Westward Home and Hearts

Today, I want to share a special multiple-author series with you. It's been popular with readers for a long time and is still going strong. The first book in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series published on October 15, 2019 by Elaine Manders, the series administrator. Since then, there have been 58 more books published, and they're still coming out. When you find a series with this many books and so much longevity, you know it's special.

My first book in the series, Willa's Woes, published on January 10, 2025. In it, Willa has a series of tragedies and misfortunes and ends up becoming a mail-order bride in Dakota Territory. There, she experiences the devastating winter of 1880, when so much snow accumulated that farmers had to dig tunnels to reach their barns.

My second book, Daphne's Determination, will release on July 8, 2025. Daphne's uncle talks her into becoming a mail-order bride to prove his daughter was murdered by her husband. However, when she gets to Colorado, she's not sure of anything, and solving the crime isn't going to be easy. It's available for preorder now.

Morrow's Mishaps will publish on November 10, 2025, and is on preorder now. On her way to Wyoming, Morrow has one incident after another, and she has no idea why these things are happening to her. Even when she and her friend arrive at Bradford's ranch, there are several mishaps. Is something trying to tell her she shouldn't have come, or is there someone who doesn't want her here?

In Gwendolyn's Groom, Gwendolyn's father is dying, and he wants her securely married before he departs this world. However, the groom he and the matchmaker pick is anything but suitable in Gwendolyn's eyes. Yet, given the circumstances, she might have to marry the man. It will publish on February 11, 2026, just in time for Valentine's Day.

I hope you will check out this wonderful series and consider my four books. One has already published, two are on preorder, and one will publish early next year.

______________________

Patience

. . . the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8b).

As hard as it can be at times, Christians need to be patient. Impatient servants can do more harm than good if they aren't careful, and witnessing won't be as effective. Patience and humility often go hand-in-hand. Arrogant people are often selfish and impatient. They want things done their way and on their timetable.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).

Impatience may be a sign of a hard heart. Such a heart resists the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit and struggles to put its full trust in God. However, Scripture reminds us that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit and a reflection of Christ's loving, long-suffering nature. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can train ourselves to be more patient.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22).

When we surrender our impatience to God, He will soften our hearts and teach us to wait with grace and trust in His divine plan. The more we yield to Him, the more we will grow in wisdom, compassion, and understanding, thereby becoming effective witnesses of His mercy and truth. How patient are you? You can pray for more today.

Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

_______________________________

Ivy Hart and The Banker

Fellow author Ivy Hart is also writing in the Men of the West series with me. I am pleased to have her guest-blogging here today. Every book in the multiple-author project is worth checking out, and we hope you'll read them all. I'll let her tell you about herself and her new book in her own words:

Hello, fellow lovers of Christian Historical Romance! I'm Ivy Hart, and it's a joy to share my passion for stories that weave together faith, love, and the rich tapestry of the American past. While I live in Australia, my own great-grandmother was a prairie homesteader (from Norway), and her incredible strength, courage, and unwavering faith in God are a constant source of inspiration for the tales of resilience and hope I strive to bring to life. There's something about the challenges faced by those who carved out lives on the frontier – their reliance on God and each other – that speaks deeply to my heart, and I hope to yours as well.

I'm so excited to introduce you to my newest novel, The Banker, which released on June 5th, 2025! This story is part of the Men of the West multi-author series, and it plunges us into the heart of Liberty Ridge, a Kansas town carved from the rugged landscape in 1890. It’s a place where dreams are forged in the fires of ambition, but also where the earth yields both riches and heartbreak. When a devastating mine explosion rips through the community, it unearths not just raw seams of earth but also the simmering tensions and deep-seated prejudices dividing the settlers and Irish immigrants. Amidst this wreckage and despair, Caleb, our banker who is wrestling with his own doubts, finds himself drawn to Charity, a photographer of unwavering strength and resilience. Their shared grief and commitment to rebuilding their shattered town ignite a spark of hope and a burgeoning love that defies the odds. But as they search for answers and strive to heal their community, they uncover a web of deceit threatening to consume them both. Will their love bridge the divide and bring justice to light, or will the secrets they uncover shatter the fragile peace forever?

Writing The Banker was a journey into the heart of a community grappling with prejudice, loss, and the search for redemption. I was particularly drawn to exploring how faith can sustain individuals and a town through immense trials, and how true healing often begins with small acts of courage and compassion. Charity's profession as a photographer using the dry plate methods of the 1890s was fascinating to research, imagining her capturing the fleeting moments and resilient spirits of Liberty Ridge. Having arrived in town on a desperate search for her missing brother, Samuel, Charity finds her life taking unexpected turns. The story delves into the difficult path of mending old wounds, as settlers and Irish immigrants must find common ground, and how one man, Caleb, seeks to rebuild not just a bank, but trust and unity through faith in action. As Caleb and Charity navigate the aftermath of the town's trauma, their connection deepens, leading to moments where the future hangs in the balance: They walked on, the path narrowing slightly, forcing them closer together. This closeness feels right. Natural. Like coming home, Caleb thought. Their conversation turned again, circling back to their hopes for the future... Listening to her, seeing the passion light up her face, Caleb felt a growing sense of dread mix with his admiration. Her roots here felt so new, so fragile compared to the pull of her past.

"Are you… are you planning to stay, Charity," he asked, the question hanging heavy in the crisp air. He tried to keep his voice even, banker-neutral, but failed. It came out hesitant, laced with an anxiety he couldn't hide. Now that Samuel is safe and recovering… now that Thorne is dealt with… what happens next for you?"

 Charity stopped walking, turning to face him fully. The sunlight caught the auburn highlights in her hair. Her expression was open, searching, her eyes filled with a complex mix of warmth and sincerity that made his heart hammer against his ribs.  "I don't know, Caleb," she admitted, her voice soft but clear, achingly honest. "I truly don't."

She looked around at the creek, the trees, the vast blue sky overhead. "I've grown so fond of Liberty Ridge," she continued, her gaze returning to his. "More than I ever expected. I feel a connection here… to the people, their resilience, their kindness… to this land, its rugged beauty…" Her voice dropped slightly. "And… to you." A faint blush rose on her cheeks, but she held his gaze. "There's a purpose here I never felt back home."

He took a step closer… "Charity," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, rough with emotion… "I… I don't want you to leave."

I pray that The Banker touches your heart and offers a story of hope and enduring faith. Look for it now!

Blessings,

Ivy Hart

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ivy-Hart/author/B0DBJ2HTWR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558923212484

______________________________

Submit

Submit yourselves therefore to God (James 4:7a).

Submission is hard for us. Ever since the fall of Adam, which unleashed sin into the world and gave people an inherent sinful nature, we have wanted to be in control. The world teaches us that we'd better take care of number one, a selfish attitude that doesn't help.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

However, without submitting to some kind of authority, chaos prevails, anarchy takes over, and no one is safe. The best thing a Christian can do is submit totally to God. We know we can trust Him; He knows everything, which we don't. Submitting to Christ doesn't mean subservience but freedom. It's liberating to let someone manage our lives who knows what He's doing.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Becoming God's servants and serving others brings a level of satisfaction and contentment that nothing else can. Being directed by God and in His will is a wonderful feeling. As Warren Wiersbe writes in his book, 10 Power Principles of Christian Service, " . . . obeying God's will and serving God's people is one of the highest honors possible in this life." Give everything to God today.

______________________

Men of the West

This wonderful Western series has seven books already published and a few more to come. If you enjoy adventure, real heroes, romance, and happy ever afters, you'll want to read them all. Each book features a worker in a Western town to give you plenty of variety. Check out the multiple-author series, Men of the West.

My book in the series, The Miner, has already published. On his way to pick up supplies for the mine, Lorne Merritt discovers a pretty young woman alone and looking lost. Addie Shea came to Dakota Territory to live with her father, a prospector, but he’s been killed by a claim jumper. Knowing it’s not safe for her to be on her own in Deadwood, he befriends her, but then the attempts on her life begin. Who is doing this, and what can Lorne do to help keep her safe?

All the books are themed and can be read in any order, but once you start, you'll want to finish them all. At only $2.99 each for the ebooks, this is bargain entertainment. And some of them, like mine, are also available in print, KU, and on Audible. They'll make great summer reading.

_________________________

 

 

Sacrifice and Service

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

We know that we are going to have some trouble and problems in life. Everyone does. But if we surrender our lives to God, He will bring good, even from the difficulties. They can develop us, make us stronger, and grow our faith. They refine us for better service.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Jesus set the example for His followers to sacrifice for the sake of others. He gave of His time and energy to help those in need. The strange thing about this type of sacrifice is that it brings a special sense of well-being and satisfaction. In the end, we feel as if we've gained more than we've given.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

When we live in praise and thanksgiving to God and service to our fellowmen, we are following in Jesus' footsteps. We'll also find ourselves happy and fulfilled in a special way. God will guide you in the ways he wants you to serve. The key is to be willing and ready. How willing and ready are you?

____________________

 

Newspapers in Early Western Towns

Another important business in any Western town was the newspaper office. Not only was it an important source for news and community updates, but in a place where entertainment was limited, it served that purpose too. Some Old West newspapers had interesting names, such as The Tombstone Prospector, The Pick and Drill, The Epitaph, and The Territorial Enterprise. In 1880 Town, in Midland, South Dakota, the newspaper was called The Western Star.

Depending on the size of the town and the situation, the newspaper might be published often or at longer intervals. Of course, the cities and larger towns tended to have daily papers, and in the smaller towns, they came out weekly or sometimes less. In the 1800s, most newspapers in the West came out weekly. Sometimes, the editor/owner did most of the work himself, and some had a staff, the number depending on the size and financial resources of the newspaper.

In my novel set in California in 1888, Tessa's Time, Tessa's uncle owns a newspaper, and she writes for him under a pseudonym. However, although she enjoys the newspaper work, she really wants to be a novelist, and she continues to work on her manuscript. She's sent to interview the new violinist who's come to San Francisco for the summer, and she's surprised by how much he impresses her. But can she realistically continue her career plans and be courted, and would he want that? Most men she's met don't approve of their wives working.

____________________