Prickle Forrest Chronicles
by Chrissy Hartmann
March 2026
Howdy, Prickles!
Well, lucky old me … I stumbled across a partially finished manuscript tucked away in my files. Turns out it’s a little novella called Whiskey Kisses. If all goes according to plan, it oughta ride into town around August 2026… maybe sooner if the writing winds blow my way.
This one’s got a cowboy, a kitten, and a veterinarian who’s mighty determined to keep her independence.
All I’ve gotta do now is dream up a book cover, write the back blurb, edit the whole thing, and polish it up.
So really… not much work at all.
Ha!!
Now tell me—are you ready for St. Patrick’s Day?
Me, I’ve got a real soft spot for a good Reuben sandwich, so I’ve been making the rounds around town trying to figure out who serves the best one. So far The Leaf holds the lead… but the competition’s still open.
Besides wearing green and eating Reubens, what do you enjoy about St. Patty’s Day?
If I had a flock of sheep, I might just dye their wool green for the occasion. Then they’d already be halfway ready for Easter, right?
I actually saw photos once of a sheep herder in Scotland who did exactly that. Made me chuckle. He must’ve had a little Irish mischief in his blood.
Good old Scottish-Irish stock.
Hint hint … that’s me.
Now, back on the western front…
I’m finishing up The Whiskey Salvation Tyler Collection.
The short stories are all written, edited, and polished. All that’s left is formatting the last one and sizing the covers for print.
Here’s how the trail ride looks so far:
- Tacking of Hearts – May 2026
- Life Flight Kisses – August 2026
- Mistletoe Kisses – November 2026
- Vintage of Hearts – April 2027
Then in June 2027, the full collection will come out as Buckeye Hearts and Lone Star Kisses – The Whiskey Salvation Tyler Collection, and that’ll include a bonus story too, Harvest Heart Kisses.
I’m downright excited about this whole lineup!
On the home front… well… my feet have been putting me through the wringer. After losing the big hallux on my right foot and letting those broken bones heal, my littlest piggy decided to stage a rebellion.
Got a nasty infection and nearly lost that one too.
But with a whole lot of prayers, good medicine, a surgical shoe, and something that smells suspiciously like bleach, my stubborn little toe is finally turning the corner.
If all keeps improving, I’m hoping to be back in my boots by the end of spring.
Woohoo!
Book festival season kicked off in February down in Bellaire, Ohio. The weather kept the crowd a little thin, but I’m mighty grateful for the folks who braved the cold and stopped by.
Next stop is the Orrville Public Library on March 21st, and I’ll be rolling in with a brand-new look. I’ve finally pulled together my brand colors, and now I’m hunting for some decorations to give my table that good country feel.
Maybe mini hay bales… maybe a little fence display… something along those lines.
If any of you all have ideas, I’m all ears.
I’ll snap some pictures at the event on the 21st, post them on social media, and share a few in the next newsletter.
And don’t worry — I’m still working on Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation.
Only about 20,000 words left to write.
Should be easy… right?
Hmm.
I’m starting to suspect I might have a touch of undiagnosed ADD, because something always seems to wander by and distract me before I finish a chapter. But don’t fret—I’ll get it done before November, since that’s when the book is set to publish.
Right now I’m heading off to take a look at my new banner proof. The print shop said the first one didn’t come out quite right, but my graphic artist fixed the issues. Hopefully it looks good this time around.
I’ll share pictures in the next newsletter.
And seriously—if anyone has creative ideas for using hay or straw for book-table decorations, let me know. I’m aiming for that cozy country-western look.
And by the way, here’s a look at my new logo … and colors.
From tip to tail, thanks for following along on this wild writing ride.
I couldn’t do it without you all.
Kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance with cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle … because every heart deserves a second chance.
Stay prickly friend,
Chrissy Hartmann
P.S. If you’re new around here, you can start the Whiskey Salvation stories with Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation, available now. Saddle up now — you won’t want to miss these cowboys.
And it’s on sale through Chrissy’s “”St. Patrick’s Day Sale link.”
• Contemporary Western Romance Author
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PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann 
Hi Chrissy,
I love your “booth” set-up. I’m a cowboy romance author with a book signing March 21st in Grand Haven, Michigan. Your photo inspired me! I don’t do many signings and a friend has a banner sign that stands taller than she is. I would like a banner like yours. Do you know what the measurements are? I should have done this much earlier but wondered the size. Also I wondered what you paid. I have someone who might do something that will not look nearly as polished.
Also, what are you using to make your books stand up? AND, by the way, what are those little papers sticking out of the books? Wondering if the blurb is written on them or what.
Did I mention? I need some help with my “booth.” I know you’re busy. Ignore the questions if you want to. Size would be helpful though.
Good luck with your signing. Hope your foot gets better soon!
Cathy https://cathyshouse.com
On Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 5:20 AM PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy
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