The Songbird Is Now Available

 By Kristy McCaffrey

It's release day!! I had such fun revisiting Matt and Molly from THE WREN along with writing my first western in a good long while. I hope you'll join me in seeing what they've been up to.

This novella finds Matt and Molly 15 years after THE WREN, and Molly's past with the Comanche is about to catch up with her. This story includes other couples from the Wings of the West series, and you'll meet the daughters of the second generation. (Soon to star in their own novels.)

"It was so great to come back ... to read more of this series … can't wait for more." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

“Love, adventure, mystery and thriller all rolled into one.” ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"The themes of past trauma, hope, redemption, and teamwork were prevalent throughout ... I highly recommend this!" ~ Amazon Reviewer

Excerpt

Matt entered the restaurant and hung his hat on a peg, Nathan and Bill Harner behind him. When he spotted Molly sitting with Emma, he made his way to the table and leaned down to kiss Molly’s cheek.

“I want you to meet someone.” Stepping aside, he said, “This is Bill Harner.”

Surprise crossed Molly’s face. “You were at the corral today with the horse with the colorful noseband.”

Bill nodded. “That was me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

“Bill was a Texas Ranger,” Matt said, taking a chair beside his wife. “We ran into him this morning and invited him to supper. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all.”

Once the men were seated, a waitress took everyone’s orders.

“Were you all in the same company together?” Emma asked Bill, indicating her husband, Nathan, and Matt.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Matt almost smiled at Harner’s formality, since he wasn’t much older than either Molly or Emma. “You were the youngster the year Nathan and I left,” he said.

“It’s really nice to see you again, sir,” Bill said. “I’d heard that you’d been rescued after Cerillo captured you. I guess I wasn’t surprised you didn’t return to duty after that.”

“It was Nathan who got me out,” Matt said, trying to gloss over that memory.

“I’m glad you survived, sir.”

“You can call me Matt.” He’d said as much earlier, but it had apparently not taken.

The waitress brought drinks for everyone. Bill nodded and smiled and took a large gulp of water.

Matt glanced at his wife, taking in her peaked appearance. It was subtle, but he knew Molly better than anyone. Leaning close, he said in a low voice, “Are you all right?” He worried she might be coming down with something. She hadn’t been sleeping well since they’d arrived in Denton two days ago, and even before that she’d been plagued with bad dreams of her Comanche family for the last few months.

Just as he didn’t much care to discuss his capture and incarceration of several months by Augusto Cerillo, a Mexican outlaw, Molly generally didn’t speak of the trauma of her childhood, which had included the murder of her folks. He still had the occasional bad dream. Is that what Molly was dealing with? Was she having flashbacks to what had happened to her when she was young? Did it have anything to do with their own children? Eli was fourteen now, Katie twelve, and Josie was eleven. Molly had been nine when she’d been taken, so their children were a bit older, but still, it was hard to fathom how she had coped.

But she surprised him with a broad smile that instantly transformed her into the beauty he’d been blessed to share his life with these past fifteen years. There was no doubt he would be lost without her.

“I’m fine,” she replied, and clasped his hand in a reassuring squeeze. She turned her attention to Bill. “Mister Harner, how did you come by that noseband on the horse you were showing?”

“My wife made it.”

“Who was that boy with you?”

Bill seemed a bit taken back. “Well, that was my son.”

“Is he ….” Molly’s voice trailed off.

“Is he what?” Matt asked, his brows furrowing. Molly’s behavior was confusing him.

She appeared a bit chagrined and took a sip of her lemonade before saying, “When I was a child, I lived with the Comanche for many years. Your son … he has the look of them. Is your wife also of the People?”

Bill had gone silent, his face pinched and shuttered. Matt didn’t know what to say. Molly rarely confronted others in such a way.

Her eyes widened, and she quickly added, “My apologies. It’s just … when I saw your horse, it took me back to that time.”

Bill cleared his throat. “Mrs. Ryan, I had no idea you were taken as a child. That must’ve been a trying experience.”

“Yes.”

Available in eBook and paperback.

Amazon US: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdAmazonUS

Amazon UK: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdAmazonUK

Amazon CA: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdAmazonCA

Amazon AU: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdAmazonAU

Amazon DE (English version): https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdDEenglishversion

Nook: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdNook

Apple Books: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdAppleBooks

Kobo: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdKobo

Google Play: https://kmccaffrey.com/SongbirdGooglePlay

Print: https://www.amazon.com/Songbird-Wings-West-Kristy-McCaffrey/dp/1952801176/

The Wren is now available in Italian

 

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm pleased to share that THE WREN can now be read in Italian.

LO SCRICCIOLO
Ali del West: Libro Uno

Texas del Nord
1877

Sono passati dieci anni dal giorno dell’attacco al ranch in cui i suoi genitori furono assassinati e lei rapita. Adesso diciannovenne, Molly Hart torna finalmente a casa nel Texas del Nord dopo aver trascorso il resto dell’infanzia con una tribù di Comanche Quahadi. Ad attenderla ci sono una dimora deserta in balìa della polvere e del tempo, nonché l’agghiacciante scoperta del proprio tumulo e la presenza di un uomo che pensava non avrebbe mai più rivisto.

 

Un vento smanioso spinge Matt Ryan verso le rovine fatiscenti del ranch degli Hart. Guarito di recente, dopo una prigionia che lo aveva quasi ucciso, non prova ormai che un briciolo della brama di verità e giustizia di un tempo. Dieci anni di devoto servizio all’esercito degli Stati Uniti e ai Texas Rangers, in cerca dei responsabili del feroce assassinio di una bambina, non sono serviti a niente se non a scoprire che la rassegnazione non sarebbe mai arrivata. Diretto verso il posto in cui tutto ebbe inizio, s’imbatte con sorpresa in una donna dagli stessi occhi azzurri della piccola che non riesce a dimenticare.

