Meredith

by Charlene Raddon

Meredith Calloway and Roland Goodman were children when his father's broken pocket watch slipped into a Wyoming pond — right before his father's fists found him. Meredith never forgot the fear in his eyes that day, or the train she convinced him to jump.

Years later, Meredith is grown, gun-trained, and desperate to prove she belongs at her brother's detective agency — the one founded by her whip-cracking idol, Lula Mae. She's torn between two men: steady, capable Ledge Prettydog, and Roland, the boy who once needed saving and has come back into her life courting her instead.

Then Roland admits the truth — he's trapped in his father's old gang, and leaving means dying. Meredith risks everything to get him out. But the gang has a ransom in mind that isn't money: that same broken watch, still lost in the pond where it fell years before. Only Meredith might know where to find it — and what she pulls from the water will decide whether Roland lives to become her husband at all.

Fans of Lula Mae will recognize the same fire in her protege — a woman who'd rather race toward danger, veil and all, than wait safely on the sidelines.

ebook

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Charlene Raddon began writing western historical romance novels in 1980. Her book Tender Touch was a Golden Heart Finalist. Forever Mine received a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award nomination. Her books have received other awards and won or placed in several contests. She loves hearing from readers. When not writing, Charlene loves to travel, do genealogy, needlepoint, crochet or dye Ukrainian style eggs. She also designs book covers for other authors at www.silversagebookcovers.com.

Reviews

[Diane Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith by Charlene Raddon ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Meredith and Roland have been childhood friends. Always together especially when Roland needed to get away from his abusive father. Afraid of his dad after losing his pocket watch, Meredith and Roland decide to run away. They hopped on a train and headed to Meredith's brother's house. Her brother (who had custody of after their parents died) wasn't happy when he found them. He sent Roland back home and Meredith went to a finishing school. Separated with a broken heart.

Roland's father was later killed by a gang that he done wrong. Roland had to step up and take care of his mother.

After Meredith finished school, she and her brother started a detective agency. Meredith was determined to get justice served. Pre-order your copy today for an August 15th release date to find out how they succeeded. Lots of action to keep you engaged definitely worth the read.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a read that sure has a lot of action, and at times ,the characters that I cared about, I wasn't sure they will make it to the end.
Meredith's brother runs a detective agency with his wife, and they seem to be doing well at their craft.
We are with this spunky girl as she tries to convince her brother to let her work with him, and we are there for part of her training, and when she does get into trouble.
Rolland is Meredith's childhood friend, and she has seen the trouble in his life that happens through his father.
The author gives us a lot in this quick read, sadly child abuse, bank robbers, women and girls being kidnapped, and family. Some sweet romance is also thrown in, and we are there for choices.
I will be looking for more from this author, she kept me on the edge of seat at times, and holding my breath at others.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith and Roland grew up together until her parents died and her brother sent her off to a finishing school. The first time we see them, they are running away from Roland’s dad, because he had dropped his dad’s watch in their swimming hole. His dad would beat him again if he didn’t get away. They ran as fast as they could and caught a train. They found their way to her brother's house. Next, they are almost out of their teens, and they find each other again. Roland’s dad had been killed by his gang, Roland was certain of it. Meredith is now working for her brother, Calloway Detective,Agency, and she is very good at what she does! Quite a bit of adventure is found in the book. If you like western set books, you will surely enjoy this book that has a happily ever after ending. 📖

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meredith is full of spunk and feistiness and gets herself into situations that get her into hot water with her detective brother. Her back and forth between Ledge and Roland was downright annoying at times. It felt disjointed or awkward for Meredith to jump back and forth so much between who she favored. Often I was still rooting for both men but it did feel a bit awkward and wasn’t a storyline I enjoyed. There is some language in this book that was a little unexpected and some descriptions that were a little raunchy for my taste, because of that I wouldn’t be able to recommend this book like I would others.

[Abigail Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. I always enjoy reading about the early Pinkerton Agency and how the bad guys were caught in the old west.
This book takes a very young Meredith and walks you through her growing pains, determination, and confusion of why anyone wants to marry!
I enjoyed reconnecting with Gannon and Lula Mae from any earlier book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is my own.

[Grace Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Meredith* is a captivating mix of romance, mystery, and Western adventure, with a heroine who is brave, determined, and never afraid to face danger. I loved the tension between Meredith, Roland, and Ledge, while the secrets surrounding Roland’s past and the lost pocket watch kept the story intriguing. A fast-paced and heartfelt read with plenty of courage, suspense, and romance.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new to me author, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Filled with spunk, faith and kindness the characters were very entertaining. The depth of emotion the author gave them felt so real. A page turning story wanting me to want more!

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith, the sequel to Lula Mae by Charlene Raddon is a new author to me.

I really enjoyed the fast-paced story, with great characters and lots of action, at some point I was holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next. 

I would recommend this page turning story. 

[Sandra Sorola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the book. Meredith's story was exciting and action packed.
It kept me reading for hours! I so enjoy this Authors stories.