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Thalia Plunkett has loved Duncan Moon, known as Dinky, all her life. Now he's in big trouble. Can Thalia help Duncan kick the booze threatening to kill him, and win his love? Or will he choose whiskey over her?
And who is the mysterious man watching Thalia?
And who is the mysterious man watching Thalia?
- GenresHistorical Romance
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2018
67 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Raddon
44 books425 followersCharlene 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 11, 2019
Patiently Waiting
This romance about a woman hopelessly in love as she reaches out to pull her man from the brink of self-destruction. The mystery stranger turned out to be a surprise. Also, some other characters experienced surprises of their own. An enjoyable read.
This romance about a woman hopelessly in love as she reaches out to pull her man from the brink of self-destruction. The mystery stranger turned out to be a surprise. Also, some other characters experienced surprises of their own. An enjoyable read.
September 25, 2025
THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF LIFE
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, an explosion occurred that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Thalia Plunkett is alone in the world. She lost her father, Ancil Plunkett, and her fiancé, Jeffrey Hinkleman, in the Gold King mine collapse and explosion. She had already watched the man she had secretly loved court and marry another woman, Claramae, and then Duncan ‘Dinky’ Moon took to the bottle when Claramae ran off with a tinker two weeks after Dinky lost his mother, when Sadie Moon had given her life trying to save miners. Seeing Dinky drinking his life away, she realizes he needs help, and she is determined to help him.
Dinky: Who the devil gave you permission to take over my newspaper?
Thalia: Certainly not you. If I waited for you to sober up enough to make a sensible decision, hell would be frozen over.
Dinky: What’s happened to you, Thalia? Invading my home. Trying to direct my life. Taking over my business. And, now, using language no woman should utter.
Thalia: Well, let’s see. What’s happened to me? Golly, that’s difficult to say. It might have been the calamity that took place at the Gold King Mine. Which, by the way, killed my father, in case you hadn’t noticed his absence. Or, well, not only did I lose my father but my fiancée as well. If that isn’t enough, my mother died of a broken heart only two weeks later.
Once again, Mortimer Crane is preying on the women in Wildcat Ridge. There is nothing he can do to the home Thalia lives in because her father owned it. But that doesn’t stop him from soliciting her to come work at his Gentlemen’s Only Salon.
“You, Mortimer Crane, can go to the devil. The two of you are well-suited to each other.”
The story is a continuing saga of the widows and unmarried ladies who live in Wildcat Ridge and the challenges they face. This issue covers the angst between Dinky and Thalia. It also has a stranger who is lurking around town, before and after the horse auction. He will go as far as to push his way into Thalia’s home. But she has trouble from several other men—breaking into her home and putting her life in jeopardy. Mystery, suspense, secrets, and revelations play their roles as Thalia’s life has some surprises. I enjoyed the story, but some issues were brought up and just left hanging--like the fire.
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, an explosion occurred that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Thalia Plunkett is alone in the world. She lost her father, Ancil Plunkett, and her fiancé, Jeffrey Hinkleman, in the Gold King mine collapse and explosion. She had already watched the man she had secretly loved court and marry another woman, Claramae, and then Duncan ‘Dinky’ Moon took to the bottle when Claramae ran off with a tinker two weeks after Dinky lost his mother, when Sadie Moon had given her life trying to save miners. Seeing Dinky drinking his life away, she realizes he needs help, and she is determined to help him.
Dinky: Who the devil gave you permission to take over my newspaper?
Thalia: Certainly not you. If I waited for you to sober up enough to make a sensible decision, hell would be frozen over.
Dinky: What’s happened to you, Thalia? Invading my home. Trying to direct my life. Taking over my business. And, now, using language no woman should utter.
Thalia: Well, let’s see. What’s happened to me? Golly, that’s difficult to say. It might have been the calamity that took place at the Gold King Mine. Which, by the way, killed my father, in case you hadn’t noticed his absence. Or, well, not only did I lose my father but my fiancée as well. If that isn’t enough, my mother died of a broken heart only two weeks later.
Once again, Mortimer Crane is preying on the women in Wildcat Ridge. There is nothing he can do to the home Thalia lives in because her father owned it. But that doesn’t stop him from soliciting her to come work at his Gentlemen’s Only Salon.
“You, Mortimer Crane, can go to the devil. The two of you are well-suited to each other.”
The story is a continuing saga of the widows and unmarried ladies who live in Wildcat Ridge and the challenges they face. This issue covers the angst between Dinky and Thalia. It also has a stranger who is lurking around town, before and after the horse auction. He will go as far as to push his way into Thalia’s home. But she has trouble from several other men—breaking into her home and putting her life in jeopardy. Mystery, suspense, secrets, and revelations play their roles as Thalia’s life has some surprises. I enjoyed the story, but some issues were brought up and just left hanging--like the fire.
December 15, 2018
Thalia Plunkett is determined to help Duncan "Dinky" Moon. Dinky's life had spiraled downward with the collapse of the mine. His mother died trying to save the miners, then his Claramae ran off with a tinker just two weeks later. Dinky buried himself in a bottle.
Can Thalia (who has loved Dinky for a long time in secret) break through his alcohol fog and encourage him to realize he has a life worth living and a woman that will stand with him throughout that life? It won't be easy and she knows this much. She is going to give it her best shot!
Who is watching Thalia? Making her feel uncomfortable and nervous to be out and about in her own town? This book is sweet and has a beautiful story line. The characters are well written and tackle a serious issue. You will definitely want to give this book a read.
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Can Thalia (who has loved Dinky for a long time in secret) break through his alcohol fog and encourage him to realize he has a life worth living and a woman that will stand with him throughout that life? It won't be easy and she knows this much. She is going to give it her best shot!
Who is watching Thalia? Making her feel uncomfortable and nervous to be out and about in her own town? This book is sweet and has a beautiful story line. The characters are well written and tackle a serious issue. You will definitely want to give this book a read.
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 18, 2019
Thalia is determined to help Dinky. Since his wife left him he is constantly drunk. Can Thalia help the man she loves get sober and can they save the newspaper office? Of course is there the town villain Mortimer Crane but there’s a new man in town, what are his plans?
I really enjoyed this entertaining story. Thalia is a very strong character that will do a lot to help her friend Dinky but is also one of the main characters in the town. I’ve read a couple of the books in this series and I really liked them all.
I really enjoyed this entertaining story. Thalia is a very strong character that will do a lot to help her friend Dinky but is also one of the main characters in the town. I’ve read a couple of the books in this series and I really liked them all.
December 16, 2018
Duncan and Thalia
Duncan, Dinky, is the owner and editor of the Gazette Ridge newspaper. Thalia is a young woman and lost her father, and fiance in the collapse of the mountain gold mine. Her mother also passed from her life recently. Danny's wife leaves him and his sadness leads him to a life consumed with alcohol and drunkenness. This story will lead you through all timelessness and turmoil. Will they find happiness. I believe you will enjoy this story..
Duncan, Dinky, is the owner and editor of the Gazette Ridge newspaper. Thalia is a young woman and lost her father, and fiance in the collapse of the mountain gold mine. Her mother also passed from her life recently. Danny's wife leaves him and his sadness leads him to a life consumed with alcohol and drunkenness. This story will lead you through all timelessness and turmoil. Will they find happiness. I believe you will enjoy this story..
December 19, 2018
Thalia and Dinky
Thalia isn't a widow, but she did lose her fiancee in the cave in of the mine. Duncan "Dinky" Moon dove into a bottle after his wife ran off with another man. Thalia had been in love with Dinky for years, but he'd married another, so she become engaged. Now both of them are free, and Thalia is convinced that if she can get Dinky sober, he'll realize they belong together.
Thalia isn't a widow, but she did lose her fiancee in the cave in of the mine. Duncan "Dinky" Moon dove into a bottle after his wife ran off with another man. Thalia had been in love with Dinky for years, but he'd married another, so she become engaged. Now both of them are free, and Thalia is convinced that if she can get Dinky sober, he'll realize they belong together.
December 21, 2018
I loved this story about Thalia and Dinky (Duncan). Thalia is a loving, kind, and selfless woman. She has loved Dinky since she was 13 years old helping her father set type for Dinky's newspaper. I don't want to give away too much of the story because you will enjoy reading about all the ups and downs of these two people and all the people in Wildcat Ridge. Thank you Charlene Raddon for a great story and all your future books.
November 14, 2019
Wonderful story
This is a multiple author series and this allows us the reader's to find new authors to follow. A creative and entertaining collection of stories of widows left to survive after a mining accident. Thalia has a difficult job trying to help the man she loves give up alcohol. This is a great addition to this series. I hope everyone ate at book one and continues on to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
This is a multiple author series and this allows us the reader's to find new authors to follow. A creative and entertaining collection of stories of widows left to survive after a mining accident. Thalia has a difficult job trying to help the man she loves give up alcohol. This is a great addition to this series. I hope everyone ate at book one and continues on to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
August 17, 2023
Sweet Historical Romance
A couple side romances that have been building in the other stories comes to fruition! We heard about Thalia's young age, but never heard how much older the man she marries is. I look forward to the end of this series, only because I know Mortimer will finally get his comeuppance! Not sure what to make of the new stranger to town. I wonder if he'll have his own romance too!
A couple side romances that have been building in the other stories comes to fruition! We heard about Thalia's young age, but never heard how much older the man she marries is. I look forward to the end of this series, only because I know Mortimer will finally get his comeuppance! Not sure what to make of the new stranger to town. I wonder if he'll have his own romance too!
October 28, 2021
Headlines Indeed
I've waited for this story. Then t has been hinted at in previous books. This one didn't let me down much. I would have liked to have had the person who set the fire and who paid for it mentioned. Another thing I thought about is I wish that a ruff map of the town could be included.
I've waited for this story. Then t has been hinted at in previous books. This one didn't let me down much. I would have liked to have had the person who set the fire and who paid for it mentioned. Another thing I thought about is I wish that a ruff map of the town could be included.
May 28, 2019
Great historical fiction
This is another book in the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series. I loved the mystery aspect Thalia's story had. A great clean historical fiction book that can be read by anyone. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This is another book in the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series. I loved the mystery aspect Thalia's story had. A great clean historical fiction book that can be read by anyone. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 17, 2019
Good Book.
Thalia and Dinky had more trouble they needed, between Dinky being a drunk and people breaking into Thalia's house. It was a mess. But it turned right for them. Sweet Love Story. Thank you, Charlene Raddon.
Thalia and Dinky had more trouble they needed, between Dinky being a drunk and people breaking into Thalia's house. It was a mess. But it turned right for them. Sweet Love Story. Thank you, Charlene Raddon.
March 12, 2019
Refusing to give up
Thalia had love but the greatest of her traits was the faith that saw her preserve through so many challenges.
Thalia had love but the greatest of her traits was the faith that saw her preserve through so many challenges.
July 13, 2019
Great read
Enjoyed this story very much.I love these story's how people are there to help one another out.Would like to read more by this author.
Enjoyed this story very much.I love these story's how people are there to help one another out.Would like to read more by this author.
August 10, 2019
Ah, well written
With Dinky's reputation from earlier books I had not expected to enjoy this book so much. I'm glad I was wrong.
With Dinky's reputation from earlier books I had not expected to enjoy this book so much. I'm glad I was wrong.
June 7, 2022
Enchanting and heartwarming
Thalia is a strong woman. Dinky is a man in need of that strength. The couple has won my heart also. What a lovely book.
Thalia is a strong woman. Dinky is a man in need of that strength. The couple has won my heart also. What a lovely book.
January 20, 2023
Great read!!! One of my favorites of this series!!!
February 25, 2019
Cute story
A friend recommended it so I checked the book out. Interesting story. Engaging characters. Will read author again. Maybe series
A friend recommended it so I checked the book out. Interesting story. Engaging characters. Will read author again. Maybe series
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews