The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

Joanne Kennedy

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59 comments posted.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (3:15pm April 3, 2019):

That barbed wire tatto started out as a mermaid, but that
didn't seem to fit the high plains of Wyoming! It was fun
figuring out what kind of tattoo Luke would get. Barbed wire
was the winner, hands down!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (3:14pm April 3, 2019):

I'm always excited to get a comment from Carolyn Brown
because she's one of the all-time great romance writers! If
you haven't read her books, run, don't walk, to the bookstore
and buy them all! She tells great stories with a unique sense
of humor that can brighten any day!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:03am April 3, 2019):

Hospitals are always scary. I've spent a little too much
time in them myself, and I always have to remind myself
that miracles happen there. It's amazing what they can do!
It sounds like you have a great attitude that will help
your husband recover and feel better. I wish you both good
health and good luck with the surgery!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (10:23am April 3, 2019):

Good Morning! It's good to be back at Fresh Fiction with
"Cowboy Trouble!" Most of my books are about women starting
over and creating new lives for themselves in the West.
(There's always a cowboy involved, of course!) So I have a
question for you: have you ever started over and reinvented
your life? Are you glad you did?

Re: How To Wrangle A Cowboy (11:32am February 12, 2016):

A great big thank you to everyone who posted "meet-cute" stories! I love hearing true romance stories from the past. Those dances around the time of WWII must have been something! My own parents met at their first "Freshman Mixer" at the University of Maine. My mother picked out my father right away; she was wearing a dress with a lace back, and my dad thought that was, in his words, "soooo sexy!" He got up the courage to talk to her, and they dated all through college. My father was very tall, thin, intellectual and awkward at the time, and says he could never believe this "beautiful creature" seemed to like him - maybe even love him! They were married for 64 years before my dad passed away last April. Their solid, loving marriage is one of the reasons I'm drawn to writing romance!

Thanks to everyone who commented. I was on the road when this posted, and so I didn't get to answer each of your stories individually, but I loved them all. Good luck in the contest!

Re: How to Handle a Cowboy (10:52am April 3, 2014):

Thanks to readers for stopping by! I'd be interested to know this: do you prefer series books or standalone stories?

Re: How to Handle a Cowboy (10:51am April 3, 2014):

I agree, Karin. Every book should be a complete and satisfying story, whether it's part of a series or not. I like endings that make you sit back and sigh, and sit back a little while to enjoy the feeling the story gave you.

Re: How to Handle a Cowboy (10:47am April 3, 2014):

Thanks to Fresh Fiction for hosting me today! It sounds like everyone's on board and ready to start a new series - especially if it's about cowboys!

Re: Cowboy Tough (3:55pm February 28, 2013):

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by, and thanks to Fresh Fiction for letting me talk about my favorite subject: cowboys! Kathleen, you're right - we never know if we'll measure up until something happens, but I think most of us would be surprised at just how "tough" we are deep down inside.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (8:05pm November 9, 2011):

Lisa, I'd like to go to Washington state - I've never been there. It sounds like it rains a lot, which would take getting used to after Wyoming. It rarely rains here, which is great until you try to grow flowers!

Sigrun, I know how different it is in Europe because my sister lives in Italy. A lot of it sounds nice - she lives in the city and goes to the corner markets for fresh food, has museums right nearby (she lives in Rome) and lots of history.

Alyson, I know exactly what you mean! You gave me a little chuckle, but only because I recognize myself in your comment! That pretty much describes life in general:)

Lisa, starting over with nothing is something I fantasized about when things were going wrong. Now I'm happy and I'd hate to lose the life I have. But it's good to know I have the strength to do it if something happens.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (7:57pm November 9, 2011):

Lisa, it's nice to have someone to "start over" with, and that make it easier - but it's still not easy!

Darci, that's a good point about the dog! It's really hard to find a rental that will allow dogs and cats, and it's harder in some towns than others. I've lived in some pretty awful places just so I could keep my dog!

