Determined to liberate five quirky, ragtag orphans not likely to be adopted by caring people, they vowed the children would not end up as they had fourteen years ago. Back then, Merry and Polly and the two boys adopted with them from that orphan train worked as slaves. They received little food, substandard living quarters, and insufficient clothing to protect against the cold winters. Mary and Polly’s children love their new home and family at the sisters’ Mockingbird boarding house. The rescue idea appears to have been a great success—until the supervisor from the Children’s Protection Society arrives. Single women are not allowed to adopt. Merry and Polly each has five days to find a suitable husband who won’t steal her share of the boarding house. Two award winning and bestselling authors conspired to bring readers these two heartwarming stories, A Family For Merry and A Family For Polly in the duet, Orphan Train Brides. In addition to Orphan Train Brides, the authors have in their future projects a duet about the two brothers, Bart and Newton Bird.(The two novellas in Orphan Train Brides are expanded from previous inclusion in the Under A Mulberry Moon anthology.)

    

    In classic Western style, readers will follow Henry’s journey as he tries to right his wrongs. He is tested along the way with a cast of characters out for blood. Of his many exciting encounters, his chance meeting with Killer Miller has the most impact on his future. When circumstances force Henry to make a decision that will alter his entire identity, will he take a chance on this killer?

    But Annie is like a daughter to him and he feels responsible for her safety.Does Obadiah have a Fighting Chance against the ruthless Driscoll brothers? Or will he and Annie become two more victims on their list of killings?Fighting Chance is a thrilling saga of gunplay and romance, perfect for fans of classic Western adventure. Praise for Christopher Kenworthy 'A thrilling read.' - Robert Foster, acclaimed author of The Lunar Code. ‘Kenworthy is a craftsman and entertainer.’ - Richard Foreman, bestselling author of The Sword of Rome series Christopher Kenworthy was a journalist and novelist. His other Westerns include Last Shot and Hired Gun, and he has also written two naval fiction series - the John Paul Jones adventures and the In the Dark of the Moon saga. Pioneering Press is an imprint of Endeavour Press, the UK’s leading independent digital publisher. We publish new and classic westerns by authors from the US and the UK.

    With their background, the two girls need a fresh start. In Colby, Montana opportunities are as thick as needles on a pine tree. Savvy and independent, Rosie decides to take a chance and start a business, earning her the respect of many town residents. She catches the eye of two men. One interested in exploiting her past and one interested in redeeming her heart. But Rosie’s secrets and who she really is shadow her hopes for happiness. Can a man love her most when her past refuses to leave? Riding for Redemption Desperate to find her place in the world, Sara Beth dreams of applying for the Miss Wrangler Montana competition that tours with the rodeo circuit. Riding horses has become her anchor until a near fatal accident takes more from her than she’d ever willingly sacrifice. Determined to prove his business training, Johnny seeks out the Rourke family to call in an old favor. When he embroils himself in Sara Beth’s life, he has to prove they’re nothing more than friends. Seeking independence, both Sara Beth and Johnny lean on each other more and more, until love threatens their friendship. Will they seek out each other or be confused by their dreams? Can either of them leave their past and embrace their future? Resisting Redemption With her heart at war with her mind, Lisa’s need to chase dangerous fun over boring responsibilities tugs at her emotions. Love is the last thing she expects to find, especially with her past revolting against her future. The only love Ryan’s heart has room for is for his motherless son. But, when he finds himself yearning for Lisa, Ryan has to convince himself and her that he’s all the thrill she’ll ever need. Will Lisa’s past destroy their future before either of them can accept the true meaning of love? Regretting Redemption Mary's never been completely honest with anyone--especially herself. The man she's supposed to marry reminds her of her father in ways she's suppressed for years--controlling, abusive, and manipulative. The sisters she's finally found don't understand her shame or confusion. When Ian enters the picture with his British accent and Montana tan, Mary starts to question the past and her loyalty to a father who took away all her chances at true happiness. Can Mary help her sisters break free from their father’s diabolical past? Or will his sins corrupt any chance at true happiness with Ian? And herself? Rewarding Redemption Jenny has memories of a happy childhood, of love and laughter. Then her mother’s death took everything away and created a monster in the man Jenny called dad. Her father turned out to be one of the worst outlaws Montana has ever seen. On the run for most of her life, Jenny comes full circle. Now there’s a treasure to be found and sisters she didn’t know about to save. And a man that’s hell-bent on getting to them all first. Alone, Jenny can’t survive. She’s taken on too much with very little payoff and she’s been running for years. Jason is suddenly there – the boy from her past, the good and bad.

    Four fiercely independent cowboys must learn to trust if they hope to find love. FIRE AND RAIN Luke MacKenzie was haunted by the Rocking M’s legacy of grinding women into dust. He has vowed never to marry—the bitter legacy of the Rocking M will end with him--until Carla arrives. His best friend's little sister has grown up. Now Luke must choose between Carla and the ranch that is part of his soul. OUTLAW Tennessee Blackthorn is ramrod for the Rocking M, a remote western ranch where Anasazi ruins have recently been discovered. His new job is to protect the ruins and the delectable blond archaeologist who wants nothing to do with him. GRANITE MAN Cash McQueen had learned the hard way not to trust a woman. When he met Mariah MacKenzie, he thought she was like nearly all the women he had known, looking for a man to take care of every little thing for her. Mariah had come to the Rocking M looking for the brother she adored. Instead, she found Cash. Together they look for Mad Jack's lost gold mine and find instead a blazing passion. But will passion be enough to convince a hard-rock miner like Cash to trust her, to return her love? WARRIOR Nevada Blackthorn has spent too many years in too many war zones. He no longer believes in anything except his family. Then he meets Eden. He fights their mutual attraction as savagely as a wolf in a trap. She knows there is no guarantee that her love will be returned, yet still she loves.

    After a card game with Benny Gellerman, a man good with a gun, but bad with cards, Ketcham decides it is time to head out again. He finds a place to bed down on a lonely New Mexico farm run by old Corely Mattlin and his widowed daughter-in-law, Margaret. Ketcham has his eye on pretty Margaret, but he'd better keep his eyes open wide for trouble. A local rancher named Jeb Ollfinger is trying to run the Mattlins off their land, and he is not above using violence, even murder, to get what he wants. Margaret is sure her husband's killer was one of Ollfinger's men, a gunman named Gellerman. If Ketcham knew what was good for him, he would head out again. But this time he has a job to do first.

    

    Come along for the ride to meet feisty Boston city girls who know what they want, and rugged Montana men who just need to be loved. It's 1900, and things are changing fast in sleepy Sun River. As the town begins to expand, its inhabitants are getting restless, looking for love and adventure. A Bride for Carlton Why would an accomplished governess respond to an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times? Myra Gilbert had never considered such a thing, but something has awoken within her and she is determined to take her chance on love. Carlton Green claimed his lands, and now has the deeds in his grasp. But something is missing in his life. Will his quest to find love fill that hole, or is there something from his past that could change everything and leave him with nothing? A Bride for Mackenzie Annie Cahill has had a tough life, forced to leave home and work from an early age to support her sick Mama and younger siblings. Always the one everybody else could rely on she decides to finally reach out to take something for herself. But will she find the courage to see it through? A Bride for Ethan Maggie Smith left her home and family behind her to forge a successful career. But she is beginning to wonder if it truly was worth all the sacrifices she has made. But her desire for a family and loving partner may be a challenge to far. Has she already had everything she dreamed of, and foolishly pushed it away? A Bride for Thomas Catherine Parker has been brought up in the lap of luxury, and has always expected she would someday make an expedient marriage, but when her Papa insists she marry a man she knows he despises she has no choice. But will she find the love and companionship she craves, or is she merely trading one kind of hell for another? Can she trust a stranger to care more for her than her own father? A Bride for Matthew Emily Wilkins has led a glamorous life, part of a famous Circus family she has her own Act and a loving family. But a dramatic accident in the Ring means she has to face up to the fact that she never felt she fitted in. With her faithful donkey Claude she sets out for Montana to heal and find herself, but she gets much more than she ever bargained for. A Bride for Daniel Alice Springham has worked as a maid in a top Boston hotel since she was a girl. But she is feeling restless. Not knowing what she wants she answers and advertisement in the Matrimonials that made her smile. She has no idea if it is love she is missing, or if she even wants to wed. Will she ever learn what it is she truly wants? A Bride for William Madelaine Crane has led a life of privilege, but her comfortable life has been ripped apart by scandal. Can she overcome the gossip and forge her way to a life of fulfilment and love despite their censure? A Bride for Aaron Frederica Milton has been struggling to find her place in the world since the tragic deaths of her parents. Her Aunt is making her life a misery, though she knows her kindly Uncle loves her - but it is time for her to take her destiny into her own hands. Our feisty heroine places an advertisement for a husband, but will she finally find what she truly longs for? A Bride for Gideon Alberta Freemont, the daughter of a prominent Boston politician knows all about the need to marry well and that love isn't always a consideration.

    She sets up her medical practice there. One night she's called out to help a gang of outlaws that have been shot to pieces while trying to rustle cattle. One of the outlaws is a young man that she develops feelings for, but he's in and out of her life for months on end. The outlaw attempts to change his life and go straight. It's a challenge that Rose encourages. It's the tale of two people who grow to care deeply for each other, and when Rose is kidnapped, the outlaw, now her husband, rides out to save her. Another novel of the Old West from the pen of R. O. Lane.

    The day his stepfather dies, however, his world will suddenly turn upside down. Even though Shaun grows increasingly suspicious of his stepfather's death, believing that something treacherous has happened to him, no one wants to listen to his fears.Will Shaun manage to unravel the truth behind the enigmatic and shocking death?While Shaun is still haunted by the mysterious loss of his father, he will soon have to confront another daunting obstacle; his stepbrother Clayton's decision to sell the family ranch. Moreover, Shaun is allowed to keep one horse but must leave the ranch, never to return. With nothing to live for and no place to call home, Shaun crosses paths with a horse enthusiast. Little does he know that together they're about to change the rules of horseracing forever... Will Shaun finally have a chance to make his way in the world, or will his hostility toward his stepbrother destroy a chance at a new life and success?With Shaun's move to Prescott and start in horse racing, his life will finally begin to improve. Moreover, a beautiful and sophisticated woman will soon steal his heart. Nonetheless, ghosts from the past continue to pursue him and lead him down a dark path... Will Shaun be able to overcome the lies and deceit that could undermine his chance for a good future? Or will forces beyond his control rob him of his smile once and for all?An action-packed story, featuring complex and fascinating characters, and twists and turns that will take your breath away. A must-read for fans of Western action and romance.

    But, when he ends up in a place where a range war is raging, he learns that it’s not easy to shed a reputation, especially when everyone wants him on their side—and the ones who don’t get him want him dead.

    

    “Why you’re no bigger than a twig,” she said with a condescending smile. "Yeah, but I can fight like the trunk of a redwood tree!" Audrey’s gaze traveled to the guns resting on Violet’s narrow hips. Her face curled up. “Why, you’ve got guns strapped to your hips like a man!” Violet gritted her teeth and forced a smile, resting a hand on one of the guns and held up the Bible she had tucked under her other arm. “I figured between the Good Book and the pistols, anyone wanting to mess with me was gonna meet their maker one way or the other!”