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The Adventures of Decky and Charlie #2
Out on the Panhandle
Take a thirty-nine-year-old woman, born and raised on the beach, and plop her down on the Panhandle of Oklahoma in the midst of her lover’s huge family reunion. Add in a cow chip throwing contest, a horse round up, Native American legends, a crazed fundamentalist sister-in-law, a family secret, an unforgettable romance, and Decky Bradshaw is in for a wild ride. The sequel to Out on the Sound, this novel continues the tales of Decky and Charlie. From Lambda Literary Award Finalist author, R. E. Bradshaw, Out on the Panhandle will elicit tears one moment and side-splitting laughter the next, on the way to discovering that true love never ends.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2012
9 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
R.E. Bradshaw
26 books240 followersHow did a girl from the Outer Banks of North Carolina end up writing contemporary women's fiction in Oklahoma? Well, there has to be a woman involved. Bradshaw began her writing career in 2010, after leaving Theatre and teaching. Since then, her novels ranging from the popular romance, Waking Up Gray, to the Lambda Literary Award Finalists, thriller Rainey Nights and mystery Molly: House on Fire, have remained among Amazon’s bestsellers in lesbian fiction. All of Bradshaw’s books, thus far, are set in her beloved home state of North Carolina. She was transplanted from the coast to the Heartland by the love of her life, an Oklahoma girl, with whom she celebrate twenty-five years in June 2013. They have a son, Jon, and share their home with two dogs and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 5, 2017
4.5 stars. When I picked up this sequel to an already good book that's largely about finding your soulmate and coming out to the local community, I thought it'll will continue in a similar vein. But, boy, was I wrong.
While there is some family drama I very much expected, it's shadowed by the flashbacks of how the ranch land came in possession of Charlie's family. A well researched and very gritty story about war between the white men and native Americans. I expected good feels and they were there but I certainly didn't expect to read about cutting scalps and people getting shot. It was a brutal yet beautiful story that really resonated with me.
And the story within the story turned out to be more interesting than the main plot line but otherwise it's was a really good read. In places the book gets too sappy for me, I'm not a believer in the concept of soul mates but the book made me want to believe and for that it receives the high rating I gave it.
Unexpected but wonderful conclusion to the Decky and Charlie's story.
While there is some family drama I very much expected, it's shadowed by the flashbacks of how the ranch land came in possession of Charlie's family. A well researched and very gritty story about war between the white men and native Americans. I expected good feels and they were there but I certainly didn't expect to read about cutting scalps and people getting shot. It was a brutal yet beautiful story that really resonated with me.
And the story within the story turned out to be more interesting than the main plot line but otherwise it's was a really good read. In places the book gets too sappy for me, I'm not a believer in the concept of soul mates but the book made me want to believe and for that it receives the high rating I gave it.
Unexpected but wonderful conclusion to the Decky and Charlie's story.
December 27, 2014
So....I really enjoyed this book. I have read Bradshaw's books before. They are solid, if predictable. I really liked this one. okay so it was kind of hokey in places...but it made me laugh and cry. I found the basis for the story interesting. Maybe it is my love of historical fiction...
October 2, 2012
Bradshaw's books seldom disappoints! I like this 2nd book better than the first.
November 13, 2017
WOW....
A powerful love story.
A powerful love story.
October 1, 2012
Soul mates, Decky and Charlie have been together now for two years. From the moment Decky had first seen Charlie, she knew exactly what being in love meant. The feeling, fortunately, was mutual. Decky and Charlie are so much in love it still feels surreal at times.
Decky and Charlie have left their home in Outer Banks, North Carolina and are heading off to visit Charlie’s family in Beaver County, Oklahoma. Known in bygone days as The Oklahoma Panhandle.
When Decky and Charlie arrive, Decky begins to wonder what she’s let herself in for and how she’s going to cope with the huge Warren family reunion. More to the point, Decky is worrying about how she will be welcomed by some members of Charlie’s family. Although most of Charlie’s family seem to be aware she is a lesbian, it has never been discussed and Charlie has never come out to her family. Are things about to change?
Decky has been researching the Warren family history. She loves genealogy. Louise, Charlie’s mother, hands Decky a box of documents stating that the contents would clear up some of the questions concerning Meredith Etheridge. (Merdy). Merdy was married to Grace and Decky learns of an amazing secret that has been hidden for many years. Is Louise trying to tell Decky and Charlie something?
This book is absolutely amazing. R.E Bradshaw has surpassed herself with her excellent writing skills , storytelling and the amount of painstaking research she’s done into Native American history to make this book the delightful read that it is.
The book sees the return of Decky and Charlie, their adventures began in Out On The Sound and I’ve long awaited their return. Both books are complete, but I would definitely advise reading Out On The Sound first. You will be missing out on a brilliant story if you don’t.
R.E Bradshaw has written this book in a different format to her usual style. The story tells of past history of the Native American using manuscripts from the past. The past being the wild west is seamlessly interwoven with the present modern day, not so wild west. So, we have the best of both worlds here. I love tales from the wild west and I wasn’t disappointed. From the excellent scenic descriptions of past and present, I could easily visualize myself in both times looking on, even being among the characters as the story unfolded.
I love the multidimensional characters, Decky and Charlie and Merdy, Grace and Thora. They all play well with the other equally important characters. Each and every character is essential to the progression of the story. They all play their parts to perfection. Even the ones we are meant to dislike.
The whole book caused me to experience a myriad of emotions. Some parts are so laugh out loud, I was glad to be reading in the privacy of my home. Other parts are pure delicious romance. Then there was the choking emotion of sadness. All written with sympathy and understanding as only an excellent author can do. Followed by the overall feel good factor of satisfaction I get when I’ve come to the end of a tremendous book.
To sum up, we have two romances, one past and one present. Each with a profound and everlasting love that goes into infinity everlasting. A rich and deep history of the old wild west and the Native American’s. A modern day western and everyday living. Plus a rollercoaster ride of a cow chip throwing contest, a crazy homophobic sister-in-law, a horse round up and a family secret, along with a wealth of other goings on. So, hang on to the edge of your seat.
I sincerely hope these characters are going to get another outing soon. I’ve said this before, but for new readers of my little reviews, I’ll just say again, each book I read of R.E. Bradshaw’s is the best ever, that is until I go back to one of her previous books and suddenly, that’s the best. So, I guess I’m saying here, they are all top notch books in their own right. For anyone who hasn’t read an R.E Bradshaw book before, I envy you. You have all the delights of the wonderful reads to come. Me, I’m just looking forward now to her next book with eager anticipation.
Decky and Charlie have left their home in Outer Banks, North Carolina and are heading off to visit Charlie’s family in Beaver County, Oklahoma. Known in bygone days as The Oklahoma Panhandle.
When Decky and Charlie arrive, Decky begins to wonder what she’s let herself in for and how she’s going to cope with the huge Warren family reunion. More to the point, Decky is worrying about how she will be welcomed by some members of Charlie’s family. Although most of Charlie’s family seem to be aware she is a lesbian, it has never been discussed and Charlie has never come out to her family. Are things about to change?
Decky has been researching the Warren family history. She loves genealogy. Louise, Charlie’s mother, hands Decky a box of documents stating that the contents would clear up some of the questions concerning Meredith Etheridge. (Merdy). Merdy was married to Grace and Decky learns of an amazing secret that has been hidden for many years. Is Louise trying to tell Decky and Charlie something?
This book is absolutely amazing. R.E Bradshaw has surpassed herself with her excellent writing skills , storytelling and the amount of painstaking research she’s done into Native American history to make this book the delightful read that it is.
The book sees the return of Decky and Charlie, their adventures began in Out On The Sound and I’ve long awaited their return. Both books are complete, but I would definitely advise reading Out On The Sound first. You will be missing out on a brilliant story if you don’t.
R.E Bradshaw has written this book in a different format to her usual style. The story tells of past history of the Native American using manuscripts from the past. The past being the wild west is seamlessly interwoven with the present modern day, not so wild west. So, we have the best of both worlds here. I love tales from the wild west and I wasn’t disappointed. From the excellent scenic descriptions of past and present, I could easily visualize myself in both times looking on, even being among the characters as the story unfolded.
I love the multidimensional characters, Decky and Charlie and Merdy, Grace and Thora. They all play well with the other equally important characters. Each and every character is essential to the progression of the story. They all play their parts to perfection. Even the ones we are meant to dislike.
The whole book caused me to experience a myriad of emotions. Some parts are so laugh out loud, I was glad to be reading in the privacy of my home. Other parts are pure delicious romance. Then there was the choking emotion of sadness. All written with sympathy and understanding as only an excellent author can do. Followed by the overall feel good factor of satisfaction I get when I’ve come to the end of a tremendous book.
To sum up, we have two romances, one past and one present. Each with a profound and everlasting love that goes into infinity everlasting. A rich and deep history of the old wild west and the Native American’s. A modern day western and everyday living. Plus a rollercoaster ride of a cow chip throwing contest, a crazy homophobic sister-in-law, a horse round up and a family secret, along with a wealth of other goings on. So, hang on to the edge of your seat.
I sincerely hope these characters are going to get another outing soon. I’ve said this before, but for new readers of my little reviews, I’ll just say again, each book I read of R.E. Bradshaw’s is the best ever, that is until I go back to one of her previous books and suddenly, that’s the best. So, I guess I’m saying here, they are all top notch books in their own right. For anyone who hasn’t read an R.E Bradshaw book before, I envy you. You have all the delights of the wonderful reads to come. Me, I’m just looking forward now to her next book with eager anticipation.
March 6, 2013
How do you write a sequel to a coming out story? R.E. Bradshaw knows how. Her readers fell in love with Decky and Charlie in Decky's coming out story, "Out on the Sound," but this is Charlie's tale of coming out to her family. While "Out on the Sound" was all about Decky and Charlie, "Out on the Panhandle" is laced with a secondary story that reaches in the history of Charlie's family, and I have to say I was fascinated with the detail of Bradshaw's research.
I have to admit that the first couple of chapters of "Out on the Panhandle" didn't grab me at first, but after I backtracked and read "Out on the Sound," I wanted more of this pair. So, I started "Out on the Panhandle" over and was spellbound.
While I lean a little more toward Bradshaw's thrillers -- the Rainey Bell stories and "Molly: House on Fire" -- anything this author writes is more than worth reading. She's an apt storyteller and one of only two authors I know who write so flirty that they somehow fade-to-black on the sex scenes without leaving the reader feeling like the door has been slammed on them. I've never been able to master that myself.
In short, don't miss this chance to enjoy Bradshaw's sharp wit and rich tale set in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
I have to admit that the first couple of chapters of "Out on the Panhandle" didn't grab me at first, but after I backtracked and read "Out on the Sound," I wanted more of this pair. So, I started "Out on the Panhandle" over and was spellbound.
While I lean a little more toward Bradshaw's thrillers -- the Rainey Bell stories and "Molly: House on Fire" -- anything this author writes is more than worth reading. She's an apt storyteller and one of only two authors I know who write so flirty that they somehow fade-to-black on the sex scenes without leaving the reader feeling like the door has been slammed on them. I've never been able to master that myself.
In short, don't miss this chance to enjoy Bradshaw's sharp wit and rich tale set in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
October 16, 2014
I love the Decky and Charlie stories. This couple has such a nice relationship. I love how the real Decky (R.E. Bradshaw) creates believable characters and stories. And the way the author presents family life. In these stories, Decky's mom is bipolar. This is portrayed well as Decky tries to live an uncomplicated life with her new love.
In this book, Decky researches the history of Charlie's family ranch. It is an education for all who read about the Comanche tribe and the troubles they had with the white invaders. I was glad I was reading this on Columbus Day. It made me feel I was celebrating the Native Ameican Day as it should be called.
Okay, I have to admit, though, I wasn't completely thrilled with the book. The first part felt forced. The dialogue didn't ring true, or something. Not sure I can pin it down. But after the story got off the ground, I was hooked. It wasn't quite the thriller the last book was but it still had its share of adventure and action. Meanwhile, I learned a lot about the Comanche tribe and the Panhandle of Oklahoma.
Oh, and did I mention--horses? Yep. There are horses. That made me very happy. (My twelve-year-old self was galloping along with the characters.
I am looking forward to reading more by R.E. Bradshaw.
In this book, Decky researches the history of Charlie's family ranch. It is an education for all who read about the Comanche tribe and the troubles they had with the white invaders. I was glad I was reading this on Columbus Day. It made me feel I was celebrating the Native Ameican Day as it should be called.
Okay, I have to admit, though, I wasn't completely thrilled with the book. The first part felt forced. The dialogue didn't ring true, or something. Not sure I can pin it down. But after the story got off the ground, I was hooked. It wasn't quite the thriller the last book was but it still had its share of adventure and action. Meanwhile, I learned a lot about the Comanche tribe and the Panhandle of Oklahoma.
Oh, and did I mention--horses? Yep. There are horses. That made me very happy. (My twelve-year-old self was galloping along with the characters.