Elizabeth, that sounds so hard - but at least you got to keep what matters most. I can't imagine how that felt, but I'm glad you're okay now.

Jennifer, I want to go to Phoenix because it's WARM! Our summers in Wyoming are fantastic but pretty brief. In the winter, I wish I could be a snowbird:)

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (7:48pm November 9, 2011):

Linda, thanks for telling your story. Selling Avon is a fantastic idea for meeting people! And it's great that you've found yourself a home in a place where you initially felt a little lost. I worked in retail management too (for Barnes & Noble), and moved around quite a bit. It seemed like it took about 2 years in a place before I really felt at home.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (6:09pm November 7, 2011):

Mary, there are some places where it's hard to get to know the neighbors before they're gone again. Sometimes joining a club or craft group helps, but it takes time to make new friends.

Linda, thanks for your family's service! Best of luck in the contest:)

Lisa, I hope your daughter comes to love her new home. I have a friend who moved to a very remote small town and was dreading it. It took a while, but she ended up loving it and she's a big part of the community. I think volunteering is a great way to find your place in a new town or city.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (6:05pm November 7, 2011):

Michael, I agree that there's something about the Wyoming landscape that makes it easier to deal with difficulties - or at least more worthwhile. Best of luck with your writing! It takes a while to get started and find an audience, but if you're doing what you love it's worth it.

Diane, I have a friend who lost everything in a fire years ago - and I do mean everything. She's a very strong person and managed to recover, but I know she regrets losing the family mementoes and sentimental things much more than the material "stuff."

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (6:01pm November 7, 2011):

Sandra, it sounds like you've overcome your share of challenges! I'm so glad you're happy and still together. Sometimes the more difficult things are, the more we appreciate them!

Kati, I have a friend that moved from Wyoming to Upstate New York. She started a knitting shop in a small town and loves it there!

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (2:39pm November 7, 2011):

Lynne, I love that cover too! He's one fine cowboy...

Colleen, it sounds like you found a way to make it work! Family sure helps:)

Ilona, it must feel so good to be settled! I'm glad you've found a permanent home.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (2:37pm November 7, 2011):

Carolyn, you are a woman who knows how to have an adventure:) And readers, that's THE Carolyn Brown, who wrote "Darn Good Cowboy Christmas" and all those other great cowboy books. She's my friend, and yes I'm bragging:)

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (2:35pm November 7, 2011):

Anna, it would be nice if people didn't have to move so often. I'd love to be closer to my family.

Ann Unger, you're lucky to have your family close!

Marjorie, that's wonderful. I'm sure you deserve your blessings since you sound so grateful and appreciative!

Lynn, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through that. It seems to be happening all over. I hope things improve, and meanwhile we all just have to help each other as best we can. It's so challenging right now to find work, even if you've done everything right and lived a good life. I'm glad you at least have a network of support, and I hope you find something soon.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (2:31pm November 7, 2011):

Katie, Texas is a pretty good idea! You might find yourself a cowboy there:)

Sue, that's a shame. It's funny how towns have personalities, and some are "nicer" than others. I was really lucky to find Cheyenne - people here are great.

Hi, Leisa! I have to admit that Arizona and New Mexico look pretty good to me right now, much as I love my hometown. It's COLD here and we have another storm coming in...

Maureen, I think it would be scary if you didn't have some kind of safety net, like a family that would always take you back. I've been lucky that way.

Debbie, good for you! With that kind of attitude I'm sure you would make it work:)

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (12:24pm November 7, 2011):

Na S, I went through that as a child too. I'd lived in the same town all my life until I turned 12 and we moved. I had no idea how to go about making new friends, so it was quite a test. It all worked out, but when you're a kid everything seems like such a big deal! I always felt bad for the children of military families who had to start over every couple of years. I think you'd develop great social skills that way, but it would be so hard.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (12:21pm November 7, 2011):

Gail, I do love my cowboys. The West is a challenging world to live in, so it makes for great stories.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:45am November 7, 2011):

Thanks to everyone who shared their "starting over" story so far! So many of you sound like the heroines of your own story. I'm really touched by all of them, and I hope we'll hear more as the day goes on. I'll be popping in to read and comment throughout the day.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:43am November 7, 2011):

Melissa, thanks for bringing up a different kind of starting over. Resurrecting a broken relationship might be even harder than starting over in a new place. I'm so glad you and your sister could find your way back to each other. And what a great gift to give your mother!

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:41am November 7, 2011):

Peggy, I think you definitely do have something to be proud of! Surviving tough times like that isn't easy, and yet it sounds like you made it through it without bitterness. I can't imagine how hard it was and really admire you for getting through it. Thanks for sharing your story.

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:35am November 7, 2011):

GS Moch, I agree - leaving family behind would be impossible. Sadly, Lacey didn't have much to leave behind. She'd lost her father recently, her mother years earlier, and had never had children. And her ex was very controlling, so she didn't have any real friends. She really needs to get away and make herself a family, and that's just what she does!

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:33am November 7, 2011):

May, I always thought I'd be scared to set off into the unknown, but it felt good once I did it! It's like jumping out of an airplane or climbing a mountain - conquering your fears makes you stronger. (Disclaimer: I have never gotten up the nerve to jump out of an airplane, but I have climbed mountains.)

Re: Tall, Dark And Cowboy (10:31am November 7, 2011):

Christine, you sound like just the kind of woman I write about - women who can make it on their own but are open to love if it enriches their lives. Maybe it's because you're looking for the right things - love, peace and happiness instead of wealth, power and success. Plus you went someplace warm. That was smart! I'm looking at snow today...

Re: Cowboy Fever (5:03pm April 20, 2011):

Thanks, Karen. I felt the same way! And the people from the riding program made it so much fun.

Re: Cowboy Fever (1:51pm April 20, 2011):

Kelli, you must be like me - my emotions are pretty close to the surface and I cry even at the previews to sad movies! I warn you, the book might do that a few more times - it has a lot of humor but there are some scenes with the kids that still make ME cry, and I wrote them! I hope you enjoy it through the tears:)

Re: Cowboy Fever (1:49pm April 20, 2011):

Jody, I think you'll enjoy it if you like horses - there's an elderly horse named Vegas in the book that I just love.

Re: Cowboy Fever (11:25am April 20, 2011):

Thanks, Peggy! You're right, the launch party is like a big sigh of relief. And it was great to be able to share the celebration with CTEC. Story always comes first, but being able to include scenes from CTEC meant a lot to me.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:20pm March 3, 2010):

Lisa - cowboys on The Amazing Race? I'm going to have to check that out!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:19pm March 3, 2010):

Patricia - I'm glad you mentioned Catherine Anderson. I think she's had handicapped heroines in a couple of her books, and they were great stories with a lot of heart. And to me, man or woman, a person who has the courage to overcome a disability is sexy as it gets!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:17pm March 3, 2010):

Lisa - I'm so glad readers are loving the REAL men, not just the fantasy guys. Goodyear men deserve love too!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:17pm March 3, 2010):

Mary Anne -- So funny!That'll motivate those chickens for sure!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:16pm March 3, 2010):

Elaine, I agree there are some really great advantages to medical transcription. Working from home is the way to go!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:15pm March 3, 2010):

Alyson - it sound slike your speaking from xperience! Keep writing! It was a big change, but the minute I started "Cowboy Trouble" I knew I'd found what I was meant to do. I'm so lucky it worked out, because I'd have to keep going even if it didn't!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (12:02pm February 27, 2010):

Jean, I LOVE The Egg & I! Thanks for reminding me. My grandmother had the book and I read it over and over as a kid. I guess that's where my chicken obsession started. Blame it on Betty MacDonald!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (12:00pm February 27, 2010):

