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Red Ridge Chronicles #2
The Drifter
Mirabelle Blackstone knows the man she’s meant to be with. Unfortunately, her father, the town’s pastor, has other plans. Determined no daughter of his will court with a gunslinger, he sets his sights on another beau—one with a plan of his own.
Billy Madison is desperate to win the approval of Mirabelle’s father. His heart doesn’t want anyone else, and when she passes along a fearful message, her protection becomes his only goal. His time of putting criminals behind bars tells him something’s not right, and that he might be too late to stop it.
With Mirabelle’s life at risk, can he rescue her in time? Or is his only chance at love now captive in the arms of another?
These kisses only books can be enjoyed in any order, but are best read starting with book one.
Billy Madison is desperate to win the approval of Mirabelle’s father. His heart doesn’t want anyone else, and when she passes along a fearful message, her protection becomes his only goal. His time of putting criminals behind bars tells him something’s not right, and that he might be too late to stop it.
With Mirabelle’s life at risk, can he rescue her in time? Or is his only chance at love now captive in the arms of another?
These kisses only books can be enjoyed in any order, but are best read starting with book one.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2025
19 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lamb
56 books33 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 30, 2025
THINK WE’RE GOING TO FIND WOMEN TOO?
The story is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles series, set in the area of Red Ridge, Oregon. This is a clean, historical Western tale that explores the good, the bad, and the evil in people.
“The gunslingers had worked separately and together over the last ten or so years. They kept in touch, always ready at a moment’s notice to join in a job or help a friend.”
“Billy Madison was the golden boy. With a face that charmed each female he came across, and a smile no woman of any age could resist, he could be dangerous. Too often, he was seen as harmless or unassuming. Just how he liked it. No mistake, though, you didn’t want to be on his bad side.”
In the 1880s, Red Ridge, Oregon, after Eli Jones settled down with the former widow, Hannah Carson, gunslingers, Billy Madison and Gavin Jefferson purchased fifty acres of land east of the Jones property. Seeing how happy and settled Eli is, Billy is now feeling the itch, wanting what Eli and Hannah have, and there is a young lady who has caught his eye, Mirabella Blackstone, daughter of the town’s pastor.
Gavin: The pastor’s daughter? The pastor’s daughter. Billy, you know her pa will never agree. You and me—we aren’t respectable folk. You know that. We’re gunslingers.
Billy: We’re lawmen. Guns for hire. And we take the jobs that help, not hurt.
Gavin: Be that as it may. I can’t see Pastor Blackstone wanting his only child—a daughter, no less—married to a gunslinger. Not with the reputations we have.
Billy: Well then, I reckon I’d better figure out how to change his mind.
The story will have Billy setting his sights on Mirabella Blackstone, but he isn’t alone; she has seen him and likes what she sees. Billy tries to do the right thing, speaking to the pastor, but that doesn’t work out well. Besides, Pastor Blackstone received a letter from a pastor friend whose son is coming this way, and he is hoping that Mirabella and Tom will make a match.
The story is a great example of not judging a book by its cover, in this case, a former gunslinger versus a professed preacher’s son. Looks, actions, and intentions are deceiving—and sometimes, you have allowed the wolf into the hen house by making erroneous assumptions, based on family and not actual character.
The story has life and death danger, acts of violence, and threats made to control people. It will have an unprotected town, due to the former corrupt sheriff being released from his duties and a new sheriff not yet being appointed. The town is offering the position to Gavin Jefferson, but he is unsure about wanting it—and that will become the next story in this series. But until then, Billy will speak with Gavin and Eli about what he has witnessed, and corroborated by Billy’s sister, Nora, when she stopped in town for a visit. But will they be too late to act on facts they have learned? What will become of Mirabella—and her family?
I’m enjoying this new series, and seeing cameo appearances from people from the first book. The story is a page-turning tale of good versus evil, along with a sweet, clean love story. The next book will be about Gavin Jefferson as the new sheriff of Red Ridge.
