Prickle Forrest Chronicles

May 2026

Howdy Prickles!

Well now, May sure came in like a runaway colt and never slowed down once. I’m mighty thankful for all the blessings this month brought, but I’ll admit… I’m looking forward to June easing up the pace just a smidge. Unless, of course, a dog guide pup becomes available. Then all bets are off around here. Hmm?

Book Event Roundup

This past month had me hitting the trail for both the 3rd annual Newark Book Fest and the 1st Artasia & Bookie Nights festival. I had mighty high hopes for both events, but Mother Nature apparently missed the memo. Rainy skies and chilly weather rolled in for both festivals.

The Newark Book Festival, held downtown at their brick pavilion, would’ve been downright beautiful under sunny skies. Same goes for Artasia & Bookie Nights at The Ribbon at the Glass City Metropark up in Toledo, Ohio. Even with the cold and rain, both events still proved worth the trip.

There’s just something special about getting out and meeting readers, fellow authors, and folks who simply love books all while dodging the rain.

And to every single reader who braved the weather and purchased a book — thank you kindly. Truly. It’s folks like you all who make all the long writing nights worthwhile.

Boot Scootin’ News

My Little piggy on the right tootsie is officially healed up and back into regular boots again! That means no more weekly foot doc visits around these parts, and I couldn’t be happier.

While digging through the closet, I rediscovered two pairs of boots I apparently bought a few years back and somehow forgot about. One pair’s a dark brown everyday style, and the other’s a chestnut pair that’s a little dressier — perfect for book events and author shenanigans.

Most days, though, you’ll still find me stomping around in my favorite black boots or those simple dark brown ones.

Now… I did wander into Boot Barn and spotted two mighty purty pairs of boots. One had hearts stitched all over ’em and the other had daisies. Trouble is, neither pair came in knee-highs, so I talked myself out of buying them.

Barely.

Makes a gal wonder just how far away Christmas really is…

New Releases & Writing News

I’m thrilled to finally announce that Tacking of Hearts is officially published! This is Book One in the Buckeye Hearts and Lone Star Kisses – Whiskey Salvation Heartland Tales Collection and it’s available now on Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and digital.

And hold onto your hats because Book Two, Life Flight Kisses, is headed your way this August. I’m currently hard at work formatting it, and I truly think y’all are going to fall head over boots for this story.

Over in Whiskey, Texas, Whiskey Kisses is all formatted and waiting on final edits before release day on August 17th. Punkin says it’s the Meow “Meow” of books.

Meanwhile, I’m busy finishing up Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation. Only eight chapters left to write, so I better saddle up and keep this wagon moving.

Reason being? I haven’t the faintest clue when I’ll get the smoke signal — or maybe a Pony Express rider — telling me it’s time to head to The Seeing Eye in New Jersey for my new guide dog. That could happen any time this summer.

Once that call comes, I’ll be off for three weeks of training with my new pup, and life’s going to get wonderfully busy around here. I promise to keep y’all updated every step of the way.

Helping the Pups

I’m also working on something mighty special with The Seeing Eye. My hope is to partner with them so they can carry The Grub Wrangler and Gruff: Dog Biscuit Almanac in their gift shop, with proceeds from the digital editions going directly back to help support the school and the pups.

Now I’ve got a favor to ask…

If you’ve tried out the recipes for your pups, I’d love to hear how they liked them. And if you’d be willing to leave a review over on Goodreads, I’d be mighty grateful.

I’m hoping to gather a few more reviews to help show just how much pups and their humans are enjoying the cookbook. Every review truly helps more than you know.

Until next time, keep your boots dusty, your coffee strong, and your hearts open to a little romance.

Chrissy Hartmann