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Today I want to spotlight one of the other authors and their story, that was published as part of the Whitcomb Spring series, on April 2, 2018. Visit the series page to learn more about what's coming next and an abridged history of Whitcomb Springs. “Retribution Road” by Christi Corbett Montana Territory, 1867 Graham Patterson, an accomplished veterinarian, is leaving Seattle and heading east to start a new life for himself. Opportunities abound for men who understand how to make the land work for them, rather than work the land. But after he overhears two scoundrels plotting to take advantage of a lonely spinster, his well-laid plans go awry. Willow Bennet lives just outside the town of Whitcomb Springs with only her beloved dog to keep her company. It’s a predictable life, until late one night when she foils an attack and her dog is wounded as revenge. Can she trust the mysterious stranger who insists he can help? Amazon ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon UK Excerpt from “Retribution Road” Friday, November 1, 1867 Graham hid in the shadows, his hand resting on his pistol while he considered the rising flames. Normally he’d take a wide path around a stranger’s camp, but the glowing coals promised warmth and the pot the two men had hanging over the fire smelled of beans. Eating nothing for three days made a man consider a lot of things. Even worse, he was lost. In Seattle, taking a wrong turn had meant simply backtracking or trying another street. Deep within the wooded and ankle-busting terrain of Montana Territory, it meant he could die. His stomach growled again, and he took another swig of icy water from his canteen to quiet the rumbling. Graham’s numb fingers fumbled with the metal cap and a clang broke the silence. The younger man leapt to his feet. “Pa, did you hear something?” The older man rose and swung a Henry rifle into firing position. “Who’s out there?” he demanded, his voice raspy from years of hard liquor and harder living. Graham sighed. Unless he wanted to start a fight with strangers, he’d best answer. “No need to get riled up. I’m just passing through.” “You alone?” shouted the younger man, planting his legs wide while shucking off his coat. “Yes,” Graham replied, his fingers lowering to test the knot securing his holster to his leg. They exchanged whispers, then the older man called out, “You cold?” “Yes.” Graham grimaced. Late fall out here was a lot colder than his brother’s letters had led him to believe. The frigid winds seemed to blow right through his clothes—a blanket-lined coat, flannel shirt, wool pants, long socks, and high boots—and settle deep in his bones. He’d been cold for the past month. “Better come in then. Keep your hands where we can see them.” "Retribution Road" ©2018 Christi Corbett Christi Corbett had an early love for the written word. As a child she could often be seen leaving the library with a stack of books so tall she used her chin to balance them in her arms. Over the years she’s put her love of writing to good use; in addition to writing over three hundred television commercials, she earned the position as head writer for a weekly television show. She left her television career when she and her husband found out they were expecting twins, but she couldn’t leave writing altogether. She’s now an award-winning author, writing stories of brave men and spirited women settling the American west. Website & Blog ~ Amazon ~ Instagram ~ Facebook

I'm excited to announce that a new story in the Whitcomb Springs series is up for pre-order! Get your copy of "Walk the Lightning" by Lynn Winchester. We'll have a few stories releasing this summer, so stay tuned! Now Available! BUY on AMAZON Reverend Paul Isaacs has known the weight of loneliness for thirty-five years. Day by day by day, the silence and heartache batters him. And in the town of Whitcomb Springs, there’s no one to ease that ache, to fill that void . . . Until Alivia. Alivia Ryder isn’t one to allow sorrow to rule her life; having lost her husband of five years, her business, and her home, she is determined to start over. To live and thrive again. And when she arrives in Whitcomb Springs, her heart draws her to the handsome, reserved, and sad-eyed preacher. When a storm strands Paul and Alivia in the church, one heartbreaking confession brings the two lonely hearts to the brink of something powerful. Join bestselling author, Lynn Winchester, as she brings a story of fate and faith to the world of Whitcomb Springs. If you haven't read the other short/novelettes stories in the series, no problem. They're available for $0.99 - $1.99 each! Visit the Whitcomb Springs series on Amazon.

This is a fun interview I did with author Genevieve Graham for Books & Benches. She was a delight to visit with and she has a lot of great information to share. I hope you enjoy it!

It is a glorious day, Dear Reader, and I relish in every moment of magnificence since the smoke cleared away. I ventured up to Glacier Park this weekend, as I often do this time of year. The park is beautiful no matter the time of year, but there is something special about autumn. It's not only the colors or the crisp mountain air, but the awe-inspiring wonder of the place. It's always humbling to go into nature, to hike the mountains and walk the trails, and realize that there was a place for me in all of this grandeur. When the world seems intent on throwing tragedy and challenges our way, it makes moments like this all the more miraculous. No pictures of the mountains today. I heard tell it was clear last night and snow covers those mountains behind the heavy fog, but it happens I enjoy a good misty morning. The air was heavily scented with dew and pine. There is always one place in the woods, and I should consult someone about it, where a species of pine, or combination of species, create the most magnificent pine scent, yet it is unlike the standard "freshness" one usually enjoys. It's too difficult to explain, even for this writer, but if I could walk through the forest and bottle it, I would gladly share it with you all. Though the mountains remained stubborn and hidden from view, Lake McDonald was still as beautiful as always. Road construction prevented me from taking my usual route, but it gave me a chance to enjoy other areas I too often neglect. There is not much in the way of traffic this time of year, another reason I save most of my visits for this off-season. Fires drove people away toward the end of the summer, and they are still burning in the park, but today, the air was perfectly fresh and crisp. I do so enjoy driving into the fog, not knowing what awaits on the other side. It pays to take it slow because . . . you don't know what awaits on the other side. I had the trail to myself! And enjoyed bits of pretty color, greens, and dew drops along the way. I like to think faeries dwell in places like this. Mountain faeries, of course. How wonderful it is for the imagination to run wild and wish for a flicker of time that we have our own special faerie in our park. And then I returned home to enjoy a few hours with my characters. I'm spending time with the British Agents and their families in a new novella. The release date is to be determined as this year has been one of . . . the unexpected. It is always a great pleasure for me to spend time with old friends, and I find I have missed these delightful men and women. I also enjoy listening to beautiful music while writing. It's almost always instrumental so it acts more like white noise, but often before I begin a writing session, I listen to inspiring music and beautiful voices. I'm a little behind the times when it comes to knowing who is who in the music world, especially online, but I recently heard, for the first time, Alisha Popat in this incredible Lindsey Stirling video. She has a stunning and angelic voice with a lot of power. Though I was about to start writing on a British Agent story, this song set the tone perfectly, transitioning me out of my invigorating morning in Glacier Park and into an energized, "writing" frame of mind. What kind of music do you most enjoy? Until next time, stay bookish! ~MK

The British Agent Series New covers as of March 2024

Louis L'Amour has been my favorite short story author since I picked up his first collection in hardcover. I was hooked. These bite-sized stories were perfect for days or weeks when my schedule was particularly busy, or when I wanted a quick trip to the old west. And then the audiobook versions started to come out and I'd found a perfect solution to my short road trips or a day running errands. Interestingly enough, his were the only short stories I seemed to enjoy for many years. Then a few years ago I rediscovered how wonderful these little tastes of adventure could be. I picked up a short story here and there, sometimes thrilled and other times left wanting, but this resurgence inspired the beginning of my own leap into short story writing. It began with a contest for which I wrote "Emma of Crooked Creek." I realized with a little more practice (short stories aren't easy to write), that I could write another and another until I had a series going. Then I decided to write a collection of three Christmas short stories which led to a plan for many more collections like it in the future. Is it difficult to convey everything I want to the reader in a short story? Yes, it can be. Do short stories leave readers wanting more? Often, but I don't consider that a bad thing. Will writing short stories make me rich? Nope, but it sure is fun. I write short fiction because: 1) I enjoy writing them. I like both the challenge and the break they give my brain in between longer works and series. 2) Buying books is an investment. It's nice to be able to give readers an opportunity to sample my writing either for free or at a minimal cost. 3) They can lead to novels. My Crooked Creek short stories will all tie into longer works in the series. A few of my other short stories have inspired full-length works that I plan to write in the future. 4) Attention spans aren't what they used to be, and it's nice to offer something up to readers who prefer to "read on the run." 5) They give me the opportunity to try something new. I always have new ideas; some I toss and others I'd like to try out without spending months writing a novel. 6) Did I mention they're fun? Short Fiction Collections These are the collections available as of March 2023 (when this post was updated). You'll notice a contemporary in there by my alter-ego.

Did You Know? Iron City, Dakota Territory is a fictional town based roughly on the present-day town of Hill City, SD. I chose the Black Hills as Amanda's starting point because I was amazed by the rugged beauty and depth of green in the trees of those hills when I visited. Mentioned in the book, Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency, was founded in 1850, more than thirty years prior to when the story takes place. Alan Pinkerton, the founder, was born in Scotland. It is now often referred to as just Pinkerton Detective Agency or Pinkerton Investigations. The 500+ miles Amanda traveled from Dakota to Montana would take only 7-8 hours by car today. Back then by wagon, it would have taken a little over one month. By horse, it would have taken anywhere from 15-25 days depending upon the terrain and horse's endurance. Wagon, horse, and railroad travel are all used in Journey to Hawk's Peak.

Did You Know? Ramsey was temporarily appointed as a U.S. Marshal, but did you know that marshals are appointed by presidential order? President George Washington had appointed the first sixteen U.S. Marshals by 1791 with the first thirteen having been commissioned in 1789. Though the first three chapters about Eliza's journey to Kentucky ended up on the editing room floor, the history of the Kentucky horse farms was fascinating to research. Did you know that Runnymeade Farm, founded in 1867, is the oldest continuously operated Thoroughbred breeding farm in Kentucky?

Have you ever imagined another way of life? Have you ever dreamed of living in another time? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have an adventure that may seem completely out of reach? Chances are these questions inspire many writers and many books, but each of these is at the core of why I write and how the Gallagher series came to be. The stories didn’t just come to me out of nowhere—they were nurtured by years of dreaming. Ever since I saw my first western movie, I thought how exciting and wonderful it would be to live that life. I had already begun reading historical romances long before this, but it was watching that first western that planted the seed in my mind about historical western romances. I allowed the seed to grow and the ideas to form until I no longer had thoughts churning around in my head. Instead I met the Gallagher family. I began to see their struggles and hard work. I felt their pain and joy, their sorrows and accomplishments. They became as real as the mountains and streams of Montana—they became family. As I walked along the Swan River or stood on top of Mt. Aeneas and looked out over the valley I call home, I knew the Gallaghers would find happiness and adventure in this remarkable place. I saw them build their ranch from nothing and bring a family into the world so that they may carry on the legacy. I knew their lives wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew they would find love and a reason to survive on this wild land. As sure as I’m breathing, there was no way to stop the story from taking on a life of its own. The true inspiration behind the book is the Gallagher family. Without them there would be no story. They inspire me, not the other way around. Gallagher's Choice, book three in the trilogy, is not the last readers will see of the Gallagher family. I'm currently working on a fourth installment for the series—two parts Gallagher-sytle western and one part Christmas story. A fifth installment is planned, this time with the series focusing on Amanda—we met her in the trilogy—and Ben, the Gallaghers' foreman. Whether there will be a sixth installment—a prequel—I cannot confirm at this point, but the idea has been forming. I hope you've enjoyed your time with the Gallaghers as we look forward to more adventures with them on their Hawk's Peak ranch. Update: There are eight Gallagher/Briarwood books as of 2023!

On Mother's Day, my mom gets what she wants . . . well, almost. I do my best and it's nice that she's easy to please and enjoys some of the same things I do. Which is why when she wanted to go up to Glacier National Park for the morning, I of course said yes. There was a bit of haze in the sky in the morning (I believe from the terrible fire in Alberta) which faded as we drove farther into the park, and as the day wore on. Perhaps it was the dry weather or the lack of rain we've had lately (as of this morning we're getting a nice downpour), but I was focused on the water. I love rivers, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and creeks, and Glacier has an abundance of all of the above. I love the purity and beauty of the water as it crashes and glides over rocks. I was so obsessed with the water that I didn't take a lot of other pictures. Except for the frogs since I like frogs and almost stepped on one. These little guys were everywhere. Then I went back to the water. If I had been alone, I would have camped out on a nearby rock to spend hours plotting. As it turned out, the day ended up giving me just enough time away from the computer and out in nature to come back with some great ideas and notes. My gratitude moment for today was two-fold: Spending the day with my wonderful mother in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" —Vincent Van Gogh I wonder how many of us could pose this question to ourselves and come up with an honest answer. What would my life be if I had no courage to attempt anything? What would life be if we allowed ourselves to remain comfortable with the way things are? If Van Gogh had never picked up a paintbrush, what would his life have been instead? What if Joyce or Hemmingway never put pen to paper? What if, what if , what if? I've always thought "What if?" to be kind of a scary question. Scary because if I'm asking that question, I'm doing too much wondering and not enough doing. We all get comfortable, but when we're too comfortable, we get lazy. By lazy I mean we stop trying. We become so content with our life as it is, that we remain in our comfort zone because we feel cozy and secure. The big bad world has less of a chance to get us in our little bubble of warm and fuzziness. But that little bubble isn't necessarily the best place to be. For some, it may be all they want--believe me, there's nothing wrong with that. But for others, they need something more. They need to feel their wings open and to know what is to fly in the clouds. They need to feel the rush of water as thye stand beneath a waterfall, or the air whipping around them as they stand atop a mountain. They need to know what it's like to see their painting on the walls of a gallery, to hear their own music on the radio, and to hold the book they never imagined would be in print. "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" If it's not laziness that stops some of us, what is it? That dreaded four letter word that we don't want to admit we possess, but it creeps up at the most inopportune moments. We're ready to jump out of that plane, but we pull back at the last minute. We've practiced the song for weeks in rehearsals, but we can't step out on that stage. We've spent years writing and polishing that manuscript, but we can't seem to hit the send button and submit it. FEAR. I've experienced fear plenty of times. I used to be afraid of heights, so in high school I started cliff jumping, and in my twenties I went skydiving. Am I still afraid of heights? You bet I am, but I don't regret trying to overcome the fear. I dislike (I could almost say "hate") public speaking. In high school I joined the speech team. Before a competition I couldn't eat and I'd freeze up, well, except my heart which felt like it was thumping way too fast for a human heart. The second year I medaled at state. I tried out for a musical—just for a speaking or chorus part, mind you—and ended up with a solo song—a rather advanced number that I was certain I couldn't do. I rehearsed, but that was one time when I allowed fear to win. I backed out for the sake of the production because I knew down to my soul that I couldn't have gone through with it. That when it mattered most, I wouldn't have been able to step out on that stage. I'm glad I tried out, and thrilled that I landed such an amazing role, but I'll never know if I really could have done it. Sometimes we have to push our own boundaries to discover our greatest talents and strengths. It's okay to not be great at everything. When it came time to share my writing with the world, I didn't give fear a chance to set in. It was one of those situations where you leap and see where you land. With each new book release, there's a little twinge of excitement, but no fear. I've recently been considering my professional options--outside of writing--and I've gone back and forth, back and forth, on the direction I'd like to take. Do I want to remain in my current profession because it's steady, there's always a need, and I've spent more than a decade acquiring and fine-tuning those executive skills, even though I only do it because it was an easy path? Or, do I want to take a risk and venture into something I've always wanted to do, but came up with one excuse after another (finances, time, family, location, blah, blah, etc) not to try something new? I tell myself that there's no reason to mess with a good thing, but I'm too comfortable. The challenge is gone. The excitement, the growth, the potential to become a better version of me--all stagnant because I've become too comfortable. So, I asked myself, "What would my life be if I had no courage to attempt anything?" I don't want to answer that question. I'd rather find the courage within, even if I have to dig deep for it, and I want to attempt many things. Fear? I'm certain we'll meet again soon because I'm about to push myself out of that warm and safe bubble, but I'm looking forward to the ride. Is there something you want out of life but you haven't found the courage to go after it? If so, is it fear or being too comfortable that's stopping you?

Emma, Hattie, Briley, and Clara have together in The Women of Crooked Creek, a western short story collection. If you haven't tried the Crooked Creek series, now's your chance to get all four stories in one volume. The Women of Crooked Creek Four courageous women, an untamed land, and the daring to embark on an unforgettable adventure. If you love stories of bravery and courage with unforgettable women and the men they love, you'll enjoy the Women of Crooked Creek. EMMA Emma Hawkins is a dedicated doctor in the little town of Crooked Creek, Montana Territory. Casey Latimer is a wounded soldier in search of a new home and a new beginning. When Casey, battered and bruised, falls at Emma's feet, she is duty-bound to help him. What happens next is something Emma never expected. HATTIE Married three months before the war and now a widow, Harriett McBride can either give up and sell her ranch or fight for the life she and her husband came west to build. With the help of a friend and a stranger, she must stop the one who threatens all she holds dear. When Hattie is faced with an unexpected choice, will she bury her heart on the battlefield forever or find a way to love again? BRILEY Far from home and with no family left, Briley Donaghue answers an advertisement from a rancher seeking a wife in Montana Territory. She arrives in Crooked Creek to find an empty cabin, a letter from her fiancé, and too many unanswered questions. Alone and uncertain, Briley forges a new life in an unfamiliar land. CLARA No longer willing to allow society’s opinion to influence her life, Clara Stowe sought a change, and what better place than the frontier. With her young daughter by her side, she embarks on an unexpected undertaking to the Montana Territory. With grit and determination, they arrive in Crooked Creek to shape the life Clara had always dreamed of and honor the memory of the one they lost. There's more to come from the characters of Crooked Creek. Publisher: Packsaddle Press Formats: Paperback, E-Book Paperback: 186 pages Released: March 5, 2016 This post was updated in 2024 with the current cover. The series as of February 2024