Gunsmoke & Heartache (Book 1: Part One of the Trilogy): A Western Romance Novella (Grit and Romance on the Frontier)

Gunsmoke & Heartache (Book 1: Part One of the Trilogy): A Western Romance Novella (Grit and Romance on the Frontier)

Banished to the unforgiving American West, a sheltered young woman must survive danger, secrets, and the first sparks of a bond she never saw coming. When Tabitha Henry’s wealthy family sends her in disgrace to her uncle’s remote ranch, she expects a season of hard work and humiliation. What she finds is far worse—ruthless terrain, relentless labor, and threats that lurk far beyond the fence line. The Old West has its own rules, and surviving it will change her in ways she never imagined. An unexpected attack forces Tabitha into the hands of Tom Roland, a quiet, battle-scarred ranch hand who has no patience for stubborn “city girls.” Their partnership is uneasy at best… but in a land where bullets fly and loyalties are thin, they need each other more than they’re willing to admit. As danger presses in, Tabitha learns that strength isn’t something you’re born with—it’s hammered out in grit, loss, and the choices no one else can make for you. And Tom finds that protecting someone can be far more treacherous than facing a gunman. Beneath the dust and hardship, a slow, fragile connection starts to form… one that neither of them is ready to name. This is a story of survival, frontier justice, and the earliest beginnings of a romance that will grow over time. If you love historical western fiction filled with hardship, heart, ranch life, danger, found family, and characters fighting for a place to belong, this saga will pull you into the Old West and keep you turning pages. Out here on the frontier, courage is forged in gun smoke—and the heart doesn’t always know it’s breaking until it’s too late. Perfect for fans of Jody Hedlund, Mary Connealy, and Linda Ford—stories where frontier danger, grit, and slow-growing affection shape the heart of the Old West. Click Buy Now to begin Book 1 of this gripping frontier saga today. Large Print Edition (16-point font for easy reading) A beautifully written western romance that feels both classic and heartfelt. The story of Tabitha and Tom unfolds naturally, with emotions that feel real and characters that stay in your mind long after finishing the book. The writing is confident and engaging, with a strong sense of place and time that brings the western setting to life. Even for readers who don't usually choose this genre, this novella offers a pleasant surprise - it's warm, well-paced, and deeply human. A touching and memorable story that captures courage, love, and the quiet strength of redemption. - George It was awesome! I liked the main characters, and loathe the appropriate ones. The end has an intriguing twist and I would really like to read more! - Phthon This book was very exciting! I enjoyed the Western style, and the characters were believable and interesting. There is some violence but nothing gory. I liked that Tabitha and Tom learned and grew because of their experiences. This book was definitely worth reading, and I'm excited to read more! - Madeline Brousseau I think the title is a perfect descriptor for the story. I'm not a huge romance reader but I love an Old West romance and this one is no exception! I really felt for Tabitha and her situation she was a tool to her family and every time she seems to find something good or a place of peace she's reminded of that fact in a most unpleasant way. There's a bit of a cliffhanger but that's to be expected as this is book one of three. Liked the twist at the end and I'm eager to see how things play out in the next book! - Michelle Romance meets coming of age, plus true calling, Western struggles and personal and heart destinies - Molly G. Hamblin