 Disponibile in formato eBook e cartaceo.

 Acquista Ora

In arrivo

The Origins of Backgammon

By Kristy McCaffrey

Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games and can be traced back 5000 years to archaeological discoveries in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The Royal Game of Ur from 2600 BC may be an ancestor of today’s version of backgammon. Today the game is still popular in Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and throughout the Arab world.

Backgammon involves a combination of strategy and luck (from rolling dice) and is played by two people. Playing pieces are usually called checkers, but also draughts, stones, men, counters, pawns, discs, pips, chips, or nips. The objective for each player is to remove, or bear off, all of their checkers from the board before their opponent can do the same.

 

Each side of the board has a track of 12 long triangles, called points. Play commences in a horseshoe path with players moving checkers to their home board. Once all checkers are collected, then they can be removed depending on the roll of the dice.

There are many variants to the game as well as the optional use of a doubling cube. 

The United States Backgammon Federation (USBGF) was organized in 2009 to help popularize the game in the U.S.

In my book ANCIENT WINDS, Brynn and Tristan play a game of backgammon in the Bolivian jungle.

Excerpt

Brynn couldn’t sleep and found Tristan sitting by a small fire near the main building. With elbows on knees, he was hunched forward, his gaze intent on the flames as shadows ebbed and flowed across the angles of his face. He sported a few days’ growth of whiskers and his dark hair was curling along the collar of his shirt. The wilderness was slowly consuming them, making them wild in the process, or maybe it was simply the jungle stripping away societal barriers and laying them bare. Brynn suspected, however, that Magee had never paid much attention to such niceties.

“Communing with aliens?” she asked, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb the others who might be nearby. Tristan had been right—privacy was in short supply. 

The glint in Tristan’s gaze conveyed annoyed amusement. And maybe something else. The tug in her belly was immediate, and she all but lifted her nose to catch his scent. For a moment she let herself revel in everything male that was Magee: muscle, strength, and possibly the biggest aphrodisiac for her—irreverence. 

He motioned for her to sit as he said, “Well, if you consider talking to Dimar interacting with something not of this world, then the answer is yes.”

She took a seat, leaving the one between them empty. Wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

“Sometimes I have trouble sleeping in the jungle,” he said. 

“Is that a sleeping aid?” she asked as he took a sip from his canteen. 

He replaced the lid. “Nah. Just water. Can you play backgammon, Galloway?”

“Yes. I used to play with my grandfather.”

“I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared, and then returned with a mini version of the game. He unfolded the board and proceeded to set it up on the empty chair between them.

“Why backgammon?” she asked, helping him organize the pieces in the glow of the firelight.

“It was my dad’s favorite. Did you know it’s one of the oldest known board games?”

“I do. They’ve found evidence of it in Mesopotamia. Maybe it was a gift from their alien benefactors.”

“The dice were made from human bones, so no alien intervention likely.”

“You do know your artifacts.”

“I try.” He handed her a die, his hand brushing hers. “Need a refresher on the rules?”

“Nope, I’m good,” she replied, pretending his touch hadn’t left a burn mark.

Copyright © 2021 K. McCaffrey LLC

You can learn more about Ancient Winds, a contemporary romantic adventure, at my website.

  

Valentine Anthology Coming Soon

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm excited to be included in an upcoming Valentine anthology featuring a collection of contemporary romance short stories.

Love...what a tricky and powerful feeling.

In this anthology, seven authors are ready to make you swoon over their steamy stories. Are you ready to fall in love?

This anthology includes stories by:

B Crowhurst, Sarah Peis, L.A. Remenicky, Amy Stephens, Kristy McCaffrey, Diana Dawn, and Pandora Snow

WITH EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART is now on pre-order for only 99 cents. (The anthology will be wide for one month and then available in Kindle Unlimited.)

Release Date: February 8, 2022

Buy Links are here.

Add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads.

My story will be tied to my Pathway series and features great white sharks off the remote Chatham Islands in New Zealand.

SHARK REEF

A Contemporary Adventure Romance Short Story 

Dr. Gabe O’Grady has had it bad for Jen Fairfield since the moment they were introduced, but she had a boyfriend at the time, so Gabe stayed in the friend zone. When he learns she’s about to spend three weeks in the remote Chatham Islands off New Zealand tagging great white sharks with a notoriously sketchy filmmaker, Gabe inserts himself into the project to protect her. But her indifference confounds him.

After ending her previous stalled relationship, Dr. Jen Fairfield is blindsided by her true feelings for Gabe O’Grady. After a night out with girlfriends and buoyed by their support, she makes her move with a very forward voicemail after a few drinks. But when O’Grady ghosts her for two months, Jen buries her hurt, certain she’ll never see him again. Then he shows up on her expedition …

When Gabe learns Jen is single, he knows he can’t let a chance with her slide by. But first he must rekindle the friendship that she seems determined to walk away from. He also needs to keep her safe from one of the most dangerous predators on earth.

The Songbird is on Pre-Order

 

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm so excited to announce a new story in the Wings of the West series. I wrote this novella for the fans, who have shown so much love for the series over the years. If you’ve ever wondered what life was like for Matt and Molly after THE WREN, then you won’t want to miss this fun read. (Although they do appear in the short story ECHO OF THE PLAINS, which takes place after THE SONGBIRD.)

This novella serves two purposes – a reunion with fave characters from the series, as well as acting as a bridge to the next set of Wings novels, which will star the daughters of Matt and Molly, and Logan and Claire (from THE DOVE). Keep reading to learn the name of the next novel!

The release date for THE SONGBIRD is December 28, 2021, which also happens to be my 30^th wedding anniversary.

Here’s the official book blurb:

Join characters from the Wings of the West series in this novella set fifteen years after THE WREN.

A fair in Denton, Texas, draws folks from far and wide, and Matt and Molly Ryan have come to close a horse deal while also enjoying a bit of rest and relaxation. It’s a family affair with Matt’s brother, Logan, and his wife, Claire, joining them, as well as Nathan and Emma Blackmore, and Cale and Tess Walker.

Meet the daughters of the second generation—Katie and Josie Ryan, belonging to Matt and Molly; and Anna, Sarah, and Sophie Ryan, Logan and Claire’s girls. Ranging in age from eleven to fourteen, they attempt to help a boy falsely accused of theft, but in doing so they uncover a deeper secret. And the connection may lead back to Molly’s time with the Kwahadi Comanche when she was a child.

Look for each of the girls to be featured in a future novel. 

You can pre-order your copy now!! (Google Play is coming and the story will also be available in print.)

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Songbird-Kristy-McCaffrey-ebook/dp/B09JVYHFRS/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Songbird-Wings-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09JVYHFRS/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Songbird-Wings-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09JVYHFRS/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Songbird-Wings-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09JVYHFRS/

Amazon DE (English Edition): https://www.amazon.de/Songbird-Wings-West-Book-ebook/dp/B09JVYHFRS/

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-songbird-kristy-mccaffrey/1140384968?ean=2940160964133

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-songbird/id1591143473

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-songbird-5

Add it to your Goodreads shelf and be notified on release day.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59420468-the-songbird

The Wings of the West Series Reading Order
Book One: The Wren
Book Two: The Dove
Book Three: The Sparrow
Book Four: The Blackbird
Book Five: The Bluebird
Book Six: The Songbird (Novella)
Book Seven: Echo of the Plains (Short Story)
Book Eight: The Starling (Coming Soon)

The cover reveal for THE STARLING will be in December for my newsletter subscribers. Sign up here if you haven't already. I'd love to see you there!

An excerpt from THE SONGBIRD

The look on Cale’s face told Matt there was more news.

“Do I have to drag it out of you?”

A smile came and went on Cale’s face. “I fear you’re gonna hate this rumor more than the previous one. McCabe wants to have supper with Molly.”

In disbelief, Matt said, “Does he want to court my wife? I damn well have something to say about that.”

“McCabe’s a prick. That’s no secret. But I think it has more to do with her time with the Comanche.”

That was something Matt preferred to keep private, if only to protect her. He and Molly had been married for fifteen years, but he still couldn’t abide her past being the subject of gossip. However, in the years since she’d had their children, she had spoken on occasion with them of her abduction when she was nine years old, along with the ensuing years she had lived with the Comanche before being rescued by an old miner named Elijah, the very man for whom they had named their son. She was even teaching Katie to speak Comanche.

“It’s up to Molly whether she wants to discuss her past with him,” Matt said. “But I’ll be there if she does.”

Logan and Nathan appeared wearing chaps, their spurs clinking.

“When does the race start?” Cale asked. “Which one is it again?”

“The three-eighths-mile dash,” Logan said. “And it begins in an hour. The purse is up to $50. I hear the betting is favoring me.”

“That’s horseshit,” Nathan said. “If anything, it’s that pony over there getting all the interest.” He nodded toward a corral where an impressive mare pranced back and forth. The man who was watching the animal triggered recognition.

“Is that Bill Harner?” Matt asked.

Nathan looked closer. “I’ll be damned. I think it is.”

Logan pulled on his leather gloves. “Who’s that?”

“Back in ’75, he was on the Rangers with us,” Nathan replied, referring to his and Matt’s time with the Texas Rangers. “But he was just a youngster. That was right before I got Matt away from Cerillo. After that, I don’t know what happened to Bill.”

“Well, he’s standing beside McCabe,” Cale said.

Matt grimaced. “It’s almost enough to avoid Harner, but I’ll go and say hello.”

“We need to head over to the starting line,” Nathan said, his gaze encompassing Logan. “Wouldn’t want our winning boy to miss his moment of glory.”

“You’ll be eating my dust, Blackmore.”

“Good luck,” Matt said as the two of them departed. Matt headed in the opposite direction, but then stopped and turned back to Cale. “You coming? If McCabe starts gabbing like a hen about Molly, I’ll need your backup.”

Cale cocked an eyebrow. “You want me to hold your hand?”

“Like hell. I might need you to pull me off him if he pisses me off. Molly won’t take kindly to me sitting in a jail cell for disorderly conduct. She’s expecting me for supper.”

“Don’t worry. Sheriff Mars owes me a favor. You wouldn’t be in jail for long.”

The Crow Brothers Collection

By Kristy McCaffrey

This collection brings together into one great read three short Old West romances set during Hallowtide. Each was previously published (and the content hasn’t changed), but in addition to wide availability (Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play) they’re now available in paperback. Read to the end for a chance to win a copy.

A little background for each story:

The Navajo medicine man works to restore balance to an individual’s spirit and is usually called upon for illnesses and other maladies. The opposite of this is a sorcerer, and there were rumors that some practitioners dabbled in corpse powder. In The Crow and The Coyote, Hannah Dobbin enlists the aid of a bounty hunter named Jack Boggs—sometimes called The Crow—to help her quest to save her pa’s soul during Hallowtide. Her foe is a Navajo sorcerer.

A Tommyknocker is a type of troll spirit who lives underground and was therefore of great concern to miners. The term originated in the British Isles, but superstitions surrounding the beings filtered into other places. Miners in Colorado took great care to appease the Knockers by leaving a bit of their lunch out for the sprites. In The Crow and The Bear, Jennie Livingstone must enter a haunted ravine near the town of Silverton, Colorado, to find her papa, and her only help is from enigmatic bounty hunter Callum Boggs, known as The Crow, but there's also a spirit named Simon keeping watch over her.

A grimoire is a book of magic. It often included instructions on how to create talismans and amulets, how to perform spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In many cases, the books themselves were considered imbued with magical powers, not unlike other sacred texts (such as the Bible). The term ‘grimoire’ comes from the French word ‘grammaire,’ which originally referred to books written in Latin. But by the 18^th century, it had begun to be used to describe books of magic. In A Murder of Crows, Eliza McCulloch is determined to reclaim her family book of spells and her only hope is Kester Boggs, a manhunter named The Crow.

Grab a digital copy

Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play

 Add to your Goodreads shelf

Enter to win an autographed paperback at Kristy’s website. Giveaway ends October 31.

Cold Horizon has won First Place in Romantic Suspense!!

I'm so excited to share that COLD HORIZON has won First Place in Romantic Suspense for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction!! This award is sponsored by the First Coast Chapter of Romance Writers of America, based out of Jacksonville, Florida.

This book was a challenge to write, so I'm absolutely thrilled it's resonated with readers. Lindsey Coulson is a favorite heroine for me and has proven to be an inspiration to others with her fortitude and tenacity. And Ty Galloway's work ethic and obvious devotion to Lindsey was a pleasure to write.

If you haven't read it yet, I hope you'll give it a try.

Available in eBook (Kindle, Nook, Apple Books, Kobo and Google Play) and in paperback

Learn more here

Excerpt from Cold Horizon

“All the 8000-meter peaks have been conquered with winter ascents now, except for K2,” Ty said, seeking to change the subject. “As usual, she’s holding out. Here’s another interesting fact—K2 is the site of the most famous belay in mountaineering history.”

“I’m hoping to get a photo as we pass the spot,” Packer said. “I’m gonna put it on my social media with hashtag ‘BadAssBelay.’”

“Why is it so famous?” Brynn asked.

“One man held the force of six falling men,” Ditch replied. “It was in 1953 and the summit of K2 had yet to be reached by anyone. The expedition—only the fifth one here—wouldn’t reach it either. It was an American team led by a man named Charles Houston, an excellent and well-respected climber. They had made it quite high on the mountain when one of their teammates, a man named Art Gilkey, for whom the memorial here is named, became very ill. They had to bring him down in a makeshift stretcher, which is a very dangerous thing to do. At one point, each man slipped in fast succession, becoming entangled in the ropes. A young climber named Pete Schoening was at the end, and he held them all, saving their lives. It was an incredible feat, really. Unfortunately, later, they anchored Gilkey to the mountain while they set up a tent, and he disappeared, likely swept away by an avalanche.”

Brynn took a sip of coffee from her mug. “Don’t all of you find the death in these places unsettling?”

“You can’t let it get to you,” David said. “On Everest, some of the dead are still where they died. You walk right by them.”

“One of the markers to the summit is Green Boots,” Ditch said. “I think he was an Indian climber.”

“They just freeze and are left there?” Captain Juneid asked, having remained silent during the meal.

“It’s too dangerous to move them,” Ditch replied. “It sounds unfeeling, but if they’re dead, they don’t need to get down the mountain.”

“Sometimes climbers try to bring bodies down,” Ty said quietly, glancing at Lindsey. Alison’s body was somewhere on K2. “But most of the time it’s all they can do to get themselves down safely.”

“Well, if I freeze my ass to K2, I give everyone here the green light to leave me,” Packer said. “I’d be happy to spend eternity here. Then everyone can pass me by, referring to the Packer marker.”

Ditch smirked. “You mean they’d be saying ‘The summit is just beyond the asshole blocking the route.’”

Packer let out a whoop. “I’ve been called worse.”

Brynn’s face took on an expression of concern. “I know climbing is addictive—I surfed for years, so I get the mentality—but really, why do you all do it?”

“It beats working,” Packer said.

Ditch finished off his coffee. “Which I don’t think you’ve ever done.”

“If you’re nice to me, I’ll let you rope up with me.”

“I think I’ll rope with Lindsey.”

Packer released an exaggerated sigh. “God, I hate it when there’s a better climber on the team than me. I have to work so much harder. Wait a minute, why do you get to rope up with the lady?”

Lindsey looked at Brynn. “Are you sure you don’t want to take up climbing?”

“Maybe I will. But I can see why you always climbed with your sister.”

“You girls are too picky,” Packer said.

“Just watch yourself,” Ty cut in. “There’ll be no messing around with my sister.”

Glee filled Packer’s face. “But Lindsey’s fair game?”

“No.” Lindsey answered at the same time as Ty.

He immediately regretted the force of his opposition, the hair rising on the back of his neck. The protectiveness for his sister didn’t surprise him, but hell if he wanted anyone laying claim to Lindsey.

Shit. So much for keeping his feelings under the radar.

 

Copyright © 2019 K. McCaffrey LLC

 

A Navajo Hex

 

By Kristy McCaffrey

When I was nine years old, I lived on the Navajo Indian Reservation. My dad, who has long had a deep and abiding respect for Native Americans, saw this as a chance to give back with his life, so he took a job as an accountant with an arts and crafts store in Window Rock, Arizona—capital of the Navajo Nation. We obtained a house just across the border in New Mexico, in a small town aptly called “Navajo,” supported by a local sawmill. It was 1975.

Navajo, New Mexico (photo taken by author)

One day at one of the stores that employed my father a worker found a Styrofoam cup tucked away on a shelf. Inside were various items that included a torn corner of a $5, $10 and $20 bill. It was immediately clear to those who discovered it that a hex had been placed. Soon thereafter, a medicine man was called. Since it involved all the employees, my dad was allowed, despite being a white man, to participate in the ceremonies conducted.

Window Rock, Arizona (photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

At the first ritual, the medicine man found a buried pot outside the building at the base of the famous local landmark, the window rock. This was accomplished when his hand trembled over the exact location. On the outside of the pot, stick figures represented the employees, and lightning bolts painted above indicated death by lightning strike. At the time, we were having terrible storms every day. Inside were pieces of coral, turquoise, and silver, and a section of human skull.

At the second ceremony, a bowl filled with some type of tea was passed around to ingest, and then each employee was asked to look into a crystal to identify who had placed the hex. My dad says he saw nothing, but it was generally agreed that the perpetrator was a former employee who had been fired. She was part of a major Navajo clan, and her dismissal had possibly angered the wrong people. But the curse spoke of deeper problems within the Navajo and their way of life. The crafts people—those who made Indian jewelry and the iconic Navajo weavings—were at odds with the administration, which included my dad. There were those who wanted progress, and those who didn’t. At the conclusion of the ceremony, after a sand painting was created, the piece of skull inside the pot was burned. Two female employees reported instant relief from a terrible headache that had plagued them all evening. Back at home, at the same time, my mother said I’d been distraught and crying for hours from pains in my head, which immediately stopped when the bone was destroyed. It seemed family members had also been included in the hex.

My dad never attended the third, and final, observance—the Blessing Way—because we had moved back to Phoenix. He has always joked that the hex was never fully removed. As evidence, he cites various mishaps that occur whenever he and my mother return to the Navajo Reservation: car breakdowns, money stolen, and in one instance missing a critical turnoff because five Indians stood in front of a directional sign.

In my recently re-released standalone historical western novel INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, I included the hex in the story. 

Digital copies are on sale this week for 99 cents.

It’s been five years since a woman came between Ethan Barstow and his brother, Charley, and it’s high time they buried the hatchet. When Ethan travels to Arizona Territory to make amends, he learns that Charley has abruptly disappeared after breaking more than one heart in town. And an indignant fiancée is hot on his trail.

When Charley Barstow abandons a local girl after getting her pregnant, Kate Kinsella pursues him without a second thought. She’s determined he set things right, and even more determined to end her own engagement to him, a sham from the beginning. But an ill-timed encounter with a group of ruffians lands her in the company of Charley’s brother, Ethan, who suggests they search together.

As Ethan and Kate move deeper INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, family tensions and past tragedies threaten to destroy a love neither of them expected.

A sensuous historical western romance set in 1893 Arizona Territory. Into The Land Of Shadows is a stand-alone, full-length novel with paranormal elements.

This book was previously published in 2013 under the same title. While the text and cover have been updated, the story remains the same.

Click to read Chapter One and find buy links.

Ancient Winds Is Now In Hardcover

 

I'm so excited to share that I have my first book in hardcover!

Ancient Winds is now available in digital, paperback, and hardback.

Buy from Amazon

Signed copies available through my Esty Store

Archaeologist Brynn Galloway partners with sexy mercenary physicist Dr. Tristan Magee to track down a rare Sumerian artifact, but in the Bolivian jungle there are no barriers … least of all between them.

Ancient Winds Excerpt

Brynn couldn’t sleep and found Tristan sitting by a small fire near the main building. With elbows on knees, he was hunched forward, his gaze intent on the flames as shadows ebbed and flowed across the angles of his face. He sported a few days’ growth of whiskers and his dark hair was curling along the collar of his shirt. The wilderness was slowly consuming them, making them wild in the process, or maybe it was simply the jungle stripping away societal barriers and laying them bare. Brynn suspected, however, that Magee had never paid much attention to such niceties.

“Communing with aliens?” she asked, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb the others who might be nearby. Tristan had been right—privacy was in short supply.

The glint in Tristan’s gaze conveyed annoyed amusement. And maybe something else. The tug in her belly was immediate, and she all but lifted her nose to catch his scent. For a moment she let herself revel in everything male that was Magee: muscle, strength, and possibly the biggest aphrodisiac for her—irreverence.

He motioned for her to sit as he said, “Well, if you consider talking to Dimar interacting with something not of this world, then the answer is yes.”

She took a seat, leaving the one between them empty. Wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

“Sometimes I have trouble sleeping in the jungle,” he said.

“Is that a sleeping aid?” she asked as he took a sip from his canteen.

He replaced the lid. “Nah. Just water. Can you play backgammon, Galloway?”

“Yes. I used to play with my grandfather.”

“I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared, and then returned with a mini version of the game. He unfolded the board and proceeded to set it up on the empty chair between them.

“Why backgammon?” she asked, helping him organize the pieces in the glow of the firelight.

“It was my dad’s favorite. Did you know it’s one of the oldest known board games?”

“I do. They’ve found evidence of it in Mesopotamia. Maybe it was a gift from their alien benefactors.”

“The dice were made from human bones, so no alien intervention likely.”

“You do know your artifacts.”

“I try.” He handed her a die, his hand brushing hers. “Need a refresher on the rules?”

“Nope, I’m good,” she replied, pretending his touch hadn’t left a burn mark.

 

Copyright © 2021 K. McCaffrey LLC

 

Into The Land Of Shadows has been updated

 

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm pleased to share that my standalone historical western novel, INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, has received a makeover and is now available wide. 

This book was previously published in 2013 under the same title. While the text and cover have been updated, the story remains the same.

 

It’s been five years since a woman came between Ethan Barstow and his brother, Charley, and it’s high time they buried the hatchet. When Ethan travels to Arizona Territory to make amends, he learns that Charley has abruptly disappeared after breaking more than one heart in town. And an indignant fiancée is hot on his trail.

When Charley Barstow abandons a local girl after getting her pregnant, Kate Kinsella pursues him without a second thought. She’s determined he set things right, and even more determined to end her own engagement to him, a sham from the beginning. But an ill-timed encounter with a group of ruffians lands her in the company of Charley’s brother, Ethan, who suggests they search together.

As Ethan and Kate move deeper INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, family tensions and past tragedies threaten to destroy a love neither of them expected.

A sensuous historical western romance set in 1893 Arizona Territory. Into The Land Of Shadows is a stand-alone, full-length novel 

2014 Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award Finalist 

“… a must read … a story that is engaging and edge-of-the-seat gripping. [McCaffrey’s] vivid descriptions and great cast of characters, with exceptional dialogue, bring this story to life.”
  ~ Coffee Time Romance & More

 “With a vividly painted background, engaging and compelling characters and pages that just fly by, Into The Land Of Shadows is a superb read for any western or historical romance lover.”
  ~ Romance Junkies

 “…as if ‘Romancing The Stone’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ and ‘Dances With Wolves’ got together and had a kid.” 
 ~ Reading Alley Reviewer

Excerpt – First Kiss

Kate hid in the shadows at the far end of the hallway hoping neither of the men would see her. They opened the door to Harry’s room and went inside. She would have little if no time to escape before they realized she was gone. Rufus didn’t completely close the door behind him. Kate tiptoed as fast as she could past the room she had occupied for the last several hours and moved quickly down the stairs, her legs still aching from misuse.

“Where’d she go?” Clive roared as Kate ran out into the street. She looked right then left. The road was dark, windy, and deserted. The sound of loud thumps on the stairs told her Clive and Rufus were right behind her.

She darted around the building and then ran behind another, and then hustled toward the end of the street.

“Spread out! We’ll git her!” Clive yelled.

Kate moved around a trading post but sensing a presence from behind, she jerked her head around and stared. A four-legged creature ran past, disappearing.

With a hand on her chest, she struggled to calm her breathing. It was just a dog.

She peeked around the building and saw Clive walking down the street carrying his gun. Rufus wasn’t in sight. She needed to find a place to hide but most establishments looked closed. Movement to the left caught her eye. Joe Tohonnie? Maybe she hadn’t dreamt him after all.

The shadow moved across the street and disappeared behind a blacksmith building. Kate ran to the other side of the street, hunching over to hide herself. Once she made it to the blacksmith, she glanced around.

“Joe?” she whispered. “Mister Tohonnie? Is that you?”

No answer but the wind. Kate began backing up toward the rear of the building, dread gripping her stomach. She swallowed hard, feeling uncertain. Staying close to the structure, her heart wouldn’t stop pounding and her hands were clammy from fear. She swallowed hard again then turned to run but was caught short, letting out an involuntary gasp when the four-legged creature cut her off with a growl.

The animal’s yellow eyes glowed by the light of the moon and he watched her with rapt attention, his body poised for attack.

A wolf.

Another low growl emanated from deep in the animal’s throat and Kate fought the urge to flee. The wolf’s head easily came to her chest; he would have no trouble chasing her down and ripping her to pieces. The gash on her face would pale in comparison to what he would do to her.

A commotion from behind startled her. Someone grabbed her, and in a frenzy Kate fought back, kicking and straining against the iron grip the man exerted around her waist. His hold loosened and Kate fell to the ground. She grabbed a loose board, and screamed as she swung it around, hitting the man’s leg. But he didn’t go down. She scooted backward and scrambled to her feet. The man grabbed her this time, facing her. Thinking it was Clive or Rufus, she continued to struggle.

“Katie! Katie! It’s me. It’s Ethan.” He held her tight against the building. A sob escaped from deep inside her throat, a maelstrom that matched the wind roaring in her ears, and then Ethan’s mouth was on hers.

Hot, insistent, devouring. She molded into him, her lips and tongue hungry for the sudden and consuming contact. She pushed her body against his, clinging to his broad shoulders, desperate to be closer still.

He didn’t abandon me.

His mouth crushed hers and she felt on fire, head to toe.

“Rufus, you find her?” Clive yelled in the distance.

Ethan broke the kiss, and Kate reeled back against the building. “Let’s go,” he said and grabbed her hand, pulling her behind the blacksmith building.

“Wait.” She tugged his hand to stop him. “There’s a wolf.” Her voice shook—either from the men chasing her, the wolf challenging her, or the man who had just devastated her defenses with one kiss. She could take her pick. She’d had a busy day.

“He’s with me,” Ethan said quietly. “He won’t hurt you.” The wolf suddenly appeared. “Bart!” Ethan cocked his head. “Come.”

“Get back here,” Clive yelled.

Kate looked over her shoulder and saw him in pursuit. He began shooting. Ethan ducked down and pulled her with him.

“Dammit, Clive!” Ethan yelled. “Give it a rest!”

“Bring her back,” Clive said. “We need her!”

“I need her more. Run, Kate.”

Copyright © 2021 K. McCaffrey LLC

Find buy links and more at Kristy's website

Ancient Winds Playlist

By Kristy McCaffrey 

Here's the playlist I listened to while writing Ancient Winds. It's mostly 70's music, but there's also a few from the 80's, 90's and 2000's. Maybe it will spark a long forgotten gem for you.

Love Takes Time – Orleans

On the Border – Al Stewart

Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits

You Should Be Dancing – Bee Gees

Tiny Dancer – Elton John

Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

How Much I Feel – Ambrosia

A Horse With No Name – America

Feels Like the First Time – Foreigner

Change – John Waite

Dust in the Wind – Kansas

Dream Weaver – Gary Wright

Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

Kiss You All Over – Exile

Let It Ride – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Brandy – Looking Glass

Tin Man – America

Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley

Games People Play – Alan Parsons Project

Let the River Run – Carly Simon

Just What I Needed – The Cars

Baby, I Love Your Way – Peter Frampton

One Night in Bangkok – Murray Head

Rock the Casbah – The Clash

Y.M.C.A. – Village People

Thriller – Michael Jackson

Rainy Days and Mondays – The Carpenters

Top of the World – The Carpenters

We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters

Close to You – The Carpenters

I Won’t Last a Day Without You – The Carpenters

Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

The Eagle and the Hawk – John Denver

Rocky Mountain High – John Denver

I Got U – Duke Dumont

Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles

Only the Good Die Young – Billy Joel

Jungle Love – Steve Miller Band

Mad About You – Sting

Lady ’95 – Styx

Times Like These – Dan Fogelberg

Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith

Midnight Rider – The Allman Brothers

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult

Young Americans – David Bowie

Rocket Man – Elton John

Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting – Elton John

Tracks of My Tears – Linda Ronstadt

In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Superstition – Stevie Wonder

Head Games – Foreigner

Could It Be Magic – Barry Manilow

Copacabana – Barry Manilow

Ready To Take A Chance Again – Barry Manilow

Walk Me Home – Pink

Got To Be Real – Cheryl Lynn

Marrakesh Express – Crosby, Stills & Nash

Don’t Disturb This Groove – The System

Heaven Knows – Donna Summer

Find more info at

kristymccaffrey.com

Release Day!! Ancient Winds is out!!

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm so excited to share that Ancient Winds (The Pathway Series Book 3) is now available in ebook. Print should be ready in a few days.

Can Brynn resist the charm of Dr. Magee in this high-stakes archaeology adventure?

In the jungle, there are no barriers …

Brynn Galloway doesn’t know it, but her academic career in archaeology is about to become a laughingstock. When a rare Sumerian artifact surfaces, her presence is requested in Bolivia, but nothing is as it seems. Soon, she’s entangled in a desperate hunt not only for a valuable antiquity but also for answers to humanity that might stretch across time. And by her side is a sexy mercenary physicist with a maddening belief in space aliens.

Dr. Tristan Magee is in a bad mood. When his latest acquisition—an unusual and as yet untranslated Sumerian cuneiform tablet—is stolen right out from under him and spirited away to the Bolivian jungle, he’ll do whatever it takes to get it back. Unfortunately, that includes partnering with a female archaeologist who proves to be the kind of distraction that brought down civilizations.

A combination of Indiana Jones and Romancing the Stone, with a dash of The X-Files … get swept away in this romantic suspense adventure.

Available wide for one week only. Grab your copy here. On February 22, Ancient Winds will enter the Kindle Unlimited program and will be available exclusively at Amazon.

Would you like a bookmark from any or all of the books? Fill out this google doc and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

Excerpt

Brynn couldn’t sleep and found Tristan sitting by a small fire near the main building. With elbows on knees, he was hunched forward, his gaze intent on the flames as shadows ebbed and flowed across the angles of his face. He sported a few days’ growth of whiskers and his dark hair was curling along the collar of his shirt. The wilderness was slowly consuming them, making them wild in the process, or maybe it was simply the jungle stripping away societal barriers and laying them bare. Brynn suspected, however, that Magee had never paid much attention to such niceties.

“Communing with aliens?” she asked, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb the others who might be nearby. Tristan had been right—privacy was in short supply.

The glint in Tristan’s gaze conveyed annoyed amusement. And maybe something else. The tug in her belly was immediate, and she all but lifted her nose to catch his scent. For a moment she let herself revel in everything male that was Magee: muscle, strength, and possibly the biggest aphrodisiac for her—irreverence.

He motioned for her to sit as he said, “Well, if you consider talking to Dimar interacting with something not of this world, then the answer is yes.”

She took a seat, leaving the one between them empty. Wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

“Sometimes I have trouble sleeping in the jungle,” he said.

“Is that a sleeping aid?” she asked as he took a sip from his canteen.

He replaced the lid. “Nah. Just water. Can you play backgammon, Galloway?”

“Yes. I used to play with my grandfather.”

“I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared, and then returned with a mini version of the game. He unfolded the board and proceeded to set it up on the empty chair between them.

“Why backgammon?” she asked, helping him organize the pieces in the glow of the firelight.

“It was my dad’s favorite. Did you know it’s one of the oldest known board games?”

“I do. They’ve found evidence of it in Mesopotamia. Maybe it was a gift from their alien benefactors.”

“The dice were made from human bones, so no alien intervention likely.”

“You do know your artifacts.”

“I try.” He handed her a die, his hand brushing hers. “Need a refresher on the rules?”

“Nope, I’m good,” she replied, pretending his touch hadn’t left a burn mark.

Copyright © 2021 K. McCaffrey LLC

Pre-Order Ancient Winds

By Kristy McCaffrey

Greetings to everyone in 2021. I hope you’re all well and safe and healthy. I’m pleased to share that I finally have a release date for ANCIENT WINDS – February 15!! Keep scrolling for the pre-order links.

Brynn Galloway and Tristan Magee’s journey is a combination of Indiana Jones and Romancing the Stone, with a dash of The X-Files. I hope you’ll have fun reading it. It’s a bit of a departure from the tone of the first two Pathway books, DEEP BLUE and COLD HORIZON. Those entailed rigorous and detailed research regarding great white sharks and climbing K2. While I did quite a lot of reading about the Bolivian jungle and historic Mesopotamia, this story is a bit more whimsical. It includes the creatures of the South American wilderness, shamans both good and bad, questionable archaeology, the search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, and time travel. I definitely relied more heavily on my imagination for this tale. So come along for a wild romp through the jungle with a skeptical Brynn Galloway and an irreverent Tristan Magee.

In the jungle, there are no barriers …

Brynn Galloway doesn’t know it, but her academic career in archaeology is about to become a laughingstock. When a rare Sumerian artifact surfaces, her presence is requested in Bolivia, but nothing is as it seems. Soon, she’s entangled in a desperate hunt not only for a valuable antiquity but also for answers to humanity that might stretch across time. And by her side is a sexy mercenary physicist with a maddening belief in space aliens.

Dr. Tristan Magee is in a bad mood. When his latest acquisition—an unusual and as yet untranslated Sumerian cuneiform tablet—is stolen right out from under him and spirited away to the Bolivian jungle, he’ll do whatever it takes to get it back. Unfortunately, that includes partnering with a female archaeologist who proves to be the kind of distraction that brought down civilizations.

Excerpt from Ancient Winds

Tristan has recently become acquainted with Brynn while both are looking for a Bolivian guide named Dimar Castanos.

When they disembarked at Copacabana, he (Tristan) made his way to a bus, following Dimar and his group of customers. Once aboard, he grabbed a window view, and Ms. Galloway swiftly occupied the seat beside him.

“Good gravy,” she (Brynn) huffed. “It’s difficult to get a seat together.”

“I didn’t realize we were together.”

“So this tablet is why you’re after Irene?”

“I’m only after her, as you put it, to get it back, since she stole it from me.”

“Where did you get it?” she asked, plowing forward.

He supposed he should’ve been happy that she’d given him a night free of an interrogation.

“I’d rather not say.” He leaned against the window and shifted his hat to cover his eyes, hoping to sleep.

“Was it found in Iraq or Iran? An excavation? An accidental discovery?” She seemed to be mostly talking to herself at this point. “Has its whereabouts been known for years and hidden from the public?”

When he didn’t reply, she went silent, but that didn’t last for long. The bus pulled out and she started chatting again.

“Are you certain it’s not a forgery?”

Tristan gave up his nap and dropped his hat to his lap. “Well, if I wasn’t sure a few weeks ago, I am now that Irene swiped it.”

“Why would she steal it? I’ve never known her to be a thief.”

“Look, I’m not here to debate the moral character of Dr. Caridad with you, since I’m guessing you’re her friend, but if you’re in on this, then tell me now.”

Brynn straightened her shoulders. “You think I helped her steal it?”

Tristan waited. Galloway’s countenance didn’t budge as she watched him. Shrugging, he turned away. Either she was a very good liar, or she really didn’t know anything about the piece.

“All right,” he conceded. “You didn’t help her. Maybe Irene took it because she’s a lunatic, and she’s managed to keep her mental illness hidden from her family and friends all this time.”

“Really? That’s your answer? That if a woman does something subversive then she must be crazy?”

“No, sorry. I’m just a bit frustrated. Irene is a smart lady. That’s why I don’t understand any of this.”

“Look, I can assure you that I had no idea the tablet even existed, let alone that Irene had it,” Galloway said. “She asked me to come down here to help on an excavation.”

“That must be it then,” he murmured. “She’s gonna plant the tablet here and pass it off as a South American discovery.”

“That’s quite an accusation. Maybe she has a reasonable explanation. And what if evidence of Sumerian culture could be found in the Americas?”

“I’ve heard this song before.”

“Did you get the piece illegally?”

“You think she’s acting as a de facto police force against the illicit tradings of Tristan Magee?”

She answered with a silent raising of both eyebrows. He could hear the duh as clearly as if she’d spoken it aloud.

“No, I didn’t get it illegally. At least, I don’t think so.” He muttered the last bit. He never purposefully went after hot items, but that didn’t mean he didn’t stumble across them in the underground antiquities market. He also wasn’t about to tell Galloway that he hadn’t actually seen the piece before Irene got her grubby little hands on it. There was no denying that mistakes had been made during the acquisition process, but Tristan didn’t have the stomach to be censured at the moment. Not by this woman.

“So you don’t know where it was discovered?”

“All the information on provenance is back in the States.” Kinda. “I didn’t want to travel with any documentation. I’ll admit, I really didn’t care where it was found, just that it had been found.”

“Why?”

“I have my reasons.”

“If Irene does have this tablet, why would she bring it down here?” she asked. “She’d never be able to get it through customs. Maybe she doesn’t have it with her. Maybe you’re wrong.”

Tristan sighed. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Copyright © 2021 K. McCaffrey LLC

Read Chapter One: https://kmccaffrey.com/ancient-winds/

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Pre-order now at all platforms for $2.99. On release day the price will increase to $4.99. Please note: Ancient Winds will become Amazon exclusive and will enter the Kindle Unlimited program on February 22. If you buy your books from other vendors, don’t delay.