That cookbook you’ve been wondering about? It’s nearly ready to hit the trail. The Grub Wrangler (that’d be me) decided to finally saddle it up for publication.
Funny twist: I hadn’t planned to release it this year, but a new kennel, The HartFelt Boarding Kennel, came calling. They’re launching their place Saturday, October 18, from 12 to 5 and they want the book there. We won’t have printed copies just yet, but you can preorder your own. The cover reveal is happening now — take a peek if you dare.
—
🎄 Christmas Anthology & Short Story Showdown
The Wayne Novelist Guild’s Christmas anthology, Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales, is out of the corral. Preorders open now, and it hits bookstore shelves November 1st.
I’m Sheriff of the Guild, of course — and slipped in a Whiskey Salvation short story. Now here’s a question for you, straight-shooting:
Do y’all prefer reading the shorts one at a time?
Or would you rather have them all bundled in a collection?
Heck, maybe both? (Makes mighty fine gifts, by the way.)
Also, the anthology is selling well at local festivals like Woosterfest and the Canal Town Book Festival. My next stop? Winter Wonderland Days in downtown Wooster on November 21st.
—
🧙♀️ Planning More Holiday Magic
I’m scheming a new series of holiday short stories with a fantasy bent. Looking to release the first one by next Easter under the “Make the Holidays Great Again” banner.
—
🎬 Treasuring, Vlogs & New Story Tools
Writing Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation is takin’ longer than expected. I’m learning screenplay-style transitions and weaving in vlog-style chapters. In RescuingWhiskey’s Salvation, I used journal pages. In Cherishing, I used texts. Now? Vlogs in the middle scenes. Wild, huh?
—
🦶 The Fall, the Foot, and the Loss of a Piggy
Here’s the messy part. I’ve been under the weather, and then I fell down the stairs. Broke my foot. Hurt my back and hip. After some stubborn home remedies, I finally went to the ER — and got hit with the news: big toe infected, osteomyelitis from the fall, and… I lost a piggy. Yes, one toe had to go.
I’m told balance shouldn’t be too badly affected, but I’d sure welcome a prayer or two just in case. I’ll be in the CAM boot for another six weeks (after stitches come out). Then we’ll see if I can boot-scoot again — minus the boot tiptoeing through tulips, of course.
—
🥄 Signing Off (for Now)
I’m off to whip up biscuits for the weekend’s shindig. Just wanted to make sure y’all know — I’m alive, I’m kicking (sort of), and there’s a lot more adventure ahead.
Until next roundup,
—
I hope you all enjoyed this update. Remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”
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!”
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?
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?
[tags: authors, books, update, romance books, small town romances, cowboy romance, second chance romance, Father’s Day]
[custom_line_break]
Prickle Forrest CHRONICLES
June 2025
Howdy Pricklers!
Just wanted to throw out a quick reminder thatt it’s Father’s Day. I’m heading out on the trail to the Hartmann Ranch to visit with my Dad for the afternoon. Hopefully, won’t get into too much trouble. Might check out Dad’s goats. All for research on another short story for the Whiskey Salvation series.
Thought I’d share a bit more about my novella… It’s for the women who know that sometimes the strongest men are the ones who try hardest to understand their daughters.
CHERISHING WHISKEY’S SALVATION
A Whiskey Salvation Novella
By Chrissy Hartmann
💔 This Father’s Day, take a walk in a cowboy’s boots… and a father’s heart.
A story of second chances, strained choices, and a love that doesn’t come easy in the small town of Whiskey, Texas.
<![if !vml]>
<![endif]>
Welcome back to Whiskey!
If only a good cup of coffee could solve Charlie Stockton’s problems.
Not that his life allows time for a quiet sip.
Now a retired U.S. Army colonel and Texas cattle rancher, Charlie is no stranger to tough challenges. But his daughter’s decision to quit her six-figure job and reopen a run-down homeless shelter? That one just might break him.
Especially when siding with her feels like betraying his wife.
Add in a marriage on shaky ground, a stubborn daughter he can’t help but admire, and an unexpected band of clowns, and Charlie’s left wondering how to salvage the most important things in his life — without losing himself in the process.
🌵 A rugged romance about…
second chances, family, and choosing love even when it’s hard.
📚 Perfect for fans of Jennie Marts, Cowboys of Credence and Susan Mallery’s, Fool’s Gold series
A little snark, a little sass, a lot of heart.
SO kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for a Father’s Day story that will stay with you long after the last page.
I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Whether you were pampered or doing the pampering, you deserve all the love and celebration. 💐
Here’s a photo of me and my son.
I wanted to pop in with a quick update (and apologies for the lateness — life’s been a bit of a whirlwind lately).
🎄 **Christmas Anthology News!**
I’m thrilled to share that I’m helping with a Christmas anthology called
Holidays in the Heartland
It will be available for preorder in July! I’ll be contributing a short story from my Whiskey Salvation series called Mistletoe Kisses You’re going to love it — it’s heartfelt, festive, and full of that western charm you adore. In fact, check out the blurb…
Mistletoe Kisses…
Kash Tyler’s determined to win back the woman who’s still got his heart tied up tighter than a steer at a rodeo. Between dilapidated gingerbread houses, frosting fights, and some strategic mistletoe placement with help from his dog, he’s ready to prove that loving Rose shanklin isn’t a burden — it’s the best kind of trouble. Get ready for a holiday tale located in Wooster, Ohio that’s full of sass, second chances, and enough sugar to give a bull diabetes.
📖 More Whiskey Salvation Goodness Coming Soon
I’m also working on finishing my own collection of short stories, Tales from the Prickle Forrest, which will include another tale from the Whiskey Salvation series. I don’t have a title for it yet, but it’s definitely a romance… or maybe more like sweet revenge with a side of swoon. Trust me, you’ll love it! I’ll have more facts next month, at least I hope so, because I plan to publish it by the end of June.
Some exciting news! I’ve just updated my 5-star Readers’ Favorite debut novel Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and officially brought it into the Whiskey Salvation series — now part of the collection! If you loved it the first time, I think you’re really going to enjoy the fresh polish and how it now fits seamlessly into the series world you know and love. I hope it captures your heart all over again. Let me know what you think — I love hearing from you!
If you already have the old version, and you’d like one of these newer copies, let me know and I can send you an autographed copy for the shipping and handling cost.
📚 Book Fair Fun Ahead
Later in June I’m planning to attend a couple of book fairs! I wish I could tell you exactly where and when, but my brain is still playing catch-up after the recent loss of my father-in-law, a hubby, father, and grandfather beloved and will sorely be missed. It’s been a chaotic and emotional time for our family, and I truly appreciate your patience and support.
I know this letter is shorter than usual, but I promise to have more exciting updates (with all the juicy details!) in June, when things hopefully calm down a bit on the home front.
Until next time, thank you for being here and sticking with me. Your love for these stories — and your kindness — means the world.
I hope you all enjoyed this update. Remember, “kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”
P.S. Quick shoutout for the holiday giveaway in November… If you and a friend sign up for my newsletter you’ll have the chance to win a bundle package just in time for the Christmas season. SO sign up and let me know. Thanks!
🗓️April galloped in with all the grace of a rodeo bull — crazy good, crazy bad, and downright unpredictable. So grab a cuppa and settle in for the latest scoop from my little writing corral.
—
📚 AUTHOR EVENTS – On Pause until Fall
Author appearances are on hold until September, which gives me a smidge more time to write, revise, and breathe. But don’t worry—I’ll be back in the saddle soon enough!
—
📍 UPCOMING FESTIVALS
🎉 Canal Town Book Festival
📅 October 4, 2025
📍 Canal Fulton, Ohio
I’ll be wrangling The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits along with two other titles — maybe with brand-new covers if my graphic artists work their usual magic. Think Jennie Marts-style pretty!
🤞 Buckeye Book Fair – Fingers crossed for November!
—
📖 TYLER WHISKEY SALVATION SHORT STORIES
Big news, all — this series is hitting the trail hard!
✔️ June 2025 – First Tyler Whiskey Salvation story in standalone paperback with juicy back matter extras
🍂 Fall 2025– Second story launches
🎄 December 2025 – Third story appears in Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales and possibly gets its own release
🌸 Spring 2026 – Fourth story rides in
📕 After that: All four gathered into one mighty fine collection, Hearts and Kisses
—
🔪 SUSPENSE SHORT STORIES
The darker side of my brain’s been busy too!
A bundle of suspense/shocker shorts will (hopefully) release summer or fall. Got thoughts on the cover? Holler at me—I’d love to hear ‘em.