I am looking forward to reading more by R.E. Bradshaw.
October 18, 2012
I just love sequels that exceed my expectations. I laughed out loud reading the first book about Charlie and Decky. This book made me laugh, smile, and brought tears to my eyes. A wonderful story, well written and highly entertaining. It also is an education to those who have misunderstood the history of Native Americans. I would put this book on a high school reading list so that young people can get a more well-rounded history.
September 6, 2020
Cracking read,
It made me cry and laugh out loud x will probably read again . . Well written, patty throwing indeed
It made me cry and laugh out loud x will probably read again . . Well written, patty throwing indeed
October 17, 2012
Out on the Panhandle is a book which should be read by every person – gay or straight. The message R.E. Bradshaw delivers through this story is one which needs to be told and heard by EVERYONE. One line keeps standing out to me – “Believe in love – it never ends.” Truer words were never spoken. Any love shared between two souls (or spirits) is something we should celebrate not mourn or reject.
Out on the Panhandle is a continuation story in the lives of Decky and Charlie – two women who were destined to fall in love and overcome hate from ignorant people through the love of family and friends. In this story we learn of Charlie’s native Indian heritage and together Decky and Charlie embark on a journey to discover the truth about Charlie’s heritage. Bradshaw’s writing is filled with just the right amount of humor, history, drama, and suspense. You can tell the research put into this book was immense.
I have read every book by Bradshaw and have never been disappointed. Her messages in each and every one are different but all make the statement that love shared between two souls, albeit man and woman or woman and woman or man and man, is something to be celebrated and treasured not hated or persecuted. In this day and age when there is still a struggle for the LGBT community to be recognized and our joinings celebrated, this book and message is a welcome. I, for one, am glad to have R.E. Bradshaw portray a gay couple as a wholesome loving family – stating truth instead of stereotypes.
I look forward to Bradshaw’s next book and I'm sure she will not disappoint.
Out on the Panhandle is a continuation story in the lives of Decky and Charlie – two women who were destined to fall in love and overcome hate from ignorant people through the love of family and friends. In this story we learn of Charlie’s native Indian heritage and together Decky and Charlie embark on a journey to discover the truth about Charlie’s heritage. Bradshaw’s writing is filled with just the right amount of humor, history, drama, and suspense. You can tell the research put into this book was immense.
I have read every book by Bradshaw and have never been disappointed. Her messages in each and every one are different but all make the statement that love shared between two souls, albeit man and woman or woman and woman or man and man, is something to be celebrated and treasured not hated or persecuted. In this day and age when there is still a struggle for the LGBT community to be recognized and our joinings celebrated, this book and message is a welcome. I, for one, am glad to have R.E. Bradshaw portray a gay couple as a wholesome loving family – stating truth instead of stereotypes.
I look forward to Bradshaw’s next book and I'm sure she will not disappoint.
August 15, 2013
I have to say that I liked Out on the Sound better than this one. Maybe that's because I live in North Carolina, and it had that ring of familiarity to it. But overall, I felt like the secondary characters in the first book were more clearly drawn.
What I did enjoy was the story within a story feature of this book. I'm a history geek, so the historical aspect of this book grabbed me, and even sent me to google for more information. Also, I've been viewing and reading about the Dust Bowl lately, so the setting in the panhandle of Oklahoma was interesting. Decky's involvement with the diary, and her identification with the historical characters, were a definite plus.
I guess what bothered me about this book, as opposed to the first one, was the undercurrent of polemic. It was a good story, but some characters, especially Karen, became devices to deliver a message instead of the finely calibrated people I would have wanted to see.
I KNOW this author has a lot of insight into human motivations and behavior. It's expected to have characters in a novel represent differing points of view. But I want them to do it within the context of a fully drawn, rounded-out human being, even for a relatively minor character. The Karen character sounded like a composite of all the strident voices at large in the public square today, instead of one person with an individual axe to grind.
What I did enjoy was the story within a story feature of this book. I'm a history geek, so the historical aspect of this book grabbed me, and even sent me to google for more information. Also, I've been viewing and reading about the Dust Bowl lately, so the setting in the panhandle of Oklahoma was interesting. Decky's involvement with the diary, and her identification with the historical characters, were a definite plus.
I guess what bothered me about this book, as opposed to the first one, was the undercurrent of polemic. It was a good story, but some characters, especially Karen, became devices to deliver a message instead of the finely calibrated people I would have wanted to see.
I KNOW this author has a lot of insight into human motivations and behavior. It's expected to have characters in a novel represent differing points of view. But I want them to do it within the context of a fully drawn, rounded-out human being, even for a relatively minor character. The Karen character sounded like a composite of all the strident voices at large in the public square today, instead of one person with an individual axe to grind.
October 17, 2012
RE Bradshaw has done it again! Somehow, Ms. Bradshaw manages to raise the bar with each book, crafting multiple story lines and weaving them into a beautifully warm and compelling book. Out on the Panhandle is yet another example of RE Bradshaw's considerable talent as an author and master story teller. She continues the tale of Decky and Charlie, who readers first fell in love with in Out on the Sound. Drawing you in from the first page, you are invited into a world rich with Native American history, romance and lessons on what it means to be a family, be it by blood or by choice. The characters are well developed, the pacing is excellent and the transitions between the past and the present are seamless. This is a story full of both poignant and humorous moments and characteristic of all of RE Bradshaw's books, this one is a superb balance of tense and tranquil moments. Out on the Panhandle is a powerful story which will leave the reader believing that love everlasting does truly exist.
If you have never read a book by RE Bradshaw, I can't think of a better time than now to do so. Out on the Panhandle is a brilliant book; one which will surely leave readers clamoring for more works by this author. Read this book...and share it with someone you love.
If you have never read a book by RE Bradshaw, I can't think of a better time than now to do so. Out on the Panhandle is a brilliant book; one which will surely leave readers clamoring for more works by this author. Read this book...and share it with someone you love.
January 12, 2014
In this, the second Decky and Charlie novel, we have jumped forwards two years and find the happy couple going off to Oklahoma to visit Charlie's family for the first time. Decky has been working on the Warren family tree and wants to find out more about Charlie's mysterious Comanche heritage and in particular the elusive great great grandparents Merdy and Grace.
Take a girl from the beach and dump her in the Boomer state with several hundred of Charlie's relatives and friends, a psychotic fundamentalist sister-in-laws, Cow Pat throwing competitions and a huge family secret and you have the makings of a great read.
As the story unfolds we intermingle the current LGBT struggle for family recognition and acceptance with an amazing historical tale.
——————————
R.E Bradshaw is a great storyteller and this is no exception. The book is full of laughter and love as well as heartbreakingly sad moments – definitely have the Kleenex close to hand.
She seamlessly melds the old and new into a really interesting story line which takes us another stage along the Decky and Charlie romance. Looking forward to the next one.
Take a girl from the beach and dump her in the Boomer state with several hundred of Charlie's relatives and friends, a psychotic fundamentalist sister-in-laws, Cow Pat throwing competitions and a huge family secret and you have the makings of a great read.
As the story unfolds we intermingle the current LGBT struggle for family recognition and acceptance with an amazing historical tale.
——————————
R.E Bradshaw is a great storyteller and this is no exception. The book is full of laughter and love as well as heartbreakingly sad moments – definitely have the Kleenex close to hand.
She seamlessly melds the old and new into a really interesting story line which takes us another stage along the Decky and Charlie romance. Looking forward to the next one.
March 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this one. The story-within-a-story was great and I was fascinated by the Native American aspects of the book. It made me want to learn more, so I was thankful for the recommended reading list the author included at the end. Laughter, tears, romance and tragedy - it's all here. There's an overall theme of love and acceptance that makes this book definitely worth reading.
I believe!
I believe!
September 5, 2013
4.5 stars
Very well done story of 2 women who love and get each other. The sub-plot of Charlie's family history was SO well done and interesting. Loved the characters and seeing someone really learn what love truly means. A person is never to grown to know what true acceptance is and feeling it from family. Lovely story.
Very well done story of 2 women who love and get each other. The sub-plot of Charlie's family history was SO well done and interesting. Loved the characters and seeing someone really learn what love truly means. A person is never to grown to know what true acceptance is and feeling it from family. Lovely story.
October 5, 2012
Great book, two intermingled story lines that were both captivating. Lots of humor and good will - what I've come to rely on with an R. E. Bradshaw book. Another winner, Decky!
June 27, 2015
Interesting story about love, loss and family.
Read
July 2, 2013Lovers Decky and Charlie make a trip to Oklahoma to meet Charlie's family and through her great grandmother's diary discover more "family" than they ever suspected.
November 1, 2015
2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews