PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann

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  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – December 2025 – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Partner!

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    December 2025

    Howdy Prickles,

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

    Well shucks, we made it through another year. Some stretches of trail were smooth, others tried to buck me off, but here we are, aiming to finish 2025 with a grin and a good cup of coffee.

    I kicked the year off with my cookbook, The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits, and looks like I’m closing it out with—well—another Grub Wrangler, sort of. The Grub Wrangler and Gruff trotted out alongside Merry Christmas Whiskey, my Whiskey Salvation holiday novella. Didn’t think I could pull that off, but there they are, roaming free. Yeehaw! Turns out you really can write a Christmas romance and dog biscuit almanac while wrangling a busted tootsie.

    Speaking of that tootsie—my right one’s healing, slow as molasses in January. Broke a few bones in September, had surgery a couple weeks later, and now I’m sporting a scar that looks suspiciously like a shark took a nip. Doc says I might ditch the CAM boot by the end of January. Fingers crossed. I’ve got my eye on a new pair of boots that I’ll need to break in before I hit the trail to train with a new dog guide.

    When I hit the trail for a heap of book events this year, I lucked out and met more readers than I could count. My only regret is not getting to chat with everyone. Sometimes folks browse quiet as church mice, and I never know if I should holler howdy or let ’em mosey. I think I fixed that—I’ve got a slideshow now that makes people laugh, chuckle, or say “Well, I’ll be.” Still need to swap out the music, though. Got a favorite western tune that won’t make my table partner glare at me? Let me know. I did meet a real bull rider, too—never caught his name, but he sure sparked a story idea.

    ***

    With winter settling in, I’ll be hunkered down at the ranch, aiming for JanNoWriMo and finishing Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation. It’s already a third done and slated for 2026, so I best keep my tush in the saddle. I’ll also be releasing a few short stories about one of the Tyler brothers from Whiskey — seasonal, like good chili.

    ***

    A few changes are coming, too — new goodies on the website , a change up of the newsletter, and some promotions. If you haven’t grabbed Merry Christmas Whiskey: A Whiskey Salvation Christmas Novella, the paperback’s on sale until January 1st. I’ll run another birthday special at the end of January—don’t know which book yet, but I’ll surprise you.

    These sales are straight from this here Christmas Sale link in this newsletter—fresh off the press and headed your way by Pony Express. If you’re hankering for a clean, sweet, second-chance, forced-proximity holiday western romance, Merry Christmas Whiskey might just be your kind of ride.

    ***

    And if anyone lassoed themselves a copy already or have a hankering they have one waiting under their own Christmas tree, then get your own cowboy to snap a photo and send me the picture with you holding it. I’d love to share it with the wild west just to let them know what they’re missing out on.

    ***

    So I’ll be rounding out the year planted in my favorite chair, watching them Buckeyes play on New Year’s Eve, boots kicked off and fingers crossed. Here’s hoping the new year rides in with a healed-up foot, a shot at a new dog guide, and a whole mess of fresh biscuit flavors to share with my next best friend. If you want to spoil your own furry sidekick—or wrangle a perfect gift for the dog lover in your life — The Grub Wrangler and Gruff: Dog Biscuit Almanac paperback is on sale right now over on that there big river, though who knows for how long.

    So from tip to tail, I’m wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now stay prickly, partner.

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Romance Author

    Award-Winning Short-Story Writer

    PFB Blogger

    NetGalley Book Reviewer

    PFB Developmental Editor

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

    Follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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    *******

    Celebrate the Holidays with Chrissy … Where you’ll find cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle … and more!

    Merry Christmas Whiskey

    A Whiskey Salvation Christmas Novella

    Amazon

    		 Holidays in the Heartland

    Ohio Christmas Tales

    Amazon

    		 Make Christmas Great Again

    Amazon

    ChrissyHartmann.com Copyright©2021-2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles Newsletter – Update – November 2025- Winner, Winner, chicken dinner!

    PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

    Chrissy Hartmann

    November 2025

    Howdy, Partner!

    So last month, you got the message from the Prickle Forrest Chronicles Express, a shark attacked me while at the local watering hole and nipped off the big hallux on my right foot, right?

    Okay, maybe not a shark, but I did break the 4th and 5th metatarsals and needed surgery where I ended up losing that big toe. As a result of them stitches I still have in the foot and BTW this is the third set, cause I tend to pop them two-stepping across the homestead. But my very own cowboy and old Doc Marshall have hogtied me to the sofa and recliner for the next three or four more weeks. At the last checkup, no stitches popped on the third set, just a wee bit of seepage, and yes, the skin’s knitting itself back together. Yeehaw!

    I’m hoping to be trail ready by December 13th where I’ll be doing a craft show. I’m more excited than buying a pair of new boots… well maybe not that, but pretty darn close, to do this one cause The Grub Wrangler and Gruff: Dog Biscuit Almanacwill be there. I just might have a handful of biscuits for the pups too… If I’m allowed to stand tall without them there crutches or walker.

    Check it out on Amazon!

    But hey all, I’ve had plenty of time to get the latest book finally finished and edited. Plus the book cover is tied up at the hitching post waiting to be applied to the manuscript. And it’s a dandy. Quite festive. If you haven’t heard it’s a Christmas novella. It’ll be out on shelves by black Friday. Woohoo! Keep an eye out on my social media sites for it. It’s name? well, thought you’d never ask. It’s called Merry Christmas Whiskey”. And if you want a jolly read for the holiday, pick it up at the local book store. If your purse strings are closed for the season then ask your library to carry it. They love the requests for new authors. And of course it’ll be floating down stream with the big river. I’ll try to send up a smoke signal to let you know it’s out. But look for it on black Friday and cyber Monday. And for those who need a little bigger font, I’ll be putting out a large print version of it too… but that’s still at the publisher’s, so won’t be ready until some time in December. Sorry folks for the delay!

    Behind the Series Name…

    Just between us, the series, Whiskey Salvation — the name hit me one night when I realized love can be a little wild,

    a little strong, and just what your heart needs to heal. And lets not forget there is the whiskey distillery that’s local to the town too. Convenient, huh?

    So grab your glass — or your next read and enjoy!

    The Upcoming Rodeos

    Hoping to saddle up and hit the trail for Wooster’s Window Wonderland on November 21st and then a craft show on December 13th which will round out the year, but only if I can guarantee old Doc I won’t stand. Hmmm? Finding a needle in a haystack might be easier.

    After this, I’ll hang up my spurs until next March when the writing herd and I start the circuit all over again. I’ll get the chance to finish my book of shorts regarding the Tyler’s, which I plan to have out in the spring to go with the rest of the Whiskey Salvation series. And hey, maybe I’ll wrangle up another 50K words during this downtime to finish Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation. So yes, more cowboy kisses, messy harts, and small-town sparkle is on the way! Woohoo!

    *****

    Five Signs You’ve Fallen for a Broody Cowboy

    Whiskey Salvation cowboys fit the bill. Alright, saddle up — here are my 5 reasons you might have fallen for a broody cowboy…in no particular order either…

    1. He’s quieter than a tumbleweed in a ghost town.(Griff, Felix, Jack, and Jack)

    2. You admire how he can get back up after he’s taken a licking with no complaints —he’s tougher than old leather. (Griff, Charlie, Jack, and Felix)

    3. He’s got them there cowboy morals: loyalty, grit, and all that highfalutin code. Like he’s some wandering knight with spurs. (Griff, Charlie, Felix, and Jack)

    4. he’s independent. Don’t need nothing from nobody — except maybe your constant emotional cow-licking. (definitely Felix and some Griff, Charlie, and and maybe not so much Jack)

    5. He’s thinking his way through every moonlit night like he’s wrangling demons. (Griff, Charlie, Felix, and yes even Jack)

    And if you want to experience the broodiness yourself, well just hit this here link on the

    Whiskey Salvation Series on Amazon

    you can read the books yourself. And when you do, let me know if you think I’m right. Better yet, leave me a review on Amazon or Good Reads. Love to hear from you readers.

    And I’ve got more broodiness in a couple of short stories I put out in a few other anthologies. Again, ask your library to carry them if your not into roping yourself an anthology for that there bookshelf of yours. But if you love the broody type, check out the anthologies on my website.

    Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

    Well sort of…

    Now, some of you might remember that way back yonder I was promoting a giveaway if you signed up for my newsletter an got a friend to sign up too, right? My

    publisher tells me it’s time to pick a winner and it’s …

    Nyfoodhistorian.

    So, please contact the publisher that runs this here publishing company so they can send you your choice of e-book or paperback of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation, Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation, and The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits.

    They’re waiting to hear from you, so contact them soon!

    And for getting your aunt, Patricia C. to sign up, she’s also won a copy of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation. Please let us know if you’d like e-book or a paperback copy. Thanks and congratulations to you both!

    Cyber Monday sales…

    Starting cyber Monday December 1st and until January 1st the following books will be on sale through my publisher:

    – Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation $1.99

    – Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation: A Whiskey Salvation Novella $1.99

    – The Grub Wrangler: Heartfelt Grapeseed Oil Recipes with Benefits $2.99

    – The Grub Wrangler and Gruff: Dog Biscuit Almanac $2.99

    – Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales $1.99

    – Love on the Lakefront: Romantic Tales from the Great Lakes $1.99

    – Make Christmas Great Again 99¢

    – Tales from the Prickle Forrest $1.99

    – Merry Christmas Whiskey $1.99

    Contact Prickle Forrest Books to let them know which e-books you’d like, remember one copy per cowpoke, there’s a limited number of 25 each available. And if you’d like an autographed copy of any of my paperback books then let <a href="mailto:chrissyhartmann know. I’d be mighty happy to put my scratch on one for you.

    *This promotion is strictly for the Prickle Forrest Chronicles newsletter subscribers through Prickle Forrest Books and not associated with any online retailers. Offer valid until 01/01/2026.

    *****

    Just wanted to thank you all and let you know it’s sure exciting to try out new trails in this here publishing landscape with all you folks. So hang on to your hat, the holiday season is about to begin! Yeehaw!

    From tip to tail, wishing you a “Happy Thanksgiving!”

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Romance Author

    Award-Winning Short-Story Writer

    PFB Blogger

    NetGalley Book Reviewer

    PFB Developmental Editor

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

    Follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Prickle Forrest Books

    Contact Chrissy

    Contact Prickle Forrest Books

    Follow Chrissy:

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    *******

    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 companion 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!

    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright ©2021-2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann – News, some bruises, and a whole lot of biscuit love to share

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    October 2025

    Howdy Friend,

    Pull up a chair — I’ve got news, some bruises, and a whole lot of biscuit love to share.

    —

    🖥️ New Website, Same Homestead

    I’ve launched a fresh version of my site — same URL, new look. Mosey on over and take a gander. Holler back with what you like (and what you don’t).

    https://chrissyhartmann.com

    —

    🍪 Dog Biscuit Cookbook Almost Ridin’ Out

    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 Rescuing Whiskey’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!”

    —

    Stay prickly my friends,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    P.S.

    • Check out the new site

    • Preorder that biscuit cookbook

    • Tell me: bundle the shorts or release ’em solo?

    • And yes — send prayers for balance 🙏

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright ©2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – August 2025 – Bees, Book Festivals, and BBQs, Oh my!

    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,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Chief Cook, Book Wrangler, and Occasional Insect Boot Stomper

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Newsletter Sign-Up

    Follow Me:

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    Facebook

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    Find my books and other books you will enjoy on:

    • Clean Romance Books

    • Hartmann’s Book Shop

    • Chrissy’s General Store

    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

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – A Father’s Day update…

    [category: Newsletter]

    [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.

    Chrissy Hartmann Books

    Buy now before the price changes!

    Available in paperback and digital

    Chrissy Hartmann

    Romance Author

    Award-Winning Short-Story Writer

    PFB Blogger

    NetGalley Book Reviewer

    PFB Developmental Editor

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

    Follow the Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Prickle Forrest Books

    Contact Chrissy

    Contact Prickle Forrest Books

    Follow Chrissy:

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    *******

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – May 2025 – Mother’s Day and a fond farewell…

    [custom_line_break]

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    May 2025

    Howdy, Pricklers,

    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!”

    Stay prickly my friends!

    With love & cowboy kisses,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    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!

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright ©2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann – APRIL 2025 EDIT ION – Dust, Dogs, & Darn Good News… sort of

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    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    April 2025

    Dear Pricklers,

    🗓️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!

    Stay prickly my friends,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles – March 2025 – Spring Is Here, and So Is the Prickle Forrest Chronicles — Finally!

    [Tags Prickle Forrest Chronicles, Romance, publishing, Love on the Lakefront,

    Great Lakes, western romances, cookbook, The Grub Wrangler, grapeseed oil, recipes]

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    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!

    Stay prickly my friends,

    ❤️❤️❤️

    Chrissy Hartmann

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

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  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann February 2025 – Mooove over snowflakes, it’s time for hearts, love and cowboys!Hearts

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    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    February 2025

    Howdy Partner,

    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!”

    Stay prickly my friends,

    Chrissy Hartmann

    ChrissyHartmann.com

    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Newsletter Sign-Up

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    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright ©2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy Hartmann January 2025 Well butter my biscuit and call me speechless…

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    Prickle Forrest Chronicles

    Chrissy Hartmann

    January 2025

    🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    🤠 Dear Prickles,

    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!

    Until next time, stay prickly, my friend, 🌵

    Now kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance!

    Chrissy Hartmann

    🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    Prickle Forrest Books LLC Copyright©2025 All Rights Reserved