Jung Ja Ahn - thanks. I'm definitely loving my new career - mostly because of all the new friends I'm making. Thanks so much to everyone for commenting.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:59pm February 26, 2010):

Thanks Rosemary! And Mitzi - I think Luke will live up to your standards. He's pretty dang hot!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:59pm February 26, 2010):

Lynn & Kai - I love cowboys too - obviously:) I want the young Clint Eastwood (Rowdy Yates!) to ride into town and save MY day!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:54pm February 26, 2010):

Lynn - Good question! Yes, it's organic, but not quite free range out here - too many coyotes to leave any livestock unprotected. I had free range chickens, though. They were happy ladies!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:53pm February 26, 2010):

Cheryl, thanks for reading! I'm a little obsessed with chickens - and cowboys!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:52pm February 26, 2010):

Cecilia, do you miss farm life? I've heard Austin is a great place to live.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:51pm February 26, 2010):

Debbi, winter time really is reading time in Wyoming. We sure can't do much else! There's not that much snow, but it gets cold and really windy, so we stay in by the fire and read:)

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:50pm February 26, 2010):

Robin - Thanks. I raised chickens myself years ago, so it was a natural choice. People think they're stupid, but they all have unique personalities just like people!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:49pm February 26, 2010):

Cheryl - I agre, I love straight contemporaries - stories that could happen to you or me, especially with a shot of humor. Have you read Robin Kaye? She writes for Sourcebooks too, and her contemporaries are wonderful. "Romeo, Romeo" is really good.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:47pm February 26, 2010):

Amber - I love paranormals, too, and I'd love to put one in a Western setting - but I haven't come up with that plot yet. And the real West is so interesting, it'll be a while before I run out of "regular" plots. Stay tuned, though - you never know!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:45pm February 26, 2010):

Leni and Colleen - thanks for the well-wishes!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (12:00pm February 26, 2010):

Thanks, everybody, for the comments so far. I have a long work day ahead of me, but I'll check back in tonight!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:59am February 26, 2010):

Cherie - I think we've found a movement here! I'm so glad everyone is looking for "everyman" (and "everywoman") characters. That's what my books are all about. I think what makes cowboys so attractive is that they do hard work, fighting the elements to make a living from the land. It makes them better men - there's a sort of quiet heroism to it. There's also a nurturing side, since they work with animals.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:56am February 26, 2010):

Pat - "vg" always makes me think of Bridget Jones. I still love chick lit...

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:55am February 26, 2010):

Jeffrey - I see Western romances getting more and more popular, so there should be plenty out there for your wife to enjoy. Thanks - it's so nice to see a man on the site!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:54am February 26, 2010):

Barbara - I think I can guarantee that Cowboy Trouble will give you a giggle. My favorite funny part is Wild Thing the feral chicken. She's based on a real chicken I had, who was really a character.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:52am February 26, 2010):

Kara - Thanks so much for your enthusiasm about my book! I agree that "regular people" make great characters. There's drama enough in real life to make good stories, and I like to be able to identify with characters.

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:51am February 26, 2010):

Gladys - I see your point about the six-foot guys and that crick in your neck! But I'm 5'11" - so I'm not sure you'll be getting short heroes from me. Although I do like the stocky, Al Pacino body type a lot...hmmmm...

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:48am February 26, 2010):

Mary Anne - Amen! I'm so glad to hear from readers who are looking for "real" heroes, instead of millionaires or dukes. That's what my books are all about. If you're looking for a "charming hero with an attractive personality", you really will love Luke. I so hope you read Cowboy Trouble - I'd love to hear what you think of him!

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:46am February 26, 2010):

Re: Cowboy Trouble (11:46am February 26, 2010):

Tanja - I don't know if Libby sees herself as an "alpha" heroine, but she's a strong person and goes after the puzzle with everything she's got.