onto their backs but never love.

Oh, and the women they love? Yee-haw! They're just as gritty and stubborn. Independent. Sharp-witted. Ready to stand her ground. They don't need rescued, at least not in the traditional sense. They stir up trouble and can handle any situation that comes their way. They force a cowboy to break free from all the demons and scars.

I've been asked a dozen times: What makes a contemporary western romance an addiction to write?

It's not the attraction. It's the conflict.

The tension in that moment of an exchanged glance, touch, or run-in that changes their lives forever.

And of course, what's a cowboy without his ranch?

Dust under his boots.

Bonfires on lonely nights.

Country music and a beer.

The scent of leather, whiskey, and summer heat.

A ranch is a perfect atmosphere for love.

I'd like to guess that in every cowboy's heart, he's looking for a woman brave enough to tame the storm inside him.

BLURB from The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up:

The mission says no. Desire says yes.

Texas Ranger, Ben “Bear” Lane, has spent his life chasing criminals and living by the badge. When it comes to matters of the heart, he has one steadfast rule: “badge before babes”. When his team, Texas Heat, is ambushed, they are placed undercover in a small-town working a ranch. He's about to face the fight of his life. Nothing rattles his control like Aasia Powers, a brilliant scientist who's been his friend since he arrived in town.

She makes Bear realize some rules are meant to be broken. She could be the only thing that brings him to his knees.

Every laugh, every glance, every touch burns a fire right through him, dissolving every doubt. One slip could put the mission—and them both—in danger, especially when suspicion leads directly to her. Danger puts her in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy.

Fin’s Creek is full of drama and suspicion. Secret pregnancies. Family drama.Friendships on the line.

Bear and Aasia must navigate responsibility, broken relationships, and the complexities of the past as their emotions deepen and temptation becomes impossible to resist. Boundaries will be tested. Trust will be questioned. Danger is moving in, and Bear is losing focus. Will he tell her his secrets, or will he continue to be an “honest liar” and lose her?

What Bear knows...he's saddled up for whatever may come. Revisit this charming, complex town, Fin's Creek, where love grows in the Texas heat.

UNEDITED SNIPPET:

A scream fell off her lips and she jumped up, feeling the softness of Bear’s face bumping her.

“What the…?” His voice pulled her out of her shocked state.

She wasted no time. She came off the bed and landed both feet on the floor. Pointing, she couldn’t seem to get her voice to work. Finally, she stammered, “Rat. There. It was watching.”

He climbed to his feet, reached over and switched on the lamp. The dim lighting lit the small space. The rat was gone.

“It was there. I saw it. I did.” Just as soon as the words were out, she realized Bear had one hand clamped over his nose and blood seeped from between his fingers. She had bloodied his nose. “Oh no! I’m so sorry. I’ll grab something.”

Aasia raced into the bathroom and grabbed a clean towel from the rack. Bear was sitting on the bed, still cradling his nose in his palm.

“Let me see,” she said gently.

He lowered his hand and he had two trails of wetness streaming from his nostrils.

“I’ll be okay,” he said confidently. “It’s just a nosebleed.”

“I’m going to help you.” She shook out the towel and pressed the terry cloth against his injured nose. He looked up at her and she could see the humor in his gaze. She was grateful he could find the humor in the situation, but she wasn’t quite there yet. “Bear…I…”

“Stop. This is nothing.” She did manage a smile when hearing how he sounded with the towel pressed against his face, muffling his words.

“I hate rats. Since I was a child. We used to have them and sometimes they’d come into my bed.” She pulled the towel away, checking the condition of his nose. “It’s not broken and the bleeding has stopped.”

He took the towel away from her and used his thumb to lift her chin so she’d look at him. “Hey, it’s okay. I understand.”

She met his gaze and what she found there made her heart skip a beat. He truly wasn’t angry or bothered. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Maybe this was for the best. You deserve more than a ramshackle camper.”

Aasia felt closer to him than she ever had. She sat down on his lap and wrapped both her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “You are an amazing man, Bear.”

“I’m glad you think so, but you’re cutting off my air supply.”

She quickly let go. “I’m truly not trying to beat you up.”

He chuckled. “How about we get you out of here?” He lifted a tendril of her hair and tucked it behind her ear.

“I agree.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to catch the rat and take it home as a friend for the kitty you rescued?” His teasing made his eyes light up.

“That’s not even funny. I think that’s where Pedora would draw the line.” She stood and found her clothes.

She found him watching her. His expression trickled excitement through her. “You’re going to probably a bruise on your nose.”

“I’ll come up with a good story to tell the boys.”

“Yea?”

“Yea. How I got attacked by a lioness, she knocked me to the ground and nearly consumed me with her sharp teeth, but I managed to save myself from her claws.” His eyes sparkled.

“You’re full of jokes, aren’t you?” She threw her shirt in his face, and it fell onto his thigh. He lifted it and inhaled her scent from the material.

Something changed between them. An understanding of sorts. She realized the rough and tough Bear had a softer side, and she wanted to investigate it further.

A Cowboy's Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cox) — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:30:00 +0000

In the cattle country of the 1870s and 1880s, a cowboy's hat was far more than a piece of clothing--it was as necessary as a saddle or a good horse. Wide-brimmed hats shield a rider from the brutal sun of Texas trails, sudden prairie rain, and the choking dust kicked up by longhorn herds on the move. Before the famous "cowboy hat" became standardized, many drovers wore whatever they could find: battered Civil War slouch hats, Mexican sombreros, or broad felt hats bought from frontier merchants. By the late 1870s, John B. Stetson's "Boss of the Plains" began gaining popularity across the West because it was durable, waterproof, and could survive hard months on the range.

A cowboy's hat often reflected the man beneath it. Some curled the brim high on the sides to keep rain from running down their collars, while others pinned one side up for style or convenience. Sweat, dust, and weather gave each hat its own character, and a seasoned cowboy could sometimes be recognized from a distance simply by the shape of his crown. Hats served dozens of purposes on the trail: cowboys used them to fan campfires, water horses, swat flies, or even scoop water from a creek when no bucket was near. A man might sleep with his hat pulled over his eyes beneath the stars, then wake before dawn and ride out with the same hat still carrying yesterday's dust.

To Western readers of the era, the cowboy hat became a symbol of independence and frontier grit. Newspaper illustrations, dime novels and Wild West shows helped turn the broad-brimmed hat into an emblem of the American frontier. Yet for the working cowboy there was little romance attached to it--a hat was judged by how well it stood against wind, rain, and hard labor. The best hats stayed on during a gallop, held their shape after a storm, and lasted through years of cattle drives. By the close of the 1880s, the cowboy hat had become inseparable from the image of the American West, representing not only the men who rode the range, but the rugged spirit of the frontier itself.

Sandra

Available at Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi Creek Western Romance Author) — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:37:44 +0000

Hi everyone! Brandi Creek here, and I’m so excited to be visiting Cowboy Kisses for my very first blog post!

I write emotional small-town western romance filled with horses, ranch life, second chances, protective cowboys, and all the messy emotions that come with finding your way back to the people you never truly forgot.

Since my newest release, Ride Back to Me, has just been released, I thought it would be fun to talk a little about one of the biggest inspirations behind the story and why reining became such an important part of Avery and Reed’s journey.

How Reining Inspired Ride Back to Me

That love for horses, especially reining, became a big inspiration behind my newest release, Ride Back to Me.

I’ve always been fascinated by the partnership between horse and rider and the amount of trust it takes to compete at that level. The sliding stops, the spins, the seamless lead changes that happen so smoothly you barely even see them, there’s just something about the athleticism and precision of the sport that completely pulls me in every time I watch it.

I watch The Run for a Million every year, and seeing those horses and riders compete at that level always reminds me why I love the sport so much. The control, the power, and the connection between horse and rider are incredible to watch.

I grew up around horses and still spend time with them today, so that lifestyle naturally finds its way into my books. When I started writing Avery and Reed’s story, I knew I wanted reining to be part of their world because it added so much passion, pressure, dedication, and emotion to the story.

But at its heart, Ride Back to Me is really about coming home, facing the past, and finding your way back to the people who never truly left your heart. Along with the second-chance romance between Avery and Reed, readers also meet Maisie, the surprise daughter who changes everything between them in ways neither of them expected.

This book was such a special story for me to write because it combines so many things I love: horses, family, ranch life, emotional healing, and the kind of connection that never fully lets go.

It’s available in Kindle, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited for readers who love emotional western romance, second chances, surprise daughter stories, ranch settings, and plenty of heart.

For those of you who love holding a book in your hands, the paperback edition is available too.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I laughed, cried, and couldn’t read it fast enough.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A simply amazing story centered around the fascinating equine sport of reining.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Sweet, tender, and impossible to put down.”

If you’re ready for horses, second chances, ranch life, and a surprise daughter who changes everything, get in here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX32TZQT

Happy reading,
Brandi Creek

My beginning Writing Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Renaissance Women) — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

When I decided to get serious about writing, I began a writing practice that I followed for about three years. I would write a Haiku and post a photo before midnight at least five days a week. Over the course of that practice, I wrote a lot of poems.

It also showed me what I was capable of when I was disciplined. Below are three examples. I hope you enjoy. What is your go-to writing practice? (I still write poetry when I'm feeling stuck.)

Doris McCraw

See the wind talking

Trees and grasses say so much

Telling tales of life.

***************

Photo and text copyright 2019

Pale opaque curtains

Stretched across distant stars

Moon plays hide and seek

*****************

Photo and text (c) Doris McCraw

This could be heaven.

Picture-perfect start of day

All in perspective

Until next time

Stay safe - Doris
Angela Raines - Amazon
Doris A. McCraw - Amazon

The Wild West of Nicknames ~ D. K. Deters

noreply@blogger.com (D. K. Deters) — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Names didn’t carry much weight in the Old West, but reputations did. More often than not, a reputation earned a man a new name to match.

I wanted to do something fun this month, so I decided to explore nicknames in the Old West. The following information is based on historical accounts of frontier life and naming practices.

Some nicknames served a practical use. Communities often sprang up fast in mining camps or cattle towns, and several men may have been named “John”. A nickname like “Red,” “Slim,” or “Texas Jack” instantly identified who you meant.

The West drew folks who wanted to reinvent themselves and leave their pasts behind. One way to do this was to create a new identity that fit their reputation better than their given name. One desperado, Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, became known as The Sundance Kid.

In just a few words, “Silent Bill” or “Mad Dog” could tell a story, reflecting personality, appearance, or reputation—useful in rough places where first impressions mattered.

Storytelling, newspapers, and dime novels loved colorful names. Think of Henry McCarty, better known as Billy the Kid, or William H. Bonney. A good nickname traveled faster than a plain one.

Literacy levels varied, and record-keeping wasn’t always consistent. Nicknames helped identify individuals whose names varied in spelling over time.

In the Old West, nicknames were not only plentiful but also useful for recognition, reinvention, and storytelling—where they mattered a great deal.

Would you have recognized these names?

Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker)

Kid Curry (Harvey Logan)

Black Bart (Charles E. Boles)

Big Nose George (George Parrott)

Curly Bill (William Brocius)

Rustling Bob (Roscoe Bryant)

Little Britches (Jennie Stevenson)

Cattle Annie (Anna Emmaline McDoulet)

Doc Holliday (John Henry Holliday)

Buffalo Bill (William Frederick Cody)

Welcome to the Team ~ Julie Lence

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Lence) — Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Psst.... Deborah Camp and Reggi Alder are no longer with the group. We hate to say goodbye to friends, and will miss them dearly, but both need to focus on other aspects of their lives. We wish them well and invite them back anytime they wish to guest blog. Replacing them are 2 very talented authors, Brandi Creel and Dalyn Weller. Brandi is filling the 2nd Wednesday slot and slated to begin dazzling you on May 13th. Dalyn is taking over the 4th Tuesday slot and will have her 1st blog ready for you to read on June 30th. Please give each a warm welcome and check out the right hand side bar for author pages to enable you to know them better and connect with them on social media.

Welcome to Cowboy Kisses Brandi and Dalyn! We are truly blessed to have both of you on our team.

Julie

Character Interview with Zach Maldonado ~ Julie Lence

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Lence) — Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Nothing says springtime like horses playfully chasing each other around a corral. I’m at Bennett Ranch this morning asking Zach Maldonado some of the same questions I asked Barbie Bennett last month. A former bull rider on the rodeo circuit, Zach now works the Bennett Family Ranch. Standing outside the corral with him, it’s easy to understand why Barbie is completely enamored with his dark hair and broad shoulders.

‘Thank you for talking with me today, Zach. What can you tell my readers about you?’

‘Ain’t much to tell. I grew up in San Diego. Dad worked a ranch outside the city. He had me work alongside him and the other cowboys every summer of my teen years, to keep me off the streets. He cracks a grin. Probably the best thing he ever did. That grin widens. Anyway, I learned to rope and ride, and when I turned 16, he took me to the rodeo. Bull riding was my favorite event and it stuck with me. I spent the rest of that summer learning to stay on the back of one for eight seconds. Good thing. Those lessons helped me take care of Mom after Dad passed away.’

‘I’m sorry for your loss.’

He nods.

‘How long were you part of the rodeo circuit before you met Barbie?’

‘A handful of years. I always liked her music. Never thought I’d meet her.’ He wipes a hand over his jaw. ‘Was nothing but dumb luck that day I happened upon her. I didn’t even know it was her. Just saw a guy grab a girl and stepped in to help her. If she hadn’t sent her bodyguard to find me later that afternoon, that woulda been my only time seeing her face-to-face.’

‘What did you think that night when you had supper with her?’

‘Lots of things.’ He hooks his booted foot on the bottom rail, stares at the horses on the opposite side of the corral. ‘I always thought she was pretty, but up close, she was more than pretty. She was drop-dead gorgeous; the kind of face guys dream about.’ He pauses. ‘But, she was more than that. She was sweet… kind… and thanked over and over for helping her. All the time she was talking, I wanted to kiss her, but didn’t dare.’

‘Why not?’

‘Her crew and bodyguard were lollygagging around outside the tour bus; some bigger than me. Had a feeling if I tried, they wouldn’t hesitate to trounce me.’

“Did Barbie want you to kiss her?’

He shrugs. ‘Too scared to ask. I mean… I was with Barbie Bennett. Her face was on the cover of every magazine in the country… six brothers, cars, homes, money, thousands of screaming fans chasing after her…I was just a bull rider who helped her. I didn’t find out until months later that she would’ve let me kiss her.’

‘You and she have been together for a long time. How would you describe you relationship?’

‘Barbie’s the best thing to have happened to me. I like to think she feels the same about me.’ He pauses again. ‘She stood beside me when that bull threw me and busted my knee, made sure I had the best doctors, and then badgered the heck outta her brother to give me a job. When she was away on summer tours, she called me every night. I woulda called her, but she wasn’t always back on the tour bus the same time each night. We learned to trust each other, to ignore the gossip magazines… I tell her every day how much I love her. She swears the same to me, and that’s all I need, ‘cause deep down, I know she isn’t leaving me for anyone else.’

‘How would you describe Barbie?’

‘A sweet, kind, fun, loyal, bossy when it comes to her career, anxiety-riddled woman I’d give my life for.’

‘How would she describe you?’

He thinks a moment, cracks another grin. ‘She says she likes my muscles, so I have that going for me.’ He faces me. ‘I think she thinks I’m honest. Someone who would never hurt her.’

‘Between working the ranch and trying to carve out a life with Barbie, how do you relax?’

‘Friday nights on the couch with her at my side. Don’t know how she does it, but she brings a calm to me that I’ve never experienced.’

‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’

‘With her, in a home of our own on. If not on this ranch, then somewhere close. Could be a condo or a tent, as long as she’s with me, I don’t care.’

And that, readers, is true love. To learn more about Zach and Barbie, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll thank me!

www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

Once in a Blue Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna Hatfield) — Tue, 05 May 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered about the phrase "Once in a Blue Moon?"

Something about it always seemed a little magical to me. Something rare and random.

The phrase "once in a blue moon" originally meant "never" or "impossible," but it evolved over centuries to mean "rarely" due to changes in how we define a "blue moon."

In the 16th century, the phrase didn't mean "rare"—it meant "impossible". The earliest recorded use was in a 1528 anti-clerical pamphlet by William Roy and Jeremy Barlowe, which joked that if church leaders said the moon was blue, people had to believe it. It was basically the 1500s version of saying "when pigs fly".

The meaning shifted from "impossible" to "rare" by the mid-1800s. This was reinforced by the 1837 Maine Farmers' Almanac, which used "blue moon" to describe the rare third full moon in a season that has four.

The modern definition—the second full moon in a calendar month—actually came from a mistake! For centuries, the Maine Farmers' Almanac defined a Blue Moon as the third of four full moons in a single season.

In 1946, writer James Hugh Pruett misinterpreted the Almanac in an article for Sky & Telescope, calling the second moon in a month a "Blue Moon". This "mistaken" definition is now what most of us use today.

The shift from "impossible" to "highly unlikely" was helped along by nature. After the massive Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883, ash in the atmosphere actually made the moon appear blue or green for nearly two years. Suddenly, a blue moon wasn't just a figure of speech; it was a rare, real-world sight.

Today, a "Blue Moon" (by the calendar definition) happens roughly once every 2.7 years. So the next time you use the phrase, you’re not just talking about a rare event—you’re participating in a 500-year-old linguistic evolution!

When I had the opportunity to purchase a beautiful book cover with a placeholder title of Blue Moon Cowboy, it felt meant to be! I loved the title and the cover.

Coming June 4 - Blue Moon Cowboy

He’s spent decades guarding his heart.

She’s spent a lifetime chasing the horizon.

Neither of them were prepared for love to catch them by surprise.

The Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain Range

noreply@blogger.com (Kristy McCaffrey) — Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

By Kristy McCaffrey

The Sierra Madre Oriental is a 620-mile mountain range located in northeastern Mexico. It’s part of the American Cordillera, a continuous sequence of mountain ranges that form the western backbone of North America, Central America, South America, and Antarctica.

The Sierra Madre Oriental runs from the Rio Grande on the border of Texas down to northern Puebla. The climate is dry and semi-arid in the north with more moisture in the south, although there can be intense thunderstorms in the north, including severe hail and tornadoes.

Cerro El Potosí is the highest point, sitting at 12,208 feet.

Black bears, cougars, and bobcats can be found here, along with several species of deer and javelinas. The high cliffs offer nesting grounds for golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain Range

* * * * *

In my upcoming book, The Falcon, the setting is the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains.

The Falcon by Kristy McCaffrey
Wings of the West: Book 12

Coming July 3, 2026

Mexico

December 1899

But in a place alive with superstition, Josie and her untamed falcon will give rise to a new legend …

Josie is the youngest child of Matt and Molly from THE WREN.

* * * * *

Available for pre-order from Amazon, Nook, and Apple Books.

(It will also be available at Kobo, Google Play Books, and in paperback on release day.)

Connect with Kristy

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Niki J. Mitchell--Romancing the West!) — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The day the railroad united two coasts.

I’d like to thank the people who laid those tracks mile by mile. Their backbreaking work made modern freedom possible.

Before train travel, people either road horses, went by stagecoach,

or joined a wagon train.

In the movies, there’ something romantic about canvas-topped wagons rolling toward the horizon, oxen plodding forward, dust rising like a promise.

But this was no scenic road trip. Pioneers traveled ten to fifteen miles a day. The journey from the East Coast to California could take four to six months. Families bounced across rutted trails in covered wagons. They crossed rivers and plains and deserts. They cooked over open fires. Storms rolled in without warning. Wheels broke. Illness spread. And still they kept moving west, one slow, stubborn stretch at a time. They faced danger, exhaustion, and uncertainty. All for the chance for a better life.

Then Came the Iron Horse

The laborers who built the railroad blasted through mountains and set track across unforgiving terrain. Thousands of workers put in long hours and dealt with dangerous dynamite to get the job done. On May 10, 1869, two rail lines, the Union Pacific Railroad building westward and the Central Pacific Railroad building eastward, met at Promontory Summit. The Golden Spike was driven into the track, linking the nation from coast to coast.

The journey that once took months could be done in about a week. Plush seats and wide windows framed the landscape. Instead of risking disease, weather, and wagon breakdowns, passengers could ride a train across mountains, plains, and deserts. It was faster, safer, and far more predictable.

Because of the railroad, towns sprang up along the tracks. Ranchers had the ability to ship cattle and goods to distant markets. Mail traveled faster. Supplies arrived more easily. People who once lived in isolated settlements suddenly had a connection to the rest of the country. Railroads brought cowboys, settlers, gamblers, and dreamers. They created boomtowns, sparked rivalries, and fueled the growth of places that might never have existed otherwise.

Why is this history important?

Westward travel was an act of faith into a life with no guarantees. We need to respect these pioneers determination and tenacity. People today still long to see what’s over the next ridge, beyond the next mountain, across the next stretch of sky. It just moves a little quicker these days.

I am thankful I can drive my air-conditioned car with cruise control and hop on the freeway in excess of 60 mph. I also appreciate the fact that a flight across the country can be done in a matter of several hours. But I still like to travel by train on occasion and think about the hard work it took for our ancestors to make that come to fruition.

Niki J. Mitchell

As a side note, I used old locomotives as a catalyst for my western time travel romance books.

Loving Small Old-Fashioned Towns ~ Ruthie L Manier

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie Manier) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever explored the charming town of La Conner, Washington? If not, it's definitely worth a visit the next time you're in Washington state! I moved to Skagit County in the 1970s and remember the first time my mom brought me to La Conner so vividly. I thought it was the prettiest little old-fashioned town I had ever seen. The town’s older buildings are next to the waterfront. Restaurants, art museums, and shops run along both sides of the street. We ate ice-cream sitting by the channel. Then drove over the Rainbow bridge and stopped at the park to play for a while underneath the bridge. Today La Conner is still my favorite lunch destination. If you ever visit, make sure to go to the La Conner Pub, it has delicious food, kid-friendly restaurant side, you can sit outside looking over the water and enjoy a spectacular view.

Some early History: La Conner is nestled on the delta near the mouth of the Skagit River. Swinomish was the original name when it was founded in the early 1860s. The name changed to La Conner in the 1870s after the town and 70 acres of land were deeded to John Conner for only $500. Conner renamed the town after his wife, Louisa A. Conner.

La Conner is the oldest community in Skagit County. The first non-native settlers came right after the Civil War, including Alexander Underwood, Michael Sullivan, Sam Calhoun, and A.G. Tillinghast.

In 1869, John Conner bought the trading post built by John Hayes on the west side of the Swinomish Slough and set up a post office. For a time, La Conner even served as the county seat before Mount Vernon took over.

After the early settlers diked hundreds of acres of land, creating farmland that surpassed per-acre yields around the world, it became a popular farm community and a hub for steamers carrying freight and passengers from Seattle. The population grew quickly due to La Conner’s proximity to the river. Logging and fishing lured people in until the Great Depression.

Artists flocked to La Conner in the 1940s, drawn by the breathtakingly scenic landscape and unique light. The nature-inspired them to put a paintbrush to canvas. Some artists were leaders of the Northwest School of Art. With the artists came more tourists. By the 1970s, tourists from all around the world came for the Tulip Festival, the art galleries, the museums, the restaurants, the history, shopping, and to see the Rainbow Bridge. Some came for the old-fashioned feel. Others for peace.

2026: La Conner is a favorite town to visit if you want to watch the waterfront or enjoy fine restaurants, inns, and bed & breakfasts. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife, including birdwatching. La Conner is the wintering grounds for swans and Canada geese. The fertile farmlands continue to produce food and seed crops. Other facts: La Conner is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Civic Garden Club was the first courthouse north of Seattle. New Series Check out my new series “Snooper’s Coopers!” Amazon.com/dp/B0GSS9CW9X Follow me on Facebook, @ruthielmanier Instagram BookBub Website, ruthielmanierbooks.com Xoxoxo

To Whom it may concern.

noreply@blogger.com (GiniRifkin) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On occasion, I still have a little trouble

with the who vs whom scenario.

I found this information helpful.

If you can respond to the question with “he/she,” use who.
“Who went to the store today?"

"He went to the store today.”

If you can respond with “him/her,” use whom.
“With whom are you going on your date?"

"I’m going with him.”

"To whom it may concern." "It may concern him."

Remember, who ends with a vowel, like he/she

and whom ends with M like him.

*****

Then there is weather, whether, and wether.

Weather: the atmospheric condition.

Whether: expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives.

Wether: a castrated male goat.

Cupid
In Break Heart Canyon, my heroine, Una MacLaren,

raises Angora goats.

Precious

Break Heart Canyon Winner of best historical romance of the year from Colorado Authors' League.

Blurb:

Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land.

Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of BreakHeart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about.

Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts?

When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of BreakHeart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Now only daring and blind trust can save them.

Available here

Blog www.ginirifkin.blogspot.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Gini-Rifkin-Author/100001680213365

Amazon author https://amzn.to/2R53KA9

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ginirifkin/pins/

Goodreads http://bit.ly/2OnHbrK

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2xPs9S4

AudioBooks https://adbl.co/2OlWbGJ

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gini-rifkin-15950489/

Universal link https://books2read.com/u/3JLGMv

The wild rose press https://wildrosepress.com/?s=rifkin&post_type=product&type_aws=true

The Knight Ranch - Weston and Callie

noreply@blogger.com (Katina J Rose) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Weston Knight came home, leaving behind a promising military career to take over the ranch after his father’s passing. As the oldest, it fell on his shoulders to keep things together, even as the books bled red around him. Year after year, they slip a little further behind. He does his best to keep it from the town, and from his family, but secrets don’t stay buried long. Not in a place like Stone Ridge.

Small towns come with complications you don’t see anywhere else. The dating pool? Let’s just say most of the good ones have already paired off. And Weston… he’s not the kind of man who settles. The more I get to know this broody cowboy, the more I realize he’s not looking for easy. He needs something deeper. Someone who can meet him where he stands and not flinch.

I’m still learning what kind of love shaped him, but right now I’m leaning toward this—a father who worked too hard and left nothing for anyone else, and a mother who loved fiercely enough to try and fill in the gaps.

Which means Weston grew up knowing what responsibility looks like… and what it costs.

So it’s not something he’s looking for. He’d never put anyone through what he watched his mom go through. She loved his dad and there were happy moments but his father was always busy. He paid attention to the boys when they offered something he valued. Weston never felt good enough even though all he did was work by his father’s side from the day he was old enough to drive a tractor. Maverick hid his artistic talents because dad said it wouldn’t go anywhere and no one got anywhere unless they worked for it and well Colter, was Colter.

And that’s where my girls come in.

Not all of my female main characters are plus size, but as someone who has spent most of her life in that space (and who to this day will never say no to tacos), I love writing women who feel real. Women who take up space, who own it, and who are deeply, fiercely loved because of it, not in spite of it.

Callie is one of those women.

She’s stepping away from the noise, from the constant push and pull of city life, and from a relationship that left her feeling like she was always coming in second. Fresh off a breakup with a man who was far too invested in himself, she heads to visit her best friend in Stone Ridge.

(Yes, that Stone Ridge. A little nod to Ridge Ranch for those who’ve been here a while.)

What she finds there isn’t just a change of scenery. It’s a shift in perspective. A reminder that life doesn’t have to be lived in the fast lane, fueled by espresso and deadlines. Sometimes it’s slower. Messier. Quieter.

And sometimes… it’s exactly what you need.

Especially when it puts you directly in the path of a man who’s convinced love only ever costs too much.

The first two chapters are where we meet most of our main players, and things kick off a little messy… the way all good stories should.

Chapter one opens with Callie learning that her boyfriend—now very much an ex—has betrayed her. Not only did he steal one of her ideas, he passed it off as his own, costing her a promotion she’d worked hard for.

Let that be your reminder: dating where you work is a gamble. Sometimes you win… and sometimes you get your idea stolen and your heart handed back in pieces.

Enter Piper. Best friends since college, voice of reason, occasional chaos agent.

She suggests Callie get out of the city, clear her head, and come stay with her for a bit. It takes some convincing (and probably a little emotional arm-twisting), but eventually Callie agrees and heads for the country.

And because I like to keep things interesting…and because I can.

By the end of the chapter, Callie walks in on Piper and Colter going at it over the kitchen counter.

Let’s just say… we might be planting a few seeds for Colter’s story while we’re at it. We’re going to get to know Colter along the way, very well.

Chapter Two is where we meet Mrs. Knight. She’s the heart of the Knight family and a force all her own. I can’t wait for you to get to know her. She’s the kind of woman who sees straight through you, whether you’re ready for it or not.

She knows Weston’s carrying something heavy before he ever says a word. But of course, Weston being Weston… he doesn’t say a word and she being who she is, doesn’t push. He’ll come to her when he’s ready.

Instead, he shuts down and walks out. Out of all three boys, he’s the most like his father, and he knows it. Maybe that’s exactly why he’s sworn off relationships. He’s seen what that kind of life costs, and he’s not willing to risk it.

Unfortunately for him, the ranch doesn’t slow down just because he’s in his feelings.

It’s pumpkin patch field trip day, which means chaos, kids, and more responsibility than one person should probably handle before coffee. It’s all hands on deck. Even Colter makes a surprise appearance—no warning, no call, just suddenly there like he never left. He’s bouncing between rodeos, but he shows up when it matters.

Weston won’t say it out loud, but he’s glad for the help.

Maverick gets mentioned too—the brother who isn’t there but always is in some way. Even stationed overseas, he finds ways to carry part of the load. That’s just who the Knights are.

And then… the meet cute.

Because you know I couldn’t resist.

Piper is there with her preschool class, and one of her students—a shy little thing—takes one look at Callie and decides she’s hers for the day.

And wouldn’t you know it… Weston’s the one driving the tractor because someone called in sick and well, there’s a job to do.

So now we’ve got a stubborn cowboy, a guarded city girl, and a tiny human with pigtails, refusing to let go of Callie’s hand.

Tell me that isn’t the perfect setup.

I love a good meet cute. Sometimes they happen on page one. Sometimes they take their sweet time. In Saving Maddie, for example, those characters knew of each other, even talked on the phone, but didn’t actually meet until several chapters in. Because that’s what their story needed.

That’s the thing about writing for me. Yes, I outline. I like having a roadmap.

But my characters? They treat it more like a suggestion.

I might think I know exactly how Weston and Callie’s story is going to go. What pulls them apart, what brings them back together but I’ve learned not to get too comfortable. They tend to have opinions. Strong ones.

And honestly? That’s what keeps it fun.

So tell me, what do you want to hear about next?
A specific character? A place on the ranch? My writing process?

I’m an open book and so are most of my characters.

Chanticleer Author Conference 2026

noreply@blogger.com (T.K. Conklin) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:19:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again! All year long I look forward to the Chanticleer Reviews Author Conference and Awards Ceremony in Bellingham, Washington. Set on the bay, Bellingham is a city with many brewery’s and fabulous restaurants. Historical Fairhaven Village is known for its red brick architecture, boutique shops, and independent bookstores like Village Books.

Held at the Bellingham Holiday Inn this year, the conference kicked off with a Master Class with literary agent Donald Maass. I won’t lie, my brain hurt when the class was over. He shared wonderful information on writing and making it better, he really made us think and analyze our writing. I realized I have a lot to work on. He taught a few classes over the weekend and it was great to visit with him during the evening dinners.

As always, the classes at the conference are filled with helpful and practical information. Diane Garland taught about making a story bible. Something I really need to do! If your write a series, it’s a must do. Keeping track of characters and events is much easier with an organized system.

David Fitz-Gerald taught about advertising on Book Bub. Andy and Kiffer Brown taught about AI and how to use it to your advantage in keeping organized and many other uses. (Not to write book with) Bekah Brinkmeier from AutoCrit gave a wonderful presentation of the software. Becky Parker Geist from Pro Audio Voices and Amplify Audiobooks was full of information on the audiobook word. Everything from your first book pitch to getting a film deal were taught. Such an amazing conference.

Awards night is always the best. It’s wonderful to see an author be recognized for all of their hard work. I was lucky enough to get to announce the Laramie Winners. (western genre) David Fitz-Gerald won the Laramie grand prize. The overall grand prize winner was Michael Cooper for "The Rabbi’s Knight."

There were so many debut authors winning the First Place ribbon in their category and it was great. The one that stood out the most for me was Richard K Lowy. "Kalman & Leopold ; Surviving Mengele’s Auschwitz’s". A story about his father and another Jewish boy in Auschwitz. It started as a documentary that took years to make, that is now in the Holocaust Museum and he turned into a book. He won Grand Prize in his category.

This conference also honored the passing of Burl D. Harmon. A World War 2 hero that won an award for his book "Combat Missions" a couple years ago. I was luckily enough to meet him in 2024 at the conference.

As always the conference didn’t disappoint and it was great to see old friends and make new ones. Can’t wait until next year.

Gun Control in the Old West

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cox) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:30:00 +0000

In popular imagination, the Old West of the 1880s is often pictured as a lawless frontier where everyone carried a gun at all times. But for many Western towns trying to establish order and attract families, business, and investment, gun control was not only present--it was taken seriously. Places like Dodge City, Tombstone, and Deadwood adopted local ordinances that restricted the carrying of firearms within town limits. Visitors were often required to check their weapons with the sheriff or at a saloon upon entering town, a practice that reflected a broader desire to reduce violence in rapidly growing communities.

These measures weren't driven by abstract political ideology so much as practical necessity. Frontier towns were filled with a mix of cowboys, miners, merchants, and travelers, many of whom were armed and living in close quarters. Disputes could quickly escalate into deadly encounters if weapons were readily at hand. By enforcing gun restrictions in populated areas, local authorities aimed to prevent spur-of-the-moment violence, especially in saloons where alcohol and tempers mixed freely. Lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson became known not just for gunfights, but for enforcing these rules and maintaining a semblance of peace.

For Western readers today, the history of gun control in the Old West offers a more nuanced picture than the myth suggests. Firearms were certainly a part of daily life on the frontier, especially for hunting, ranching, and self-defense in remote areas. Yet within town limits, many communities recognized the need for boundaries. Rather than representing a contradiction, this balance reflected a practical understanding of freedom and responsibility--one shaped by the realities of life in a developing and often unpredictable landscape.

