Sneak Peek # 4: Nate Steps into the Saloon for the First Time
September 22, 2025
Here’s the moment when Nate first steps into Silver Creek’s saloon and begins to form the friendships that will change his life. Here, he would meet the people who’d stand with him when it mattered most.
Just then, another voice broke into their conversation. “Silas, who’s this young fella bothering you?” asked a gravel-toned voice nearby. Nate turned to see a middle-aged rancher, face weathered by sun and years, but his eyes were cordial and welcoming. Silas grinned.
“Ain’t no bother, Ben. Nate here is one of the new folks on the Maddox place.”
The rancher extended his hand. “Ben Harper. I got a place just north of yours, near Abel. If you need anything—tools, advice, or a helping hand—you let me know. Folks gotta stick together out here.”
A rush of gratitude filled Nate as he shook Ben’s hand. “Thank you, Ben…I appreciate that.”
“Mercer ain’t always easy to deal with. Keep your guard up and keep your debts small. Silver Creek can be an inviting place, but it’s got its shadows too.”
Sneak Peek #3: Nate’s Quiet Hope of Seeing Jack
September 15, 2025
The year is 1876, and Silver Creek marks the nation’s Centennial with a day-long Fourth of July celebration. For Nate, it’s his first glimpse of the town gathered together in pride, tradition, and festivity. Yet beneath the games, music, and fireworks, he can’t shake the pull of hope and longing—until an unexpected glance changes everything.
“And then, just as Nate turned to gather their things for the ride home, he spotted him. Jack stood across the crowd, half-shadowed off to the side of the gathering. He wore a clean shirt and worn boots, talking to an older rancher whose name Nate couldn’t place. The glow of lantern light caught the edge of his cheekbone. As if sensing the attention, Jack looked up. For just a moment, their eyes locked across the space between them. But in that brief time, Nate felt the noise of the celebration recede. Jack didn’t smile and didn’t gesture. He just gave the slightest of nods. Then he turned back toward the man beside him, the moment slipping back into the festivities around them. Nate just stood for a beat, heart fluttering for reasons he didn’t care to mention. Samuel’s voice drew him back. ‘Ready to head home?’”
Frontier Kindred Cover Reveal & Release Date
September 10, 2025
I’m excited to share that the cover for Frontier Kindred is now live—you can see it featured on the homepage!
And even more exciting news: Frontier Kindred will officially be released on October 1, 2025.
Stay tuned for more sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes updates, and details as we get closer to launch day.
Sneak Peek # 2: Nate’s First Look at Jack
September 9, 2025
One of the most pivotal moments in Frontier Kindred is when Nate first lays eyes on Jack Calloway. Their paths cross in a fleeting encounter outside Silver Creek’s general store—a moment that seems ordinary on the surface, yet quietly changes everything. Here’s the scene where Nate sees Jack for the very first time:
“When they left the store, Nate spotted his father speaking with a man on horseback—a tall, dark-haired rugged figure, with a short, trimmed beard and striking brown eyes that scanned Nate with a careful, indecipherable expression. His name was Jack Calloway. Nate hadn’t heard of him yet, but something about him made it impossible to turn away. His hat was pulled low over his face, and he had the kind of posture that spoke of experience and wariness, like he’d seen things most folks never would. There was something guarded in the way he held himself, like a man who didn’t trust with ease. Nate couldn’t hear the conversation, but the man gestured toward the western hills, where their land sat.”
Stay tuned for two more “sneak peeks” before the release of Frontier Kindred.
Sneak Peek #1: Nate’s First Steps into Silver Creek
September 2, 2025
As promised, I’m excited to begin sharing sneak peeks from my upcoming novel, Frontier Kindred. Each excerpt will give you a glimpse into the world of 1876 Kansas and the characters whose lives are about to intertwine in ways that will test love, loyalty, and courage.
Here’s the very first moment Nate arrives in Silver Creek:
“Nate straightened his back, forcing his posture into a position of confidence. People were already staring. At twenty-two years old, he had never thought much about his appearance, but under the town’s scrutiny, he felt an intense awareness of himself. He was tall, broad-shouldered from years of labor that came second to his studies, though he had never considered himself a farmer or a rancher. His short light brown hair was parted on the side—a habit from his days as a schoolteacher—though the dust of travel had left it disheveled. His deep hazel eyes took in Silver Creek’s narrow streets and wary faces, his expression guarded but unreadable. To them, he must have looked like an outsider—too polished, too put together for a place as rough as this.”
Be sure to check back here and follow along on my social media for more sneak peeks from Frontier Kindred as we count down to release.
Let’s Talk—Your Thoughts Matter Here
August 25, 2025
As I mentioned in one of my early blog posts, the second—and very important—reason I wrote Unbound was to inspire. During the entire writing process, that central thought stayed with me.
One of the reasons I chose to share my story publicly was to open the door for connection. I didn’t just want to put a book out into the world—I wanted to engage with others in thoughtful, honest discussion… even critical discussion at times. I welcome everyone, regardless of perspective.
If something you read on the blog moves you—or challenges you—I invite you to comment. Whether it’s a personal insight, a reflection, or just a few words, I truly value every voice. So feel free to chime in. I’ll be reading every comment—and responding when I can.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for being part of this continuing conversation.
Once Frontier Kindred is out in the world, we’ll have even more to talk about for sure.
Author Update: What’s New & What’s Coming
August 17, 2025
Just a quick update for those following along:
The revised edition of Unbound is now available! It includes updated formatting and some light edits for clarity and flow. Same story—just a cleaner, more polished version of Andy’s journey.
I’ve started a new blog series exploring the themes behind Unbound—escape, identity, and love. The first two posts are up now if you’d like to take a deeper look into what shaped the heart of the book.
And yes, Frontier Kindred is getting closer to the finish line! The manuscript is complete, and I’m currently waiting on final cover art. I’ll have more to share on that very soon.
Thanks, as always, for staying with me on this ride. More soon!
Title Reveal: My Next Novel is Frontier Kindred
July 25, 2025
I’ve been waiting a while to share this, and I’m so excited to finally say it out loud: my next novel is entitled Frontier Kindred.
This story has been close to my heart from the very first page. Set in 1876 Kansas, the story follows Nate Cooper, a former schoolteacher who moves west with his family after a devastating loss. In the rugged frontier town of Silver Creek—a place bound by tradition and quiet prejudice—Nate crosses paths with Jack Calloway, a reserved ranch hand with a past as rough as the land itself. Their connection changes everything, forcing them both to confront what they’re willing to risk for love, family, and a place to belong.
I’m thrilled to share that the manuscript is fully finished—edited, proofed, and formatted—and is now in the hands of my cover designer. (I can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on. The cover reveal will be coming soon!)
More than anything, Frontier Kindred is a story about chosen family, quiet courage, and the hope it takes to build a future—and claim love— in a world that stands against you.
Thank you to everyone who has followed me on this writing journey. I can’t wait for you to meet these characters and step into their world. Stay tuned—more updates are just around the corner.
Writing Update
June 30, 2025
Before I dive into what’s been happening on the writing front, I want to offer my sincerest apologies for the lack of updates since April. After Unbound was published, I took a long-awaited (and much-needed) vacation in Hawaii. It was everything I hoped it would be—restful, relaxing, and exactly the break I needed.
But even while I was away, my mind kept drifting back to writing. I found myself mentally preparing for the next chapter—new ideas swirling, characters beginning to take shape. I even reread Unbound with a more critical lens, seeing it not only as a completed work but as a foundation for growth.
Once I returned from Hawaii, I jumped straight into my next project. And truthfully? I’m completely immersed. The story is vivid in my mind, and the characters already feel like old friends. All I’ll say for now is that it’s historical LGBTQ western set in 1876 Kansas—and it’s a story that’s captured my heart.
Right now, I’m deep in the editing phase. I’ve done a great deal of historical research to ensure that the setting feels authentic and true to the time period. I never imagined myself writing something like this, but the process has been incredibly rewarding—and yes, I’m proud of how it’s coming together.
As promised, I’ll also be returning to my blog to share more behind-the-scenes reflections on Unbound, along with posts about my current project and writing practices. I’m committed to keeping the updates coming more regularly on a monthly basis from here on out.
Until then—stay tuned. More to come.
Unbound Available Now!
April 19, 2025
After a bit of a delay at the publisher, I’m thrilled to share that Unbound is now officially available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats! Thank you all for your incredible support and patience. I can’t wait for you to read it.
Delay in Release of Unbound
April 8, 2025
Hey Everyone—just wanted to let you know that due to a slight delay at the publisher, Unbound will be going live a little later than expected. The new release windows is within the next 48 to 72 hours. I appreciate your patience and support. We’re almost there, and I can’t wait for you to finally read it.
Unbound Set to Release April 4th!
March 30, 2025
I’m thrilled to officially announce that my debut novel, Unbound: A Journey of Escape, Identity, and Love, will be released on April 4, 2025! It’s been an incredible journey from writing to publishing, and I can’t wait for you to finally read this story that means so much to me.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more exciting details—like how you can get a signed copy (yes, that’s in the works!) and behind-the-scenes posts about how Unbound came to life.
Be sure to check back often or follow me on social media for updates!