—
😤 A LITTLE BAD NEWS
Well shucks! My fourth Tyler story didn’t make the cut for the Great Lakes Fiction Writers 2025 Anthology. Guess cowboy romance wasn’t their flavor. Pooh on them. We keep riding anyway.
—
🤠 RIDING WITH FRIENDS
Catch me and my bestie Cary Harter (author of the fabulous Regency romance The Earl’s Angel: Caroline’s Story at:
– 🏞️ Northcoast Indie Author Event
– 🏘️ Canal Town Book Festival
– 🤞 Buckeye Book Fair November 2025.
—
📝 WRITING & PROJECTS
📚 Gearing up to release 3–4 more books this year!
💘 Penning a short story for a Valentine’s Day Anthology (publishing Feb 2026)
📓 Slowly but surely making progress on Tyler Whiskey Salvation collection itself, called Hearts and Kisses.
—
🐾 LIFE ON THE HOMEFRONT
Between job-hunting (thanks to a tough economy) and daily writing sprints, I’m holding the line. Hubby’s still laid off. It’s rough, but the dream ain’t dead.
🐱 Punkin, my kitten, has turned into a nervous Nellie with all the neighbor dogs barking up a storm. Little does she know… I might be bringing home a new dog guide later this year. She’s in for a surprise!
—
💉 HEALTH CHECK-IN
Tomorrow I wrangle with my endocrinologist about the settings on my Tandem Mobi insulin pump. Love this thing—it’s working great. Bet the house I’ll win this round. 😉
—
🤠 APRIL COWBOY FUN FACT
Did ya know? The first recorded rodeo took place in Deer Trail, Colorado in 1869. Cowboys from rival ranches battled it out to settle a bet—and the rodeo was born!
—
🐎 THANKS FOR RIDING ALONG
Appreciate each and every one of you for sticking with me on this ride. Your support means more than a fresh pair of boots after a long day on the range. And don’t forget if you stay with the newsletter until November and get another cowpoke to sign up, you’ll both have the chance to win a fabulous gift basket of my books just in time for the holidays. Yeehaw! Just drop me a line that you and your friend are signed up. The list is growing, and I do love sharing my little bit of cowboy life with you all.
Until next time, remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!
[Tags Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Romance, publishing, Love on the Lakefront,
Great Lakes, western romances, cookbook, The Grub Wrangler, grapeseed oil, recipes]
[custom_line_break]
Prickle Forrest Chronicles
Chrissy Hartmann
March 2025
🌲🌲 🌲
🤠Howdy Partner,
I reckon I ought to start with an apology—it has been a spell since the last Prickle Forrest Chronicles went out, and I sure did not mean to keep you all waiting. Life has been a whirlwind of book fairs, writing deadlines, and, well… the kind of head cold that could knock a bull off its feet. But I am back in the saddle, and there is plenty to share!
📚📚📚
Book Fairs & Festivals
This year’s book fair season is off to a strong start, and what a ride it has been so far! The first two events in Orrville and Akron were a hit — I had a great time meeting readers, swapping stories, and talking books.
Next stop is Stark Main Library in Canton, Ohio on April 12th. And don’t you worry about nothing, there’s plenty more to come after that. If you are nearby, come say hello!
🎄🎄🎄
Christmas Stories & Big News
Writing never slows down, and I have some exciting updates. My writing group’s Christmas anthology, Holidays in the Heartland , will be available for preorder in July and out in November, that’s if the rest of the herd gets their tales finished. Deadline is coming up. Tick Tock! Tick Tock!
It will include the third installment of the Whiskey Salvation Tyler family series. Even better, the fourth story to the series will be part of the Great Lakes Fiction Writers second annual anthology, Dreams and Driftwood, which is also coming out in July. And if you’re wondering about the first short story, well folks, it’s in the Great Lakes Fiction Writers first anthology, Love on the Lakefront, which is available now and out everywhere.
<![if !vml]>
<![endif]>
Now, if I can just find an anthology for the second short story in the series, I will be set. But no worries — I’ll be putting all of them out as singles before gathering them into their own book next year, Hearts and Kisses💋❤️.
So keep an eye out!
🥳🥳🥳
Giveaways & Holiday Cheer
Speaking of books, how about a giveaway? If you get a friend to sign up for this newsletter and let me know, you will both be entered to win a full set of my books—including my brand-new cookbook, The Grub Wrangler.
The winner will be announced in November, just in time for Christmas. Plus, I will be doing more book giveaways as the holidays get closer, so stay tuned.
🌲 🌲 🌲
For now, I will keep this short since I am still wrestling with this cold and a bout of irritating old allergies at the same time. Not exactly a good time, but I will bounce back soon enough. I appreciate you all sticking with me, and I promise not to let so much time pass before the next Prickle Forrest Chronicles.
📖📖📖
Until next time, take care and keep those pages turning!
🌲 🌲 🌲
And remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!
Hope this winter is treating you kindly. Ohio’s winters can be rough especially if the temps drop lower than a tin cup left out on a frosty fence post. Oops
So move on over snowflakes, it’s time for hearts, love, and cowboys! Woohoo! Woohoo!!
Finally finished another short story that will be published, hopefully, in the Great Lakes Fiction Writers anthology for 2025. Woohoo! This here story is about Luke Tyler. He’s cousin to Kaleb Tyler and he’s checking out a vineyard up on Kellyes Island out there on Lake Erie to figure out if he thinks adding a vineyard to his ranch would be worthwhile. Well, He’s definitely interested once he meets the vintners daughter, Cora Krebs. Boy howdy! Its short and sweet with a lot of laughs. When the books published, which will be in July on the 26th, I’ll let you know where you can rustle it up at. Tacking of Hearts is the first story of the Whiskey Salvation anthology regarding the Tylers’. This here short is the fourth, but they’re all pretty much stand alones. So no matter your fancy, you can read them anytime. Short story two will be out this fall and short story three will be out for Christmas with my Whiskey Salvation Christmas novella. Short story 1 is already out in the GLFW 2024 anthology Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes. <![if !vml]>
<![endif]>
Still working on a title for the novella. Any suggestions for it, send my way. If it’s picked, I’ll send you a copy, digital or paperback, your choice. Thanks!
Now on a personal note, this here cowpoke is getting her insulin pump this week. Woohoo! Looking forward to it. Call me a slacker, but I hate having to get up from writing to take more insulin. Now just have to look at my phone and press a button. I’ll be hooking up with the Tandem Mobi. Let’s hope this shiny fandangle will be the answers to my prayers.
Book festivals are hitting the calendars for 2025. As of the moment, all set up to hit the trail for four of them, but more to come. Orrville Book Festival March 1st, Akron Book Festival March 8th, April 12th Stark County Library Book Festival, and A July 26th Rock-N-Roll Book Festival in Cleveland. Just got one shipment of my books today, waiting on The Grub Wrangler, <![if !vml]>
<![endif]> The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits cookbook book cover which I expect no later than the 17th. All my books will be on sale. So no need to rob any trains, hold up a stage coach, or go digging for gold. Just hop on that pony of yours and hit the trail. I’d love to meet ya!
I’m considering lassoing a few videos to roundup for my YouTube channel, and might even look into Rumble, so if interested, just look me up under my user name USAWriter355. No sense letting my Meta Glasses go to waste. Right? Now they might just be of my kitten , but eventually I’ll get the hang of it and post more. However, nothings there at this minute, so don’t hightail it there, I’ll give fair warning. By the way, what kind of stuff do you want to see? Day in the life of a blind author? Hmm, those just might end up on funniest home westerns. Hahaha!
Okay, so it’s the month of love, right? Do you all know how them there cowpokes celebrate it? And no, they aren’t out kissing their cows, maybe their cowgirls, but not them cows. They aren’t good kissers. At least that’s what a friend’s told me…
Below here is a list of a few things a cowboy might do.
Can you guess which one my cowboy did for me? I’ll enter your name in the giveaway for November. Just e-mail me with your answer or reply to the newsletter.
And by the way, I’ll be giving away to one lucky cowgirl living in the good old USA the grand prize of a paperback copy of:
• The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits
• Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation
• Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation: A Whiskey Salvation Novella
• Make Christmas Great Again
• Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes
And to you five runnerups, I’ll be dishing out one digital copy of each of my books listed above. So send me your answers. Don’t forget to mention which digital book you’d prefer if you’re picked as a runnerup.
Which here did my cowboy do for me to express his tender heart filled with love?
Lasso the moon – Promises me he’ll rope the moon for me … but ends up tangled in his own lasso. Not a pretty sight! In fact darn right dangerous.
Romantic horseback dinner – Tries to set up a candlelit dinner on horseback, only for his horse to steal the steak off his plate. Obviously not a vegetarian.
Sings a love ballad to his cattle – Serenades his cows with a heartfelt country song just for practice, only to be met with blank stares and an untimely moo. Is that what you call “cattle-walloring?”
Heart-shaped branding – Thinks branding a heart with our initials onto his boots is romantic but forgets it’s still hot and burns a hole in his chaps. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Buys his sweetheart a bouquet of wildflowers – Picks a bunch of prairie flowers, only to realize too late that half of them are just weeds. Obviously, his Mamma never learned him on flowers. And by the way, Fire-N-Ice roses are my favorite.
I hope you all enjoyed this update. May your Valentine’s Day have been a sweet one and remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”
Well butter my biscuit and call me speechless – I’ve got more news than a cattle rustler’s got excuses! Grab your coffee and settle in for this here roundup.
First off, my cookbook, : Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits is now available and is out there on the trail as of today, January 31st, which just happens to be this cowpoke’s birthday. And you all can wrangle yourself a copy faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado. If you’ve already got yours reserved, bless your heart – and if you’re feeling particularly neighborly, a review would be more appreciated than rain in a drought.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
I’d like to extend my most sincere apologies to those who live out of the good old USA, as the cookbook is not available in print. It, however, can be herded into your digital shopping cart internationally from most retailers. I sure wish you all could get it, it’s a mighty beautiful book!
But hold onto your hats, cause that’s just the beginning. I’ve got not one, but two more books on the horizon. One’s an anthology of short stories, written by this here cowboy and the other’s another anthology where our good old friend Luke Tyler from Whiskey will be featured. And if your wondering, he’s cousin to Kaleb, Kash, and Kaden Tyler.
Keep your eyes peeled for the GLFW anthology coming out in late June, which should have Lukes short story in it where he’s met the love of his life, Cora Krebs a vintner on Kellyes Island on Lake Erie, plus it’ll have a whole boot scooting variety of other short stories you won’t want to miss.
Still got a hold of your hat? cause this next bit’s got me more excited than a kid at their first rodeo – I’m getting myself one of them fancy Tandem Mobi insulin pumps! This little beauty works right off an iPhone and is friendlier to us blind folk than a well-trained horse. Yours truly will be learning the ropes in the next couple weeks, and I reckon it’ll be smoother than a prairie sunrise.
Speaking of hitting the trail, I’ll be moseying on down to three book festivals in March and April — Orrville Book Festival March 1st and Akron Book Festival March 8th and Stark Library Book Fest April 12th — with my sights set on two more roundups in October and November — Canal Town Book Fest October 4th and Buckeye Book Fair November 2nd —. The Grub Wrangler will be riding shotgun at every last one of ’em. And here’s where it gets interesting, pardners – anyone who stops by my table and picks up The Grub Wrangler or any other book gets entered into a special prize drawing. And don’t you fret if you can’t make it. I’ll rustle up a signup for those of you here on the e-mail list already. Now, I’m not spilling all the beans just yet, but come November’s newsletter, two lucky buckaroos will be riding off into the sunset with a mighty fine prize. Keep your eyes peeled for more details in February’s dispatch of the Prickle Forrest Chronicles.
And if that’s not enough to make you holler "yeehaw," the Seeing Eye dog guide school’s done reached out about setting up a Juno walk next week. Looks like this cowpoke might be getting a new four-legged partner sooner than expected! At least that’s what we here on the ranch hope. I’ve requested a male shepherd and they’re sometimes harder to get than lassoing your favorite cowboy to do a two-step with you at the local square dance.
Now, since we’re talking all things cowboy, let me tell you something about how us ranch hands have been participating in democracy since the early days. Them original cowboys were about as diverse as the wild frontier itself – Black, Hispanic, Native American, and white folks all working the same trails. And when it came to voting, well, cowboys historically weren’t too partial to either side of the political fence. They tended to vote based on what affected their livelihood most – land rights, cattle prices, and water access. Even today, you’ll find cowboys across these United States voting every which way, proving we’re about as independent as they come. And let’s not forget the inauguration either. These here cowboys like to celebrate a good win so they might cut loose sipping on a whiskey, firing off a few rounds of ammo, and eating a hearty meal before shut eye. If they’re lucky enough to be holding up at the bunk house, they might have an impromptu two-step with the local cowgirls. But for the most part, sunrise comes early for these hard working boys in the saddle and they’re back to work mending fences and tending the herd.
Speaking of the inauguration, how did you celebrate it this year? Did you two-step at any inaugural balls or did you settle in and watch this here author’s Buckeyes win the National College Football Championship? Me? Started with mimosas at 12:02 pm danced a jig or two then settled in on the couch with the cowboys to watch my scarlet and gray win. Woohoo! Woohoo! Did manage to munch on a few of my savory starters that The Grub Wrangler managed to rustle up in-between plays. One such favorites were chipotle hummus with veggies and chicken cranberry salad with pecans on pepper crackers. Woohoo! Woohoo!
image003
image007
Until next time, stay prickly, my friend, 🌵
Now kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!
Well, buckle up, cowpokes, because this year was a real rodeo! Some days were a straight-up bronc ride, others felt like herding kittens in a thunderstorm, but we made it to the end of 2024! So, pour yourself a stiff drink (or a strong cup of coffee) and settle in, because I’m dishing out the highlights, the lowlights, and a whole heap of thanks.
Let’s Start With a Big Old Thank You!
You all stuck with me through thick and thin, and for that, I’m downright grateful. Special thanks to everyone who saddled up for the Dangerously Dark Darlings Secret Santa Giveaway and the Tina Hogan Grant holiday Giveaway too. You all really brought the holiday cheer! And guess what? There’s more where that came from—next year, I’ll be tossing more goodies your way, so keep those spurs handy!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
On a side note, my winner from Tina Hogan Grant’s holiday giveaway has not contacted me. You know who you are, so please send me your e-mail so I can send you your digital copy of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation. Thanks!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
And to my one winner, Lisa J. your copy of Make Christmas Great Again is in the mail. Unfortunately, the printer had shipping delays and we weren’t able to get it out to you before Christmas, so to make up for it, I’ve sent you something extra with it. Hopefully the Pony Express will get it to you soon, they promised you’d receive it by Monday, January 6th, keep watch for it!! Enjoy!
image003 2
image004 2
image005 2
Another big thanks to you all who left me a book review—good, bad, or just plain weird. Every single one is appreciated, even if some made me side-eye my coffee cup, wondering what you all were drinking! Hahaha!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
The Year in Review… Wrangling Life’s thrown horseshoe
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it—2024 came at me like a bronco with a burr under its saddle:
– Hubby got laid off. Yep, the old paycheck train derailed, but we’re hoping to be back on track in 2025.
– The furnace kicked the bucket. Yep, belly up. Ever try cowboying up in the middle of winter with no heat? Fun times Ha!.
– M-I-L had a heart attack. Scared the daylights outta us, but she’s tougher than a cactus in a drought.
– And let’s not even talk about my holiday treat binge. Let’s just say the treadmill and I have a hot date starting now. No waiting for the New Year—this gal needs to outrun the gingerbread men. Any of you all need to do the same?
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Big Wins and Woohoos!
It wasn’t all doom and gloom, though. I’m over here tipping my hat to these wins:
– Large prints of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation hit the shelves. They look mighty fine, if I do say so myself.
– Published Make Christmas Great Again short story and even managed to snag a shiny 5-star review for Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation from Readers’ Favorite. Woohoo! Woohoo!
–Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes was a big hit at Buckeye Book Fair. You all really showed up for me there—thank you kindly.
– And let’s not forget—Ohio State University made it to the college football playoffs! Here’s to chasing that championship in January. Go Buckeyes! O! H! I! O! Buckeyes! Buckeyes! Buckeyes!
image006 2
image007 2
image008 1
Holiday Treats and Tales
Yours truly got a bit experimental in the kitchen and whipped up a new Christmas cookie! Y’all will see the recipe in my 2025 Christmas anthology, but trust me—it’s worth the wait.
Here’s a hint… and not to be cheesy, but the mint in this here cookie will hook you all from the first bite!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
On the writing front…
– I penned a Whiskey Salvation Christmas Novella that’s headed your way in 2025. Book cover’s in the works and it’s about as fun as riding a mule backward.
– The WNG Christmas short story I wrote for our 2025 anthology is also wrapped up and ready to go.
– Speaking of short stories, my tale "Tacking of Hearts" is in the GLFW anthology "Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes, but I’ll be releasing it as a standalone soon. Plus, the second story in that series will hit the WNG Christmas anthology in July 2025 as part of the Wayne Novelist Guilds winter holiday collection of Ohio short stories.
Still with me? Good, because I’ve got more:
–Tales from the Prickle Forrest is in the editing corral, aiming for a spring release.
–The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits, a Whiskey Salvation cookbook is hitting the trail in January (once the LCCN is assigned).
Mark Your Calendars!
Here’s where you can find me in 2025:
– January: The Grub Wrangler launches.
– March: Akron Book Festival on the 3rd and Orrville Book Festival on the 8th.
– July: WNG Christmas Anthology launches.
– October: Canal Town Book Festival.
– Oh, and I’m gonna be doing some author giveaways on Goodreads, so saddle up and join the fun!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Cowboys and December celebrations… A Little History
Did you all know cowboys have been celebrating Christmas since the days of cattle drives? Back then, a cowboy’s Christmas was simple—think hand-carved trinkets, campfire songs, and a hearty meal if they were lucky. Nowadays, you’ll find cowboys hosting rodeos, lighting up ranch houses with enough lights to rival the North Star, and even swapping secret Santa gifts.
New Year’s Eve? That’s a time for storytelling, music, and maybe a shot of whiskey to toast the year ahead.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
So, here’s to the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Thanks for riding this wild trail with me, and here’s to making 2025 a rootin’-tootin’ good year!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
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, Happy New Year, and go Buckeyes!
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?
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?
Grab your cowboy hat and sleigh bells because we’ve got more holiday cheer than a herd of reindeer at a rodeo! Here’s the lowdown on everything happening in my neck of the woods.
🎁Author Giveaway: Join the Dangerously Dark Darlings on Facebook!
You all don’t want to miss this! Over 300 authors are saddling up for the 8th Annual Secret Santa Giveaway. I’ll be handing out goodies faster than an outlaw flees a posse… along with the other authors. Books, swag, and who knows what else could find their way into your stocking—get your keister over to Facebook and join the fun! Starts Friday December 6th. Winners announced Sunday, December 8th. www.facebook.com/groups/dangerouslydarkdarlings
Yeehaw! Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation wrangled itself a shiny 5-star rating from Readers’ Favorite! If you’ve already snagged a copy, contact the publisher, Prickle Forrest Books to claim your Readers’ Favorite medallion for your book. Just holler at them—they’ll make sure you get your badge of honor. Contact Prickle Forrest Books here!
Here’s more good news: the regular paperback and large print editions are getting a glow-up! The medallion’s fixing to grace those covers real soon. Order now to get the prettied-up version once the updates are finished. Might be a 3-day wait, as the publisher’s working on the upgrades today, but do order it. Find Chrissy’s books here.
📚 Coming Soon…
Hold onto your hats, because my Christmas short story, Make Christmas Great Again, and my cookbook, The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits, are nearly ready to ride out! The books are in their final stages, and it won’t be long now, In just a matter of days, you all will be feasting on my words and recipes. I’ll holler when they’re ready to wrangle, so keep your eyes peeled! In the meantime, take a gander at their covers. Woohoo!
Make Christmas Great Again Front Back Cover 2024
image004
image005
🎄 Join Me at the Red Kettle on December 5th!
It’s that time of year again!
On Thursday, December 5th, I’ll be doing my annual stint with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at Lehman’s Hardware from 10 AM to 12 PM.
I’ll have all three of my books with me, ready to be autographed, while supplies last, and here’s the kicker—if you’d like a copy, you can snag one for a donation of $15, with all proceeds going straight to the Red Kettle Campaign. So swing by, say hi, and help make a difference this holiday season!
What about you all? What traditions do you and your family or friends do at Christmastime to help out the community? I’d love to hear your ideas—drop me a note and let’s share some inspiration!
🤠Cowboy Christmas Lore: A Festive Flashback…
Did you know cowboys celebrated Christmas on the trail with whatever they could rustle up? They’d string popcorn on the nearest sagebrush, sing carols by the campfire, and whip up flapjacks as Christmas “cake.” Gifts? A new pair of boots or a hand-carved trinket was worth more than gold to those rugged ranch hands.
So, whether you’re kicking up your heels at a holiday hoedown or sipping cider in front of the fire, remember, Christmas is all about simple joys, just like it was for those dusty trail riders.
I hope you all enjoyed this update. Remember, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!”
That’s all for now, partner! Don’t forget to check out the giveaways, claim your medallion, and swing by the Red Kettle for some holiday cheer. Keep your spurs jingling as we ride into the season of giving.
PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann 