Rain Trueax's Blog

 

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 My life for the last month or so has revolved around editing. It has taken me back through paranomrals, mostly written after 2014, but one in the 1990s. They all involve earth beings with spirit beings. 

In an afterward to one of the books, Diablo Canyon, I wrote about its inspiration. I will also have that in my main blog, only written more recently. The following was written over ten years ago. It is how the book came into being, along with the three novellas that it encompasses.

~~~~~

Dreams sometimescome to authors and on occasion, they even lead to stories. I’ve never had onesuch as led to When Fates Conspire.

In the fall of2013, a young cat I loved very much had something catastrophically wrong.  After many tests, realizing she wassuffering, we had the veterinarian come to our home and mercifully put her tosleep.

That night, beforeI went to sleep, I asked for a dream about life, about reincarnation. I wantedto believe she would return to me. I had felt her spirit had before throughvarious cats I had owned.

That night, I had adream where I vividly saw a story of reincarnation with some of the imagesdescribed in the book, When Fates Conspire. I watched the spirit guidesas they declared what had happened and was to happen. The dream that came to mewas not about my cat exactly, but it was about the survival of the soul, aboutmeaning to life—and about mystery.

In the morning, Iknew I had to write it down. As I did, I saw that with some expansion, it couldbe made into a novella. I began to think about these characters, who could theybe. It took some filling out, but I kept true to the bones as that dream hadcome as a gift. I was not about to distort its message. The characters as theyappeared in the first novella were expanded as they had to be but theiressence, and even some of the dialogue, was not changed.

There is more tolife than we see. What seems meaningless is not. We are not alone.Reincarnation happens. Soul mates have a very unique connection that isn’talways easy and can even sometimes get in the way.

Is any of thattrue? I don’t know. I just know what the message was in the dream. I stillremember how that ring of gold looked when the couple kissed.

It was only after Ihad the first novella written that I realized there was more to this story. Thesecond story, The Dark Side of the Moon, was partly because I saw theagony for the mother, who had suffered such losses. How does a woman heal fromsuch losses? What happened to her?

Myra was obviouslyan interesting woman, strong and worthy of an unusual and strong hero.

Her story is wherethe ranch life south of Billings took on a life of its own. Living on a ranchmyself, I knew a lot about the work of such a world although it’s far moreexpansive on big operations like the Box Z. The story stayed true to that lifewith a little supernatural magic mixed in. The spirit guides were still thereand the hero had his own unusual gift. When that novella was finished, aquestion remained.

 Was there more tothat canyon? Are there places of power, spiritual power for good or evil? I dobelieve in such places—although maybe not quite as intensely powerful as DiabloCanyon.

To write the thirdnovella, Storm in the Canyon, I researched Native American gods, demonsand spirits. They would be the first to sense and seek out such a place, butthere would be others, humans, who would also desire to harness that power fortheir own purposes.

Native Americangods may or may not be real, but there are many similar stories as to theirpowers, their desires. The needed research was not only informative but gave methe third novella with a different hero and an unexpected heroine (because that is the longest of the couples' stories, they will be on the cover next... after my editor is through going over and then formatting it..

Diablo Canyon wasnot written in the usual way for my books. It is, however, as it unfolded from winter intothe summer of 2014.

Incidentally, I found another catand love her. She was six months old when my cat died; so, she’s not the onewho had come as Fluffy, Persia and then Pepper. She is still with us.

Despite that, I watch for thepossibility that the other will return to me. The pain of her loss has neverfully left. I only hope that if she doesn’t come back to me, she has foundsomeone, who will love her as I did and do.

Some losses justnever go away even if we someday see the purpose behind them.

 

 

 

Arizona Historical Timeline O'Brian and Taggert families & Historical Events of the Time(Some families are ancestors of the Hemstreet witches, contemporary paranormal romance series)

1833     Charles Prevo

1840         James Redman b. Iowa; Rose Jarred b. Missouri

1841         Victor Hemstreet b. San Francisco

1842         Roman Alexander Oliver b. Kansas

1843         Lars Ericson b. Wisconsin; Jeremiah Taggert b. Kansas

1844         Raul Cordova b. Mexico; Valerie Simpson b. Kansas

1845         Robert Mitchell b. New York

1846         –

1847         Delbert Sicilla b. West Virginia; Frederica WindsorBoston

1847 Delbert Sicillia b. West Virginia; Frederica Windsor Boston

 1848 Wei Song b. Weaverville California; US wins Mexico War

 1849 Maria Jacinta b. Mexico; Apache wars begin 'officially'

1850 Constance Banyon b. Maryland

1851 Eleanor Samuels b. San Francisco

1852 Samuel Ryker (O’Brian) b. Kansas

1853 Laura Ericson b. Wisconsin

1854 Cordell O’Brian b. Kansas

1855 ---
1856 ---
1857 James Redman m. Rose Jarrod Missouri; Clint Adams b. Nebraska

1858 Abigail Spenser b. Illinois

1859 --
1860
1861 Vincent Taggert b. KS; Priscilla Wesley b. Georgia; Civil War begins. 

1862 Cochise and his band attack soldiers beginning Apache war 

1863 Ellen Buchanan b. Texas; Territory of Arizona created by Congress 

1864 Kit Carson captures 7000 Navajo forces them from Arizona 

1865 Civil War ends 

1866 Asa Taggert b. Utah; Rafael Cordova b. Mexico 

1867 Cole Taggert b. Utah 

1868 Jesse Taggert b. Utah; Connie m. Delbert Sicilla 

1869 Juan Cordova b. Mexico m. Josita

1870 Raquel Cordova b. Mexico d. 1870 

1871 Laura Ericson m. James Ferris Tucson, Arizona 

1872 James Angus b. Illinois 

1873 Eleanor Samuels m. Victor Hemstreet; Jason Ferris b. Tucson 

1874 Felipe Valencia b. Arizona 

1875 Clint Madison b. Illinois; Nathan Hemstreet b. San Francisco 

1876 Gabriel Cordova b. AZ; Holly Jacobs b. Ill; Wilhelmina Butler b. SF 

1877 Grace O’Brian b. Kansas; Catherine Lawrence b. Boston 

1878 Anita Cordova b. Arizona; James Ferris b. Tucson 

1879 Alexa Johnson (Oliver) b. Kansas; Lily Jacobs b. Illinois

1880 Wei Zian b. Arizona

1881 Railroad crosses Arizona; OK Corral gunfight in Tombstone

1882 US government bans Chinese immigration for 10 years
         Sam Ryker m. Abigail Spencer June & November

1883

1884 David Ryker b. Circle R Ranch 

1885 Geronimo leaves reservation
         Grace arrives to live with her father in Tucson 

1886 major earthquake in Mexico damages Tucson; Geronimo captured
         Cordell O'Brian m. Priscilla Wesley 

1887 Alice Ryker b. Circle R Ranch 

1888 Jesse O’Brian b. Circle O Ranch; Raquel Valencia b. Tucson 

1889 Daniel Cordova b. Circle O Ranch Jan. 

1890 Ellen m. Robert Mitchell; Jose Valencia b. Tucson 

1891 Alicia O’Brian b. August Circle O 

1892 Roberto Cordova b. December Tucson 

1893 Royce Johnson (Oliver) b. Kansas
         Grace leaves for college 

1894 Will Tremaine publishes first dime novel 

1895 James Redman dies Feb. Tucson; James O’Brian b. Circle O 1896 Valerie Taggert dies; Yaqui Uprising in Mexico and Arizona 

1897 Spanish American War begins;
         Rafe joins Rough Riders        
         Margarita Valencia b. Tucson 

1898 Rafe mustered out Feb. 15th
         Grace returns to Tucson in June        

        Rafael Cordova m. Grace O'Brian September

         Victor Hemstreet dies in SF 

1899 Donovan Cordova b. November Tucson
         Holly comes to Tucson
         Rose Redman m. Roman Oliver December 31 Tucson 

1900 Holly Jacobs m. Vince Taggert
         Donovan Cordova b. Tucson
        
1901
1902 Lily Jacobs m. Jesse Taggert 

1903 Tyler Taggert b Tucson; Joshua Taggert b. Tucson 

1905 Samuel Butler dies SF        Wilhelmina comes to Arizona and meets Cole Taggert
         Wilhelmina Butler m. Cole Taggert
         Lily Jacobs remarries Jesse Taggert
         Holly Jacobs remarries Vincent Taggert
         Frederica Windsor arrives in Tucson meets Jeremiah Taggert

1906 Frederica Windsor m. Jeremiah Taggert
         Ruth Taggert & Lucinda Taggert. b.Tucson 

1907 Josiah Hemstreet b. Tucson 

1908 Redland Hemstreet b. Tucson

1912 Arizona becomes a state-- last of the contiguous states to do so

When I began writing books, I was in my early twenties. Before that, it was short stories. I had had an idea for an historical western romance and it slowly evolved through the years, along with other stories. I didn't try to get them published as it was more about the joy of putting together a plot and developing characters. Below are the stories from the first to the last-- for now. 

My life evolves from Oregon to Arizona with much of the West in between with our vacation trailer. Where will it end up? I have no idea but am trying to be open to the future through dreams and what I read. Isn't that what life is all about? The boxes you see behind me (there are more out of view) are the product of trying to combine what was two homes into one... Argh.

Romances of the American West
Below is a current list of all my books, contemporary and historical, in order in their series, as well as notations for which books share characters. Novels run 60-125,000 words. Behind a title, (n) indicates novella which range in length from 20,000 to 40,000 words. For more on the books, visit [Romances with an Edge]. There you will find links to sites other than Amazon. All historicals are currently wide, which means in B&N, Kobo, etc.

Most of the novels involve suspense, which means danger and violence. There is often mild profanity. Heat level in 80-130,000 word novels is 4 stars. Novellas are 2 to 3 stars.

Oregon Pioneer RomancesThese four novels follow one family, the Stevens, from their travel west on the Oregon Trail into the settling of Oregon. Three sisters and their mother face the challenges of making a home in a new land and falling in love with men, who are not always easy to love.

Round the Bend-- 1852: wagons head out on the Oregon Trail. Amy is naive about what love might be-- Matt disillusioned. Young love faces many challenges with death the greatest. Besides friend to lover romance, the book follows the adventures pioneers faced on their trek west.

Where Dreams Go-- 1855: Martha is a widow and does not expect the return of a man who presents temptations she'd forgotten, but he's too young for her. Will he be there for her if she disappoints her children and accepts his offer of marriage? What about when his duty reclaims him to once against scout for the military?

Going Home-- 1865: Raine thought she found love but the Civil War intervened. Now he is back and heading for his Eastern Oregon ranch. What's she to do? She's not a ranch type woman. All is not what she thought she knew in Portland where a shanghai nearly ends any chance for a happily ever after before Eastern Oregon gets a shot at the couple.

Love Waits-- 1867: Belle is in Eastern Oregon on a mission for the Pinkertons, which might be at risk when she sees the cavalry officer she's been unable to forget. Between conspiracies and Indian wars, this isn't a good time for love. She is trying to find proof of a conspiracy against the government and falling in love with two children she must protect.


Arizona Heart Historical Romances Beginning with one outlaw, Sam Ryker, the O'Brian stories follow brothers and one daughter. Rose's Gift, as a novella, provides a bridge to the Taggerts-- a family of outlaws. All of the books share some characters as friends or family.
 Impulse-- 1883: Abigail is dissatisfied with her life but did not have in mind quite the change that one outlaw, Sam Ryker, brings when he turns her world upside down. Both follow an impulse that changes everything. From Tucson to Tombstone and the San Rafael Valley, there is an old enemy determined to track Sam down.
Destiny-- 1885: Priscilla is not going to fall in love with a man who wears a gun, not even if he's a lawman, but she'll help him when his small daughter arrives. Their closeness leads to a love that doesn't fit either of their lives. With another man determined to have her, Priscilla must fight for her own chance for happiness. Is destiny the real determiner?

Forbidden-- 1898: With a university degree, Grace returns to Tucson, all grown up and ready to fight for the man she loves, who is back from the Spanish-American war. Rafe is too old for her, divorced with a small son he barely can see. When his ex-wife is murdered and his son disappears, he will need more from Grace than he ever imagined..

Rose's Gift (n)-- 1899: Widow, Rose receives a proposal, but that's not possible at her age. Ollie finds his life complicated by the arrival of a secret. It's too late for people in their late 50s and 60s to find love-- or is it?

Echoes- 1901: Holly comes to Tucson to organize an archaeological dig-- not to fall in love. Vince is too old and has lived too hard a life to ever see it possible with this educated and rich woman. When they head to her dig in Central Arizona, the past from lifetimes ago arises to threaten any future.

Reckoning- 1902: Lily finds artistic inspiration when she moves to Tucson to be close to her sister-- that and a lot more with Jesse, who might seem slow in some ways but is fast as lightning in others. Jesse can't believe Lily would ever see him as a possible mate. Someone else is determined she won't get the chance.
 
Unbounded- 1905: Wilhelmina rents a mountain cabin and shockingly discovers the hero of her dime novels is a real man, Cole Taggert, and he's not pleased. What Willy doesn't know is that she has a dangerous secret. From the beauty of central Arizona, to a shootout in Tucson, the west isn't really all that tamed.

Frederica's Outlaw (n)-- 1905: Frederica needs to find her daughter. Meeting a real life retired (mostly) outlaw is the help she needs-- in more ways than one. She has thought she could trust someone but the only one she can really count on is the oldest-- left alive-- Taggert.


Starting Over ContemporaryWhen life throws a curve ball, sometimes there is only one way forward-- finding a new path and playing by new rules 
Luck of the Draw-- 1974: Billy Stempleton, bronc and bull rider, comes to Pendleton for the Roundup and meets Sara, who is young, naive and has no idea what it means to fall in love with a bull rider. That week will change two lives.

Diana's Journey (n)-- Leaving Chicago, Diana and her two Chihuahuas travel the West in an RV. She's not looking for romance, but it might find her. As Diana transits the west, she has to find a place to stay for the winter. Bluff, Utah has more than she expects.

From Here to There-- A Massachusetts elite wedding that is a mistake (maybe) begins with Helena telling the groom that he's not cowboy enough for her. She heads to her uncle's ranc where she discovers and old journal with some truths that might help her find her own happy ending. Phillip is challenged by Helena's uncle to come out to the Rocking H and prove he has the mettle to claim his wife.

A Montana Christmas (n)-- Can a family heal from years of dysfunction? Christmas may not be the easiest time to find out. Following up on From Here to There with a continuing love story on the Rocking H where Helena and Phillip are still trying to merge two lifestyles into one happily ever after. 


Contemporary -- Western Romances Set in the American West-- Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, these stand alone books, some with connecting characters, are romances with danger and suspense. Whether in a city or on a ranch, they all share the themes of great westerns with challenges to face.

Desert Inferno-- Landscape painter, Rachel O'Brian finds a dying man on her family's remote desert ranch and Border Patrol comes to investigate. Jake is an ugly man and no way is he looking to fall in love with a beautiful woman where it can never be. He doesn't know it's not just Rachel who is looking for an ending-- just of a different sort than Rachel has in mind. It all is settled on the desert where only the toughest survive.
Evening Star-- When Portland attorney, Marla Jamison, meets Randy O'Brian, she wants nothing to do with the younger, handsome cop. What we need and want, aren't always the same thing. Marla falls in love but Randy has secrets that endanger both their lives.
Bannister's Way-- David Bannister has been undercover before but when he takes a job in Oregon and reconnects with his artist wife, Raven, undercover takes on a new meaning. David was in Desert Inferno. Characters from Evening Star are in this book set totally in the Portland, Oregon area, with art and danger meeting head to head.

Moon Dust-- For her health, Susan needs a divorce. Dane, a Portland high school principal is facing more than heartbreak as tensions with a militia leader escalate. If Dane can't open up to his wife about his own secrets, an attack by a madman may not be the worst of what he faces.
Second Chance-- Psychologist Barrett juggles being a single mother with an invasive ex. She cannot afford the complications a truck driver, animal rescuer, much younger man would bring to her daughter or her. This book follows up secondary characters in Moon Dust. Judd has done all he can to rebuild his life from early mistakes. He's long been in love with Barrett but it was an unrealistic dream-- or is it? Well, he better survive long enough to find out.

Hidden Pearl-- Architect, S.T. Taggert needs to find his sister who apparently joined a dangerous cult. He doesn't want the complications of a beautiful photo-journalist. As they both delve into the world of a fanatic, they are soon on the run for their lives with a need to stop someone from killing again and ruining more lives.

Her Dark Angel-- Katy has come to Reno to help her uncle while his receptionist is out. Dill, because of a perilous situation, is determined to make her visit a short one. Beauty better be prepared to fight for her beast if she wants a happily ever after. Reluctantly, Dill has been involved in working undercover for the government. He has made a dangerous enemy.


Mystic Shadows RomancesSet in the mountain West, these stories explore the 'other' side as ordinary people come up against what is anything but ordinary.

Sky Daughter-- When Maggie returns to the mountains of Idaho to heal from losses, she learns her family isn't what she believed. Even more unexpected is Reuben. After he has been kidnapped, he ends up shot by Maggie before she takes him in to heal his wounds. They both have a lot they must face-- the seen and unseen-- before they can decide if they could have a life together.

Diablo Canyon-- combining in one book the following 3 novellas. Set in ranch country, south of Billings, with the spice that the novellas do not have.

When Fates Conspire (n)-- All is not as it seems when star-crossed lovers meet after many years and are ready to break the rules to be together. This is going to take some supernatural help.
The Dark of the Moon (n)-- He sees and talks to the other side. She has a ranch to operate and a son's death to grieve. With a human enemy aided by demonic powers, they are facing more than either imagined. Their spirit guides have their hands full.
Storm in the Canyon (n)—Being a spirit guide apparently isn’t all that is possible for Racine. She is needed to combat an old evil returned to again kill and control the human race. Falling in love with a human wasn’t in the plan—or was it?

Dangerous Match—Denali, oldest of four sisters, all natural-born witches, is asked to help solve a murder. The main suspect, Nick, an ex-SEAL and successful painter has his own secrets, but none are a match for hers. With a murderer still out there, they must find that person before he or she kill again. And somewhere Nick needs to find peace with knowing life is not all he thought.

Vislogus—Elke, a natural-born witch, believes she can help people better understand those with natural born spiritual powers if she can convince a writer, Mitch Ford, to more widely share his book on the supernatural world. Although she has long used her powers on the street for the good of all, she and Mitch confront a new enemy.
Complicated Bargain--Devi, unlike her sisters, hasn't come to terms with being a witch or using her powers. Living at her mother's home, she wants her own life. What that will be is debatable when she is offered a marriage in name only. It seems an answer for her and Asa Taggert. The problem is he's carrying around past life memories that he has yet to access and she has an enemy she didn't know..

Unfinished Business--Torre, in a family of witches, fell in love too young. Marsh left her with no explanation. He's back-- secrets and danger have come with him. From Tucson to the Navajo lands, love is on the line. Will witchcraft and his bear shifting be enough to save either of them? 

Ever as Before -- Maria has now seen all her daughters married. What is she to make of her life as a widow of many years. Time to start over herself. It would be easier if a rising of the living dead was not complicating things.

Five books that tell the story of four sisters and their mother as each woman, witches all, find romance and danger on the streets of Tucson, Arizona. 

---------
Denali Hemstreet didn't count on the murder suspect being so attractive to her. Can she keep him out of prison and avoid falling in love, while finding the real murderer? It will take her family working together. 
Dangerous Match at Amazon for purchase and borrowing for Kindle Unlimited Members

heat level  ♥♥♥♥ with some violence



Elke Hemstreet believes she can find a way to have her family accepted as they use magic to help the streets and deal with spiritual evil. The answer lies in a book. Its author isn't so sure.


Vislogus-- at Amazon for purchase or borrowing for Kindle Unlimited members.Heat Level: ♥♥♥♥ with some violence 



Devi tries to find a life for herself, not easy when she was born into a family of witches but is reluctant to use her own powers. When she is offered what might seem a solution to her problem, she has to consider all it might mean. A Complicated Bargain at Amazon for purchase or borrowing for Kindle Unlimited members
Heat Level: ♥♥♥♥ with some violence



Unfinished business is what natural born witch, Torre Hemstreet, faces when her past returns and confronts her with a love she would have preferred to forget. It will take magic to save him and herself from what awaits..


Unfinished Business at Amazon for purchase or borrowing through membership in Kindle Unlimited
Heat Level: ♥♥♥♥ with some violence


After being widowed, natural born witch, Maria Cordova Hemstreet has raised her four daughters as a single parent. It's time for her to find a life for herself-- but what must she do about the new danger facing them all with a demon holding a grudge. She will need help but from a source she doesn't want to see again.


Ever as Before on Amazon for buying or borrowing for Kindle Unlimited members. Heat Level: ♥♥♥♥ with some violence

Romances of the American West
Below is a current list of all my books in order, in their series, as well as notations for which books share characters. Novels run 60-125,000 words. Behind a title, (n) indicates novella which range in length from 20,000 to 40,000 words. For more on the books, click on its image in the sidebar or visit  [Romances with an Edge].There you will find links to sites other than Amazon.  

Most of the novels involve suspense, which means danger and violence. There is often mild profanity. Novellas do not have sexual scenes.

Currently, all paranormal novels are in Kindle Unlimited, where there is unlimited borrowing for members.

Oregon historical romancesThe four novels follow one family, the Stevens, from their travel west on the Oregon Trail into the settling of Oregon.  Three sisters and their mother face the challenges of making a home in a new land and falling in love with men, who are not always easy to love.  Heat level: ♥♥♥♥ Round the Bend -- 1852: wagons head out on the Oregon Trail. Amy is naive  about what   love might be-- Matt disillusioned. Young love faces many challenges with death the greatest.
Where Dreams Go -- 1855: Martha is a widow and does not expect the return of a man who presents temptations she'd forgotten, but he's too young for her. Will he be there for her if she disappoints her children and accepts his offer of marriage?
Going Home -- 1865: Raine thought she found love but the Civil War intervened. Now he is back and heading for his Eastern Oregon ranch. What's she to do? She's not a ranch type woman.
Love Waits -- 1867: Belle is in Eastern Oregon on a mission for the Pinkertons, which might be at risk when she sees the cavalry officer she's been unable to forget. Between conspiracies and Indian wars, this isn't a good time for love.

Arizona historical romancesBeginning with one outlaw, the O'Brian story follows brothers and one daughter. Book 4, as a novella, provides a bridge to the Taggerts. All of the books share some characters as friends or family. Heat level for novels: ♥♥♥♥   Novellas: ♥ or ♥♥ Arizona Sunset -- 1883: Abigail is dissatisfied with her life but did not have in mind quite the change that one outlaw brings when he turns her world upside down.
Tucson Moon -- 1885:  Priscilla is not going to fall in love with a man who wears a gun, not even if he's a lawman, but she'll help him when his small daughter arrives. Their closeness leads to the inevitable.
Arizona Dawn -- 1898: With a university degree, Grace returns to Tucson, all grown up and ready to fight for the man she loves, who is back from war.
     Rose's Gift (novella)-- 1899: Widow, Rose receives a proposal, but that's not possible at her age. Ollie finds his life complicated by the arrival of a secret.
Echoes from the Past -- 1901: Holly comes to Tucson to organize an archaeological dig-- not to fall in love. Vince is too old and has lived too hard a life to ever see it possible with this educated and rich woman.
Lands of Fire -- 1902: Lily finds artistic inspiration when she moves to Tucson to be close to her sister-- that and a lot more with Jesse, who might seem slow in some ways but is fast as lightning in others.
Bound for the Hills -- 1905: Wilhelmina rents a mountain cabin and shockingly discovers the hero of her dime novels is a real man, and he's not pleased.
     Frederica's Heart  (novella)-- 1905: Frederica needs to find her daughter. Meeting a real life retired (mostly) outlaw is the help she needs-- in more ways than one.

Historical Contemporarybooks set in an historic period but generally WWII and afterHeat level: ♥♥♥♥ Luck of the Draw -- 1974: Billy Stempleton, bronc and bull rider, comes to Pendleton for the Roundup and meets someone, who will change his life. 

Contemporary-- Western romancesSet in the American West-- Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, these stories are romances with danger and suspense. Whether set in a city or on a ranch, they all share the themes of great westerns with challenges to face.Novella heat level: ♥♥♥♥   Novella heat level: ♥ Desert Inferno -- Landscape painter, Rachel O'Brian finds a dying man on her family's remote desert ranch and Border Patrol comes to investigate. Set in Southern Arizona-- Location: Arizona-- 2009.
Evening Star -- When Portland attorney, Marla Jamison, meets Randy O'Brian, she wants nothing to do with the younger, handsome cop. What we need and want, aren't always the same thing. Location: Oregon-- 2008.
Bannister's Way -- David Bannister has been undercover before but when he takes a job in Oregon and reconnects with his artist wife, Raven, undercover takes on a new meaning. David was in Desert Inferno. Characters from Evening Star are in this book.  Location: Oregon-- 2014.

Moon Dust -- For her health, Susan needs a divorce. Dane, a Portland high school principal is facing more than heartbreak as tensions with a militia leader escalate. Location: Oregon-- 2005.
Second Chance -- Psychologist Barrett juggles being a single mother and an invasive ex. She cannot afford the complications a truck driver, animal rescuer,   much younger man would bring to her daughter or her. This book follows up secondary characters in Moon Dust. Location: Oregon-- 2013.

Hidden Pearl -- Architect, S.T. Taggert needs to find his sister who apparently joined a dangerous cult. He doesn't want the complications of a beautiful photo-journalist.  Location: Oregon-- 2007.
Her Dark Angel -- Katy has come to Reno to help her uncle while his receptionist is out. Dill, because of a perilous situation, is determined to make her visit a short one. Beauty better be prepared to fight for her beast if she wants a happily ever after.  Locations: Reno, Portland and Tahoe-- 2009

From Here to There -- A wedding that is a mistake (maybe) and two marriages are part of Rocking H ranch life in Montana where a dude has to prove himself if he wants his bride to be his wife. Location: Massachusetts & Montana-- 2010.       A Montana Christmas (novella)-- Can a family heal from years of dysfunction? Christmas, 2013, may not be the easiest time to find out. Following up on  From Here to There with a continuing love story.
          Paranormal RomancesSet in the mountain West, these stories explore the 'other' side as ordinary people come up against what is anything but ordinary. They are all available in Kindle Unlimited.Heat Level Novels: ♥♥♥♥Novellas: ♥ or ♥♥ Sky Daughter -- When Maggie returns to the mountains of Idaho to heal from losses, she learns her family isn't what she believed. Even more unexpected is Reuben. There is a hidden enemy that goes beyond the physical. Location: Idaho- 2009.  

Diablo Canyon -- combining in one book the following 3 novellas. Set in ranch country, south of Billings, with the spice that the novellas do not have. Montana--2010  
          When Fates Conspire (novella)-- All is not as it seems when star-crossed lovers meet after many years and are ready to break the rules to be together. This is going to take some supernatural help.
         The Dark of the Moon (novella)-- He sees and talks to the other side. She has a ranch to operate and a son's death to grieve. With a human enemy aided by demonic powers, they are facing more than either imagined. Their spirit guides have their hands full.
          Storm in the Canyon (novella)—Being a spirit guide apparently isn’t all that is possible for Racine. She is needed to combat an old evil returned to again kill and control the human race. Falling in love with a human wasn’t in the plan—or was it?

In the Hemstreet Witches Series, four sisters and their mother use the powers, with which they were born, for good. Evil always lurks. The novels run 60-70,000 words. Enchantress' Secret —Denali is asked to do a favor for her mother and help solve a murder. The main suspect, an ex-SEAL and successful painter has his own secrets, but none are a match for Denali's. Arizona-- 2014.
To Speak of Things Unseen —Elke believes she can help people better understand those with natural born spiritual powers if she can convince a writer to more widely share his book on the supernatural world. Arizona-- 2014
A Price to be Paid --Devi hasn't come to terms with being a witch or using her powers. As youngest of four sisters, she's living at home but wanting her own life. What that will be is debatable when she is offered a marriage in name only-- and then everything changes. Arizona-- 2015

Women Starting Over SeriesWhen life throws a woman an unexpected curve, what will she do? Heat level: ♥♥ Diana's Journey (novella)-- Leaving Chicago, Diana and her two Chihuahuas travel the West in an RV. She's not looking for romance but it might find her.         

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The following is a list of my books in Kindle Unlimited, Amazon's subscription service where the user pays $9.95 a month for unlimited borrows. These are all paranormal, contemporary romances with ♥♥♥♥ levels for spice. They are stories set in the real world but with mystical elements that may include witches, monsters, ghosts, spirit guides, shamans and assorted other fantasy beings.


Sky Daughter
Diablo Canyon
Enchantress' Secret
To Speak of Things Unseen

A Price to be Paid

and the novellas (without the spice),
which are also in Diablo Canyon

When Fates Conspire

The Dark of the Moon

Storm in the Canyon
                        

Oregon Historical Timeline

Stevens Family& Historical Events of the Time

1795 Elijah (St. Louis Jones b. Missouri 7-31 Leo
1815 Martha Stevens b. Missouri 10-18 Libra
1825 Adam Stone b. Ohio 7/31 Leo
1826 Jedediah Hardman b. Georgia 12/4 Sagittarius
1829 Joshua Hardman b. Georgia 7/17 Cancer
1831 Matthew Kane b. Missouri 2/9 Aquarius
1832 Randall Phillips b. Virginia 1/10 Capricorn
1834 Loraine Stevens b. Missouri 10/31
1835 Han Jei b. China; Bernice McDowell b. Illinois
1840 Arabelle Stevens b. Missouri 4/28 Taurus
1841 Jason Phillips b. Virginia 1/14 Capricorn
1849 gold discovered in California
1850 Homestead Land Act
1851 Amy Stevens and Matt Kane marry
1855 Adam Stone returns to Oregon
         Laura Kane b. Oregon
        Adam meets Rand Phillips fighting Rogue Indian War
1856 Trail of Tears—Oregon
1857 Elijah Stone b. Oregon
1859 Oregon becomes a state; Rufus Kane b. Oregon
1861 Civil War begins
1862 Jed Hardman goes to war
         Gold discovered in Canyon City
1864 Snake War begins
1865 Lee surrenders -- Civil War is over
1867 Belle Stevens (Morgan) returns to Oregon
1868 Snake War ends
1872 Modoc War
1873 Portland destroyed by fire
1877 Nez Perce War
1878 Bannock-Paiute War

Oregon Historical Timeline
Stevens Family& Historical Events of the Time
                                                                                                 1795 Elijah (St. Louis Jones b. Missouri 7-31 Leo                                      1815 Martha Stevens b. Missouri 10-18 Libra                                      1825 Adam Stone b. Ohio 7/31 Leo                                      1826 Jedediah Hardman b. Georgia  12/4 Sagittarius                                      1829 Joshua Hardman b. Georgia  7/17 Cancer                                      1831 Matthew Kane  b. Missouri  2/9 Aquarius                                      1832 Randall Phillips b. Virginia  1/10 Capricorn                                      1834 Loraine Stevens b. Missouri 10/31                                      1835 Han Jei b. China                                              Bernice McDowell b. Illinois                                      1840 Arabelle Stevens b. Missouri 4/28 Taurus                                      1841 Jason Phillips b. Virginia  1/14 Capricorn                                                                                                  1849 gold discovered in California                                      1850 Homestead Land Act                                      1851 Amy Stevens and Matt Kane marry                                      1855 Adam Stone returns to Oregon                                              Laura Kane b. Oregon                                              Adam meets Rand Phillips fighting Rogue Indian War                                      1856 Trail of Tears—Oregon                                      1857 Elijah Stone b. Oregon                                                                                     1859 Oregon becomes a state;  Rufus Kane b. Oregon                                      1861 Civil War begins                                      1862 Jed Hardman goes to war                                              Gold discovered in Canyon City                                      1864 Snake War begins                                      1865 Lee surrenders -- Civil War is over                                                                                    1867 Belle Stevens (Morgan) returns to Oregon                                      1868 Snake War ends                                      1872 Modoc War                                      1873 Portland destroyed by fire                                      1877 Nez Perce War                                      1878 Bannock-Paiute War

Arizona Historical Timeline O'Brian and Taggert families & Historical Events of the Time(Some families are ancestors of the Hemstreet witches, 
a contemporary paranormal romance series)

    1833    Charles Prevo


1840          Jeremiah Taggert b. Kansas; James Redman b. Iowa; Rose Jarred b.     Missouri
1841          Victor Hemstreet b. San Francisco
1842          Roman Alexander Oliver b. Kansas
1843          Lars Ericson b. Wisconsin
1844          Raul Cordova b. Mexico; Valerie Simpson b. Kansas
1845          Robert Mitchell b. New York; Frederica Jamison b. Boston
1846          –
1847          Delbert Sicilla b. West Virginia
1848          Wei Song b. Weaverville California; US wins Mexico War
1849          Maria Jacinta b. Mexico; Apache wars begin 'officially'
1850          Constance Banyon b. Maryland
1851          Eleanor Samuels b. San Francisco
1852          Samuel Ryker (O’Brian) b. Kansas
1853          Laura Ericson b. Wisconsin
1854          Cordell O’Brian b. Kansas1855          ---1856          ---1857          James Redman m. Rose Jarrod Missouri; Clint Adams b. Nebraska1858          Abigail Spenser b. Illinois1859          --1860             
1861         Vincent Taggert b. KS; Frances Johnson b. KS; Priscilla Wesley b. 
                Georgia; Civil War begins. 1862          Cochise and his band attack soldiers beginning Apache war 1863          Ellen Buchanan b. Texas; Territory of Arizona created by Congress1864         Kit Carson captures 7000 Navajo forces them from Arizona1865          Civil War ends1866          Asa Taggert b. Utah; Rafael Cordova b. Mexico1867          Cole Taggert b. Utah1868          Jesse Taggert b. Utah; Connie m. Delbert Sicilla 1869          Juan Cordova b. Mexico m. Josita1870          Raquel Cordova b. Mexico d. 18701871          Laura Ericson m. James Ferris Tucson, Arizona1872          James Angus b. Illinois –1873          Eleanor Samuels m. Victor Hemstreet; Jason Ferris b. Tucson1874          Felipe Valencia b. Arizona1875          Clint Madison b. Illinois; Nathan Hemstreet b. San Francisco1876          Gabriel Cordova b. AZ; Holly Jacobs b. Ill; Wilhelmina Butler b. SF1877          Grace O’Brian b. Kansas; Catherine Lawrence b. Boston1878          Anita Cordova b. Arizona; James Ferris b. Tucson1879          Alexa Johnson (Oliver) b. Kansas; Lily Jacobs b. Illinois1880          Wei Zian b. Arizona
1881      Railroad crosses Arizona; OK Corral gunfight in Tombstone
1882      US government bans Chinese immigration for 10 years  1884          David Ryker b. Circle R Ranch1885      Geronimo leaves reservation1886          major earthquake in Mexico damages Tucson; Geronimo captured1887          Alice Ryker b. Circle R Ranch1888          Jesse O’Brian b. Circle O Ranch; Raquel Valencia b. Tucson1889          Daniel Cordova b. Circle O Ranch Jan.1890          Ellen m. Robert Mitchell; Jose Valencia b. Tucson1891          Alicia O’Brian b. August Circle O1892          Roberto Cordova b. December Tucson1893         Royce Johnson (Oliver) b. Kansas1894          Will Tremaine publishes first dime novel1895          James Redman dies Feb. Tucson; James O’Brian b. Circle O1896          Valerie Taggert dies; Yaqui Uprising in Mexico and Arizona1897          Spanish American War begins; Margarita Valencia b. Tucson1898          Victor Hemstreet dies in SF1899          Donovan Cordova b. November Tucson1903          Tyler Taggert b Tucson; Joshua Taggert b. Tucson1905          Samuel Butler dies SF; Ruth Taggert & Lucinda Tagggert. b.Tucson
1907          Josiah Hemstreet b. Tucson1908          Redland Hemstreet b. Tucson

    1912    Arizona becomes a state-- last of the contiguous states to do so


 

 It is important for readers to understand how much sexuality will be in any book. Some authors have that in the title as they label theirs sweet or clean. The second word implies sex is not clean and the first can be deceptive as there may be many things in that book, including violence, that is not sweet at all. So I decided to make sure my blurbs and sites like this one have heat level explained. No writer wants a reader blindsided by something they did not want to see in a book. 

Some might ask-- well, why have IT at all? I want IT because to me describing healthy sexuality is good and gives my characters a full and fair representation as to their relationship. I don't mind reading books with closed doors (another way to describe books without IT), but my favorites have some sexuality. 

IT is not in my novellas since they are already shorter books ,and I need all their words to tell the story. Sometimes it's implied it happened and I pick it up afterward. Sometimes the characters just aren't ready for it. Either way, novellas (♥ or ♥♥) are closed doors.

My novels, those ranging from 60,000 to 125,000 have (at least so far) ♥♥♥♥, but variable as to when the event will happen. I want it only when the timing is right-- which might be earlier in some books or the very end in others. I also don't write lengthy love scenes mainly because they bore me when I'm reading a book and those scenes go on too long. I am more interested in the emotional impact of doing IT as well as pillow talk. I also enjoy writing the moments leading up to the couple IT. Why they decide it's time or not is important to the emotional story being told.


♥ ------holding hands, perhaps a gentle kiss
♥♥ ---- more kisses but no tongue-- no foreplay
♥♥♥ ---kissing, tongue, caressing, foreplay & pillow talk
♥♥♥♥ --all of above, full sexual experience including climax
♥♥♥♥♥ -all of above including coarser language and sex more frequent

Romances of the American West
Below is a current list of all my books in order, in their series, as well as notations for which books share characters. Novels run 60-125,000 words. Behind a title, (n) indicates novella which range in length from 20,000 to 40,000 words. For more on the books, click on its image in the sidebar or visit  [Romances with an Edge].There you will find links to sites other than Amazon.  

Most of the novels involve suspense, which means danger and violence. There is often mild profanity. Novellas do not have sexual scenes.

Currently, all paranormal novels are in Kindle Unlimited, where there is unlimited borrowing for members.

Oregon historical romancesThe four novels follow one family, the Stevens, from their travel west on the Oregon Trail into the settling of Oregon.  Three sisters and their mother face the challenges of making a home in a new land and falling in love with men-- not always easy to love.  Heat level: ♥♥♥♥ Round the Bend -- 1852: wagons head out on the Oregon Trail. Amy is naive  about what   love might be-- Matt disillusioned. Young love faces many challenges with death the greatest.
Where Dreams Go -- 1855: Martha is a widow and does not expect the return of a man who presents temptations she'd forgotten, but he's too young for her. Will he be there for her if she disappoints her children and accepts his offer of marriage?
Going Home -- 1865: Raine thought she found love but the Civil War intervened. Now he is back and heading for his Eastern Oregon ranch. What's she to do? She's not a ranch type woman.
Love Waits -- 1867: Belle is in Eastern Oregon on a mission for the Pinkertons, which might be at risk when she sees the cavalry officer she's been unable to forget. Between conspiracies and Indian wars, this isn't a good time for love.

Arizona historical romancesBeginning with one outlaw, the O'Brian story follows brothers and one daughter. Book 4, as a novella, provides a bridge to the Taggerts. All of the books share some characters as friends or family. Heat level for novels: ♥♥♥♥   Novellas: ♥ or ♥♥ Arizona Sunset -- 1883: Abigail is dissatisfied with her life but did not have in mind quite the change that one outlaw brings when he turns her world upside down.
Tucson Moon -- 1885:  Priscilla is not going to fall in love with a man who wears a gun, not even if he's a lawman, but she'll help him when his small daughter arrives. Their closeness leads to the inevitable.
Arizona Dawn -- 1898: With a university degree, Grace returns to Tucson, all grown up and ready to fight for the man she loves, who is back from war.
     Rose's Gift (n)-- 1899: Widow, Rose receives a proposal, but that's not possible at her age. Ollie finds his life complicated by the arrival of a secret.
Echoes from the Past -- 1901: Holly comes to Tucson to organize an archaeological dig-- not to fall in love. Vince is too old and has lived too hard a life to ever see it possible with this educated and rich woman.
Lands of Fire -- 1902: Lily finds artistic inspiration when she moves to Tucson to be close to her sister-- that and a lot more with Jesse, who might seem slow in some ways but is fast as lightning in others.
Bound for the Hills -- 1905: Wilhelmina rents a mountain cabin and shockingly discovers the hero of her dime novels is a real man, and he's not pleased.
     SonoranChristmas (n)-- 1905: Frederica needs to find her daughter. Meeting a real life retired (mostly) outlaw is the help she needs-- in more ways than one.

Historical Contemporarybooks set in an historic period but generally WWII and afterHeat level: ♥♥♥♥ Luck of the Draw -- 1974: Billy Stempleton, bronc and bull rider, comes to Pendleton for the Roundup and meets someone, who will change his life. 

Contemporary-- Western romancesSet in the American West-- Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, these stories are romances with danger and suspense. Whether set in a city or on a ranch, they all share the themes of great westerns with challenges to face.Novella heat level: ♥♥♥♥   Novella heat level: ♥ Desert Inferno -- Landscape painter, Rachel O'Brian finds a dying man on her family's remote desert ranch and Border Patrol comes to investigate. Set in Southern Arizona
Evening Star -- When Portland attorney, Marla Jamison, meets Randy O'Brian, she wants nothing to do with the younger, handsome cop. What we need and want, aren't always the same thing.
Bannister'sWay -- David Bannister has been undercover before but when he takes a job in Oregon and reconnects with his artist wife, Raven, undercover takes on a new meaning. David was in Desert Inferno. Characters from Evening Star are in this book. 

Moon Dust -- For her health, Susan needs a divorce. Dane, a Portland high school principal is facing more than heartbreak as tensions with a militia leader escalate.
Second Chance -- Psychologist Barrett juggles being a single mother and an invasive ex. She cannot afford the complications a truck driver, animal rescuer,   much younger man would bring to her daughter or her. This book follows up secondary characters in Moon Dust. 

Hidden Pearl -- Architect, S.T. Taggert needs to find his sister who apparently joined a dangerous cult. He doesn't want the complications of a beautiful photo-journalist. 
Her Dark Angel -- Katy has come to Reno to help her uncle while his receptionist is out. Dill, because of a perilous situation, is determined to make her visit a short one. Beauty better be prepared to fight for her beast if she wants a happily ever after.  Book set in Reno, Portland and Tahoe. 

From Here to There -- A wedding that is a mistake (maybe) and two marriages are part of Rocking H ranch life in Montana where a dude has to prove himself if he wants his bride to be his wife.       A Montana Christmas (n)-- Can a family heal from years of dysfunction? Christmas may not be the easiest time to find out. Following up on  From Here to There with a continuing love story.
          Paranormal RomancesSet in the mountain West, these stories explore the 'other' side as ordinary people come up against what is anything but ordinary. They are all available in Kindle Unlimited.Heat Level Novels: ♥♥♥♥Novellas: ♥ or ♥♥ Sky Daughter -- When Maggie returns to the mountains of Idaho to heal from losses, she learns her family isn't what she believed. Even more unexpected is Reuben. There is a hidden enemy that goes beyond the physical.  

Diablo Canyon -- combining in one book the following 3 novellas. Set in Montana ranch country, with the spice that the novellas do not have.    
          When Fates Conspire (n)-- All is not as it seems when star-crossed lovers meet after many years and are ready to break the rules to be together. This is going to take some supernatural help.
         The Dark of the Moon (n)-- He sees and talks to the other side. She has a ranch to operate and a son's death to grieve. With a human enemy aided by demonic powers, they are facing more than either imagined. Their spirit guides have their hands full.
          Storm in the Canyon (n)—Being a spirit guide apparently isn’t all that is possible for Racine. She is needed to combat an old evil returned to again kill and control the human race. Falling in love with a human wasn’t in the plan—or was it?

In the Hemstreet Witches Series, four sisters and their mother use the powers, with which they were born, for good. Evil always lurks. The novels run 60-70,000 words. Enchantress' Secret —Denali is asked to do a favor for her mother and help solve a murder. The main suspect, an ex-SEAL and successful painter has his own secrets, but none are a match for Denali's.
To Speak of Things Unseen —Elke believes she can help people better understand those with natural born spiritual powers if she can convince a writer to more widely share his book on the supernatural world.
A Price to be Paid --Devi hasn't come to terms with being a witch or using her powers. As youngest of four sisters, she's living at home but wanting her own life. What that will be is debatable when she is offered a marriage in name only-- and then everything changes. (available June 29) 

Women Starting Over SeriesWhen life throws a woman an unexpected curve, what will she do? Heat level: ♥♥ Red Hawk Christmas (n)-- Leaving Chicago, Diana and her two Chihuahuas travel the West in an RV. She's not looking for romance but it might find her.