Prickle Forrest Chronicles
Chrissy Hartmann
August 2025
Howdy Prickles,
Well, partner, if you were wondering why your July issue never hit the trail… so was I. I think I wrote it. Pretty sure. Maybe. Trouble is, I can’t find the master copy, so it’s probably hanging out somewhere with that missing left sock from my dryer.
***
Truth is, I’ve been running around like a prairie chicken with its tail feathers on fire trying to wrangle an Ohio anthology of Christmas tales. Folks are depending on me to get this baby into the corral. If the final proof rides in before week’s end, I can finally mash the old publish button.
Official release date is November 1st, but I’m taking autographed preorders now. Just holler.
My short story is Mistletoe Kisses.
Meanwhile, I done roped in my own book of short stories. We’re looking at the proof, and just a few typos are still trying to buck me off. I was supposed to stick to contemporary western romances… but somewhere along the trail it took a sharp turn into the dark canyon. So if you like dark humor, witty suspense, and twisted endings — the kind that makes you grin and shiver at the same time — this one’s for you. And hey, ask your library to carry it so you can share the shivers.
Its called Tales from the Prickle Forrest and if yu’re wondering, there is a contemporary western romance short story in there called, For the Love of Roses,with a bit of dark humor. Sorry, folks, but this is the only place you’ll be able to lay your eyes on it. So order a copy now.
Life on the Homestead
Got run off my own deck by a gang of yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps while trying to type. Picture me stomping around like a rodeo clown with no makeup, swatting the air and muttering about tomato plants (which I suspect are running an underground bug bar). Not a pretty sight, folks.
Next Stop – Stars Hollow Fest
This weekend in Medina, I’ll be setting up camp in a red tent near the gazebo. This fair’s all about cozy mysteries and small-town romances. Waving hand — that’s me! Swing by and say hi before I get swept up in the chili cook-off (if there is one… and if not, there should be) cause I got a mighty tasty chili recipe in my cookbook, The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits.
Family Feud, BBQ Edition
End of the month, my twin and my mama are coming back to Ohio. I had the bright idea to host a BBQ… but somehow my siblings done hog-tied that plan and are now “co-hosting” — taking over. Storm clouds brewing — stay tuned.
***
November Giveaway
Don’t forget — I’m giving away a basket of books in November. Perfect for holiday gifting or keeping for yourself with a blanket and hot cocoa. To enter: sign up for my newsletter, follow me on social media, and rope a friend into signing up too.
Reply here to let me know you took the plunge. Thanks kindly!
Until next time, keep your boots dry and your coffee strong.
I hope you all enjoyed this update. Remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”
Stay prickly my friends,
Chief Cook, Book Wrangler, and Occasional Insect Boot Stomper
Follow Me:
Find my books and other books you will enjoy on:
ChrissyHartmann.com
Don’t miss out on Chrissys 5-star Readers’ Favorite debut novel now available on digital, paperback, and large print…
RESCUING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
What could possibly bring a cosmetic heiress and a land developing cowboy together, yet at the same time… destroy them?
A “dead” uncle? A closed shelter? Maybe an unruly troupe of clowns? Or all three?
Only one way to find out…
Find Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation here!
And don’t forget Chrissy’s new novella to the Whiskey Salvation Series…
CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
After thirty plus years, this retired Army Colonel and cattle rancher realizes there’s only one thing he cherishes the most. And that’s the one person who roped his heart. But stubbornness, duty, coffee, and even an unruly troupe of clowns battle to loosen that hold. What’s it going to take for love to brand him forever?
Only one way to find out.
Find Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation here!
And to those who love short stories…
Out now in the Great Lakes Fiction Writers anthology
Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes
Contains Chrissy’s latest short story…
Tacking of Hearts: A Whiskey Salvation Short Story
Falling for the cowboy of her heart, author Olivia Masters never imagined writing him into her island life. But when a storm hits, she discovers he’s not the cowboy she thought. What tack of the heart will set their sails for a happily ever after?
Find Love on the Lakefront here!
ChrissyHartmann.com
Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright ©2021-2025 All Rights Reserved










Signed up for the newsletter, Amazon, Bookbub Please Enter Me Hope I Win Crystal
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took the plunge. ________________________________
LikeLiked by 1 person