Till next time.

Sandra

Available at Amazon

Cowboy Beans by Rhonda Lee Carver

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda Lee Carver) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

What was it like for cowboys back in the western times?

I'm guessing that when most people think of cowboys, they picture tall, rugged, tanned men with whiskers and brooding eyes in a wide-open pasture, dramatic sunsets, and horses. Thanks to western movies, shows, and romance novels, the "cowboy" has become a larger-than-life symbol for freedom, ruggedness, and mystery.

But what really was it like to be a cowboy back in the day?

The truth is, cowboys lived a harder, lonelier, less adventurous life than what legends are made of.

In a career where life was brutal and the work physically demanding, cowboys were so much more than leaning against a fence post and flashing a charming smile. They spent days herding cattle across miles of land through scorching heat, freezing rain, treacherous winds, and combating stubborn cattle. Many times, cowboys were hurt doing their day-to-day chores. Imagine spending nearly all day, every day, in a saddle. Eating simple meals. Sleeping on the ground. Dealing with snakes, stampedes, injured cattle, and dust so think it covered every inch of their bodies.

And the stink...

Bathing wasn't frequent. Clothes were dusty, worn, and smelly. Most cowboys were poor, earning small wages. It could be lonely, and only the toughest could endure the solitude.

So was there any romance at all?

There can be something undeniably amazing about endless skies, warm campfires, riding a horse at the speed of wind, and seeing the fruits of hard labor.

What do we find so appealing about cowboys?

Freedom. Rugged strength. Simple way of living. Honor.

I want to share my recipe for "Rugged Cowboy Beans". Every time I make this, I get great reviews, and just like the life of a cowboy, it's simple and good.

You'll need:

(Ingredients can be adjusted for a larger, or smaller, crowd). What makes this recipe so easy? I never need to measure.

1 pound ground beef, browned

2-3 slices bacon, cooked (I like mine crispy)

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

Brown sugar (I use around 1/2 c)

1 large can, or two small cans, pork and beans (Remember, it's not about measuring)

Worscestershire sauce, 3-4 good dashes

Mustard, eyeball it

Ketchup, again, eyeball it

Barbecue Sauce, your fave, about a Tablespoon

Soy sauce, a splash

Garlic, use as much as you like

Salt and pepper

Hot sauce (optional)

Throw everything into a 13 x 9 in pan. Stir. Bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. It's just that easy!!

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Popular Poetry from the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Renaissance Women) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:10:00 +0000

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

April is National Poetry Month. In honor of this, it seemed appropriate to share some of the more popular poems from the 1800s.

Christina Rossetti is a favorite of mine. Here is her poem 'Echo'

Echo

Come to me in the silence of the night;

Come in the speaking silence of a dream;

Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright

As sunlight on a stream;

Come back in tears,

O memory, hope, love of finished years.

Oh dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet,

Whose wakening should have been in Paradise,

Where souls brimfull of love abide and meet;

Where thirsting longing eyes

Watch the slow door

That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live

My very life again tho’ cold in death:

Come back to me in dreams, that I may give

Pulse for pulse, breath for breath:

Speak low, lean low,

As long ago, my love, how long ago.

Of course, you can't talk about 1800s poetry without mentioning Emily Dickinson. Here is her poem: 'Sometimes with the Heart'

Sometimes with the Heart

Seldom with the Soul

Scarcer once with the Might

Few - love at all.

Anytime you speak about poets of the 1800s, you usually include Tennyson. Here is a poem some of you may recognize:

Lullaby - Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sweet and low, sweet and low,

Wind of the western sea,

Low, low, breathe and blow,

Wind of the western sea!

Over the rolling waters go,

Come from the dying moon, and blow,

Blow him again to me;

While my little one, while my pretty one, sleeps.

Sleep and rest, sleep and rest,

Father will come to thee soon;

Rest, rest, on mother's breast,

Father will come to thee soon;

Father will come to his babe in the nest,

Silver sails all out of the west

Under the silver moon:

Sleep, my little one, sleep, my pretty one, sleep.

Image (C) Doris McCraw

I will leave you with a favorite of mine from Helen Hunt Jackson:

Last Words

Dear hearts, whose love has been so sweet to know,
That I am looking backward as I go,
Am lingering while I haste, and in this rain
Of tears of joy am mingling tears of pain;
Do not adorn with costly shrub, or tree,
Or flower, the little grave which shelters me.
Let the wild wind-sown seeds grow up unharmed,
And back and forth all summer, unalarmed,
Let all the tiny, busy creatures creep;
Let the sweet grass its last year's tangles keep;
And when, remembering me, you come some day
And stand there, speak no praise, but only say,
" How she loved us'! 'Twas that which made her dear! "
Those are the words that I shall joy to hear.

Here's to the beauty of poetry. When you get a moment, stop by and read some of the other poets who were creating pictures and emotions with words. Poetry was enjoyed by many, and you might be surprised by who was writing and what they wrote about.

Until next time.

Doris Gardner-McCraw

Author, Speaker, Historian

Specializing in Colorado and Women's History