The story is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles series, set in the area of Red Ridge, Oregon. This is a clean, historical Western tale that explores the good, the bad, and the evil in people.
“The gunslingers had worked separately and together over the last ten or so years. They kept in touch, always ready at a moment’s notice to join in a job or help a friend.”
“Billy Madison was the golden boy. With a face that charmed each female he came across, and a smile no woman of any age could resist, he could be dangerous. Too often, he was seen as harmless or unassuming. Just how he liked it. No mistake, though, you didn’t want to be on his bad side.”
In the 1880s, Red Ridge, Oregon, after Eli Jones settled down with the former widow, Hannah Carson, gunslingers, Billy Madison and Gavin Jefferson purchased fifty acres of land east of the Jones property. Seeing how happy and settled Eli is, Billy is now feeling the itch, wanting what Eli and Hannah have, and there is a young lady who has caught his eye, Mirabella Blackstone, daughter of the town’s pastor.
Gavin: The pastor’s daughter? The pastor’s daughter. Billy, you know her pa will never agree. You and me—we aren’t respectable folk. You know that. We’re gunslingers.
Billy: We’re lawmen. Guns for hire. And we take the jobs that help, not hurt.
Gavin: Be that as it may. I can’t see Pastor Blackstone wanting his only child—a daughter, no less—married to a gunslinger. Not with the reputations we have.
Billy: Well then, I reckon I’d better figure out how to change his mind.
The story will have Billy setting his sights on Mirabella Blackstone, but he isn’t alone; she has seen him and likes what she sees. Billy tries to do the right thing, speaking to the pastor, but that doesn’t work out well. Besides, Pastor Blackstone received a letter from a pastor friend whose son is coming this way, and he is hoping that Mirabella and Tom will make a match.
The story is a great example of not judging a book by its cover, in this case, a former gunslinger versus a professed preacher’s son. Looks, actions, and intentions are deceiving—and sometimes, you have allowed the wolf into the hen house by making erroneous assumptions, based on family and not actual character.
The story has life and death danger, acts of violence, and threats made to control people. It will have an unprotected town, due to the former corrupt sheriff being released from his duties and a new sheriff not yet being appointed. The town is offering the position to Gavin Jefferson, but he is unsure about wanting it—and that will become the next story in this series. But until then, Billy will speak with Gavin and Eli about what he has witnessed, and corroborated by Billy’s sister, Nora, when she stopped in town for a visit. But will they be too late to act on facts they have learned? What will become of Mirabella—and her family?
I’m enjoying this new series, and seeing cameo appearances from people from the first book. The story is a page-turning tale of good versus evil, along with a sweet, clean love story. The next book will be about Gavin Jefferson as the new sheriff of Red Ridge.
August 30, 2025
THINK WE’RE GOING TO FIND WOMEN TOO?
The story is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles series, set in the area of Red Ridge, Oregon. This is a clean, historical Western tale that explores the good, the bad, and the evil in people.
“The gunslingers had worked separately and together over the last ten or so years. They kept in touch, always ready at a moment’s notice to join in a job or help a friend.”
“Billy Madison was the golden boy. With a face that charmed each female he came across, and a smile no woman of any age could resist, he could be dangerous. Too often, he was seen as harmless or unassuming. Just how he liked it. No mistake, though, you didn’t want to be on his bad side.”
In the 1880s, Red Ridge, Oregon, after Eli Jones settled down with the former widow, Hannah Carson, gunslingers, Billy Madison and Gavin Jefferson purchased fifty acres of land east of the Jones property. Seeing how happy and settled Eli is, Billy is now feeling the itch, wanting what Eli and Hannah have, and there is a young lady who has caught his eye, Mirabella Blackstone, daughter of the town’s pastor.
Gavin: The pastor’s daughter? The pastor’s daughter. Billy, you know her pa will never agree. You and me—we aren’t respectable folk. You know that. We’re gunslingers.
Billy: We’re lawmen. Guns for hire. And we take the jobs that help, not hurt.
Gavin: Be that as it may. I can’t see Pastor Blackstone wanting his only child—a daughter, no less—married to a gunslinger. Not with the reputations we have.
Billy: Well then, I reckon I’d better figure out how to change his mind.
The story will have Billy setting his sights on Mirabella Blackstone, but he isn’t alone; she has seen him and likes what she sees. Billy tries to do the right thing, speaking to the pastor, but that doesn’t work out well. Besides, Pastor Blackstone received a letter from a pastor friend whose son is coming this way, and he is hoping that Mirabella and Tom will make a match.
The story is a great example of not judging a book by its cover, in this case, a former gunslinger versus a professed preacher’s son. Looks, actions, and intentions are deceiving—and sometimes, you have allowed the wolf into the hen house by making erroneous assumptions, based on family and not actual character.
The story has life and death danger, acts of violence, and threats made to control people. It will have an unprotected town, due to the former corrupt sheriff being released from his duties and a new sheriff not yet being appointed. The town is offering the position to Gavin Jefferson, but he is unsure about wanting it—and that will become the next story in this series. But until then, Billy will speak with Gavin and Eli about what he has witnessed, and corroborated by Billy’s sister, Nora, when she stopped in town for a visit. But will they be too late to act on facts they have learned? What will become of Mirabella—and her family?
I’m enjoying this new series, and seeing cameo appearances from people from the first book. The story is a page-turning tale of good versus evil, along with a sweet, clean love story. The next book will be about Gavin Jefferson as the new sheriff of Red Ridge.
The story is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles series, set in the area of Red Ridge, Oregon. This is a clean, historical Western tale that explores the good, the bad, and the evil in people.
“The gunslingers had worked separately and together over the last ten or so years. They kept in touch, always ready at a moment’s notice to join in a job or help a friend.”
“Billy Madison was the golden boy. With a face that charmed each female he came across, and a smile no woman of any age could resist, he could be dangerous. Too often, he was seen as harmless or unassuming. Just how he liked it. No mistake, though, you didn’t want to be on his bad side.”
In the 1880s, Red Ridge, Oregon, after Eli Jones settled down with the former widow, Hannah Carson, gunslingers, Billy Madison and Gavin Jefferson purchased fifty acres of land east of the Jones property. Seeing how happy and settled Eli is, Billy is now feeling the itch, wanting what Eli and Hannah have, and there is a young lady who has caught his eye, Mirabella Blackstone, daughter of the town’s pastor.
Gavin: The pastor’s daughter? The pastor’s daughter. Billy, you know her pa will never agree. You and me—we aren’t respectable folk. You know that. We’re gunslingers.
Billy: We’re lawmen. Guns for hire. And we take the jobs that help, not hurt.
Gavin: Be that as it may. I can’t see Pastor Blackstone wanting his only child—a daughter, no less—married to a gunslinger. Not with the reputations we have.
Billy: Well then, I reckon I’d better figure out how to change his mind.
The story will have Billy setting his sights on Mirabella Blackstone, but he isn’t alone; she has seen him and likes what she sees. Billy tries to do the right thing, speaking to the pastor, but that doesn’t work out well. Besides, Pastor Blackstone received a letter from a pastor friend whose son is coming this way, and he is hoping that Mirabella and Tom will make a match.
The story is a great example of not judging a book by its cover, in this case, a former gunslinger versus a professed preacher’s son. Looks, actions, and intentions are deceiving—and sometimes, you have allowed the wolf into the hen house by making erroneous assumptions, based on family and not actual character.
The story has life and death danger, acts of violence, and threats made to control people. It will have an unprotected town, due to the former corrupt sheriff being released from his duties and a new sheriff not yet being appointed. The town is offering the position to Gavin Jefferson, but he is unsure about wanting it—and that will become the next story in this series. But until then, Billy will speak with Gavin and Eli about what he has witnessed, and corroborated by Billy’s sister, Nora, when she stopped in town for a visit. But will they be too late to act on facts they have learned? What will become of Mirabella—and her family?
I’m enjoying this new series, and seeing cameo appearances from people from the first book. The story is a page-turning tale of good versus evil, along with a sweet, clean love story. The next book will be about Gavin Jefferson as the new sheriff of Red Ridge.
June 29, 2025
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean historical romance book. The main characters are Billy and Mirabelle. Billy is a gunslinger and Mirabelle is the pastors daughter. Billy has liked Mirabelle for some time but will her dad ever allow him to court Mirabelle? When Mirabelle’s life is in danger will Billy be able to save her in time? Will her father realize he was wrong about everything. I love how Mirabelle never judged Billy for being a gunslinger. This book had some suspense in it which I loved. Seeing Billy and Mirabelle together made me happy. I loved the side characters. The epilogue was awesome. I can’t wait to read Gavin’s book. Overall, this was a great book.
January 26, 2026
A short story that will keep you flipping those pages and for me to keep listening because I listened to the audiobook.
I loved the characters and the plot.
I liked the main character when I “met” him in the first book titled “The Gunslinger”. You can read this one first but you would enjoy it most if you read book one.
Billy and Mirabelle has a hard time getting to know each other because Mirabell’s parents are against her talking to a gunslinger. I enjoyed the way they both kept trying to see and talk to each other. Billy was on alert all the time trying to keep Mirabelle safe. Well it finally comes down to a life or death situation. Can Billy save her or will the other men take her? Very interesting!
This is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles Series. It’s a clean historical Western book that I think you will enjoy.
I received a copy from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the characters and the plot.
I liked the main character when I “met” him in the first book titled “The Gunslinger”. You can read this one first but you would enjoy it most if you read book one.
Billy and Mirabelle has a hard time getting to know each other because Mirabell’s parents are against her talking to a gunslinger. I enjoyed the way they both kept trying to see and talk to each other. Billy was on alert all the time trying to keep Mirabelle safe. Well it finally comes down to a life or death situation. Can Billy save her or will the other men take her? Very interesting!
This is part of the Red Ridge Chronicles Series. It’s a clean historical Western book that I think you will enjoy.
I received a copy from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2025
The Drifter by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 2 of the Red Ridge Chronicles, a 4 book series from Sarah. All stand alone but connected, so once you read one you will want to read them all, trust me. Sweet Christian Western Romance now that's a mouth full but it describes it to a T.
A new gunslinger in town has his eyes on the pastor's only daughter. The Pastor does not approve as he feels it would ruin their reputation with the town. So he takes matters in his own hands.
Can Billy (the gunslinger) prove his worth to the Pastor or will he lose her forever?
Pre-order this sweet book today so it can be in your kindle on release day. Release day is July 3rd.
Book 2 of the Red Ridge Chronicles, a 4 book series from Sarah. All stand alone but connected, so once you read one you will want to read them all, trust me. Sweet Christian Western Romance now that's a mouth full but it describes it to a T.
A new gunslinger in town has his eyes on the pastor's only daughter. The Pastor does not approve as he feels it would ruin their reputation with the town. So he takes matters in his own hands.
Can Billy (the gunslinger) prove his worth to the Pastor or will he lose her forever?
Pre-order this sweet book today so it can be in your kindle on release day. Release day is July 3rd.
July 14, 2025
This story has romance, suspense, and is a really great story. Mirabelle is the preacher's daughter and gunslinger, Billy, knows she is the one for him but Pastor Blackstone refuses to let Billy out his daughter. Enter Tom who says he's the preacher son of another preacher that Pastor Blackstone knew years ago. The Pastor wants his daughter to let Tom court Mirabelle but she's only interested in Billy. This is a story of misjudgement of character. Judging a man because of his past and missing seeing what the supposed good man really is until too late. That's all I'll say. I will say the story has a HEA ending. Read this story, it's a really good one.
July 4, 2025
Mirabelle had known instinctively when she witnessed a man bravely lift a woman out of the path of a runaway wagon that he was the man for her. Unfortunately, he was a gunslinger and her preacher Papa was never going to allow a man like him to court his daughter. He had her reputation to look after.
While Sarah Lamb takes you through some plot twists and turns you never see coming in this sweet romance, in the end, Papa’s choice for Mirabelle proves to be so wrong while her own instincts prove to be so right. Such a fun read!
While Sarah Lamb takes you through some plot twists and turns you never see coming in this sweet romance, in the end, Papa’s choice for Mirabelle proves to be so wrong while her own instincts prove to be so right. Such a fun read!
July 5, 2025
I enjoyed the book! Billy was a gunslinger who became a rancher. Mirabelle was the pastor’s daughter. Both were smitten when they met but Mirabelle’s father would not let them court. He wanted her to marry a pastor’s son. When the pastor’s son arrived, Mirabelle felt there was something wrong with him. There is drama and excitement in the book. This is a clean wholesome book - I highly recommend reading it!
January 21, 2026
This was a sweet, clean western style historical romance that was fun to listen to. Sometimes the fmc made me roll my eyes at how clueless and naive she was, but that’s just gave the mmc more chances to rescue her. The happy ending, along with her father’s re-evaluation of her autonomy in her own life left me feeling satisfied and happy with the story. I loved how the gunslingers treated the women in this story and in the other books in the series!
June 18, 2025
Billy is a tough gunslinger who is just plain swoony. Mirabelle is sweet and someone I could see myself being friends with. Robbers, gunslingers, and romance come together making for an entertaining read. The romance is forbidden which only fuels the story. From page one I was caught up in the story, and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book!
June 19, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and all opinions are mine,this is a very good book,it is a sweet, clean, Christian romance book, not a very long book,but good,I would recommend this book,and I am looking forward to the others in this series. Sarah Lamb is a relatively new author to me, but so far a very good author.
July 4, 2025
The Drifter
I loved Mirabelle and Billy story. Billy wants to date Mirabelle but her parents wont agree to it. Her dad thinks he is the bad guy. They think someone else is the good guy. Will Billy find out the truth? Read and find out.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
I loved Mirabelle and Billy story. Billy wants to date Mirabelle but her parents wont agree to it. Her dad thinks he is the bad guy. They think someone else is the good guy. Will Billy find out the truth? Read and find out.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
July 17, 2025
nice
A very nice book written by Sarah Lamb. This is book 2 of the Red Ridge Chronicles and is just as good as book 1. All the characters are strong and are enjoyable characters. A town in danger, a girl in need of help is saved by the drifter who wants to settle down. Could this be the place? A very enjoyable book to read.
A very nice book written by Sarah Lamb. This is book 2 of the Red Ridge Chronicles and is just as good as book 1. All the characters are strong and are enjoyable characters. A town in danger, a girl in need of help is saved by the drifter who wants to settle down. Could this be the place? A very enjoyable book to read.
July 20, 2025
Well, can any of us blame Pastor Blackstone for not wanting his daughter to be courted by a known gunslinger? We might not, but Billy Madison, said gunslinger, doesn’t understand it. He’s always supported the law, been kind to others and feels like he’s doing good. Amazing how someone’s perception can change when they need a gunslinger. I’m really enjoying how this series is going and look forward to the next book.
June 20, 2025
This book went in a different direction that I wasn’t expecting that made it all the more enjoyable! The author has a way of making her stories fresh and new. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my honest opinion of it.
June 27, 2025
Just when I thought I would be reading a sweet little western, elements of danger, lives being threatened and more took me down a whole different path, holding my interest until the last word. A story to hold the reader captive start to finish!
July 18, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of suspense and adventure. I'm glad Marabelle got her happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of suspense and adventure. I'm glad Marabelle got her happily ever after. I recommend this book.
August 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading Billy and Mirabelle's story
October 16, 2025
Loved the book, she is such a great writer. You don't want to put her books down, and I usually don't that is also why I like her short stories.
July 3, 2025
The Drifter is a good old time Western story. Billy wants what his friend, Eli has gotten. The three men, Eli, Billy and Gavin are all gunslingers, but now that Eli has settled down, Billy sees the benefit of a good woman. He has his sights on Mirabelle, but being the Pastor's daughter, it won't be easy. Come along for the ride and see how their reputation as gunslingers will be changed. Loved the story and the characters. Great read.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
Billy was a gunslinger and she was the pastor’s only daughter. Her father wanted more for her but this is the story of how Mirabelle managed to get what she and her father wanted. A sweet western romance.
July 6, 2025
*** The Drifter *** by Sarah Lamb
Discover the Captivating World of “The Drifter” by Sarah Lamb—You Won’t Want to Miss It!
Are you ready to experience a story that will captivate your heart and mind? Step into the pages of "The Drifter", where passion, suspense, and emotional depth intertwine to create an unforgettable tale!
Meet Mirabelle, a 22-year-old preacher's daughter caught in a web of her father’s strict expectations and an unwanted betrothal to the questionable Tom Hudson. But her heart beats for someone else—the noble and adventurous gunslinger, Billy Madison. He represents everything she desires and dreams of, but can she find the courage to follow her heart?
As the stakes climb and chaos ensues, Mirabelle must summon her inner strength to expose the truth about Tom. Experience her harrowing journey as she faces betrayal and danger, all while navigating the overwhelming pull of her feelings for Billy—a man denied by her father.
This beautifully crafted narrative will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, full of unexpected twists that will leave you breathless. You will find yourself laughing, crying, and rooting for Mirabelle and Billy as they fight against the odds to claim their happiness.
Don’t let this exhilarating journey pass you by! *The Drifter* is more than just a book; it’s an exploration of love, courage, and the strength of the human spirit. Grab your copy today, and join Mirabelle and Billy on a path where true love is always worth the fight. You deserve a story that moves you—make *The Drifter* your next great read!
Discover the Captivating World of “The Drifter” by Sarah Lamb—You Won’t Want to Miss It!
Are you ready to experience a story that will captivate your heart and mind? Step into the pages of "The Drifter", where passion, suspense, and emotional depth intertwine to create an unforgettable tale!
Meet Mirabelle, a 22-year-old preacher's daughter caught in a web of her father’s strict expectations and an unwanted betrothal to the questionable Tom Hudson. But her heart beats for someone else—the noble and adventurous gunslinger, Billy Madison. He represents everything she desires and dreams of, but can she find the courage to follow her heart?
As the stakes climb and chaos ensues, Mirabelle must summon her inner strength to expose the truth about Tom. Experience her harrowing journey as she faces betrayal and danger, all while navigating the overwhelming pull of her feelings for Billy—a man denied by her father.
This beautifully crafted narrative will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, full of unexpected twists that will leave you breathless. You will find yourself laughing, crying, and rooting for Mirabelle and Billy as they fight against the odds to claim their happiness.
Don’t let this exhilarating journey pass you by! *The Drifter* is more than just a book; it’s an exploration of love, courage, and the strength of the human spirit. Grab your copy today, and join Mirabelle and Billy on a path where true love is always worth the fight. You deserve a story that moves you—make *The Drifter* your next great read!
January 9, 2026
Christian Standalone Historical Romance Interconnected Series HEA
Could be read as a standalone however some of the characters overlap throughout the series. Reading in order recommended.
He's a gunslinger and falls first
She's the pastor's daughter.
Letter received brings trouble
Could be read as a standalone however some of the characters overlap throughout the series. Reading in order recommended.
He's a gunslinger and falls first
She's the pastor's daughter.
Letter received brings trouble
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews