Somebody Ought to be Crying

 
J.B. Hogan

Part memoir, part mayhem, all heart.

Somebody Ought to Be Crying isn't your typical memoir-it's a rollicking ride through a life that's equal parts outrageous, heartfelt, and utterly unique.

In more than 80 vignettes, award-winning author J.B. Hogan invites you to sit down, grab a drink (you'll need it), and explore a personal history written with humor, heart, and just a touch of chaos. From laugh-out-loud misadventures to poignant moments of self-reflection, this memoir is proof that every life-yours included-is worth recording.

Think of it as the guidebook you never knew you needed for writing your own story. The author has spent years encouraging others to capture their histories because, as he'll tell you, "Someone, someday, will want to know who you were, what you did, and how in the world you managed to pull it all off." This is his version of that advice, turned inward-and upside down.

Serious when it needs to be, irreverent the rest of the time, Somebody Ought to Be Crying, is a celebration of the messy, unpredictable, and glorious business of living. Whether it's Grandma So-and-So, Uncle What's-His-Name, or just plain old you, everyone has a story worth telling.

So grab a chair, settle in, and get ready for a memoir that might just make you laugh, cry, or say, "Wait, what?"

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Publisher: Otterford
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About the Author

J.B. Hogan

J. B. Hogan is a prolific and award-winning author. He has published over 270 stories and poems.

His books, including Living Behind Time, Losing Cotton, The Rubicon, Fallen, Tin Hollow, and many more, are available from Oghma Creative Media and Amazon.com.

Other Books By J.B. Hogan

Trini! Come!

 
W. Michael Farmer

Held captive by the Apache, a young girl discovers the courage to survive... and the strength to choose her own path.

In the rugged borderlands of northern Sonora and southern Arizona, twelve-year-old Trinidad Verdín's life is forever changed when a brutal Apache raid claims her family and leaves her a captive of the legendary Geronimo. Taken by the Naiche-Geronimo band, Trinidad is thrust into a world of survival, resilience, and unexpected bonds.

Under the supervision of Geronimo and his wife, She-gha, Trinidad discovers a new sense of belonging. She forms a surprising friendship with Garditha, a ten-year-old Apache boy, as they teach each other their languages and skills. Together, they navigate the perils of life on the run-from scalp hunters to relentless soldiers-each day a fight to stay alive.

But when a surprise attack by Mexican vaqueros throws Trinidad into chaos, she faces an impossible decision. She can follow Geronimo and remain with the Apache who have become her family or risk everything by running toward the vaqueros who might mistake her for an enemy.

Award-winning author W. Michael Farmer masterfully blends riveting historical detail with unforgettable characters to bring to life the courage, resilience, and humanity of a young girl caught between two competing cultures. Trini! Come! is a powerful tale of survival, identity, and the strength it takes to find one's place in an unforgiving world.

About the Author

W. Michael Farmer

W. Michael Farmer combines ten-plus years of research into nineteenth-century Apache history and culture with Southwest-living experience to fill his stories with a genuine sense of time and place. A retired Ph.D. physicist, his scientific research has included measurement of atmospheric aerosols with laser-based instruments, and he has published a two-volume reference book on atmospheric effects on remote sensing. He has also written short stories for anthologies and award-winning essays. His first novel, Hombrecito's War, won a Western Writers of America Spur Finalist Award for Best First Novel in 2006. His novels telling the story of the Mescalero Apaches  Killer of Witches, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, Book 1 and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 won Will Rogers Medallion Awards and were New Mexico–Arizona Book Awards Finalists in 2016 and 2018. Mariana’s Knight, The Revenge of Henry Fountain won the 2017 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for Historical Fiction and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 was a finalist. Apacheria, True Stories of Apache Culture, 1860-1920 won the 2018 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for History-Other and was recognized as the 2018 New Mexico Book of the Year and as a top twenty book about the southwest by the Pima County Library system. In 2019 Knight’s Odyssey, Knight of the Tiger, and Apacheria won Will Rogers Gold Medallion Awards.

Other Books By W. Michael Farmer

Stand-Alone Books

Series: Chato's Chiricahua Apache Legacy

Series: The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache

Red Sky Storm

 
Anthony Wood

All he wanted was to ride into the sunset. Fate had a different plan.

Lummy Tullos has witnessed the darkness of war and carried its weight on his soul. After years of bloodshed, he longs for peace and a quiet life with his family on the farm in Choctaw County. But the past refuses to release its grip, and the tranquility he craves remains always just out of reach.

As Lummy seeks solitude, hoping to escape the war-torn memories that haunt him, his old friend, Rainy Mills, is pulled into a new battle against a growing threat-the ruthless Tom Kimbrell. Seeking revenge for the death of his friend and fellow outlaw, John West, Kimbrell targets the family Rainy and Lummy have come to share, unleashing a relentless crusade of cruelty and destruction.

With Kimbrell's campaign of vengeance escalating, Rainy is thrust into a fight he never sought. Leading a new generation into the fray, he embarks on a dangerous mission to stop Kimbrell-but with danger at every turn, sacrifices will be made and lives forever changed.

A tale of redemption, family, and unyielding courage, Lummy must confront his inner demons while Rainy battles threats from without, as both men discover that the path to peace is often forged through the most difficult choices.

About the Author

Anthony Wood

Anthony Wood grew up in historic Natchez, Mississippi, fueling a life-long love of history. Not long after high school, he lived and worked in Alaska for several years. He returned to the South and ministered for nearly three decades among the poor, homeless, and incarcerated. Leading an effort that planted five urban churches inspired him to co-author Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor about his work in Memphis, Tennessee. He also authored a number of articles and stories about inner city ministry.

Anthony is a member of Turner’s Battery, a Civil War re-enactment group, the Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas, the Oghma Creative Media board, and serves as secretary for White County Creative Writers’ group. His short stories and poetry have won awards and have been published in Saddlebag Dispatches, The Vault of Terror, and The Avocet: A Journal of Nature Poetry.

When not writing, Anthony enjoys roaming and researching historical sites, camping and kayaking on the Mississippi River, and being with family. Anthony and his wife, Lisa, live in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact Anthony at awoodxulon@yahoo.com or find him on Facebook.

Other Books By Anthony Wood

Spirit Horse

 
Manuela Schneider

When Fear is the Wildest Ride, Only Courage Can Lead You Home.

Cody was once a rodeo legend, but one devastating day in Cheyenne shatters everything-his career, his best friend's trust, and the life he's worked so hard to build. A bitter divorce and the sting of betrayal leaves deeper wounds than his physical injuries ever could. Lost in a haze of whiskey and regret, Cody watches his parents' ranch slip away, taking his hope for the future with it.

But when an old friend offers a lifeline-a job on a remote Montana ranch-Cody takes the chance to rebuild. Just as life starts to mend his broken spirit, danger follows him to this quiet refuge as two relentless killers target the very people who've welcomed him in-adding a new layer of peril to his already fragile path to redemption.

Now, Cody's not just fighting for his own redemption, but for a future he thought he'd never deserve-and the woman who's begun to heal his heart. His only partner in this battle is Lightning, a scarred stallion who shares his struggle to survive. Together, they'll face their deepest fears, trusting each other to save the family they've found and the life they're willing to risk everything for.

Published:
Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

Manuela Schneider

As someone born and raised in Germany, author Manuela Schneider’s love of Native American and Western history might be surprising to some. But her fascination with pioneer life, cowboy heroes, and treacherous outlaws have been her constant companion for as long as she can remember.

Schneider recalls that American TV shows like Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, and Bonanza mesmerized her as a child.

In her adult years, Schneider fueled her deep interest in the American West by traveling to the US and visiting historic sites like Tombstone, Monument Valley, and the towering sandstone cliffs of Kanab, Utah.

Experiencing the wild beauty of the Southwest firsthand made her desire to write stories of love, struggle, and survival in the wild, wild West even stronger.

After leaving a successful career in designing motorcycle fashion for the European market, Schneider penned her first Western novel in 2017. To date, Schneider has written six books that often feature strong female characters who are immersed in a battle against hardship, enigmas, and deception while searching for true love and a better life. Drawing energy from powerful pioneer women of our past, this vibrant author creates captivating sagas that ultimately leave readers wondering, Will the story continue?

Three new books are in the publishing process at present. Another four manuscripts are expected to be completed by Fall 2024. Each published book has won awards at different festivals.

Her debut as a songwriter with “Miner’s Candle” and its accompanying short film has achieved great recognition and multiple awards in Arizona, Texas, California, New Mexico, and Europe. The song is played in seven countries worldwide.

When not researching or penning riveting stories about Western boomtowns and Native American life, Schneider can be found traveling all over the world or studying at writing workshops. Her website is http://www.manuelaschneider.com

Other Books By Manuela Schneider

Beyond Haviland

 
Deborah Oswald
Book Cover: Beyond Haviland
Part of the Haviland series:

In the turbulent aftermath of World War I, Haviland Seminary for Girls hides more secrets than ever-and Jay McKenna is determined to uncover them.

When Jay returns to Haviland in 1919, her hopes for a fresh start are dashed as a fellow student forces her out of her dorm room, relegating her to the eerie attic of Fowler House. Sharing the cramped space with the enigmatic new girl, Olive Moody, Jay is unsettled by Olive's secretive nighttime escapades and cryptic demeanor, sparking both curiosity and suspicion.

As Jay contends with the new dynamics inside Haviland's walls, an unexpected encounter with political activist Ruth Lefkowitz leads her on a new and dangerous path. Tasked with infiltrating a factory in her hometown of Brewster, Jay uncovers a conspiracy stretching from Manhattan's settlement houses to the very heart of her own past. Alongside her steadfast friend Florence, she must brave a network of betrayals, lies, and treacherous allegiances that could endanger her future-and perhaps her life.

Rich in historical intrigue and suspense, Beyond Haviland is a powerful tale of resilience, courage, and the search for truth in a world haunted by secrets.

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Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

Deborah Oswald

Deborah Rafferty Oswald has a love of writing historical fiction. Her love of history began when she and her husband moved from Mahopac, New York to Brewster, New York in 1991. The former owners of their home in Brewster introduced her to Brewster Bicentennial book. She was drawn to the profiles of prominent past citizens of Brewster, two of which inspired characters in The Girls of Haviland. This led to a love of historical research about World War I, early Twentieth Century politics, reform movements, immigration, workers’ rights, and the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Deborah is happy being a history nerd, living in Brewster with her husband, youngest daughter, and two dogs. She enjoys daily walks, reading on the beach, and hanging sheets on the clothesline to dry. Her favorite place to write is outdoors during summer vacations, where she can infuse her writing with the sights and sounds of the cardinals, hummingbirds, squirrels, rabbits, and deer who share their backyard.

Other Books By Deborah Oswald

Twice Upon a Crime

 
Mark S. Waxman

When Hollywood burns you, it’s time for a rewrite.

Fiona Moore is done playing nice with Hollywood. A former screenwriting star now sidelined by ageism and a biting sarcasm problem, she finds herself jobless, friendless, and left with only her dog and an impressive stash of disdain for the industry that’s ditched her. Enter Jack Reynolds, a bright-eyed, thirty-year-old film student with a boundless love for classic cinema—and a very distracting smile that makes Fiona question if a twenty-year age gap is really such a big deal. Despite her attempts to keep him at arm’s length, Jack is determined to help Fiona reclaim her place in the spotlight, and together they embark on a passionate, if snark-filled, quest to write the next great blockbuster.

But when their hard work is stolen by a sleazy Hollywood producer, Fiona and Jack decide to go off-script. Armed with a screenplay about the perfect crime, they set out to pull off the heist of a lifetime—one that’s clever, classy, and just this side of legal. As their partnership heats up on and off the page, they’ll discover that while Hollywood may be all about illusions, their feelings just might be the real deal.

Fast-paced, funny, and full of twists, Twice Upon a Crime is a madcap caper that will leave you cheering for this unlikely duo—because revenge is sweet, but falling in love is even sweeter.

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Publisher: Rogue River
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About the Author

Mark S. Waxman

Mark Waxman is a multiple Emmy Award winning writer/producer. He began his career as a CBS executive developing comedy and drama series, during which time he also wrote scripts for The Young and the Restless. After serving as CBS Vice President of Children’s Programming, Mark became Program Director of public television station KCET, where he also wrote, produced and directed over 400 hours of programming for PBS. He then enjoyed contracts with several Hollywood studios, writing and producing numerous prime time series, movies, specials and reality shows for network and cable television.

He created, wrote and produced the internationally acclaimed kid’s science series, Beakman’s World. From 2007-2022, Mark was the sole NBC writer for America’s most beloved and watched TV special, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His debut novel, The McVentures of Me, Morgan McFactoid, was endorsed by President Obama’s choice for National Teacher of the Year. His comedy novel, The Funny Kid, is the first book targeted to young adults that addresses the issues of childhood obesity. His 2023 novel, The Bones of Ghost Mountain, is a mystery thriller, which explores such lofty questions as: How will you be remembered after you die?

Mark was captain of the UCLA varsity fencing team and collegiate state saber champion.

Mark is blissfully married, has two sensational sons, two delightful daughters-in-law, and three inspiring grandchildren.

The Long Goodnight

 
Tyler Tork

We’re not troublemakers. We’re trouble finders.

Step into a world where shadows hold secrets and cryptids rule the night. Ruby's dream of exhilarating adventures takes a spine-chilling twist when she becomes an apprentice at The Goodnight Agency. But the supernatural underworld she thought she knew proves far more treacherous—and thrilling—than she ever imagined.

Goodnight is a hub for all things enigmatic and bizarre, a haven for creatures straight out of tabloid tales. Yet, as Ruby soon learns, mysteries are not merely stories. When an innocent old woman narrowly escapes murder, Ruby becomes a suspect .

Amidst the chaos, Ruby finds herself entangled with the Skohlars, a clandestine race of intelligent rats, entrusted with secrets potent enough to reshape reality itself. And as if that's not enough, a group of kidnapped Sasquatches unravels a feud among The Scene's own Guardians, leaving the agency in a perilous struggle.

The Long Goodnight is a pulse-pounding adventure where friendships are tested, mythical creatures come to life, and the line between reality and fantasy blurs.

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Publisher: Mad Cat
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About the Author

Tyler Tork

Techie guy by day, crime fighter by night. But when crime is slow, as it often is in his quiet hometown of Plymouth, Minnesota, Tyler puts away the mask, cape, and ocelot, and finds a corner to scribble in. The victim of a dark destiny, he whirls through life with a set of shaky assumptions and a mug of rapidly-cooling java. Bewildered, scattered, querulous (some say curmudgeonly), he nonetheless attempts to entertain and inform. Someday, his alien masters will return for him. Until then, buy his books.

On his blog at tylertork.com, he answers your questions about anything. Answers are not guaranteed to be correct or useful, but hopefully are entertaining.

Other Books By Tyler Tork

Stand-Alone Books

Series: The Goodnight Agency

Little Red Wraith

 
Lindsay Flanagan
Book Cover: Little Red Wraith
Part of the The Miadien Chronicles series:
  • Little Red Wraith

A tyrannical queen. A rising rebellion. A choice that will change everything.

All Anna wants is to grieve her sister in peace. But peace is the last thing she’ll get. After the tragic accident shatters her world, her life takes an even darker turn when her father is imprisoned in the castle and her mother is summoned by the ruthless queen. Terrified of losing what’s left of her family, Anna demands to go with them, despite the dangerous path ahead. As a shapeshifter who can’t transform, she’s already a target under the queen’s brutal laws—and the castle is the last place she wants to be.

Enter Redford, her sister’s former fiancé, with an offer she can’t ignore—join the Rising, a rebel force determined to tear down the queen’s rule. Redford promises refuge, but when a ghost from Anna’s past shows up with a twisted opportunity to serve the queen, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur.

Anna faces an impossible choice—join the Rising as their poison maker or stay at the castle and create a weapon so monstrous, it could change the kingdom forever.

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Publisher: Mad Cat
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About the Author

Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan is an author, editor, photographer, concert junkie, and mom. She writes young adult and middle-grade fantasy, edits for an award-winning editing company and small presses, and assists literary agents at a children’s literary agency. She also writes creative nonfiction and poetry, which can be found at lindsayflanaganselleanda.com. Her preferred subject for photography is the majestic mountains of Utah, where she was born and raised and still makes her home with her husband and two daughters.

Practicing Partners

 
Mary Shotwell
Book Cover: Practicing Partners
Part of the Maiden's Bay series:

Healing hearts takes more than medicine.

Bran Jackson, a gifted trauma surgeon, finds himself at a crossroads after his fast-paced lifestyle in Seattle lands him in hot water. Suspended from the hospital, he retreats to his hometown of Maiden’s Bay, hoping to take over his grandfather’s medical practice and salvage his career. The quiet coastal town seems like the perfect place to start anew—until he meets his competition.

Aubrie Turnbridge, a pediatric oncologist, wants to put the shadows of her past in Dallas behind her. Moving to Maiden’s Bay offers a fresh start and the chance to work at a small-town doctor’s office. She’s ready for the change, but not for the infuriatingly charming doctor she’s up against. Bran’s arrogance grates on her, and his motivations are as questionable as his roguish grin is disarming.

As Bran and Aubrie vie for the coveted position, the clinic becomes a battleground for their ambitions and a surprising catalyst for their hearts. With every patient they treat together, their rivalry softens into mutual respect, and then something more.

Practicing Partners is a heartwarming tale of rivalry, redemption, and romance set against the charming backdrop of Maiden’s Bay. Bran and Aubrie must navigate their own wounds and the healing power of love to find a cure for their lonely hearts.

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Publisher: Radiance
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About the Author

Mary Shotwell

Mary Shotwell is the author of small-town love stories with happily-ever-afters for all seasons. Her debut romance novel Christmas Catch (Carina Press, 2018) was a Golden Leaf Finalist and earned a starred review from Library Journal. She loves incorporating her science and nature background into her fiction. When adulting, she’s a wife to husband Matt and mother to three children. She currently resides in Tennessee.

Other Books By Mary Shotwell

The Name Tree

 
Anthony Wood

He had to lose his daughter to save her. And himself.

Naomi was gone. Her death, sudden and unexpected, shattered those who loved her. No one could understand why. A year into grieving, Naomi's father faces a hard truth-he had a role in her passing. In his heart, he knows Naomi wasn't of this world. She didn't know her true identity, and he failed to guide her.

But it's not too late. He believes there's one way to make amends. To truly help her now, he must do the unimaginable-pass through the thin veil between life and death to where Naomi resides.

On the other side, he'll face his darkest fears, confront his mistakes, and battle the demons that have haunted him. Only by emerging from the depths of his soul can he become the father Naomi needed. Together, they'll embark on a harrowing journey through the unseen-facing impossible challenges and confronting her false identity-all in the hope of freeing her spirit.

This is a war for Naomi's soul, a battle beyond the grave for a future she was meant to have. But will her father have the strength to see it through?

A poignant and powerful story of redemption, love, and the relentless pursuit of hope, this journey begins-and ends-at The Name Tree.

Published:
Publisher: Otterford
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About the Author

Anthony Wood

Anthony Wood grew up in historic Natchez, Mississippi, fueling a life-long love of history. Not long after high school, he lived and worked in Alaska for several years. He returned to the South and ministered for nearly three decades among the poor, homeless, and incarcerated. Leading an effort that planted five urban churches inspired him to co-author Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor about his work in Memphis, Tennessee. He also authored a number of articles and stories about inner city ministry.

Anthony is a member of Turner’s Battery, a Civil War re-enactment group, the Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas, the Oghma Creative Media board, and serves as secretary for White County Creative Writers’ group. His short stories and poetry have won awards and have been published in Saddlebag Dispatches, The Vault of Terror, and The Avocet: A Journal of Nature Poetry.

When not writing, Anthony enjoys roaming and researching historical sites, camping and kayaking on the Mississippi River, and being with family. Anthony and his wife, Lisa, live in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact Anthony at awoodxulon@yahoo.com or find him on Facebook.

Other Books By Anthony Wood

The Bogus Bondsman

 
Paul Colt

Only the Strong Survive.

When a faceless New York investor orchestrates a hostile railroad takeover, he unleashes a tidal wave of chaos across the West. His weapon of choice? Over a million dollars in counterfeit bearer bonds, crafted by a ruthless crime syndicate and peddled by a mysterious beauty with a knack for beguiling bankers. As the Texas & Pacific Railroad teeters on the brink, they enlist the notorious Allan Pinkerton to unmask the culprits. But the banks, bleeding from the fraudulent scheme, call on the Great Western Detective League to track down their stolen fortunes.

Colonel David J. Crook taps his top men-Briscoe Cane and Beau Longstreet-to lead the charge. Alongside Pinkerton's sharp-eyed Reginald Kingsley and the dangerously seductive Samantha Maples, they race across the untamed West, from bustling railways to desolate deserts, in a high-stakes pursuit. As Kingsley and Cane match wits with a phantom bondsman, Maples and Longstreet find themselves in a rivalry both fierce and flirtatious, all while staying focused on their quarry.

But the syndicate won't go down without a fight. Ambushes, assassination attempts, and ruthless betrayals follow the detectives' every move, leading to a heart-pounding showdown from Yuma, Arizona, to the dusty streets of El Paso.

Prepare for a relentless ride with the Great Western Detective League as they navigate treacherous territory, outsmart cunning criminals, and face down ruthless outlaws. The chase barrels toward a thrilling conclusion, where honor, grit, and gunslinging skills are all that stand between justice and chaos in the unforgiving West.

About the Author

Paul Colt

Paul Colt’s critically acclaimed historical fiction crackles with authenticity. His analytical insight, investigative research and genuine horse sense bring history to life. His characters walk off the pages of history in a style that blends Jeff Shaara’s historical dramatizations with Robert B. Parker’s gritty dialogue. Paul Colt History entertains and informs. Paul’s Grasshoppers in Summer, and Friends Call Me Bat are Western Writers of America Spur Award honorees. Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory received the Marilyn Brown Novel Award, presented by Utah Valley University.

“Pick-up a Paul Colt book, you can’t put it down.”

Other Books By Paul Colt

The Pride of Texas

 
Dusty Richards
Book Cover: The Pride of Texas
Part of the The Pride of Texas series:
  • The Pride of Texas

Two brothers, one dream—and the fight to become Texas legends.

With the gritty authenticity of a true cowboy, bestselling author Dusty Richards weaves a moving coming-of-age story set against the rugged landscapes of Civil War-era South Texas.

Twin brothers Andrew and Jackson Franks have spent their lives under the harsh rule of their father, Pryor. When a violent outburst shatters their family, leaving their mother dead and Pryor gone, the brothers are left to fend for themselves on their hardscrabble ranch. Andrew is the planner, while Jackson is the stubborn workhorse, and both dream of escaping the dust to become real Texas cattlemen. But dreams alone won’t be enough.

The law demands they have a guardian, and fate brings them a surprise in the form of Sophie Grenada, a widowed cousin from Arkansas. Tough, smart, and fiercely independent, Sophie arrives with a determination that matches the boys' own. As they navigate Indian raids, range wars, and the brutal work of building a ranch, the three form an unbreakable bondAs they navigate Comanche raids, range wars, and the brutal work of building a ranch, the three form an unbreakable bond—two boys thrust into a man’s world before their time, and a woman who loves and cares for them as her own.

With Sophie’s guidance, Andrew and Jackson may just carve out the legacy they’ve always hoped for and become the real Pride of Texas.

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Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

Dusty Richards

IF THERE WAS A SATURDAY MATINEE, Dusty was there with Hoppy, Roy and Gene. He went to roundup at seven-years-old, sat on a real horse and watched them brand calves on the Peterson Ranch in Othello, Washington. When his family moved to Arizona from the Midwest, at age 13, he knew he’d gone to heaven. A horse of his own, ranches to work on, rodeos to ride in, Dusty’s mother worried all his growing up years he’d turn out to be some “old cowboy bum.”

He read every western book on the library shelves. He sat on the stoop of Zane Grey’s cabin on Mrs. Winter’s ranch and looked out over the “muggie-own” rim and promised the writer’s ghost his book would join Grey’s some day on the book rack.

Since English teachers never read westerns, he made up book reports like “Guns on the Brazos” by J.P. Jones. The story of a Texas Ranger who saves the town and the girl. Then he sold them for a dollar to other boys too lazy to read when teenagers were lucky to earn fifty cents an hour. In fact, book reports kept him and his buddy in gas money to go back and forth to high school.

After graduating from Arizona State University in 1960, he came to northwest Arkansas, ranched, auctioneered, announced rodeo, worked 32 years for Tyson Food in management, anchored TV news and struggled to get a book of his own sold. The three earlier books on the list were published without his knowledge and only discovered in 2011 as even existing.

In 1992, his first novel, Noble’s Way was published. In 2003, his novel The Natural won the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation Fiction Book of the Year Award. In 2004, The Abilene Trail won the same award. Dusty invests a lot of his time helping others who want to learn how to write by speaking at seminars and conferences all over the United States. There is no difference in writing any kind of fiction. In Dusty’s words, “You simply change the sets, costumes and dialect.”

Dusty’s website: dustyrichards.com
Interview on Youtube: http://youtu.be/n1p4-B6fvjE?hd=1

Other Books By Dusty Richards

The Last Warrior

 

The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache

W. Michael Farmer

In a land ravaged by war and vengeance, Yellow Boy, the last warrior of the Mescalaro stands tall, fighting for the soul of his people.

As the nineteenth century gives way to the twentieth, the borderlands of New Mexico, Arizona, Chihuahua, and Sonora are aflame with conflict and chaos. A simmering range war between powerful cattle barons and struggling ranchers in the Tularosa Basin country erupts into violence, culminating in the brutal murder and mysterious disappearance of the esteemed Albert Fountain and his young son, Henry. As revolution ignites in Mexico and trench warfare rages across Europe, the last remnants of the Apache continue to roam wild and free in the Sierra Madre, defying the forces that seek to crush them.

Amidst this turmoil, the Mescalero Apache warrior, Yellow Boy, emerges as a beacon of resistance. Armed with his rifle and unyielding spirit, Yellow Boy fights to preserve his people's way of life. He confronts an autocratic Indian agent determined to erase Mescalero culture, battles a malevolent witch bent on blood-soaked vengeance, and metes out justice to those who dare commit heinous crimes against the innocent.

The Last Warrior, final installment of The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, is a story of a people fighting for their survival against relentless oppression. Weaving together truth and fiction, W. Michael Farmer paints a devastating picture of a time when cultures clashed and the old ways of the Apache teetered on the brink of extinction. Join Yellow Boy, the last warrior of the Mescalero, as he stands tall against the tides of history, ensuring that his people's legacy endures.

Published:
Publisher: Hat Creek
Genres:
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About the Author

W. Michael Farmer

W. Michael Farmer combines ten-plus years of research into nineteenth-century Apache history and culture with Southwest-living experience to fill his stories with a genuine sense of time and place. A retired Ph.D. physicist, his scientific research has included measurement of atmospheric aerosols with laser-based instruments, and he has published a two-volume reference book on atmospheric effects on remote sensing. He has also written short stories for anthologies and award-winning essays. His first novel, Hombrecito's War, won a Western Writers of America Spur Finalist Award for Best First Novel in 2006. His novels telling the story of the Mescalero Apaches  Killer of Witches, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, Book 1 and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 won Will Rogers Medallion Awards and were New Mexico–Arizona Book Awards Finalists in 2016 and 2018. Mariana’s Knight, The Revenge of Henry Fountain won the 2017 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for Historical Fiction and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 was a finalist. Apacheria, True Stories of Apache Culture, 1860-1920 won the 2018 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for History-Other and was recognized as the 2018 New Mexico Book of the Year and as a top twenty book about the southwest by the Pima County Library system. In 2019 Knight’s Odyssey, Knight of the Tiger, and Apacheria won Will Rogers Gold Medallion Awards.

Other Books By W. Michael Farmer

Stand-Alone Books

Series: Chato's Chiricahua Apache Legacy

Series: The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache

Enduring Promise

 
Susanna Lane
Book Cover: Enduring Promise
Part of the The Promises series:

Can Love Survive the Trials of Fidelity?

After a failed romance in Texas, Bryce Enders has carved out a new life in the harsh wastes of Montana's gold fields. But when a newspaper headline reveals the wild escapades of his younger brother, Bryce's path takes an unexpected turn. He heads for Ogallala, Nebraska, where he's shocked to find Cort not only married, but thriving as the owner of a sprawling cattle ranch.

While their reunion is far from smooth, the brothers quickly rediscover their old affection for one another and Cort offers Bryce a job on the ranch. As he settles into his new life, though, Bryce becomes entangled in a new set of troubles-this time of the heart. His growing affection for Hannah May, a neighbor struggling to keep her ranch afloat, soon becomes impossible to ignore. But there's a catch. She's already married to a brute who abandoned her for the lure of gold. Torn between his sense of honor and his undeniable feelings for Hannah, Bryce faces a dilemma as old as time.

Hannah, too, is trapped between her steadfast Christian values and the harsh reality of her situation. Despite her husband's cruelty, her sacred vows keep her tethered to a man who may well be dead. Yet, Bryce's determination to free her only deepens the conflict, as a dark secret from his past emerges to haunt him.

Knowing their futures depend on resolving this standoff, Bryce and Cort embark on a perilous journey back to the gold fields. What they find will test their brotherhood, challenge their resolve, and ignite a conflict with Hannah's husband neither could foresee.

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Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

Susanna Lane

After a rewarding career as a teacher of science, a visit to the Rocky Mountains led a spellbound Susanna Lane to resurrect stories from history and write about the settlement of the West. As part of absorbing details for the locales of her stories, she learned to ride horses, fit into cattle drives, and hike to remote regions of the Rockies.

Married for forty-three years to an avid gardener and traveler who shares her interest in historical locations, Susanna loves to visit new places, read, and spend time with family and friends. In addition to her spouse, she has two grown sons and their charming wives. Best of all, she has four darling grandchildren who fill her life with delight.

Susanna's debut novel, Imperfect Promise, took home both a Western Writers of America Spur Award and a Will Rogers Medallion Award.

Other Books By Susanna Lane

The Coat Check Girl

 
Laura Buchwald

Sometimes, it's in confronting the shadows that we find the brightest light.

Embark on a touching journey with Josie Gray as she navigates the turbulent waters of loss, love, and the supernatural. After bidding farewell to her cherished grandmother, Josie finds herself adrift in a sea of grief, compounded by the complexities of an ambiguous romantic entanglement and the return of her unsettling "gift"-the ability to sense and communicate with spirits. A presence haunts the restaurant where she works, dredging up long-buried memories from her childhood.

But amidst the shadows, a luminous figure emerges-the restaurant's new coat check girl. Mia is a beacon of understanding and solidarity, offering solace in shared experiences and a determination to unravel the mystery shrouding the restless spirit. Bolstered by a vibrant ensemble of characters, from restaurant comrades to familiar faces in the neighborhood, Mia keeps Josie afloat during one of the most difficult seasons of her life, helping her to embrace her unique talents and confront the ghostly enigma looming over them.

Set against the backdrop of the bustling restaurant scenes of New York City and New Orleans, The Coat Check Girl is a compelling tale weaving together threads of sorrow, redemption, and the enduring power of connection. Join Josie as she discovers that sometimes, it's in confronting the shadows that we find the brightest light.

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Publisher: Radiance
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About the Author

Laura Buchwald

Laura Buchwald is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Manhattan and considers New Orleans her second home. She’s written for Gotham Magazine, LA Confidential, the websites of Penguin Random House and Simon and Schuster, The New York Daily News, and The New York Post’s Page Six, where she frequently covered the restaurant world and the antics of celebrity chefs. She is co-host of the podcast People Who Do Things, a series of conversations with writers and creators about the creative process.

The Coat Check Girl won a First Chapter contest sponsored by the Bronx Council on the Arts.

Photo by: Shirin Tinati

Pride and Persistence

 
Joe Chianakas
Book Cover: Pride and Persistence
Part of the Unveiling Aiden series:

What are we fighting for if not each other?

After a roller coaster of ups and downs last year, Aiden Rothe starts sophomore year on a high. After all, he's dating the boy of his dreams. What else matters? But Aiden's hopes for a drama-free school year are thrown aside when a new student captures everyone's attention: Michelle, an incredibly athletic, transgender black belt.

Fearing a repeat of last year's bullying, Aiden's karate club reaches out to Michelle, hoping to recruit her. To their surprise, she already has a team. Michelle is training with local police Captain Decker at his MMA studio, the epicenter of LGBTQ+ hatred in and around Washington High. Soon after, Decker and his notorious partner, Washington High Wrestling Coach Krake, announce a new tournament with a $25k college scholarship as the grand prize. For some, like Mateo, it's a crucial opportunity-he lost his scholarship chances when he came out and quit the wrestling team the year before.

Can the true meaning of martial arts heal the divisions in this town, or will fighting only make things worse? A rousing story of love versus hate, where hidden truths and life-altering decisions lay behind every corner, Pride and Persistence celebrates the indomitable spirit within us all-the fighter that refuses to stay down, no matter how many times one falls.

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Publisher: Mad Cat
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About the Author

Joe Chianakas

Joe Chianakas has been an educator for 21 years, the first half as a high school English teacher, the last half as a professor of communication at Illinois Central College. He's published several novels, including his horror series Rabbit in Red, and is working on a new adult horror series, Darkness Calls, with Oghma Creative Media. Under his pen name, NC Nest, he's published a series of LGBTQ YA contemporary books, including Looking for Derek. His next YA LGBTQ series is titled Singlets and Secrets, which will be published by Young Dragons Press.

When he's not teaching or writing, he enjoys spending time with his mini Australian Shepherd, Bailey. Joe loves the outdoors, fitness, reading (of course!), martial arts, travel, and binge-watching TV. He lives in Peoria, IL, with his husband, Brian.

Other Books By Joe Chianakas

Lost Station Circé

 
Thomas Wrightson
Book Cover: Lost Station Circé
Part of the The Cluster Cycle series:

A Voyage For Fortune Leads Them to the Heart of Fear.

In the desolate reaches of the Cluster, aboard the weary cargo ship Benbow, a disparate crew drifts through an meager existence. Among them are the brooding Captain Solet, the smirking Syndac, amiable Sudu, ambitious Alkmeney, enigmatic Livesey, and Lenore and Faarax, a Feles and her human ward sworn to kill each other.

Their monotonous routine is shattered when fate delivers to them a mysterious datacube containing the coordinates to a hidden fortune. Igniting a covert mission to investigate, the crew embarks on a perilous journey to the very edge of the galaxy, where an ancient space habitat holds the promise of unimaginable wealth.

However, as they venture beyond the boundaries of known space, they encounter not only the treachery of rival factions but also startling revelations about their own pasts. Facing both their deepest fears and darkest desires, the crew of the Benbow must come together to unravel the mystery of the ancient space habitat before it consumes them all.

Following in the tradition of sci-fi luminaries like Arthur C. Clarke and Philip K. Dick, Thomas Wrightson walks the fine line between space opera and horror with authority. Strap in tight, Lost Station Circé is a thrill-a-minute voyage into the depths of space and terror the likes of which you won't soon forget.

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Publisher: Dragonbrae
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About the Author

Thomas Wrightson

Born in 1994, Thomas Wrightson has spent much of his life creating narratives and characters. Home schooled, he currently lives on the island Ynys Mon in Wales, surrounded by beautiful scenery and unpredictable weather.

Other Books By Thomas Wrightson

Series: The Cluster Cycle

The Phoenix Effect Part 2

 

Regeneration

Margaret M. MacDonald
Book Cover: The Phoenix Effect Part 2
Part of the The Phoenix Effect series:

Rise Up From the Ashes

Lia is no longer the frail mortal she once was. Her newfound strength, however, came at a devastating price-Arin's life... or so she believes. Still grappling with Roland's treachery, Lia discovers she is pregnant, destined to bear the first of a new generation endowed with superhuman healing abilities.

Meanwhile, Roland leads his armies on a relentless campaign across the Borderlands, defeating all before him and igniting fears within the Unity of a rising Resistance. Returning after months on the march to the blessing of Lia's pregnancy, he attempts to make peace with his wife, spurring a tentative reconciliation between them. Hidden in the shadows, though, a mysterious prisoner grows stronger. Arin's miraculous survival from a gunshot to the brain is a riddle only Harris can unravel, as the rest of the world believes Arin to be dead. Harris attempts to manipulate his hostage by revealing Lia's supposed loyalty to Roland. Bereft of hope for the woman he loves, Arin's only answer is a daring escape into the wilderness of the Unclaimed Territories.

When an enemy from Roland's past strikes at the very heart of Cambria, the world teeters on the brink of war. Caught in this storm of conflict, Lia and Arin's paths are destined to cross again.

Will they meet as allies or enemies?

About the Author

Margaret M. MacDonald

Writer and Filmmaker Margaret M. MacDonald is passionate about telling stories which transport people into other worlds and make this one a little more extraordinary. Her visual writing style, shaped by her background as a designer, conveys a tangible sense of place, inviting readers into the story world. Born and raised in the United States and currently living in Australia, Margaret likes to bring a mix of both cultures into her work. She has written a library of screenplays and novels in a mix of genres, has directed several short films, and has been lucky enough to win a few awards along the way. She enjoys embracing a creative challenge and wants, more than anything else, to tell a story audiences will love.

Other Books By Margaret M. MacDonald

Proud Outcast

 

Days of War, Days of Peace

W. Michael Farmer

Defying betrayal and hardship, Chato fights to save his family and his people's rightful place in the West.

As the Apache Wars roar toward their conclusion in the summer of 1886, renowned Apache army scout and leader Chato joins a delegation of scouts to Washington, D.C., to meet President Grover Cleveland. Their mission? To plead their case for the Chiricahua scouts to remain at Fort Apache and cultivate their lands in peace.

For his unwavering loyalty and service, Chato is awarded a silver medal from Cleveland, along with the implied promise that the scouts can stay where they are. However, after Geronimo's surrender, Chato and his fellow scouts are instead transported to the harsh confines of Fort Marion, Florida, as prisoners of war. They, and the Chiricahua people as a whole, will be deprived of their freedom and their way of life for the next three decades.

Finally freed in the wake of Geronimo's death, the tribe returns to New Mexico to start over. But Geronimo's longstanding assertion that Chato is a liar and traitor casts a long shadow. Shunned by the very people he has spent his life fighting for, Chato nevertheless remains defiant, his resilient spirit never wavering despite the heavy toll of his life's trials.

Will Rogers Medallion-winning author W. Michael Farmer masterfully concludes Chato's epic tale, illuminating the resilience of a leader determined to preserve his people's heritage against overwhelming odds. Proud Outcast is a tale of honor, survival, and the relentless pursuit of a place to call home.

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Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

W. Michael Farmer

W. Michael Farmer combines ten-plus years of research into nineteenth-century Apache history and culture with Southwest-living experience to fill his stories with a genuine sense of time and place. A retired Ph.D. physicist, his scientific research has included measurement of atmospheric aerosols with laser-based instruments, and he has published a two-volume reference book on atmospheric effects on remote sensing. He has also written short stories for anthologies and award-winning essays. His first novel, Hombrecito's War, won a Western Writers of America Spur Finalist Award for Best First Novel in 2006. His novels telling the story of the Mescalero Apaches  Killer of Witches, The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache, Book 1 and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 won Will Rogers Medallion Awards and were New Mexico–Arizona Book Awards Finalists in 2016 and 2018. Mariana’s Knight, The Revenge of Henry Fountain won the 2017 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for Historical Fiction and Blood of the Devil, Book 2 was a finalist. Apacheria, True Stories of Apache Culture, 1860-1920 won the 2018 New Mexico–Arizona Book Award for History-Other and was recognized as the 2018 New Mexico Book of the Year and as a top twenty book about the southwest by the Pima County Library system. In 2019 Knight’s Odyssey, Knight of the Tiger, and Apacheria won Will Rogers Gold Medallion Awards.

Other Books By W. Michael Farmer

Stand-Alone Books

Series: Chato's Chiricahua Apache Legacy

Series: The Life and Times of Yellow Boy, Mescalero Apache

Detail Man

 
Kent McInnis

There's a Pill For That.

Join Stu Roy in a hilarious and eye-opening thirty-year expedition through the ever-evolving world of pharmaceutical sales at Plushaut Uclaf. From his first week, where he meets the wildly unpredictable Dr. Addicus, to navigating the eccentricities of colleagues like the relentless Bill Dooley, Stu quickly learns that the medical world is teeming with characters just as flawed and fascinating as any.

Stu's journey is a rollercoaster of laughter, lessons, and medical marvels. With a steadfast promise to quit when the job stops being fun, he tackles a whirlwind of professional challenges. From dealing with hard-partying salesmen and cutthroat competition to the increasing presence of women in the industry causing hilarious and awkward moments, Stu's path is anything but dull.

Supported by his ever-patient wife, Ana, Stu faces formidable doctors like the gruff Dr. Steuben and navigates the pressures from his formidable boss, Ben Hodge. The landscape shifts as the FDA becomes more stringent and the public's whims add a layer of unpredictability to marketing groundbreaking drugs. Amidst all these changes, two doctors challenge Stu's perspective, leading to moments of profound reflection.

As the pharmaceutical industry undergoes seismic shifts, Stu's journey offers a unique blend of humor, history, and heartfelt moments. Did he keep his vow and find joy in his career until the end? Dive into this witty and historical saga to find out, and prepare to judge for yourself the wisdom of his thirty-year adventure in the pharmaceutical world.

Published:
Publisher: Hat Creek
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About the Author

Kent McInnis

Kent McInnis enlisted in the Air Force in 1969, while awaiting acceptance to pilot training. He earned his wings in 1971 at Laredo AFB, Texas, with a class proudly named the Rio River Rats, an homage to the “real” River Rats who risked their lives flying missions over North Vietnam. His first assignment was to return to Laredo AFB as an instructor pilot in T-37 jet trainers. His job was to introduce student pilots to their first jet aircraft and to solo them. After learning the difficult task of instrument flying, students could experience the more enjoyable parts of flying—aerobatics and formation. Because over half of the instructor pilots were returning Vietnam combat veterans, Kent collected their stories as well as his own in film, photos, and journals. This is the source for accurate and entertaining works of historical fiction Kent McInnis brings to his readers.

Other Books By Kent McInnis

Stand-Alone Books

Series: Sierra Hotel

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Somebody Ought to be Crying

Part memoir, part mayhem, all heart.

Somebody Ought to Be Crying isn’t your typical memoir-it’s a rollicking ride through a life that’s equal parts outrageous, heartfelt, and utterly unique.

In more than 80 vignettes, award-winning author J.B. Hogan invites you to sit down, grab a drink (you’ll need it), and explore a personal history written with humor, heart, and just a touch of chaos. From laugh-out-loud misadventures to poignant moments of self-reflection, this memoir is proof that every life-yours included-is worth recording.

Think of it as the guidebook you never knew you needed for writing your own story. The author has spent years encouraging others to capture their histories because, as he’ll tell you, “Someone, someday, will want to know who you were, what you did, and how in the world you managed to pull it all off.” This is his version of that advice, turned inward-and upside down.

Serious when it needs to be, irreverent the rest of the time, Somebody Ought to Be Crying, is a celebration of the messy, unpredictable, and glorious business of living. Whether it’s Grandma So-and-So, Uncle What’s-His-Name, or just plain old you, everyone has a story worth telling.

So grab a chair, settle in, and get ready for a memoir that might just make you laugh, cry, or say, “Wait, what?”

 

Trini! Come!

Held captive by the Apache, a young girl discovers the courage to survive… and the strength to choose her own path.

In the rugged borderlands of northern Sonora and southern Arizona, twelve-year-old Trinidad Verdín’s life is forever changed when a brutal Apache raid claims her family and leaves her a captive of the legendary Geronimo. Taken by the Naiche-Geronimo band, Trinidad is thrust into a world of survival, resilience, and unexpected bonds.

Under the supervision of Geronimo and his wife, She-gha, Trinidad discovers a new sense of belonging. She forms a surprising friendship with Garditha, a ten-year-old Apache boy, as they teach each other their languages and skills. Together, they navigate the perils of life on the run-from scalp hunters to relentless soldiers-each day a fight to stay alive.

But when a surprise attack by Mexican vaqueros throws Trinidad into chaos, she faces an impossible decision. She can follow Geronimo and remain with the Apache who have become her family or risk everything by running toward the vaqueros who might mistake her for an enemy.

Award-winning author W. Michael Farmer masterfully blends riveting historical detail with unforgettable characters to bring to life the courage, resilience, and humanity of a young girl caught between two competing cultures. Trini! Come! is a powerful tale of survival, identity, and the strength it takes to find one’s place in an unforgiving world.

 

Red Sky Storm

All he wanted was to ride into the sunset. Fate had a different plan.

Lummy Tullos has witnessed the darkness of war and carried its weight on his soul. After years of bloodshed, he longs for peace and a quiet life with his family on the farm in Choctaw County. But the past refuses to release its grip, and the tranquility he craves remains always just out of reach.

As Lummy seeks solitude, hoping to escape the war-torn memories that haunt him, his old friend, Rainy Mills, is pulled into a new battle against a growing threat-the ruthless Tom Kimbrell. Seeking revenge for the death of his friend and fellow outlaw, John West, Kimbrell targets the family Rainy and Lummy have come to share, unleashing a relentless crusade of cruelty and destruction.

With Kimbrell’s campaign of vengeance escalating, Rainy is thrust into a fight he never sought. Leading a new generation into the fray, he embarks on a dangerous mission to stop Kimbrell-but with danger at every turn, sacrifices will be made and lives forever changed.

A tale of redemption, family, and unyielding courage, Lummy must confront his inner demons while Rainy battles threats from without, as both men discover that the path to peace is often forged through the most difficult choices.