There’s something irresistible about historical Western romance novels — sweeping landscapes, courageous heroes, and women who know their own minds. Here are five reasons these tales of the Old West continue to capture readers’ hearts: 1. The Allure of a Bygone Era Historical Western romances transport readers to a time when rugged cowboys and spirited women roamed the untamed frontier. These stories offer an enchanting blend of adventure, romance, and the charm of a simpler life — full of wide-open spaces, honor, and human connection. 2. Escape into Nostalgia Step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Western romances offer a slower-paced, immersive experience in which landscapes are vast, challenges are real, and loyalty and courage guide daily life. It’s a world that invites readers to breathe a little deeper and dream a little bigger. 3. Strong and Independent Heroines These novels feature heroines who are anything but damsels in distress. They are capable, resourceful, and resilient women navigating the challenges of frontier life with courage and determination. Their strength and spirit inspire readers to embrace their own independence and confidence. 4. Rugged, Romantic Cowboys The heroes of Western romances are strong, brave, and protective — yet they also have a tender, loyal side. Whether riding the open range or facing the harsh elements, these cowboys embody both adventure and devotion, sparking admiration and swoons in equal measure. 5. Epic Love Stories At the heart of every historical Western romance is a love story that transcends time and circumstance. From harsh winters to dangerous obstacles, these couples endure, proving the transformative power of love and human connection. Ready to fall in love with Old West heroes? Explore our western romance books and discover epic tales of courage, passion, and heartwarming adventure.

Books are magic — they can transport us to new worlds, make us laugh or cry, and even lift our spirits after a long day. Here are five ways curling up with a good story can sprinkle a little happiness into your life: 1. Escape into Adventure Sometimes, life gets a little too real. Fiction offers a passport to other worlds, letting you leave stress behind and wander through enchanting landscapes, thrilling mysteries, or cozy small towns. Whether it’s a daring adventure or a quiet slice-of-life story, reading can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind. 2. Feel All the Feels Books let us live a thousand lives in one. From heartbreak to triumph, fiction allows us to experience emotions safely and deeply. Sharing the joys and sorrows of characters can help us reflect on our own lives — and sometimes even give us a good, healthy cry. 3. Give Your Brain a Workout Following twists, turns, and hidden clues in a story isn’t just fun — it’s exercise for your brain! Reading strengthens memory, sharpens critical thinking, and introduces new ideas and perspectives. Every page you turn is a little gym session for your imagination. 4. Grow Your Empathy Stepping into someone else’s shoes — even fictional ones — can make the world feel a little friendlier. Fiction helps us understand other people’s struggles, dreams, and quirks, while giving us endless fodder for bookish conversations with friends or fellow readers online. 5. Relax, Unwind, and Sleep Better There’s something almost magical about the calm that comes with a good book. Reading before bed melts stress away, quiets the mind, and helps prepare you for a peaceful night’s sleep. Bonus: it’s far better than scrolling your phone! Ready to chase happiness one page at a time? Explore our book reviews  and book genres  to discover stories that will whisk you away, tug at your heart, and leave you smiling long after the last page.

The Trail to Crooked Creek , a novella in the Crooked Creek series by MK McClintock, invites readers on a romantic Western adventure filled with courage, love, and self-discovery. Join Leah Tennyson and Wesley Davenport as they navigate challenges, find strength in one another, and experience the profound impact of love in the rugged Montana landscape. Available in e-book and print, this novella offers a heartwarming escape perfect for fans of romance and Western adventure. Part of the Crooked Creek series — each book in the series can be enjoyed on its own, though reading previous installments enriches the experience. At a Glance Genre:  Romantic Western Novella Setting:  Crooked Creek, Montana (fictional town) Tone:  Heartwarming, adventurous, romantic Themes: Second Chances, Heroism, Family Best for:  Readers who enjoy Western romance, small-town adventures, and stories of courage and love About the Book The Trail to Crooked Creek Everyday heroes who find the courage to believe in extraordinary love.   Two years after the devastations of war left their mark on a country torn apart, Wesley Davenport, a former soldier haunted by his experiences on the battlefield crosses paths with Leah Tennyson, a teacher who helps him heal his emotional wounds—and discovers unexpected love in the most unlikely place.   The Trail to Crooked Creek  is a novella set in the breathtaking and sometimes unforgiving landscape of post-Civil War Montana Territory. For devoted e-readers: Amazon Kindle   (in KU) For the paper people: Paperback Large Print "I have adored this series and this one does not disappoint. It was great travelling back to Crooked Creek, Montana and meeting up with Wesley and Leah. I thought it was a beautiful story of overcoming, inspiration, romance, and joy. I loved it." ~Amy Campbell (BookBub Review) on The Trail to Crooked Creek A note . . . I knew in my heart that I was not ready to say farewell to my people in Crooked Creek, and even now this won't be the final story in the series. Wesley and Leah became so much more than I anticipated, and their adventures ended quite differently than I had planned. They are both, in a word, beautiful. Beautiful souls and beautiful hearts, albeit a bit bruised and in need of direction to overcome their own tragic pasts. May you always have a fire to warm your body, a book to warm your mind, hope to warm your soul, and love to warm your heart. I hope you enjoy the book. — MK McClintock About the Crooked Creek Series "MK McClintock knows what readers want." ~ Readers' Favorite ​ Set in post-Civil War Montana Territory, in the small town of Crooked Creek, it all started with Emma. Her story was written for a contest, but I soon realized there were more women whose tales needed to be written. The war is over between the North and the South, but the battles at home are just beginning. If you love stories of bravery and courage with unforgettable women and the men they love, you'll enjoy the Women of Crooked Creek.  ​ The first four stories are available in The Women of Crooked Creek collection. Author MK McClintock MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond.    MK enjoys a quiet life in the northern Rocky Mountains. Visit mkmcclintock.com to learn more about her books, browse her blog, and subscribe to receive news and posts.  Website | Amazon | BookBub Instagram | Youtube | Facebook | Pinterest Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If The Trail to Crooked Creek  captured your heart, consider sharing it with a friend who enjoys Western romance and heartwarming adventures. Explore more western romance and other uplifting reads in our archives.

Looking for heartwarming holiday romance in a cozy small-town setting? Christmas in the Rockies  by MK McClintock offers a collection of contemporary romance stories set in the majestic Rocky Mountains. This festive collection delivers love, hope, and joy that will warm your heart this season — and all year long. Each story in this collection is a standalone tale of love and second chances, perfect for quick festive reading. At a Glance Genre:  Contemporary Holiday Romance Setting:  Rocky Mountains, small-town America Tone:  Heartwarming, cozy, uplifting Themes: Love, Family, Hope, Holiday Magic Best for:  Readers who enjoy festive love stories, short romances, and holiday escapes About the Book Christmas in the Rockies Three heartwarming stories. One romantic Christmas escape. "McKensie’s Christmas Gift" When McKensie Scott returns to Wycliffe, Wyoming, she’s uncertain of her future . . . and the man she left behind two summers before. With the help of an unexpected ally, McKensie will discover that sometimes leaving the people you love is the only way to find your path home. "A Snowy Falls Christmas" After five years of searching for answers at her family’s home in Scotland, Maura Coburn returns to Snowy Falls, Colorado, the place she's always called home. When Wyatt Dobbes sweeps into town to take over his family's horse farm, Maura realizes five years might not have been long enough. When unexpected circumstances bring them together, Wyatt and Maura will soon discover the powerful magic of Christmas, love, and second chances. "Christmas in Moose Creek" Saige Travers said goodbye to Owen McGregor sixteen years ago. A spontaneous choice brings Saige home to Moose Creek, Montana, and she doesn’t expect her past to catch up with her present. When Owen walks back into her life, she struggles to remember why she left. Together they discover second chances are real and hope is a cherished gift. Can six willing hearts find a second chance at love? Join us this holiday season and fall in love like it was the first time. Content Warning: These stories feature characters who enjoy baking up delectable desserts and tempting confections filled with Christmas cheer. Enjoy! This book is available in #KindleUnlimited . Also available in Paperback In the author's words . . . Christmas means different things to different people. For me, it's all about the "magic." The magic of love, hope, family, and home. The stories in this collection embody all of the wonder the season conjures in my imagination: lights, garland, trees, the scent of fresh baking in the kitchen, coming home, finding love, giving to others, and of course, second chances. An Excerpt from Christmas in the Rockies Get a peek into the pages and fall in love with each story… Snippet from “McKensie’s Christmas Gift” The fog cleared from McKensie’s brain. “And knowing my aunt, she insisted you have the wedding here.” “Yeah. I thought about moving the location, but Shirley insisted we still have it at the hotel, and Olivia—” “Wouldn’t have wanted you to change a thing. I get it. Yes, you’ll have it here.” McKensie prided herself on handling tense situations, a handy talent when managing a kitchen. She avoided looking at Cameron throughout her conversation with Julie and realized he hadn’t moved, patient as ever. “When is the wedding?” “The week before Christmas.” McKensie raised a brow and studied her friend. “That’s fast.” Julie shrugged. “When it’s right, it’s right. That reminds me, I have one more thing to ask Shirley about the food. Meet you in the foyer in ten, big brother.” She stopped at the door and pointed to McKensie. “I will call you tomorrow. We have so much to catch up on.” Julie exited the office with as much excitement as she entered. McKensie replayed some of her last words over in her mind. When it’s right, it’s right. Snippet from “A Snowy Falls Christmas” Her breath faded into the crisp morning air. The stoneware mug cupped in her hands warmed her skin while the lavender tea blend stole away the frigid cold from within. She stood on the expansive deck overlooking the glistening waters of Winter Lake and contemplated her quiet return home. The Snowy Falls Lodge stood tall and grand behind her, a landmark on the lake and in the quaint mountain village. Her grandmother would have said, “For better or worse, it is now yours, Maura.” Maura spent the first twenty-five years of her life in the spacious rooms and luxurious halls of the lodge that blended the design of a Scottish castle and Victorian cattle ranch. The idea might have resulted in a haphazard structure had it not been for a truly talented, though little-known, Scottish architect named Charles Mackenzie. Five years ago, Maura did what no one ever expected—she left home—and not because she didn’t love the lodge or the village. Her father called her a dreamer. Her mother used the word “wanderer,” and her grandmother often said she was a seeker. Maura appreciated her grandmother’s description best. What exactly Maura sought when she left Snowy Falls remained a mystery to everyone. Snippet from “Christmas in Moose Creek” The 4x4 careened to a stop and the driver waited in disbelief at the deplorable timing of Mother Nature. Moose Creek, Montana, had its share of wildlife—bear, deer, elk, mountain lions—but in her thirty-three years, Saige Travers had never seen a moose on this mountain. Until today. No one waited for her in her swank two-bedroom condo in Seattle except the goldfish her brother gave to her as a joke for her birthday. She’d needed a break from the city and the cataclysmic string of end-of-the-road relationships she’d been in the past five years. More like dates, if she was going to be honest with herself. Saige Travers didn’t have time for relationships. Excerpts © MK McClintock Learn more by visiting the author's website. "Your books are filled with such wonderful characters, families, and love. I know I have read this story before, but I enjoyed it just as much this time as I had the first time. Waiting patiently for your next new book." — M.L. Sullivan "These holiday romance captivated me and will surely grab your attention! I highly recommend them to anyone who believe in Christmas magic and second chances!" — Nicole Laverdure "These three stories made Christmas special for my wife and I this year. We live in the Rockies, and the stories felt very real to us. Beautifully told." — Darrel M., Amazon Review "I loved all three of the stories in this book. On a cold, rainy day, I enjoyed the lights of the Christmas tree, and forgetting the dismal view outside, I was carried away to three places in the Rockies for a beautiful Christmas setting, where i met strong characters and three charming stories of love renewed." — Verna Cole Mitchell, author and poet Meet the Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. MK enjoys a quiet life in the northern Rocky Mountains. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ ••• Her works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas, a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King, a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. She is always writing her next book. Christmas in the Rockies by MK McClintock (This book was previously published under the pen name McKenna Grey with the same cover.) Genre: Contemporary Romance/Christmas Type: Collection of Novelettes Heat Level: 1 Language Level: 1 Violence Level: 1 Click here to learn more about content ratings. Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If Christmas in the Rockies  brought a little holiday cheer to your heart, consider sharing it with a friend who enjoys contemporary romance. Explore more cozy holiday reads and heartwarming stories in our archives.

Christmas in Whitcomb Springs , a novella by MK McClintock in the multi-author Whitcomb Springs series, invites readers to a mountain valley filled with hope, adventure, and romance. In this heartwarming story, those who have loved and lost find a place to heal, while new beginnings bring danger, forgiveness, and second chances. Part of the multi-author Whitcomb Springs series — each story stands alone, but reading the others adds extra depth. At a Glance Genre:  Historical Western Romance Novella Setting:  1867 Montana Tone:  Heartfelt, uplifting, adventurous Themes: Forgiveness, Holiday Romance, Family Best for:  Readers who enjoy short stories of love, second chances, and small-town charm About the Book Christmas in Whitcomb Springs As snow blankets the mountain town of Whitcomb Springs, Montana, in 1867, a heartwarming story of love, hope, and second chances unfolds when Savannah and Hayes’ paths intertwine with unexpected results. Perhaps this Christmas will bring more than just snow to Whitcomb Springs.   Christmas in Whitcomb Springs is a tale of resilience, second chances, and the transformative power of love that will warm your heart on even the coldest winter nights. This historical romantic Western will remind you of the miracles that can happen when love is rekindled amidst the snowy splendor of Christmas. Available for e-book readers on Kindle (in KU) . Available for paper-loving readers in Paperback and Large Print. Read an Excerpt from Christmas in Whitcomb Springs . Meet the Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. MK enjoys a quiet life in the northern Rocky Mountains. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ ••• Her works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas, a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King, a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. Christmas in Whitcomb Springs by MK McClintock Genre: Historical Romantic Western/Christmas Type: Novella Heat Level: 1 Language Level: 1 Violence Level: 2 Click here to learn more about content ratings. Thank you for stopping by Books & Benches! If this novella filled your heart with hope and holiday cheer, consider sharing it with a friend who loves historical romance. Explore more Whitcomb Springs stories and other uplifting reads in our archives.

Where Loyalties Burn  by Arianwen Nunn transports readers to a richly detailed medieval world filled with loyalty, love, and high stakes. In this emotionally charged romance, duty and desire collide, forcing characters to make choices that can change everything. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or new to the story, this novel delivers passion, family drama, and a gripping journey through loyalty and sacrifice. Book Information Title: Where Loyalties Burn Author: Arianwen Nunn Publication date: ‎ June 7, 2025 Series: Welsh Warrior, book four Language: ‎English Print length: ‎377 pages Genres: Medieval Historical Romance, British Historical Language: ‎English    At a Glance Genre:  Medieval Historical Romance Setting:  Medieval Wales Tone:  Emotional, passionate, character-driven Best for:  Readers who enjoy family sagas, romance, and high-stakes loyalty Books & Benches Review Every book has its own magic, and whether you’re a longtime fan of medieval romance or discovering it for the first time, don't miss Where Loyalties Burn  by Arianwen Nunn . Read on for our full review. Our reader's opinion. . . A fierce and emotionally charged romance that asks what happens when duty and desire collide. Where Loyalties Burn  delivers intense stakes, complex characters, and a world where every choice comes at a cost. Gritty, gripping, and full of love—this story burns bright and cuts deep. I found the beginning a little tricky to get into because of the Welsh names, but giving them shortened versions in my mind helped me settle into the story and fully appreciate the author’s writing. This stirring tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice is recommended for readers who enjoy passion-filled family sagas. Although it’s the fourth book in the series, the story can still be followed on its own, though reading the first three books would deepen the experience. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback About the Book Where Loyalties Burn by Arianwen Nunn (Retailer Description) In a land torn by conquest and kin-strife, it is not only warriors who shape the fate of Wales, but the women who dare to love them. When Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd defies her royal destiny to marry Griffith ap Rhys, a landless prince and rebel heir, she steps into a life of danger, exile, and war. At the heart of Gwynedd’s royal court, her mother Angharad watches war creep ever closer. Haunted by visions of her sons marching to their deaths and torn between loyalty to her husband, Gruffydd and fear for her children, she must navigate a world where love is never safe and power is always a risk. But Gwenllian and Angharad are not alone in their trials. The wives and lovers of warriors bear the silent burdens of ambition, betrayal, and longing—navigating fragile truces, fractured loyalties, and the unrelenting demands of men fighting to reclaim or defend a kingdom. As Norman power encroaches and Welsh unity splinters, these women must decide where their hearts and loyalties truly lie. For Gwenllian, the path of love means wielding a sword as fiercely as any man—and learning that desire can be both a weapon and a wound. Sweeping and intimate, Where Loyalties Burn is a tale of passion and resilience, where the bonds of marriage, family, and fate are tested by the fires of rebellion, and the quiet strength of women shapes the future of a nation. A sweeping saga of love, legacy, and the women who shaped medieval Wales. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! If this book captured your attention, consider sharing it with a fellow reader who enjoys medieval romance or family sagas. You can also explore other reviews and spotlights in our archives for more stories that burn bright. Reviewed by: Lizzie Disclaimers / Notes for Reviews The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review reflects the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books & Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books & Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review and all opinions/thoughts within are the reader’s. Affiliate links are used in this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — helping us maintain the site and share more books.

Autumn Cotter invites readers to experience two uplifting short stories filled with love, hope, and second chances. Each story weaves heart, healing, and feel-good romance that stays with you long after the final page. Titles include "Wilde Hopes and Dreams" and "The Garden She Chose," each offering its own heartfelt journey. Whether you're looking for a cozy afternoon read or a reminder that it's never too late for love, these stories deliver charm, warmth, and just the right dose of second chances. 💖 What You Can Expect: Strong, relatable women finding their way Unexpected paths to self-discovery Clean, uplifting romance with emotional depth Happy endings that feel both earned and satisfying If you’ve ever found yourself starting over—or wished you could—these short stories are for you. "Wilde Hopes and Dreams" Gemma Wilde seeks solace in a remote mountain cabin, where the serene beauty of the mountains, with their whispering winds and rustling leaves, offers her a gentle escape. She finds unexpected purpose in her watercolor paintings of wildflowers, leading her to a surprising commission and a heartwarming connection with a neighboring writer, Garrison Dawes, who shares a similar loss. Gemma’s journey is one of healing, rediscovering passion, and embracing a new beginning.   Who is this story for?   This story is perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming contemporary romances, particularly those who appreciate stories about healing from grief and finding love again. Women, especially those who have experienced loss or are looking for a story of hope and resilience, would likely connect with Gemma’s journey. Buy Today - Available in Kindle Unlimited "The Garden She Chose" Jocelyn Montgomery, stifled by her privileged yet predictable life, makes a daring choice to escape the gilded cage of her family’s expectations and discover who she truly is beneath the layers of privilege and expectation. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, she encounters an unexpected ally in Griffin Hughes, leading her to a future filled with possibility.   Who is this story for?   This story will resonate with both young adult and adult women, particularly those who enjoy sweet contemporary romance with a focus on self-discovery and personal growth. Buy Today - Available in Kindle Unlimited 📚 Ready to fall in love again, or for the first time? Grab your copies now and rediscover the joy of a fresh start. The Author Autumn Cotter, a pseudonym, spent two decades solving people problems in the corporate world. She now channels her experience into bringing mindful stillness and creative inspiration to others. She lives in the mountains among wildflowers and dreams where she writes stories. ​​​​ www.autumncotter.com Loved these stories? Explore more heartwarming clean reads or contemporary romance . Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If these stories lifted your heart, consider sharing them with a fellow reader who might enjoy a little book magic of their own.

Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs  by MK McClintock invites readers to step into post-Civil War Montana, where adventure, romance, and hope intertwine. This special collection of short stories follows characters navigating love, danger, and forgiveness in a time of rebuilding and new beginnings. Each story in this collection offers a standalone adventure while exploring the larger world of Whitcomb Springs. Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs by MK McClintock The Book At a Glance Genre:  Historical Western Romance/Short Story Collection Setting:  Post-Civil War Montana Tone:  Heartfelt, adventurous, reflective Themes: Forgiveness, new beginnings, family Best for:  Readers who enjoy historical romance, resilient characters, and small-town adventures About the Book Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs High in a mountain valley, a place for those who have loved and lost becomes a home for those who wish to hope and dream. Set in post-Civil War Montana Territory, in the town of Whitcomb Springs, is a community of strong men and women who have worked to overcome individual struggles faced during and after the war. Amongst the majestic mountains, clear-water lakes, and hand-hewn homes, you will meet widows, heroes, mountain men, and others who seek a place of peace and renewal. Meet a brave group of settlers whose stories and adventures celebrate the rich life of the American West with their tales of adventure, courage, mercy, tender romance, and hope for a good tomorrow. BUY THE BOOK Kindle Unlimited | Amazon Paperback | Bookshop | Large Print Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs  by MK McClintock In the author's words . . . It all began with Daniel and Evelyn Whitcomb, whose dream of a grand adventure in the Rocky Mountains became an unforgettable journey of love and perseverance in the face of loss. The war gave much to some, but for most, defending home, honor, and belief that the country could become a better place came with great sacrifice. Many remained and rebuilt while others were determined to forge a new life far away from the memories. I hope you enjoy their stories. —MK Step inside the story and read an excerpt from Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs . Meet the Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Growing up on a picturesque ranch in Colorado with escapes in later years to New England and Scotland, she has cultivated a deep love for storytelling and breathtaking landscapes. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. Residing in the northern Rocky Mountains, MK finds inspiration in the tranquility of her surroundings. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ Also by MK McClintock MK McClintock's works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas , a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King , a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. Kindle Unlimited  | Amazon Paperback  | Bookshop  | Large Print   Title: Hopes & Dreams in Whitcomb Springs Author: MK McClintock Genre: Historical Western Romance Type: Collection of Short Fiction Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing Release Date: August 17, 2021 Series: Whitcomb Springs Content Rating: 1 Heart/PG Author's note on genre and content: This book is a clean romance, but also contains some elements of western-style action and violence. View our rating system Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If this book sparked your interest or it stayed with you, consider sharing it with another reader who might enjoy a little book magic of their own.

The Ghost of Greyson Hall  by MK McClintock invites readers into a story filled with romance, mystery, and old-world intrigue across dual times. Set within the walls of Greyson Hall, the novel introduces Lady Grace Canterbury and a heroic Highlander as secrets begin to surface and the past refuses to stay buried. Below, enjoy an excerpt from the book along with a behind-the-scenes look through an author interview. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Interview | The Author The Book At a Glance Genre:  Historical Romance Mystery Setting:  Greyson Hall, Northumberland (1782 and 1892) Tone:  Atmospheric, romantic, suspenseful Themes:  Secrets, legacy, love Best for:  Readers who enjoy historical settings and romance with a touch of mystery About the Book The Ghost of Greyson Hall Once a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend. When Devon Clayton inherited the stately mansion in England’s wild north from his uncle, he never imagined what secrets lurked within its walls, hidden for centuries. When his friends and brothers join him for the holiday, the British Agents and their families discover that their most unusual case will bring new meaning to Christmas spirit. They must now unravel a century-old mystery if they are to save a love that transcends time. A long novella set in Northumberland in December 1782 and 1892. KINDLE | PAPERBACK | LARGE PRINT | MORE Below, enjoy an excerpt from The Ghost of Greyson Hall  along with an author interview that offers a closer look at the story, its characters, and the inspiration behind the book. Excerpt from The Ghost of Greyson Hall Step inside the pages… Prologue In the year of 1782, among the snow-dusted hills of Northumberland, Lady Grace Canterbury of Greyson Hall disappeared. Rumors abounded. She ran away with her Highland lover, leaving her husband and son behind. Others speculated on her declining health, claiming she’d gone away to die in solitude when the fever and pain overcame her body and mind. Those who knew her never believed the gossip and resolved through the years that ruffians kidnapped her at the command of her jealous husband. No one ever learned the truth. Lady Canterbury vanished. She’d left behind an infant son, who had barely found comfort in his mother’s arms. A fair-haired and handsome boy who resembled his mother in coloring, including the eyes, ice blue and startling cold if it had not been for the spray of thick, black lashes. Before the birth, Lord Spencer Canterbury had shared with her how he longed for a fair-haired daughter who looked like her mother. However, when their son made his first appearance, she saw her husband’s joy in knowing it was a strong and healthy boy who would one day inherit the title and become master of their vast estate. How does such a lady vanish without leaving a remnant of evidence? For more than a century, the truth remained a mystery. Lady Canterbury became a faded memory, a story to entertain and bewilder at celebrations and gatherings. For generations, speculation continued. Descendants of the family attempted to unravel the mystery of the eighteenth-century puzzle, alas to no avail. Few took the matter seriously—after all, it was long before their time—and the image of a graceful beauty with hair as pale as the risen moon and eyes the color of waves on the sea faded into history. Excerpt from The Ghost of Greyson Hall copyright © MK McClintock Author Interview Q&A with MK McClintock about the inspiration, characters, and story behind The Ghost of Greyson Hall . What inspired this story, and why a ghost? Greyson Hall, the hero's home in book three of the series (standalone books) inspired The Ghost of Greyson Hall . I didn't know any of the details, but I knew the house and I still had a journey to finish. Why? I honestly don't know. As for a ghost, well, it is not so much a ghost story, but rather a tale of love that features a ghost. You'll know what I mean when you meet Lady Grace Canterbury and the wonderful characters who made telling her story possible. What did you enjoy most about writing in the different time periods? 1892 followed book three chronologically, so it's a familiar time. The original story plan did not include a second time period, but when I started the book, I realized that in order to tell Grace Canterbury's story the way she deserved, I needed to go back in time to when she lived. I tried two other periods before settling on 1782, and when I did, it immediately felt right. Jumping from one year to the next, the ghost's present to the lady's present, kept me fully engaged. I will definitely be doing it again. Are there recurring themes in your books? Portraying strong and brave women has always been a focus in my writing, but I also like to convey the love and admiration they have for chivalrous men who want to take care of the women they love. It's important that there be mutual respect between the hero and heroine in every book, even if they have to work hard to get there. Also, the good guys always win, and the bad guys always get their comeuppance. Do you have a favorite character in this book? The series? No, to both. I truly love all the characters. Although there is one scene with the ghost and one of the agents that still makes my heart skip a couple of beats when I think of them. If you were to genre-hop, which genres would you most like to try writing? I already genre-hop! This book is part of a Victorian romance mystery series, and I also write historical western romance and western mystery. Under another pen name, I write romantic suspense and small-town contemporary romance. I'm never bored with whatever I happen to be writing, but I am someone who needs some variety, if for no other reason than to give my brain a new challenge. KINDLE  | PAPERBACK  | LARGE PRINT  | MORE   Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop About The Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Growing up on a picturesque ranch in Colorado with escapes in later years to New England and Scotland, she has cultivated a deep love for storytelling and breathtaking landscapes. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. Residing in the northern Rocky Mountains, MK finds inspiration in the tranquility of her surroundings. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ "I prefer readers to get to know my characters and their stories, for they are far more interesting than I am." You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ Also by MK McClintock MK McClintock's works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas , a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King , a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. Christmas in the Rockies  is her collection of contemporary small-town, second-chance holiday romances.  WEBSITE | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST Title: The Ghost of Greyson Hall Original Publication: October 3, 2023 Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing Genre: Historical Romance Mystery Series: British Agent Series, book four (stand-alone) Media Type(s): E-book, paperback, large print, hardcover Type: Long Novella Content Rating: Moderate (PG-PG-13): Romance, a touch of mystery or suspense, and some violence. There is no sex, but there are sensual kisses and moments. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Interview | Top of Post Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If this book sparked your interest or it stayed with you, consider sharing it with another reader who might enjoy a little book magic of their own.

“The story grabbed me right from the first page and kept me guessing!”  — Nicole L. for Books & Benches, Top Pick The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance  by Samantha St. Claire delivers a fast-paced Western cozy mystery filled with suspense, clever twists, and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the story are sisters Rose and Cassandra McKenzie — one guided by science and determination, the other traveling by rail with secrets of her own as a Pinkerton agent. Together, they navigate danger, deception, and a case that refuses to stay neatly tied up. The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance by Samantha St. Claire The Story At a Glance Genre: Historical Western Mystery Tone: Adventurous, character-driven Setting: Colorado/American West Best for: Readers who enjoy strong heroines and classic whodunits with a touch of humor About the Book The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance Witty and irascible Rose McKenzie tackles Denver’s criminal cases with a woman’s intuition and a loaded Smith and Wesson tucked in her skirt pocket. Eager for adventure beyond her scientific experiments, Rose accepts her uncle’s challenge to become Denver’s first female private detective. When a wealthy woman employs her to track down a burglar, Rose zealously applies her unique investigative talents to prove she can handle any job. After two more home invasions turn violent, Rose races to find the perpetrator before another innocent shows up on a slab at the city morgue. With the stakes raised, Rose employs the help of her friend, the attractive Dr. Taylor Whitman, to lure the perpetrator out of hiding—with Rose as the bait. What Rose fails to foresee is the complexity of the crime, involving more than one perpetrator tasked with silencing her. Will her cunning be enough to unravel the clues before it’s too late? Step into Denver’s bustling city streets at the turn of the century with Rose McKenzie, a spirited private investigator, and a woman brave enough to undertake any case. Don’t miss The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance , a stand-alone novel in the delightfully entertaining McKenzie Sisters Mystery series. GET YOUR COPY ↓ Kindle | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | IndieBound | Kobo | Apple Books | Add to BookBub "This book was so good! It's well written and full of action, drama, suspense, and a mystery to solve. It is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. Once you start reading this book you can't put it down, you just have to know what happens next." —Goodreads review, 5 stars In the author's words . . . Although Cassandra McKenzie’s character took the stage first in my imagination, ironically, I did not write her story. MK McClintock wrote her to life in The Case of the Copper King . She became all I imagined—resourceful and fearless. The series developed out of my research into Denver, Colorado’s headlong rush into the twentieth century. While Denver’s roots were in the mineral deposits beneath her streets and surrounding mountains, the nation’s industrialization drew her into the modern age. As she attracted more residents from the eastern cities, they carried with them expectations for the conveniences with which they’d become accustomed. This clash of cultures gave birth to the idea of two sisters representing those resistant to this change and those who embraced it, Cassandra with her love of the wild mountain landscapes, and Rose enraptured by all modern contrivances devised by the men—the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The sisters are the perfect pair to illustrate a city at the turn of the century. That’s why one will invest in a horse and the other a horseless carriage. One will take down a criminal by relying on her wits and skill with weapons, while the other finds the application of her forensic studies a more reliable means to bring the villains to justice. Whether it’s careening through Denver’s congested streets on Rose’s out-of-control bicycle or riding the rails to Silverado with Casey, we think you’ll enjoy the adventure and find a few reasons to smile while getting to know the McKenzie sisters. The McKenzie Sisters series Enjoy an Excerpt from The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance Denver, Colorado 1899 The explosion was small compared to her previous miscalculations, blowing out only one window of the study and merely scorching the hem of the damask drapes covering it. Miss Rose McKenzie and her housekeeper, Mrs. Constance Pennyworth, quickly extinguished the subsequent fire. The housekeeper tore down the damaged drapes and threw them on the remnants of Rose’s ruined experiment. After she raised the window sashes to give the cloud of acrid smoke somewhere to go besides their lungs, she collapsed on the stool across from Rose. The housekeeper fanned her face with her soot-covered apron and grumbled, “Well now, what have you learned from that experiment, Miss Rose? I surely hope it was worth the expense of a broken window and two rather costly drapes.” Rose pulled a pencil from the mass of auburn curls pinned high on her head and scribbled notes on the still-smoking clipboard. “Reduce the potassium chloride to magnesium ratio.” Mrs. Pennyworth pushed herself to her feet with a small grunt and heaved a sigh of surprising force for a woman so small in stature. “I came upstairs to ask if you wanted me to bring your breakfast up. If you recall, you didn’t eat your supper last night.” Rose tapped the pencil against the clipboard and surveyed the disheveled state of the laboratory. “I suppose I should eat downstairs this morning.” Mrs. Pennyworth's scowl transformed into an expression of concern. She rounded the table with impressive speed for a woman who’d seen more than a half-century of birthdays come and go. She grasped Rose’s face in her two calloused hands and leaned in for closer inspection. “Why, you’re bleeding!” This time she expressed her opinion with a disapproving cluck of her tongue. “Miss Rose, you are going to do yourself in one day with all this experimenting.” She blew another ponderous breath. “I’m going to ring Dr. Whitman. That might need stitches.” Rose drew the back of her hand to dab at her temple, surprised to feel the sticky evidence of Mrs. Pennyworth’s pronouncement. “Hmm. I would have expected more blood from a head wound.” She rose quickly from her stool and stepped to the wall mirror, inspecting her forehead with sharp interest. “It’s a clean cut. It might even develop into a quite colorful bruise. You’re right, Mrs. Pennyworth, I should probably have it tended to.” Rose shook small shards of glass from her lab apron and observed brightly, “I’ve never had stitches. I’m most interested in the experience.” As her housekeeper stormed off, the exasperated blow from her lips sent a good portion of smoke out the open windows. “I’ll give the doctor a call and set another place for breakfast.” “Oh, did I forget to tell you? We’re going to the museum today. There’s an exhibit on the embalming techniques of Egyptian mummies, which promises to be interesting.” “I approve of your company, but to my way of thinking, you’ve a morbid fascination with death.” Mrs. Pennyworth harrumphed as she left the room, her footsteps hammering down the staircase. End of Excerpt Excerpt Copyright © Samantha St. Claire. GET YOUR COPY ↓ Kindle  | Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  | Bookshop  | IndieBound  | Kobo  | Apple Books  | Add to BookBub The Author Samantha St. Claire is the pen name of an author passionate about American history and the people whose legacies are woven into the fabric of a nation. She writes these characters to life in her novels of the western frontier, their trials and triumphs. Coming from a family of pioneers, she honestly claims her roots as a Daughter of the American Revolution and descendant of a Scottish Laird. The road from college graduation led due west where teaching in a small Arizona town fulfilled childhood fantasies on multiple levels. Hiking and backpacking the canyons and desert fed her imagination with the landscapes she would use later in life as an author. Moving to California opened new vistas, but Idaho sparked her interest in the history of the magnificent central mountain ranges. Never faint of heart, her signature protagonists face the hazards of the frontier with courage, wit, and a healthy pinch of humor. Sign up for Samantha’s newsletter at samanthastclaire.com for early notifications of new releases and interesting news relevant to readers of historical fiction. Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads Genre: Historical Cozy Western Mystery Type: Novel Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing Publication Date: June 22, 2021 Series: McKenzie Sisters Mystery series (stand-alone) Content Rating: 1 Heart and PG View our rating system Enjoy historical western books with strong characters and clever twists? You may also like our other featured books set in the American West . Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If this book sparked your interest or it stayed with you, consider sharing it with another reader who might enjoy a little book magic of their own.

Rose and Cassandra McKenzie are no ordinary sisters. In The Case of the Copper King  by MK McClintock, one relies on science, quick thinking, and a bicycle, while the other travels by rail with secrets of her own — including her work as a Pinkerton agent. Set against the backdrop of the American West, this historical mystery blends adventure, romance, family bonds, and a fast-moving case that keeps you engaged to the end. Have you read this one? The Story At a Glance Genre: Historical Western Romance Mystery Tone: Adventurous, character-driven Setting: Colorado/American West Best for: Readers who enjoy strong heroines and classic whodunits with a touch of romance About the Book The Case of the Copper King Clever and feisty Cassandra McKenzie engages her newest assignment for the Pinkerton Agency with a knack for deception and a blade in her boot. Smart, skilled, and unafraid to get her hands dirty, Cassandra grudgingly takes on a new assignment in one of Colorado’s busiest mining towns, where murder and theft draw her deep into a puzzle of lies, quarries, and forgery. When the mysterious and handsome Quinn Morgan is enlisted to help solve the case, she reluctantly accepts his presence for an undercover scheme meant to draw out the crooks and retrieve the stolen money before they end up buried in a mountainside. Will their talents be enough to untangle truth from deceit before they run out of time? Ride the rails to Durango at the turn of the century with Cassandra McKenzie, a woman cunning enough to solve the toughest cases in some of the Rockies most rugged and beautiful places. Immerse yourself in The Case of the Copper King , a stand-alone novel in the delightfully entertaining McKenzie Sisters Mystery series. GET YOUR COPY ↓ Kindle | Amazon | Large Print | Add to BookBub "An absolutely delightful mystery adventure that will keep you guessing till the last chapter! The Case of the Copper King is a must to read if you love western mysteries with a touch of romance and lots of twists and turns." — Nicole Laverdure In the author's words . . . When Samantha St. Claire approached me about writing a book in the McKenzie Sisters Mystery series with her, my thoughts went back and forth between eagerness and apprehension. It was close enough in genre to most of my other westerns, yet fresh enough to intrigue me. Samantha's vision for the series, and her excitement for these unique sisters, was infectious. I felt an immediate kinship with Cassandra, and in truth I did not think I could do justice to Rose (good thing, because Samantha told her tale beautifully). It wasn’t until I switched the setting of the story to Durango, where I lived on a small ranch in my youth, that I really understood Cassandra and her motives. I spent months researching the area as it would have been in the 1890s, which was more difficult than I had expected, and it took a bit of help to unearth some of the more stubborn historical facts. What a delight it was to revisit wonderful memories of frolicking in the hills outside of Durango, riding horses through the mountains near the ranch, and traveling north by rail along the river to Silverton. Cassandra’s story became mine and made me see that my love for living in the past through words began much sooner than I ever realized. I hope you enjoy reading Cassandra’s tale of adventure, mystery, and a delightful touch of romance in The Case of the Copper King . And don't miss Rose McKenzie's book, The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance ! "Such a fun read. All of the characters are well rounded and believable, but Casey and Quinn are uniquely wonderful characters. I so enjoyed the banter between them. I expected the adventure but the twists and turns are unexpected as well as entertaining. This story is well written and edited that made this an enjoyable read." — Goodreads review Enjoy an Excerpt from The Case of the Copper King Colorado Springs, Colorado 1899 As one of five women making the rounds in the Lone Dog Saloon, the proprietor expected her to be in high demand. The silky blond hair was pulled up to frame her face while the rest flowed around her shoulders. She drew the attention of every man she passed at the tables, offering a wink, smile, or small wave to each of them. None of them held her interest. She sidled up to one man and held a half-full bottle close to her chest. “Care for a drink, cowboy?” “I like a little sugar with my whiskey.” “Sugar is extra, sweetheart.” “How much extra?” Amber liquid fell from the bottle into the shot glass on the scarred bar. “Ten dollars.” “That’s mighty steep for a place like this, darlin’.” Her fingers trailed up his dusty vest. “I’m worth it, darlin’.” His boisterous laugh startled a few of the patrons. “Where’s your room?” “Not so fast. I like to know the names of the men I take to my bed.” “Name’s Fletcher. I ain’t gonna take you to bed, darlin’. I’m gonna take you to heaven.” Casey palmed the Deringer and pressed it against her quarry’s belly. “Fletcher Jones. You’ve been a hard man to find.” Fletcher’s smile vanished as he looked at her with cold, hard eyes. “You got me mixed up with someone else.” “I don’t think so.” “You ain’t got what it takes to pull the trigger.” “I’ve heard a lot of things about you, Fletcher. Not all accounts agree on what you look like, who you ride with, or how many innocent people you’ve killed, but they agree on one thing.” He smirked. “What’s that?” “You’re a very stupid man.” She pressed the pistol harder against his gut. “No, no, stay right there. Don’t make this worse for yourself. I want an audience, but I’m guessing you don’t. Where is your partner?” Fletcher leaned close, the whiskey on his breath pungent and unpleasant. “Who are you?” Casey smiled. “The person tired of hunting you.” End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright ©MK McClintock. Shared with permission. "THE CASE OF THE COPPER KING is an enjoyable western by MK McClintock . . . I really enjoyed this story. Casey is a strong woman in a man’s job, which she does really well. Along the way to Durango, Casey meets bounty hunter, Quinn Morgan. I think looking for a murderer just got more interesting. I really enjoyed the interaction between Casey and Quinn . . . This was a wonderful western." — Goodreads review, 5 stars GET YOUR COPY ↓ Kindle  | Amazon  | Large Print  | Add to BookBub Meet the Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Growing up on a picturesque ranch in Colorado with escapes in later years to New England and Scotland, she has cultivated a deep love for storytelling and breathtaking landscapes. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. Residing in the northern Rocky Mountains, MK finds inspiration in the tranquility of her surroundings. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com.​ "I prefer readers to get to know my characters and their stories, for they are far more interesting than I am." You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ Also by MK McClintock MK McClintock's works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas , a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King , a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. Christmas in the Rockies  is her collection of contemporary small-town, second-chance holiday romances.  Title: The Case of the Copper King Author: MK McClintock Genre: Historical Western Romance / Western Cozy Mystery Type: Novel Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing Publication Date: June 22, 2021 Series: McKenzie Sisters Mystery series (stand-alone) Content Rating: PG View our rating system Enjoy historical western books with strong characters and clever twists? You may also like our other featured books set in the American West . Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If this book sparked your interest or it stayed with you, consider sharing it with another reader who might enjoy a little book magic of their own.

The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell is for readers who enjoy a moving, atmospheric exploration of the Brontë sisters’ inner lives, combining literary ambition, family obligations, and a mystery of the heart. The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell “A haunting and atmospheric historical novel.” – Library Journal In 1846 Yorkshire, the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Anne, and Emily—navigate precarious lives marked by heartbreak and struggle. Charlotte faces rejection from the man she loves, while their blind father and troubled brother add to their burdens. Despite their immense talent, no one will publish their poetry or novels. Amidst this turmoil, Emily encounters a charming shepherd during her solitary walks on the moors, yet he remains unseen by anyone else. After Emily’s untimely death, Charlotte—now a successful author with Jane Eyre—stumbles upon hidden letters and a mysterious map. As she stands on the brink of her own marriage, Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth about her sister’s secret relationship. The Man in the Stone Cottage is a poignant exploration of sisterly bonds and the complexities of perception, asking whether what feels real to one person can truly be real to another. Buy the Book Universal Buy Link At the time of this posting, this title is available to read on Kindle Unlimited. Enjoy an Excerpt from The Man in the Stone Cottage Charlotte wants to publish a book of her and her sisters’ poetry in the hopes of making the family fortune, but Emily has denied she has any poems and keeps them locked away in a drawer in her room. Then when she is walking home from the moors from hours with her secret friend in his stone cottage on the moors and realizes she had lost the drawer’s key somewhere…   The storm broke, rain pelting the back of her dress until she was running through the moor gate and through the parsonage door. No one seemed to be home though someone had been here recently. The kitchen lamp still burned dimly, and cold tea sandwiches and some cake lay under a cloth. By the lonely chiming of the tall clock, she knew she had been away several hours. Where had the hours gone? She had missed tea. Had she baked her own cake this morning? But that did not matter. The only important thing was to find that key.   Lighting a candle from the lamp, Emily searched under the table and then in the hall. She mounted the steps, looking near the banister. By the clock hands, she made out it was six in the afternoon. But where was the frayed violet ribbon?   Then she knew she was not alone in the parsonage. Light shone through the open crack of her bedroom door. She saw the yellow flame of the oil lamp shining on the cup of pens on her table and Charlotte standing by it with the secret poetry books in her hands.   Emily shouted fiercely, “What do you think you’re doing, you thief?”   Startled, her sister stepped back a little, grasping the table edge with one hand, saying, “You told me you burned these. I found the key on the floor outside your room.”   “Well, I lied, and you’ve no right to look at them!”   At this moment, all the vague memories of the afternoon disappeared. Emily knew only how she loathed her sister’s conflicted face. Charlotte, who always knew the best, Charlotte, who should have stayed in Brussels as that teacher’s mistress and left them to bumble on somehow here in the parsonage rooms. Ordinary, stupid Charlotte.   Her sister replied stubbornly, “Anne and I share our poetry. These are brilliant. What kind of person are you that you lock them away?”   “Don’t you understand anything? The key at once!”   “Take your wretched key and books then! God only knows why, of all the sisters in the world, I was given you!” Charlotte dropped the key and notebooks on the bed, and Emily locked away her work. Then she fled down the steps.   Charlotte followed her. They passed the clock.   Emily hissed over her shoulder, “I don’t want to talk about the poems. If you insist, I’ll burn them.”   “Be quiet—Papa may come in. He’s gone out with Anne.”   “He ought to bring the neighbors with their staves since we have a thief in our house!”   At the bottom step, Emily felt Charlotte’s hand on her shoulder and stopped. “Listen to me, you foolish girl!” Charlotte panted. “I’ve a plan. We must have a plan. Anne and I have been writing a lot of poetry. The three of us must publish our poems together. We’ll become famous; we’ll earn our fortunes. We’ll be as famous as Lord Byron. We’ll never have to worry about anything again.”   “You and your bloody plans! The answer is never.”   “Why won’t you publish with us?”   Emily hunched her shoulders. “Because,” she mumbled slowly, her fingers feeling the polished banister, “the poems are from the inside of me. What all of you see isn’t the real me; it’s a shadow. If I don’t hold on, what’s real will be taken from me. Who I really am would be thrown away.”   Charlotte took the candle. She walked through the kitchen, opened the cellar door, and descended the stone steps. Emily followed. The cellar had been the dungeon in one of their childhood games. Anne had come with a stick as a sword when they hid and shouted out as fiercely as a little girl can, “Prisoners! Are you there?” About them boxes and beer kegs were strung with abandoned spiderwebs. She heard mice behind a trunk.   Charlotte was looking over their jars of preserves on a shelf. “Blackberries half gone,” she murmured. “I don’t understand the consumption of preserves in this house. It’s months until we can put up more. No one considers, no one cares. Least of all you. Why are you here?”   Emily dropped slowly to a trunk and clasped her knees. “It’s cold,” she said, still clutching the key in her closed hand. “I want to be with you.” She rocked back and forth a little.   “You love us.”   “I do, endlessly. And no one else ever.”   “Including me?”   “Yes,” Emily replied grudgingly.   Charlotte sat down on a box, putting the candleholder on the floor between them. She had removed her spectacles, and her delicate, anxious face was a little gold in the light. “Emily, Anne and I are going to publish our poems,” she said seriously. “Yours are the best. With yours included, we would do brilliantly. Please share. We’d make our fortunes. We’d never have to be apart.”   Emily shuddered. In her mind, they were at school again where she was small. The teacher had slashed the switch across her bare legs, and she had not cried but later she had hurled herself into Charlotte, clasping her about the waist, butting her head into Charlotte’s flat chest, sticking her tiny fingers in between Charlotte’s dress buttons to get closer to flesh and bone. Between the taste of rough cotton and the strong angry beat of her sister’s heart, she knew she would be all right someday. “You will not touch my little sister!” Charlotte shouted later to the teacher. Charlotte was two years older. Such a big girl then.   After that, when they came home, they had begun to write their tiny chronicles. In them they were not little girls but captains in armies from imaginary countries. Branwell formed the battle plans. He’d lead them out, their little feet in imaginary boots trampling foreign bloody mud…safe, safe in their minds, always able to return in a word to their parsonage. Emily rose from the trunk. “I’ll think about the poems,” she said.   The storm was over as she walked through the graveyard.   Excerpt © Stephanie Cowell Praise for The Man in the Stone Cottage “A mesmerizing and heartrending novel of sisterhood, love, and loss in Victorian England.”-Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Queens of London “Stephanie Cowell has written a masterpiece.”-Anne Easter Smith, author of This Son of York “With The Man in the Stone Cottage , Stephanie Cowell asks what is real and what is imagined and then masterfully guides her readers on a journey of deciding for themselves.”-Cathy Marie Buchanan, author of The Painted Girls “The Brontës come alive in this beautiful, poignant, elegant and so very readable tale. Just exquisite.” - NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose “Cowell’s ability to take readers to time and place is truly wonderful and absorbing.” - Stephanie H. (Netgalley) “Such a lovely, lovely book!”- Books by Dorothea (Netgalley) Author Stephanie Cowell Stephanie Cowell has been an opera singer, balladeer, founder of Strawberry Opera and other arts venues including a Renaissance festival in NYC. She is the author of seven novels including Marrying Mozart , Claude & Camille : a novel of Monet , The Boy in the Rain, and The Man in the Stone Cottage . Her work has been translated into several languages and adapted into an opera. Stephanie is the recipient of an American Book Award. stephaniecowell.com Connect/Following Online Facebook Instagram Amazon Author Page Goodreads Name: Stephanie Cowell Book Title: The Man in the Stone Cottage: a novel of the Brontë sisters Series: N/a Publication Date: September 16th, 2025 Publisher: Regal House Publishing Pages: 258 Genre: historical fiction Any Triggers (as provided by the tour host or author): None Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! 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