Bearded silver fox in a red suit by Rhonda Lee Carver

 

FACTS about Santa:

~Santa Claus is based on Bishop St. Nicholas from Turkey.

~The legend was shaped around "Sinterklaas" and popularized by the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

~Modern Santa has nine reindeer. 

~The jolly version emerged around the 1800s. He is about 1,700 years old.

~Nicknames are: St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas.

~There is such a thing as having a Santa fetish, "Daddy Christmas". Being attracted to Santa for his benevolent nature, his red suit, the admiration of his gift-giving skills, and his powerful symbolism.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Because Santa has a long list of admirers,  how about a cowboy?

Buy here!

She has him feeling completely vulnerable...and buttons undone.

In a shocking turn of events, members of the Texas Heat Rangers Reconnaissance Team fall victim to an ambush, their lives hanging by a thread. They receive strict orders not to retaliate, but when the stakes are this high, rules begin to lose their meaning, especially when a hidden enemy seeks to eliminate the undercover team.

As they recover from their near-fatal injuries, hope flickers in unexpected places. Sharp Creed makes his way back to the small, close-knit community of Fin’s Creek, eager to heal and contemplate his next steps in vengeance or peace. His resolve is soon tested by an intriguing neighbor—a beautiful, fiercely independent single mother who has taken up residence in the neighboring house.

Despite his best efforts to distance himself from her complicated life, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her fiery spirit and unwavering determination. And her son? He’s a bright light in a storm.

CaDee Lang finds herself fleeing from a shadowy past that looms over her like a dark cloud. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, she stumbles upon a home, a new life, and a welcoming future. But will her past stay where it belongs so she can be happy?

From One Ranch to the Next

by Katina J Rose

The Ridge Ranch series was a labor of love in every sense of the word. It dug in and stayed with me over the last several years, becoming more than just a setting on the page. 

Those characters lived with me for a long time. I started writing Wyatt’s story back in 2020, and from there the Ridge boys grew up chapter by chapter. They fought hard for their happy endings and reminded me why I fell in love with writing small-town, cowboy romance in the first place. It was also the beginning of my author journey, and I’ve grown in ways I never expected along the way. Letting that ranch go was not easy, but it did something I did not expect.

It made room for what came next.

As it became clear the Ridge Ranch stories were coming to a close, another story began whispering in the background. Well, sometimes screaming but that’s besides the point.

This new series has been tugging at me for a while now. Three brothers. One farm and ranch that has been in the family for generations. Shared land, shared history, and shared wounds they would rather leave buried. Each of them carries his own version of responsibility, loyalty, and regret.

And yes, there has to be a playboy. 

Every ranch has one. The brother who smiles easily, flirts harder, and pretends he has no interest in settling down. The one everyone assumes will be the last to fall, which usually means he falls the hardest. This one might make Cooper blush.

Add a little rodeo dust to the mix. Long nights under arena lights. The danger and adrenaline that come with eight seconds on a bull. Rodeo life has a way of testing a man’s limits, especially when someone in the stands matters more than winning.

At its heart, this series is still about what I love most. Family bonds that run deep. Men who work with their hands and love with their whole hearts. Women who challenge them, ground them, and refuse to be sidelined. And romance that burns slow before it blazes.

It will feel familiar, but different. A new ranch. New brothers. New love stories waiting to unfold.

While this ranch is quietly taking shape, it is not the only place calling my name.

I also have a cozy bed-and-breakfast series waiting in the wings. A place built on second chances, unexpected connections, and the kind of small-town magic that happens when people stay just a little longer than planned. There will also be a crossover. A step off the ranch and into the big city, where familiar faces find themselves navigating a very different kind of life.

But underneath every idea and every detour, there is another ranch. One that has been patiently waiting. One that is just begging to come alive.

When it does, you will know.

Because these cowboys are already making themselves at home.

So join me in 2026 as I build a new ranch series from the ground up. 

A Marshal, a Bank Robbery, and an Engraved Winchester ~ D. K. Deters

Before signing off for the year, I wanted to provide an update on an article I wrote back in August about one of the Old West’s most complicated figures: Henry Newton Brown. If you missed it, Brown was an outlaw who became a peacekeeper, only to return to his outlaw life again.

Excerpt from Cowboy Kisses: Outlaw Henry Newton Brown

“…by 1882, Brown had made his way to Kansas, and Caldwell officials welcomed him as an assistant city marshal. He was later promoted to marshal. The gunfighter quickly cleaned up the bustling border town. Afterward, the grateful citizens raised his pay to $125 per month and awarded him with an engraved Winchester for restoring law and order.  The inscription read: 'Presented to City Marshal H. N. Brown For valuable services rendered in behalf of the Citizens of Caldwell Kas A. N. Colson Mayor Dec 1882.'

On April 30th, 1884, the marshal, in debt and living beyond his means, returned to his outlaw roots. Joined by his deputy and two outlaw friends, they robbed a bank in Medicine Lodge using the rifle the citizens of Caldwell had given to him. Two people were killed, and his gang was captured. Brown was shot the same day, trying to escape. His gang members were lynched.”

After publishing this article, I couldn’t help but dig a little deeper into the fate of the infamous Winchester—one that symbolized Brown’s rise and his ruin. Today, the 2nd Model 1873 Winchester rests in the Kansas Museum of History (part of the Kansas State Historical Society, KSHS) in Topeka, Kansas. My thanks to Boone Dodson, Museum Curator, for helping me follow the trail and for providing the museum photographs you’ll see below.

The Kansas Museum of History, reopened in November after a three-year renovation, is absolutely worth the stop. If your travels take you through Topeka, put it on your must-see list.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

She's dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison's company purchased his grandmother's beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return.

Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she's stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time?

Zach's the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran's painting. It's up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he's not cut out to be a hero.

Christmas Once Again is available at these eBook stores:

books2read.com/ebook-Christmas-Once-Again

                                                   

Ambushed, Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine's a dead man until a Kansas spinster raises her shotgun in his defense. Despite the rogue lawman's obsession to bring in his brother's killer, duty demands he escort her to the next town.

Kat Collins is a thief, though an honorable one. She's on the run from controlling kin and aims to escape her past. Traveling with Jake offers the perfect cover—until her uncle finds them sharing a campfire and imposes his own kind of justice—a wedding.

Marriage will cost Jake his freedom, but refusing may cost him his life. Kat figures he's bound to recognize her on a wanted poster. Would sharing passionate nights in his arms be worth the peril?

The Texan's Favor is available at these eBook stores:

books2read.com/The-Texans-Favor

So Long For Now

 

Writers Never Die -- Or Retire?

I'm at a crossroads. I'm sort of retired, but not really because writers never actually retire. Not as long as their brain functions. I've made my living writing my whole adult life, so it's something ingrained in me. However, I'm slowing down and the driving urge to create every day no longer thrives in me.

 I've hit dry spells before and found myself unsure of what to write. I remember that what I wanted to write and what the editors at the publishers I'd been working for wanted were two very different things. So, I stopped writing novels and concentrated on writing non-fiction again. I had been a newspaper reporter before I sold my first novel.

However, I returned to novel writing eventually. Romances of all kinds have always been my drug of choice. Nowadays I'm not totally retired from writing -- but close. And God willing, I won't stop until I'm incapable of writing or dead. Even after death, writers don't instantly fade from the landscape. Our writing endures. For the vast majority of us, it won't endure forever as with such luminaries as Dickens, Poe, Shakespeare, Austin, etc. But our work will linger for a good long while after we're gone. It will remain nestled in readers' brains and hearts and they will smile when the recall "that book" they so enjoyed or "those characters" that made them sigh or smile or cry a little.

When you're a writer, you can't turn off your ideas. Even when I was writing nonfiction mostly, I was dreaming up fiction stories or rewriting the ones I was reading. It's like eating for us. You can go a while without it, but then you have to indulge or wither away.

So, here I am   retired and still working. I know a lot of people are here with me. Most of them might WANT to retire and simply can't because it's not financially feasible. I can, but I don't want to, so I won't. I'll keep working here and there and looking for more readers for my books.

It's an odd place to be, though. Every day -- even weekends -- I feel that I must work as I have for so, so many years.  Maybe I will learn to take days off. I won't write on Sunday and maybe not even on Saturday. That seems like a good step toward retiring. I might even go away for a few days and not take my laptop so that I don't write while I'm gone. I know that I'm enjoying reading more than ever, so that's a good thing. My go-go attitude kept my mortgage paid, the lights and heat on, and food in the fridge. I've lived a blessed life, being able to make my living as a writer since even before I graduated from college.  I know this. I've known it every day when I sat down at the computer (or typewriter, back in the day) and set to work. 

While I've enjoyed this blogging experience, I'm stepping away as part of my weaning from deadline writing. I will continue to read and delight in the blogs here and I wish you all good wishes and good royalties! Don't let the AI "writers" deter you. Authenticity will always rise to the top..

Happy Trails!

Book 6 - Circuit Judges: Death Comes To Town - Rhoda By Amanda A. Brooks

My Circuit Judges Website – circuitjudges.site123.me

My amazon Author’s Page – amazon.com/author/aab

Here are some excerpts from Book 6 - CIRCUIT JUDGES: DEATH COMES TO TOWN - RHODA.

ADIOS

My Models Inspiration for

Mercedes Fenton - Linda Ronstadt

Rhoda Fenton - Maria Bello

My Song Inspiration

GOODBYE STRANGER by SUPERTRAMP

Yuma, Arizona

December 4, 1868

…Mercedes Fenton slammed the front door shut and turned to glare down at her 16-year-old daughter for a long moment before furiously exclaiming, “On the day that you were born, I thought that I would be raising a lady! Instead, I not only raised a would-be desperado, I raised a slut!”

Sitting at the kitchen table, Rhoda glared up at her mother and furiously exclaimed, “I may be a would-be desperado, but I am not a slut!”

Still glaring down at her daughter, Mercedes Fenton furiously pointed out, “Your sister and I came home to find both you and Alejandro naked in your bed, sinning against God! He is 22-years-old! You are only 16 – just barely a woman!”

Still glaring up at her mother, Rhoda furiously pointed out, “I am a woman, Mother!”

Still glaring down at her daughter, Mercedes Fenton furiously pointed out, “In my eyes, Rhoda Maria Fenton, you are still a child! And if you become pregnant from your very sinful union with Alejandro, I will kick you out of my house! I will not raise your bastard child while you continue to sin against God and me!”

Suddenly standing, Rhoda furiously exclaimed, “You should just kick me out of your house right this very minute, Mother! In fact, you should just kick me out of this family! You have never treated me like a daughter! You have always treated me like a stranger who is just passing through town!”

Still glaring up at her daughter, Mercedes Fenton furiously exclaimed, “If that is how you feel, Rhoda Maria Fenton, then pack your things and leave my house! Not only have you sinned against God and me, you are a very horrible influence on your younger sister!”

Rhoda just stared intently down at her mother for a long moment before emotionlessly saying, “Adios.”

And then, she walked towards her room to pack her bags.

Mercedes Fenton just stood where she was for a long moment before finally starting supper.

DEATH VERSUS PRICELESS

My Models Inspiration for

Velma Warren - Minnie Driver

Rhoda Fenton - Maria Bello

My Song Inspiration 

DOOLIN-DALTON by EAGLES

Banamichi, Sonora, Mexico

September 16, 1877

…Rhoda had just finished singing “I Still Miss Someone” to a very crowded room at the saloon when a ghost from her past entered the building.

She was not one to allow anyone to rain on her parade.

But when it came to Velma Warren, she suddenly felt like a zillion wild horses were about to trample her to death in a stampede!

She wondered if she could sneak up to her room without being seen.

But she could barely move through the crowd celebrating Independence Day Of Mexico and Velma Warren was already at her side, a pistol pointed at her.

“Don’t make me shoot you if you even think of moving or running, Rhoda!” Velma warned.

“I can’t move or run even if I wanted to, Velma,” Rhoda pointed out. “Now put your pistol away before one of us or someone else gets hurt!” she ordered.

Velma just stared intently at Rhoda for a long moment before finally – and very reluctantly – putting her pistol away.

She then said, “I am here to arrest you and take you back to Yuma, Arizona.”

Without hesitation, Rhoda pointed out, “You can’t arrest me for crimes committed in Arizona or Texas or anywhere in the United States on Mexican soil, Velma. You can’t even arrest me on Mexican soil for crimes committed here in Mexico. You have no jurisdiction here.”

Velma just stared intently at Rhoda for another long moment before finally saying, “Why are you here in Mexico, Rhoda?”

Suddenly glaring at Velma, Rhoda defensively exclaimed, “Why does it matter, Velma?” When Velma just continued to stare intently at her, she sighed and then said, “I’m here to bury some of my mother’s ashes in the soil of her birthplace and scatter the rest into the Mexican wind. Do you want to arrest me for that?”

Velma sighed.

She then warned, “I will get you one day, Rhoda Maria Fenton!”

Without hesitation, Rhoda warned, “If you continue to try, I – or another of your victims – will put a bullet in your head! By the way, Velma, what is your price for what you do?”

Without hesitation, Velma pointed out, “I am a Bounty Hunter. And I’m priceless.”

Suddenly wrinkling her brow in confusion, Rhoda asked, “What does that mean?”

Without hesitation, Velma pointed out, “It means that I don’t charge a cent. I do what I do for free. Unlike you.”

Without hesitation, Rhoda pointed out, “It’s stupid that you don’t charge a cent! How do you eat?”

Without hesitation, Velma said, “I eat just fine. And unlike you, I sleep at night.” She then just stared intently at Rhoda for another long moment before finally saying, “Death Versus Priceless. Who do you think will win, Rhoda?”

And then, she disappeared into the crowd.

Rhoda just stood where she was, staring into nothingness.

She hated to think it.

But Priceless had just defeated Death.-

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!!! 

Cowboy Christmas Wishlists: What He Wanted vs. What He Gave His Gal

 

Growing up, the Wish Book was basically my version of Pinterest. My sisters and I would sprawl out on the floor, circling everything from sparkly shoes to toys.

Then I stumbled on a reproduction of the 1893 Sears catalogue, and oh boy, talk about rabbit holes. If cowboys had Amazon Prime, this would’ve been it. I picked out a few favorites to share—with their original descriptions, because they’re too good not to.

What Every Cowboy Hoped Santa Would Leave in His Saddlebag

Cowboys didn’t hang stockings by the fire. Presents were practical, sometimes romantic, and often dusted with trail grit. Forget diamonds and toy trains—these gifts had spurs and sass.

A hat that could survive Wyoming windstorms. Good luck with that.

Coffee beans by the pound--the real liquid gold of the West.

A fresh pair of sock--rarer than gold, worth more than whiskey.

A Bible or dime novel--to read by lantern light.

A new saddle or boots--a must have for every cowboy.

A harmonica, so he could annoy the whole bunkhouse with “Oh! Susanna.”

                                        Gifts not found in a catalogue

A letter from home—because even cowboys got homesick.

One more season alive, riding, and not trampled by cattle

Homemade Soaps—made at by hand so he could scrub off the trail dirt.

Things a Cowboy Would Get His Sweetheart for Christmas

Peppermint sticks or lemon drops to tell her that she’s sweet.

Lace or a  ribbon for her hair--the cowboy version of jewelry-on-a-budget.

A length of fabric – sew-your-own-dress kit.

A shawl or gloves – practical, but he swears they’re “pretty, too.”

Perfume or soap – a rare splurge, and a subtle hint that trail dust isn’t a turn-on.

Personal Gifts not found in a catalogue.

A small A hand-carved trinket – sure, it’s crooked, but it’s made with love (and a pocketknife).

A kiss under the mistletoe – because sometimes the best gift doesn’t cost a dime.

A promise—spoken under the stars—that she was his forever gift.

Photos from the 1893 Sears, Roebuck & Company Catalogue and Montgomery Ward & Com. Catalogue 1895

Christmas Cookies ~ Julie Lence

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with it comes sugary treats many of us cannot ignore. Every year, I have to remind myself to not over-indulge. One year, hubbs and I went through 4 bags of candy! So when in stores, I stay away from the candy. But who can resist the cookies? I know I can’t, so that’s another thing I try to stay away from. Sometimes it really isn’t hard. I’m the only one who eats them. But other times…

This month I’m sharing simple cookie recipes, because who am I kidding? I’m going to indulge, and you should join me.

 Enjoy, & Happy Holidays! 

Santa’s Trash Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 c. crushed potato chips

3/4 c. crushed pretzels

1/2 c. red and green sprinkles

Flaky sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture and beat until just combined.

Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles (reserve some for pressing on tops of cookies).

Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and arrange on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Lightly press down on each cookie to flatten, then press reserved chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and sprinkles on top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake cookies until edges are just starting to get golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a50432/santas-trash-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Italian Lemon Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 cup (200 g.) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

 

Glaze:

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3 Tbsp. (or more) fresh lemon juice

Finely grated lemon zest, for serving

Directions:

Cookies:

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat granulated sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating to blend after each addition. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cream, and vanilla. Beat, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Using a small ice cream scoop (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.), scoop dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, roll each to a 5" to 6" rope. Form rope into a circle, then tuck one end through the center to create a knot. Repeat for a total of 24, spacing 2" apart between 2 parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies, rotating sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through, until bottoms are lightly golden brown and tops are still pale, 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough and a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.

Glaze:

Step 1In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar lemon juice until a thick but pourable glaze forms (add a little more lemon juice, 1 tsp. at a time, if glaze is too thick).

Step 2Dip top of cooled cookies into glaze, then set on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Grate lemon zest over tops before glaze has fully set. Let set before serving, about 15 minutes.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41411629/italian-lemon-cookies-recipe/

 

 

Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar, divided

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

24 caramel-filled milk chocolate kisses

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg, egg yolk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the next 5 ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie (cookie will crack around edges). Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-caramel-kiss-cookies/