Silver's Redemption

by Patty Wiseman, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Silver Fellowes didn’t see it coming. At fifty-six years old, she is a high paid professional PR executive for a prominent company. Or at least, she was. Unexpectedly, she is fired and replaced by a tall blonde bombshell. In a blur, she leaves the office with a few of her belongings and heads home. Her pent-house style apartment has served as a refuge for over ten years. Silver is a strong, independent woman, but now, becomes a lost, little girl completely alone. She cries into the night, totally immersed in self-pity. Until morning. All emotion leaves her. Now, she must depend on her practical side. She decides to leave and head to her father’s West Texas ranch. A far cry from city life, but she needs a complete change. Cut off from society and it’s pettiness. A new world. The ranch is nestled in the foothills twenty miles from Diamond Gulch. It is broken down, neglected, and the answer to her prayers. She bought a mule named Joey. They traversed the desert to Diamond Gulch once a month for supplies. She met a few people. Rosalee, owner of the hotel, Smokes, the stableman, and Foley, the sheriff. Sheriff Foley sees her enter the town with Joey and decides to get Smokes, the stable hand to do his dirty work. He told him to warn Rosalee to keep Silver away from Lily, his girlfriend. He didn’t want the two to meet. He has plans for Silver. Smokes and Rosalee are a thing. Sort of. He hadn’t worked up the courage to ask her out. Foley told him to use that as an excuse to warn Rosalee. When he walked toward the hotel, he saw Ash Ericcson enter in front of him. Gulch Inn Hotel stood in the middle of town, and Rosalee, the hotel manager became a trusted friend. Rosalee always tries to find Silver a man. She resists. While they enjoyed a traditional shot of whiskey, a man bounded through the front door. Ash Ericcson, hand at the local hardware store, handsome, with a shock of rusty colored hair, blue eyes, and an appealing muscular build. Rosalee introduced them. Her purpose was to push the two together. There was something about him. Good-looking, confident. A small spark burned, but she resists again. What happens to a woman whose value was demeaned and chooses isolation instead of socialization? Silver is a woman fighting age related demons and who doesn’t trust her own ability. Ash Ericcson finds Silver attractive. Her silver hair suits her name, green eyes and tanned skin make her a vision to behold. Ash has his share of admirers, even Foley’s girlfriend, Lily, but Silver is different. No one knows he is an undercover Texas Ranger. When Ash finds out Foley wants Silver’s mine, he springs into action to hatch a plan to catch him. He draws Silver in to get close to her, a grave mistake. Ash stays with Silver at the ranch. Love blossoms for the first time and in a real way for Silver. She envisions a future with him. Together, they work to set a trap for Foley, but before they can close the noose, Silver is kidnapped. Ash comes to her rescue, along with Smokes and Rosalee, but as the plan is executed Ash’s real identity is uncovered. Rescued, Silver is grateful, but feels betrayed that Ash didn’t confide in her and pushes him away. Rosalee suggests Silver run for the mayor position. Silver protests, but Rosalee presses her on the matter. Silver rediscovers her value, wins the mayor’s race, and becomes a strong force in Diamond Gulch. This story is about an older woman, who faced with rejection because of age, finds her worth, regains her confidence, finds love, and brings older and younger women together for a common good. Romance, mystery, and intrigue abound while addressing the difficulties of aging in this modern world.

Audible Audio

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Let me introduce myself...My name is Patty Wiseman. A lifetime ago, as a child, I found myself lost in the stories my 1st grade teacher opened up to me. Over the years, my love of reading deepened and another interest formed-the love of writing. I have several short stories published and a few poems. I am a history buff and love to read and write in past eras. My Velvet Shoe Collection Series includes "An Unlikely Arrangement" and "An Unlikely Beginning" ,"An Unlikely Conclusion." The 4th book in the series was released in Aug. of 2016. "An Unlikely Deception." They are based in 1929 and shadows a story of my grandparents arranged marriage. This work is fictional,. One idea sparked a whole series of fictional works. My plan is for 6 books in the series.
I've just released a new contemporary work. That One Moment. This is a stand alone. I'm very proud of it!
I've lived in Texas for over 30 years being transplanted from the State of Washington. I have two grown sons, 12 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a loving husband, Ron. We live in the country with our dog, Cutter. I hope you will check out my new book and enjoy the journey with me.

Writing awards include: 1st place short Story award in Summer Contest on Angie's Diary, 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Conclusion 2013 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Beginning 2012, a 2nd place award in Romance with the Forward National Literary Awards for An Unlikely Arrangement, The 'Fifty Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Contest with the Author Show.
I'm a VIP member of the Worldwide Who's Who for Women, a member of the Marshall Woman's Club of Marshall, a former secretary of the E. Texas Writers Association, and member of N.E. Texas Writers Organization.
I belong to the Texas Federation of Woman's Club Marshall Chapter.

You can find me and my books on Amazon, Kindle or buy from my website to get an autographed copy. You can also order them from any bookstore.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Pinterest.

Reviews

[Sylvia Massara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe there are millions of women out in the world who will be able to relate to Silver Fellowes’ story. I should know because I’m one of them. Once a corporate high-flyer, confident, powerful, and in control—that is until Silver (and I) hit our fifties and for different reasons our lives fell apart. This dealt a huge blow to our self-confidence and we came away in shock, not quite knowing how to relate to such sudden and huge changes. Although I live in a different country and my experience has been different to Silver’s I feel as if I’ve been on a journey with her in this wonderful novel written by Patty Wiseman.

I think of Ms Wiseman as the mistress of strong characterization, and the people in this story will make you laugh, cry, touch you, anger you, or repel you, but the most important thing is that these characters stay with you because they reflect life as it truly is—and therefore they are real.

I have read a number of Ms Wiseman’s other books in the past, and I believe her style is akin to that of a modern-day Charles Dickens. Like Dickens, Ms Wiseman will not only show the reader the good and bad qualities of each character, but she will have them interact in such a way that while she spins the main storyline of the novel she’ll weave the personalities and qualities of the other characters in order that Silver’s personal journey unfolds towards full transformation.

In the story, Silver Fellowes, a woman in her mid-fifties, leaves the corporate world back east and isolates herself at a rather ramshackle ranch in Texas, which she inherited from her father. Her life has been turned upside down and she goes from a big city, with every convenience at her fingertips, to a cabin that is almost two days’ away by mule from the main town—a one-horse place with people from all walks of life—the good, the bad, and even the ugly. But it is here, in this small town of people with their quips and quibbles that Silver goes through a transformation which leads her back to who she really is.

This story could take place in any setting: town, city, or nation, but the theme is universal and it unites us all in how we learn to become true to ourselves. In my opinion there is nothing more inspirational than a woman that discovers who she truly is and how she faces whatever obstacles life may throw at her, while at the same time having the strength to leave a window open for good things to flow in, whether they be independence and flying solo through life, or independence and not being afraid to give love one more chance. In the end, however, what matters most is that Silver, like all her worldly sisters out there, finds the life she was meant to live.

NB: This review is unsolicited and the novel was purchased through a special promotion
Reviewed by Sylvia Massara—Author

[Phyllis A. Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Theme Driven Romance

Silver Fellows maybe a fifty-six-year-old corporate has been, but she is strong-willed and spunky enough to rebuild her life on a remote West Texas Ranch.

As the story unfolds, Silver discovers corruption in the small town, unexpected friendships, a new career, and for the first time—a forever love.

Author, Patty Wiseman does a good job weaving in the themes of championing the viability of our elders, taking a stand against corruption, overcoming wounds, and self-doubt. And of course, the importance of good friends, forgiveness, and love.

I enjoyed learning the supporting characters’ little secrets.

*I purchased this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.

[Gail Pallotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

At fifty-six career woman Silver Fellowes gets fired from her job because one of the executives thinks the company needs a more youthful public relations person. Devastated and angry, she retreats to a cabin to withdraw from society. However, she gradually warms up to the people in town and ends up with two suitors, Foley and Ash. She soon realizes people are tight-lipped about Foley and cater to his bidding. Suspicious of his integrity she wants to learn more about him and expose his dark side. All the while she grows closer to Ash and gets to know her friend, Rosie, better. Rosie shares town secrets that reveal Foley for who he is, but the real persona of Ash comes as a surprise. When Silver challenges herself to face her feelings for Ash and unravel the mystery that Foley holds over the town, she becomes more involved than she ever could have imagined.
The characters in this fascinating mystery / romance come to life on the pages as Mrs. Wiseman gives each of them a part to play. While I realize Silver is a middle-aged woman that fact fades into the background amid the plot, characters, and struggles in the story. In an emotional process Silver heals from the way the company treated her and taps into the independent, warm person hidden underneath the pain and sorrow. I love the way Mrs. Wiseman wove the characters into the plot, letting some of them heal with Silver. I recommend this for everyone who enjoys mystery and romance with well-defined, interesting characters who overcome past problems and hardships.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

This was a quick, easy read. I liked that it was set in Texas. Silver, at the age of 54 has been replaced at her job in New York by a young, buxom blonde. Silver retreats to her father's ranch in the desert town of Diamond Gulch, Texas. There are several quirky characters in town and a crooked Sheriff. My favorite character was Silver's donkey Joey! Silver just wants to be alone on her ranch until she meets good-looking Ash. Everything changes for Silver in this desert for the better. I enjoyed this storyline.

[Marina Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Patty Wiseman book and I really enjoyed this one more than The One Moment. Silver's character was well developed and she came across as a believable flesh and blood creature. This book was an easy page turner with a predictable ending that sometimes is just nice.

[Serena Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

203 pages I love this book I read it. Didn’t want to put it down Mrs Patty Wiseman is a great author and friend