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Prickle Forrest Chronicles July 2026 by Chrissy Hartmann

Chrissy Hartmann’s newsletter banner on wood background with white and pink daisies with hearts

Prickle Forrest Chronicles

July 2026 Round-Up from Chrissy Hartmann

Howdy Prickles!

Grab your favorite cold drink, pull up a porch chair, and stay awhile. Here’s what’s been happening around Prickle Forrest Chronicles this month!

🐾 Hayden and Punkin’s Trail Report

Can you believe summer is already halfway over? Seems like just yesterday I was watching the spring flowers bloom, and now we’re already talking county fairs, festivals, and fall around the bend. Time sure has a way of galloping by.

This past month has been one wild ride. When I got the telegram—I mean, phone call—from The Seeing Eye saying they had found my new guide dog, I was plum tickled pink! I was headed to New Jersey at the end of June to meet my new partner, but before I could hit the trail, there was a mountain of work to get done.. and a whole lot of cuddling with Punkin to reassure her I would be back in 18 days… and with a new brother for her too. HaHa!

🐾 Meet Hayden!

Well, I survived the bumpy airplane ride, but that’s about where “normal” ended.

My very first solo route at guide dog school froze my back tighter than an old barn door in January. Then Mother Nature decided to show off. During some of the hottest days of the summer—with temperatures climbing well over 100 degrees—the air conditioning quit working.

Not long after that, an 80-mile-per-hour windstorm rolled through Morristown, knocking out power not only across town but at The Seeing Eye campus itself.

The school moved everyone to the Hyatt Hotel on July 3rd while crews worked to restore the AC and power. Let’s just say… it wasn’t exactly the luxury cattle drive I’d imagined. And celebrating America’s 250th birthday in a hotel room with nothing to do didn’t rank high on this cowgirl’s list.

Because training couldn’t continue as planned, our class was shortened. Eventually all of us retrains were sent home a day early since there wasn’t much our instructors could do while we were scattered around the hotel.

Truth be told, I probably spent as much time wandering the hotel trying to find my room, the elevator, a place to park Hayden, or somewhere to grab a bite to eat as I did actually relaxing. If I head back again in another eight or ten years, I’m hoping Mother Nature gives us a little more cooperation!

But despite all the craziness…

I came home with my new partner, Hayden!

And thankfully, the flight home was smooth as butter. Thank the Good Lord for that. Woohoo!

Chrissy and Hayden on the Morristown green with statue of Seeing Eye founder, Morris Frank and Buddy

Little did I know the adventure was only beginning… more next update.

📚 From My Writing Desk…

The writing trail has been just as busy with the bossherd driving their authors to the stockyard A.K.A. the publish button.

Whiskey Kisses

My proof copy finally arrived!

Whiskey Kisses proof copy

This Sunday my formatter, Alexandra, and I will be giving it one final ride-through. If everything looks good, I’m hoping to have it available for preorder before August 17th.

Life Flight Kisses

Next up is Life Flight Kisses.

The manuscript ended up about sixteen pages longer than expected, which means the cover has to be resized before we can publish. Keep your fingers crossed that my cover designer can get ‘er done in time. If all goes well, we’re still aiming for an August 17th release.

Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation

Just before leaving for guide dog school, I finished writing Treasuring Whiskey’s Salvation.

Now that it’s had time to rest, I can finally start editing with fresh eyes… I think!

My goal is to release it this November. now I’m picturing a cowboy, a beach, and one breathtaking sunset. Sounds like the perfect place for a romance to bloom, don’t you think?

The cover is still rolling around in my imagination. Right

🤠 Something New Is Ridin’ Into Town!

I’ve been busy behind the scenes fixing up the ranch, and before long you’ll be able to order autographed books and Prickle Forrest Books merchandise right here on ChrissyHartmann.com—and at prices that’ll be a little kinder to your wallet than buying through the big online retailers.

We’re not quite ready to swing open the barn doors just yet, but we’re getting mighty close!

In the meantime, you can still save a few dollars on my books by visiting each book’s page on my website and clicking the “Sale” link. While those copies won’t be personally autographed, I’d still love to make them a little more special. Just send me a message after you place your order, and I’ll happily mail you a complimentary signed bookplate along with a little personal note. That way, you can add my signature to your book when it arrives.

Chrissy and Hayden at my desk

📅 Events Out on the Trail…

📅 Come See Me on the Trail!

If you’re nearby, I’d sure love for you to stop by and say howdy.

Here’s where you can find me over the next couple months:

July 25 – Coshocton Book Festival

July 25th Coshocton book Festival flyer

August 14 – Willow & Whiskers

August 15 – Tractor Supply Pet Days

August 22 – Marshallville Historical Days & Farmers Market

September 12 – Tractor Supply Fall Fest

A few of these events will be my first outings with Hayden by my side, so come introduce yourself—and maybe him, too! I’d love nothing more than visiting with fellow readers and cowboy romance lovers.Book events

Chrissy and Hayden

🤎 Until Next Time…

From tip to tail, thanks all!

Chrissy Hartmann

• Contemporary Western Romance Author

• Award-Winning Short Story Writer

• Book Reviewer

• Blogger

ChrissyHartmann.com

Prickle Forrest Chronicles by Chrissy

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*******

Don’t miss out on the Whiskey Salvation Series…

Where you’ll find cowboy kisses, messy hearts, and small-town sparkle with lots of hope… So, kick off your boots, grab a Whiskey, and settle in for some romance … and more!

ChrissyHartmann.com

PrickleForrestChronicles.com Copyright©2026 All Rights Reserved

July 23, 2026

Prickle Forrest Chronicles – May 2023 Wow! Almost half way there…

PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

May 2023

Dear Pricklers,

Wow! Half-way point for 2023 is almost here. So, what are you doing for Memorial Day? Here? Probably will go to the Memorial Day parade. Not sure , though. Maybe if the resident Eagle Scout will be marching in it as he’s done in the past. Well actually not maybe, more like definitely. After all who doesn’t love a parade?

The resident Eagle Scout is helping out with the troop, so, hoping he does. If he does, will go and watch for sure. Other than that, would like to grill out on the deck and write. And speaking of writing, here’s a little bit to catch you up…

The Past …

Well, had both books from the Whiskey Salvation Series on Kindle Unlimited for the last 90 days. Both did well. But on the 17th of May, Kindle Unlimited will come to an end for the Whiskey Salvation Series. Going wide!

In fact, Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation has already gone wide. Look below for the links to find it. And definitely feel free to share that information. Will however probably reshelve the books on to Kindle Unlimited when the third book of the series comes out. Thinking about bundling the three up for the holidays, but only if number 3 gets published before or after Turkey Day. Keep the fingers crossed, please. Tried it, butt too hard to type that way, so will need some help and yours is the best. Thanks!

Launched a book tour with Silver Dagger Tours. Maia Gomez is fantastic. In fact, it’s still going strong. Want to follow it? Check it out at her website. There is a giveaway. A $30 Amazon card and 4 aluminum Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation book marks, which they are a personal favorite. Actually could have given 5 away, but needed to keep one, after all it’s the first book in the series.

Catch up to the tour at these blogs:

C.A.Milson
Literary Gold

Also met two really sweet bloggers who are going to do a review of Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation and Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation .

Heather and Kim asked for hard copies. So one of our mottos is “We aim to please” , Therefore,, autographed two and sent them. Added a little flare to them too. Not sure if you can see it in the picture below, but Kim definitely points it out.

And Kim graciously made a TikTok unwrapping video upon receiving the books. Check it out, it’s wonderful!

#chrissyhartmann #silverdaggerbooktours #bookish #readersoftiktok #readersofbooktok #bookloversunite #bookinfluencer #booktok #booklover #KU #kindleunlimited #romance #cowboy

Kim Dabbs on TikTok

tiktok.com

And as for that little survey that made it into the April newsletter… about who might like Cherishing Whiskey Salvation best… You know, who would like it better… the guys vs the gals… looks like from the response it’s neck and neck. Reminds one of the Kentucky Derby. Right? Maybe your favorite author you just happen to be reading about right now. Huh? Hint! Hint!

Speaking of the Derby…did you watch the best 2 minutes in sports this past May 6th?

Never would have thought Mage would win. Did you? In fact, picked Cyclone Mischief to win with Two Phil’s to place, and Confidence Game to show.

Well, at least got 1 out of the 3 correct. Wonder what Angel of Empire won? And best of all, placed third in the hat contest at the Galaxy’s Kentucky Derby party. Woohoo! Woohoo!

Next year going to attend the same party, but will wear a different hat. Send some suggestions to decorate the same style of hat, but different colors, dark brown and black. Love those colors. Actually, the prettiest horses are ones with those colors. Right? If you have any suggestions, thoughts, or ideas send them to me. Love hearing from you. And don’t forget to mention who you picked to win the Derby. Do you think Mage is a Triple Crown contender?

The Present …

Just curious… do you have an alter ego? It’s looking more and more like there’s one here. Or is it a split personality? Haven’t figured that out yet. In the meantime, one of the alters’ is getting things accomplished. And it’s all good. Woohoo!

For one thing… The reader magnet is finished. It’s being edited right now. Hoping to have it out June 1st. Don’t worry, they’ll be a link for those of you who would like to read it. Made it especially for any newcomers. But won’t dare leave any of you out.

In the meantime, working on the presentation on Book Funnel and BookBub. Also, at the moment, the website https://chrissyhartmann.com is getting a makeover. Nothing outrageous, but a few additions added to the merch on the Extras page

https://chrissyhartmann.com/extras

and a few new pics on My Darlings page

https://chrissyhartmann.com/my darlings

Changing up the bio and adding the book cover for book three. SO, if you want a peek at it check it out at https://chrissyhartmann.com

And for those of you who are new, last month, put out a cry for help. Well not really, but it does make it more desperate sounding, right? So, you’ll look, right?

Anyway, need a name for Josiah’s plane. Right now, its name is “Silver”

Admittedly, the plane is silver and black. Yes, the magnet is part of a western romance series, but This Silver is nothing like the Lone Rangers… well sort of. However, the editor doesn’t like the name. Need another name. Have been told it’s a little corny. So, taking suggestions for a new name. If you have something good, please send it in.

Submit it here https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

And just in case you need details, it’s a little 4-seater Cessna 172 plane that is silver and black. And yes, the plane is a big part of this story. If you read both books from the Whiskey Salvation Series, you’ll know why. And, the idea is being tossed around about writing a full-length novel and not just this magnet. IF you have no clue as to what’s being talked about, well, then maybe there’s a few of you who need to read the books, huh?

And if you have, leave a review using the following links. Authors love reviews good or bad. Helps make the writing better. Thanks! Leave a review at

Rescuing Whiskey’s Salvation

https://amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B09KZM7M1C

Cherishing Whiskey’s Salvation

https://amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B0BTBLC6T5

There are two other stories on standby after the third book is finished. But they may stray off the western path. Maybe. But thinking about it now, might not have to. Woohoo!

What do you think of cowboys and Vikings and the fae? And how about a new name for Josiah’s plane?

Please, please, send me your comments and/or thoughts.

https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

The Future …

Excitement is brewing here at the Prickle Forrest. There’s a new little grove forming off the main Forrest. It does have something to do with writing. Everyone will benefit from it. And, no it is not a papermill either. Sheesh!

Readers and Authors will hopefully love it. Only a few things left to get it launched. But don’t worry, the novel writing will continue here. Not giving that up. No way, no how! Promise!

Had planned on attending the Columbus Book Festival July 15th and 16th, but with the new little grove thing happening and the need to get book 3 done, won’t have time to spend 2 days at it. Hopefully next year, though. Do plan to venture down with a group of writer friends to support those who are attending. Crazy, huh?

Plus, putting together a book of short stories. And yes, there will be 1 if not 2 award-winning short stories in the book. Only going to put this out in digital format. More news to come later…

Hey, what’s the rumor about the format of the Kindle books changing? What’s the deal with that? And those books already purchased in Mobi format, will they still work on the Kindle?

Got any answers, shoot them over to https://chrissyhartmann.com/contact

They better continue to work on the kindles! There’s a ton of books on this kindle. Haven’t even made a dent in the library. But currently reading

Peter Gibbons Viking Blood and Blade. Hope to have a book review for it out next month. And that’ folks is a hint on what’s coming from the Prickle Forrest. Stay tuned…

And not to forget Prickle Forrest Chronicles new subscribers… “Welcome and thank you for joining!

Stay prickly, my friends!

Chrissy Hartmann

*******

Don’t miss out on Chrissys debut novel now available on digital and paperback…

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…

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KZM7M1C

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.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTBLC6T5

Prickle Forrest LLC

May 17, 2023

Prickle Forrest Chronicles May 2020 Newsletter
PRICKLE FORREST CHRONICLES

May 2020 (Posted 05/17/2020

By Chrissy Hartmann

Spring’s arrived! Easter’s passed. Normally a celebration of rebirth. But not this year. Sure blooming flowers fill the landscapes, Blue Skye’s hang overhead, but life itself casts a shadow over the splendors of Mother Nature.

Death invades the land. Liberal instability longs for conquest. Concepts of destruction feed our fears.

But always remember, Good trumps evil. The Darkness fades from light. Strength, resilience, and patience create survivors. Learn from it. Keep faith. The good shall win. And once again, the colors of happiness will bloom and this evil will fade into a distant memory. Stay strong. Stay Safe. Never give up. This is a time of rebirth. A time to show the doubters we will endure. Step out of the darkness and do what’s right. Celebrate! Live! Love! Never give up!

And for goodness sake, KEEP WASHING THOSE HANDS!

THE TOP 5
1. Happy Mother’s Day!
2. Unlock America begins. Greatness here we come again!
3. Major League Baseball returns July 1st!
4. Hydroxychloroquine, the destroyer of COVID-19.
5. Faithful Little Cupcake… local bakery. Latest 2 flavors Peach and Elvis Presley… YUMMY!
*

WIP (Work In Progress):

Book 2 for the Whiskey series plods along. Now that edits are finished will have the time to write more. Hoping to get it finished by the end of the year. Love writing this one, so it won’t take forever…especially since will be following an actual outline this time. Woohoo! Woohoo!

QUERYING:

Starting June 1st. Sending the requested changes to EP first. Will give them a week’s advance, then submitting the manuscript to a list of 10 literary agents/publishers. Plan to continue its query until one sticks or book 2 of the series is completed. Already have 5 chapters written out of the 30 proposed. Woohoo!

THE CRAFT

This month’s writing tip…

Check out the following posts for help with cutting out the distance in your writing…

Narrative Distance by Jennifer Ellis

https://www.jenniferellis.ca/narrative-distance/

How to eliminate distance using Deep POV by Lisa Hall-Wilson

How To Eliminate Distance In Deep Point of View

THE HOLIDAYS:

Celebrated Mother’s Day…started the day out with a call from Mom, AKA RedPen. She’s reading over the edits to the novel. So far, she likes the changes. That’s good news. She can be brutal sometimes.

In college, she returned letters corrected. No reply. Just corrected. Yes, corrected. Yikes!

Slept until 2 pm, but did wake for breakfast in bed with mimosas. Yummy! Then spent a couple of hours out in the sunshine watching two of the three kiddos play in the yard. Punkin discovered she could slip under the fence and explore the neighbor’s flower garden. Obviously, she’s not noticed their new puppy, Rudy, an 11-year-old retired greyhound. He’s very gentle. Just hope she realizes this. Actually, not sure if Winnie’s seen him yet either. He’s a very mild guy who appreciates his naptime.

A storm blew in, so the deck emptied for the safety of the house…and Coccia House pizza and anti-pasta salad. Unfortunately no more mimosas.

Received a beautiful handmade card and a bouquet of red-red roses from #1 kiddo and hubby. No baby’s breath in them, thank goodness, because otherwise you’d find Punkin’s picture plastered all over this page with her climbing into the vase attacking them. What is it with kittens and baby’s breath? Sheesh!

Finished the holiday with some social media perusing and the search for new reading material. Will check the LOC BARD first then Kindle. Hopefully something will inspire its selection. Recommendations welcomed for entertaining literature. Please Post title suggestions below in the comment section.

As for Memorial Day…Wondering if Ohio plans to cancel this next? Hmm? I doubt any parades will take place…not with these ridiculous rules of social distancing. Obviously, our governor and his team of health experts need to be educated on the concept of “Herd Immunity.”

MY BOOKSHELF:
1. Unfreedom of the Press by Mark R. Levin
2. The Writer Magazine
3. George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spies Who Saved America by Brian Kilmeade
4. Writing Deep Scenes; Plotting Your Story through Action, Emotion, and Theme by Martha Alderson
SPRINGTIME SEASONAL FAVORITES:

SPORTS TEAM: The Cleveland Indians. MLB starting up July 1st… Woohoo! Go Tribe!

COLOR: Dark Brown, white, and pink.

CHARITY: The Seeing Eye

SONG: Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

FOOD: Homemade Buffalo cauliflower wings. Yummy!

HOT DRINK: French vanilla cappuccino.

FLOWER: Tulips, daisies, and roses…better yet…all of them!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dexcom G6 is a fabulous continuous glucose monitor. No more finger pricks. This is almost like having my pancreas working on its own again. Gives me a lot of freedom. One quick look at my iPhone app to see my blood sugars and I’m good to go.

And if you want to dress your CGM up why not try an overlay patch from Expression Med? Many great designs. Puppy paws, flowers, flags, shamrocks, etc. Check them out with the link below and get $5 off your firsts order. Hopefully you’ll love them too!

PRICKLES OF THE MONTH…
- Coronavirus, COVID, COVID-19 — whatever you call it, it sucks!
- Obama Administration — Liars! Liars! Liars!
- Face masks — Really? You think that’s going to work? How about “herd immunity?”
- Social distancing — 4th of July fireworks cancelled. What? It’s only May!
THEY SAID…

“I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.”

By George Washington

HOMETOWN UPDATE:
- Wooster’s Walmart started their online shopping and curbside pickup. Started May 15th. Already had the app downloaded and the shopping cart is full. Pickup scheduled for Tuesday May 19th at 6 pm. No shopper fees or tipping. No extra charges like Instacart. Hoping to do most grocery shopping via Walmart but plan to use Instacart on rare occasions for deliveries, but if they decide to ever do the pickup service in my town, then will definitely shop with them on a regular basis. Too bad Aldiss and other stores don’t do what Walmart’s doing.
- Wooster City Schools still trying to figure out what they plan to do for our graduating class. Why they can’t have it outside in the stadium with a limited group of spectators is puzzling. Do half the class one day then the other half the next day. Makes one wonder what they plan for next school year if they can’t even figure this out. Hmm?
- Pretty much all social entertainment whether it be music, sports, or any community based activity canceled for the summer. Wayne County Fair still on the calendar so keep the fingers crossed it survives.
INQUISITIVE MINDS WANT TO KNOW….

The Muses wonder…Should masks be required or should it be the individual’s choice?

GOOSING OFF>…

Goosie & Gander

The Geese have celebrated a birthday, played in the rain, jumped around like frogs, and are patiently waiting to honor our Vets for memorial day. They do plan to show off a couple of new outfits they purchased with their share of the stimulus check. And if you’re looking for that fabulous modiste to make your own geese fashionable check out one of their favorite designers, Terri Fredericks. Contact info below. Check her out!

But until the new haute couture arrives, enjoy their current spring collection…

FIND ME…

Twitter: Chrissy Hartmann @USAWriter355

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAWriter355/

WEBSITES:

Expression Med $5 off Coupon for patches

http://expressionmed.refr.cc/christinabenchoff

Dexcom G6 CGM (Continuous glucose monitor)

https://dexcom.com/g6

Goose Outfits by Terri Fredericks

https://www.facebook.com/gooseoutfitsbyterri

The Seeing Eye

http://www.theseeingeye.org/

Instacart

https://inst.cr/t/cTlEVXBRMWN1
May 17, 2020