WTB's "Ladies Love Outlaws"

Review by Doris McCraw

First, these three stories are not the great literary short story. I leave that for my academic friends and when I'm in the mood. These three story are just a great fun read!

Issued by Western Trail Blazers in 2014, with Celia Yeary, Cheryl Pierson and Chuck Tyrell as the authors, this is an enjoyable take on women who love outlaws.

Cheryl Pierson's "The Gunfighter's Girl" is a tale of love, loss, redemption, and love found again. Miguel, El Diablo, had done many unsavory things in his life. Now on Christmas eve he has a chance to redeem himself and what he believed he had lost. Add into the mix a child who lost even more and you have a heart-warming tale that will keep you warm for many days afterward.

Celia Yeary's "Addie and the Gunslinger" takes you for a ride you won't easily forget. Take one 'reformed' gunfighter, put him in jail and a young woman who gets him released as her wandering husband. Add a ranch in jeopardy, a cantankerous father and fun and mayhem ensue.

The final story is Chuck Tyrell's "Big Enough" and if you ever wonder how men and women see love and romance differently this story is for you. Told in the first person, this story leaves you wondering and yet satisfied with the outcome. To say more would spoil what was a very intriguing take on the subject matter.

If you are looking for a fun relaxing read, look no further. I enjoyed all three stories equally. Here is to the wonderful short story form and those who love reading them. Until next time, curl up, grab a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy.

"Fire Eyes"

Cheryl Pierson's "Fire Eyes" ( Western Trail Blazer, 2012) had me invested in the two main characters, Kaed and Jessica from the early pages. As young widow Jessica strives to save Kaed, a U.S. Deputy Marshall, from injuries he sustained at the hands of a sadistic and well written character by the name of Fallon, you are pulled into the time and place with practiced ease.  Even Standing Bear, another deeply drawn character, lends to the mystery and wonder of the area.

Pierson deftly explains the rather quick emotional and physical bonding of the leads, although some readers might find the events happening a little too quickly.  Nonetheless, the reader can feel the reality of the emotions and the needs of Kaed and Jessica.  It is this bonding that ties the whole story together and therefore as necessary as breathing.

For me the weakest part of the book is the characters of the remaining U. S Deputy Marshals that populate the remaining parts of the book.  As a reader I had trouble keeping them straight.  There was not much in terms of descriptions that allowed me to visualize how they looked.  It was not until the book was almost over that I was able to tell the difference in a couple of them.  If anything there is a desire to know much much more about these men.  Other than the sub-plot of Frank, who I still have no idea how he looks, the story stays on track the best when focusing in the two main characters.

Yet even with these minor setbacks the book was an enjoyable and fast read.  It is worth the time to check out this early effort by the author.