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A foolish mistake left Cadence Biggler and her little sister Regina at the mercy of strangers in a strange town—until Mortimer Crane stepped in, paid her bills and offered her a job as a maid at his Gentlemen Only Salon in Wildcat Ridge, Utah Territory. Soon, she realizes Crane wants more from her than her labor. More than she's willing to give.
Since the salon is no place for a child, he takes Regina to stay with a family then refuses to tell Cady where the little girl is.
Garrick Brant became a traveling photographer to make a living and search for his missing sister July. He's drawn to Cady the first time he sees her, but Mortimer Crane orders his thugs to keep him away from her. How can Garrick and Cady's romance develop under such restrictions? Can Garrick help Cady find Regina and free her from Crane's clutches? Can Cady help him find his sister July?
One thing is certain, they'll have to fight Mortimer Crane every inch of the way.
Since the salon is no place for a child, he takes Regina to stay with a family then refuses to tell Cady where the little girl is.
Garrick Brant became a traveling photographer to make a living and search for his missing sister July. He's drawn to Cady the first time he sees her, but Mortimer Crane orders his thugs to keep him away from her. How can Garrick and Cady's romance develop under such restrictions? Can Garrick help Cady find Regina and free her from Crane's clutches? Can Cady help him find his sister July?
One thing is certain, they'll have to fight Mortimer Crane every inch of the way.
- GenresHistorical Romance
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2019
About the author
Charlene Raddon
42 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 21, 2019
I loved this book! Cadence and Garrick had many obstacles to go through, but I loved the ending. Cadence was looking for her sister, Regina, whom Mortimer Crane had hidden from her, and Garrick was looking for his sister, July. The story had me gripping the edge of my seat with all the stumbling blocks they faced. We are introduced to other characters that are victorious against Mortimer Crane. Thank you, Charlene Raddon for another wonderful story in The Widows of Wildcat Ridge.
October 20, 2025
SEARCHING FOR JULY
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.”
Unlike most of the stories in the series, Cady did not live originally. She and Regina were found in Evanston by Mortimer, and he offered her a job—or so he promised. Cadence ‘Cady’ Biggler has been forced to work as a maid at Mortimer Crane’s Gentlemen Only Salon. Acting as someone carrying, he promised her a job as a maid and a place to stay. She had no idea what his real intent involved. Taking Regina from Cady, and placing her in a home, he took Cady to Wildcat Ridge, and she is a maid in this business—but he really wants to bed her. Unlike most of the stories in the series, Cady did not live originally. She and Regina were found in Evanston by Mortimer.
Garrick Brant has gone from town to town as a traveling photographer, in hopes of finding his sister, July, who was stolen away as a young teenager—by now, she would be about sixteen, and has been gone for three years. In each town, he checks all bordellos, hoping to find and rescue her. To support himself, he takes photographs of people and places, including businesses. He checks in with places in town, trying to see if anyone has seen her. He had been in Cranesville and had made his way over to Wildcat Ridge.
The story takes place in October 1884. Cady has gone to the diner to pick up Mortimer’s meal of liver and onions and must wait for it to be prepared. Garrick goes in to get a bite to eat, sees Cady, and talks with her. He convinces her to have a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee with him while she is waiting. He will mention he is looking for his sister, July, who would be about the same age as Cady—but she knows no one by that name.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil in people. Mortimer has kept Regina away from Cady—using her as a threat, hoping to have his way. He only gives Cady one dollar a month pay, claiming she owes him for housing and food, and that he is keeping money aside for her for the future. Cady is a kind soul, good with the three soiled doves, and the others who work for Mortimer. When she learns Sam ‘Thumbs’ Givney never learned to read or write, she spends time teaching him. She helps the doves by doing mending work. Not all of Mortimer’s employees can be trusted—like Lach, who scared everyone. As time goes on, Cady and Garrick become friends, and with weather issues—trouble at Mortimer’s mine in Cranesville, he is away, but danger is still an issue. Someone has shot Sam, then Garrick is shot, and then Cady is attacked. So when Mortimer shows up in her room demanding that she bed him, she fights back. In the end, mysteries are uncovered, the danger is erased, and several people find their happiness for the future.
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.”
Unlike most of the stories in the series, Cady did not live originally. She and Regina were found in Evanston by Mortimer, and he offered her a job—or so he promised. Cadence ‘Cady’ Biggler has been forced to work as a maid at Mortimer Crane’s Gentlemen Only Salon. Acting as someone carrying, he promised her a job as a maid and a place to stay. She had no idea what his real intent involved. Taking Regina from Cady, and placing her in a home, he took Cady to Wildcat Ridge, and she is a maid in this business—but he really wants to bed her. Unlike most of the stories in the series, Cady did not live originally. She and Regina were found in Evanston by Mortimer.
Garrick Brant has gone from town to town as a traveling photographer, in hopes of finding his sister, July, who was stolen away as a young teenager—by now, she would be about sixteen, and has been gone for three years. In each town, he checks all bordellos, hoping to find and rescue her. To support himself, he takes photographs of people and places, including businesses. He checks in with places in town, trying to see if anyone has seen her. He had been in Cranesville and had made his way over to Wildcat Ridge.
The story takes place in October 1884. Cady has gone to the diner to pick up Mortimer’s meal of liver and onions and must wait for it to be prepared. Garrick goes in to get a bite to eat, sees Cady, and talks with her. He convinces her to have a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee with him while she is waiting. He will mention he is looking for his sister, July, who would be about the same age as Cady—but she knows no one by that name.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil in people. Mortimer has kept Regina away from Cady—using her as a threat, hoping to have his way. He only gives Cady one dollar a month pay, claiming she owes him for housing and food, and that he is keeping money aside for her for the future. Cady is a kind soul, good with the three soiled doves, and the others who work for Mortimer. When she learns Sam ‘Thumbs’ Givney never learned to read or write, she spends time teaching him. She helps the doves by doing mending work. Not all of Mortimer’s employees can be trusted—like Lach, who scared everyone. As time goes on, Cady and Garrick become friends, and with weather issues—trouble at Mortimer’s mine in Cranesville, he is away, but danger is still an issue. Someone has shot Sam, then Garrick is shot, and then Cady is attacked. So when Mortimer shows up in her room demanding that she bed him, she fights back. In the end, mysteries are uncovered, the danger is erased, and several people find their happiness for the future.
March 15, 2019
Cady Biggler was a victim of Mortimer Crane. He wanted her and kept her working in his Gentlemen Only Salon by holding her five year old sister Regina hostage. Threatening to permanently get rid of her often, to keep Cady in line.
The Gentlemen Only Salon was a Bordello and there were three Soiled Doves kept working there.
They were a group of women from hardship destined to live this life in their eyes. Cady became friends with them as she worked to clean the establishment.
Garrick Brant was searching for his long lost sister July. Being a photographer, he traveled around from place to place feeling that July would be working in an establishment much like the Gentlemans Only Salon. He worked it out to take photos of the Soiled Doves in order to see if any of them turned out to be his sister. He became enamored of Cady and when things started to blossom
between them Mortimer put an instant stop to it. He was a cruel man and did not want anyone to have what he was denied.
Henchmen hired by him slowly came around to be something different than one thinks. Past lives were revealed and intrigue
abounds until things are put right.
Charlene Raddon writes incredible stories. I love how the characters in this book are well developed and well written.
This addition to the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series takes me into the lives that Soiled Doves lived. It shows that they are not just women selling themselves, but compassionate and caring people with feelings. These women Leda, Alma and Mae were held in their positions by a man that held something over them. Cady and Garrick are genuine people with heart and soul.
You will love the intricacies of the plot and the twists that evolve. I learned some new things with this book, as I usually do!
I received and ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an Honest review.
The Gentlemen Only Salon was a Bordello and there were three Soiled Doves kept working there.
They were a group of women from hardship destined to live this life in their eyes. Cady became friends with them as she worked to clean the establishment.
Garrick Brant was searching for his long lost sister July. Being a photographer, he traveled around from place to place feeling that July would be working in an establishment much like the Gentlemans Only Salon. He worked it out to take photos of the Soiled Doves in order to see if any of them turned out to be his sister. He became enamored of Cady and when things started to blossom
between them Mortimer put an instant stop to it. He was a cruel man and did not want anyone to have what he was denied.
Henchmen hired by him slowly came around to be something different than one thinks. Past lives were revealed and intrigue
abounds until things are put right.
Charlene Raddon writes incredible stories. I love how the characters in this book are well developed and well written.
This addition to the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series takes me into the lives that Soiled Doves lived. It shows that they are not just women selling themselves, but compassionate and caring people with feelings. These women Leda, Alma and Mae were held in their positions by a man that held something over them. Cady and Garrick are genuine people with heart and soul.
You will love the intricacies of the plot and the twists that evolve. I learned some new things with this book, as I usually do!
I received and ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an Honest review.
June 25, 2019
Historical fiction romance
Cadence was not an original Widow of Wildcat Ridge. Mortimer found her and her sister in the streets and tricked her sister into sending Regina away, so he could have Cadence all to himself and made her work as a maid at his gentlemen's only club, until he could own Cadence in all ways. It also shows that if we show kindness to people that we think have hard hearts we might find that they have a soft place inside them and just need a chance. I thought the photography during This era was very interesting and the way the pictures were developed. This book was about good verses evil. Ready to read the next book in this series.
Cadence was not an original Widow of Wildcat Ridge. Mortimer found her and her sister in the streets and tricked her sister into sending Regina away, so he could have Cadence all to himself and made her work as a maid at his gentlemen's only club, until he could own Cadence in all ways. It also shows that if we show kindness to people that we think have hard hearts we might find that they have a soft place inside them and just need a chance. I thought the photography during This era was very interesting and the way the pictures were developed. This book was about good verses evil. Ready to read the next book in this series.
March 18, 2019
Cadence made a mistake, she trusted the wrong man. Now she’s stuck in a brothel because the owner took her little sister. Garrick is looking for his sister too. When they meet each other they are attracted but her boss Mortimer Crane does everything to separate them.
Can these two, with the help from others, find both sisters and the love they deserve?
I really enjoyed this story. In a setting like this you don’t expect that the people can be one big family but the author brings them all together. Can’t wait to read more books in this series.
Can these two, with the help from others, find both sisters and the love they deserve?
I really enjoyed this story. In a setting like this you don’t expect that the people can be one big family but the author brings them all together. Can’t wait to read more books in this series.
March 30, 2019
Garrick and Cady
This is an exciting and adventurous story of loss a found loves. Cast was being forced to work at Mortimer's Gentlemen's Club as a maid because she refused to be his whore. He had taken her five year old sister, threatening to kill her, and had her hidden in another town. Patrick was a traveling photographer while searching for his sister that had been kidnapped several years before. You will find it hard to put down as you get involved in reading this story and you will enjoy it a great deal.
This is an exciting and adventurous story of loss a found loves. Cast was being forced to work at Mortimer's Gentlemen's Club as a maid because she refused to be his whore. He had taken her five year old sister, threatening to kill her, and had her hidden in another town. Patrick was a traveling photographer while searching for his sister that had been kidnapped several years before. You will find it hard to put down as you get involved in reading this story and you will enjoy it a great deal.
February 11, 2024
Sweet Historical Romance
This was a difficult story to read, because Mortimer Crane is much more of a main character in this tale. He's a truly an evil man. But, Cady is a delight and besides her beauty that attracts Mortimer and Garrick, she's a true friend and doesn't look down at the other people Mortimer employes. Whether hired gun or soiled dove, Cady is kind and helpful making everyone's lives more enriched. The author did a fantastic job of creating such a wonderful character! And despite her hardships, there's a happy ever after worth waiting for!
This was a difficult story to read, because Mortimer Crane is much more of a main character in this tale. He's a truly an evil man. But, Cady is a delight and besides her beauty that attracts Mortimer and Garrick, she's a true friend and doesn't look down at the other people Mortimer employes. Whether hired gun or soiled dove, Cady is kind and helpful making everyone's lives more enriched. The author did a fantastic job of creating such a wonderful character! And despite her hardships, there's a happy ever after worth waiting for!
March 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Full of interesting complex characters and wonderful storyline. Cadence is forced to work in a gentlemen's club as a maid, the owner has her little sister Regina hidden from her. Lots of twists and turns. this book will make you laugh, make you cry, keep you on the end of your seat wanting to keep turning the pages. When you get to the end you will want the story to continue.
September 24, 2019
Good book.
Garrick and Cady were trying to find their sisters. Garrick got Shot and Cady almost got strangled. But they found their sisters and it all worked out. Thank you Charlene Raddon.
Garrick and Cady were trying to find their sisters. Garrick got Shot and Cady almost got strangled. But they found their sisters and it all worked out. Thank you Charlene Raddon.
July 11, 2019
Trouble coming
Their alway trouble in everyone story. When two sisters parents die and they get separated. What will become of the two girls you will need to read to find out.
Their alway trouble in everyone story. When two sisters parents die and they get separated. What will become of the two girls you will need to read to find out.
January 28, 2023
Great read!!!!
March 15, 2019
loved this book. this is a wonderful series. can not get enough.....
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews