Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Huckleberry Homicide to be released this fall!

 

Huckleberry Homicide Huckleberry Homicide will be released, Oct. 8, 2024, from Camel Press. This is Book 1 in my Fran Lightfoot Cozy Mystery series. 

It's perfect that the book comes out during Breast Cancer awareness month since it's dedicated to my pink sisters, breast cancer patients and survivors. 

It will be available on Barnes & Noble.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and everywhere books are sold. Here's a quick purchase link: https://tinyurl.com/34448jns

When life gets crazy for Fran Lightfoot, she moves home to the small town of Moose Creek, Wyoming, teenage daughter in tow. It sounds good: Hometown. Family. A fresh future.

Fran and her sister Lucy open a small business, The Saucy Lucy Café, in an old Victorian home they have inherited. The soups, stews, breads, and muffins they serve offer townspeople hearty, home-cooked meals.

 

While rebuilding her life, Fran begins dating Henry Whitehead. After their first outing, she finds him stabbed to death. The incident upsets everyone in Moose Creek, especially when people realize a murderer now walks the streets.

 

Detective Gabe Stevenson is called in from a larger, neighboring city to assist Moose Creek's Sheriff Otis Parnell with the investigation. Fran and Lucy develop theories about who the culprit may be, however, Gabe and Otis urge the sisters not to get involved.

 

At first, the police suspect Fran of Henry's murder, although she insists that she had nothing to do with it. When someone begins to threaten Fran's life, she and Lucy are determined to help law enforcement bring the murderer to justice.

 

Even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.  


Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Outlaw Mountain

 

Hi all! 

Book Three of the Reese Golden mystery series, Outlaw Mountain, is available for order today, 

https://tinyurl.com/4526m5cd 

(Also, it can be ordered from Barnes & Noble.com, target.com, Walmart.com, etc.) 

As autumn colors brighten the town of Meadowlark Valley, Wyoming, and the surrounding mountains, the brutal murder of a local woman upsets the locals, along with the mysterious disappearance of a rancher's daughter. Private investigator Reese Golden, along with local detective Jeremy Savage, seek to uncover the truth. 

Despite the years of law enforcement experience the two possess, they are initially bewildered by their lack of leads. When anonymous threats are made on Reese's life, along with warnings for her to stay clear of the case, she fears becoming a target for murder. Because of the danger, Jeremy wants to remove her from the case. 

However, Reese remains dedicated to pursuing the truth, and to stopping a killer before any further lives are lost. Reese and Jeremy continue their investigation, which includes conducting extensive interviews and handling dangerous developments. As Reese falls further down a rabbit hole littered with dead ends, she begins to piece together long-buried secrets. In Wyoming's wild backcountry, Reese risks all to uncover the complicated truth. On the cusp of losing her own life, she seeks to save that of the kidnap victim, as well as to see that justice is served.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

There's a new kid in town!

Hi all! 

Book Two of the Reese Golden mystery series, Diamondback Revenge, is available for order today, April 11, 2023. 

https://amzn.to/3XX3EMO 

(Also, it can be ordered from Barnes & Noble.com, target.com, Walmart.com, etc.) 

Here’s a brief excerpt: Wyoming private investigator Reese Golden seeks a local shop owner's stolen rattlesnake taxidermy display. During her investigation, she exposes intrigue involving a woman's drowning, the brutal assault of the shop owner and another man's murder. Danger complicates Reese's objectives as she and police detective Jeremy Savage pursue justice. 

Hopefully, warm spring weather has arrived for you!

Thursday, March 30, 2023

A bright spot of color!

 

Spring has been trying to arrive in Cheyenne, Wyoming, but snow has prevented the transition.

I've posted some daffodils from my son and daughter-in-law's home, back in Indiana, so we can all get a taste of the bright flowers and the hopeful message they bring.

Soon, temperatures will be warmer, and we can all have more fun in the sun!

If you're in the mood to read and are looking for books, check out my Amazon page and you'll find some ideas (P.S., The Saucy Lucy series is no longer available):

https://amzn.to/42WINMv







Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Diamondback Revenge, Book Two in Reese Golden Mystery Series coming soon

 


Good news!

Book 2 of my Reese Golden mystery series, Diamondback Revenge, releases, April 11, 2023. It is available for pre-order, https://amzn.to/3XX3EMO

I enjoyed writing this story, and I hope readers will find it enjoyable it as well."

As always, my favorite part is writing about Wyoming settings and describing the beauty we enjoy here in this state.

Have a wonderful February!

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Must love snow

When I brought home my Goldendoodle, Myka, last July, I had no idea how much she would love the snow. Later on, I had a sneaking suspicion that she would. However, it wasn't on my mind when I first met her. I simply fell in love with that big, fluffy puppy at first sight.

All these months later, she's shown me her preference for cold weather and outdoor activities. Her first romp through the white drifts was a joy to see. In addition, she adores taking me for walks in the ice and snow.

I like saying that she walks me because of her size! Not the other way around. She's a big girl, which is wonderful, because she has the stamina to go a long way and I need the exercise.

It's just a wee bit chilly here in Wyoming in the middle of winter. When she begs me with her big brown eyes to go outside and explore, there's no way I can resist. I bundle up in my coat, mittens and scarf, so we can trek through the neighborhood. 

Her tail is wagging back and forth like crazy, and I believe she smiles all the way. Blizzards may prevent the daily walks, but not much else does. 

Here's to Myka, my furry snow queen!

Do you have dogs that take you for walks? Or do you prefer to do your exploring solo?

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Final Chaos: A Thought Experiment

Welcome to author Mark Goode today! He'll help us learn about his thought-provoking book, Final Chaos.

In a world ravaged by climate change, where the global population has been driven underground and all life on the surface teeters on the brink of disastrous collapse, Jack Jennings joins the Aquaterrians to fight the government faction for control of the world's most precious resource: water. 

As the World Water Wars rage across the country and water and food resources dwindle, in Colorado, savant scientist Angela Starr dedicates her lab and considerable brain power to researching crop plant physiology for insight on how organisms survive extremely adverse conditions in hopes of discovering disaster-resistant food crops. But then, suddenly, soldiers from both sides of the war turn their weapons on themselves and commit suicide. 

No one saw it coming. 

On the battlefield, caught in the tightening noose of rampant self-destruction, Jack Jennings frantically seeks a way to prevent more self-harm while the world demands answers. Who or what is to blame for causing this mass suicide event, what is being called apoptocide? Amazingly, Angela Starr is accused. Can she find the link between her scientific investigations and the mass casualties on the battlefield―before the world condemns her for crimes against humanity?

Author Mark Goode takes us deep in an intriguing thought experiment that quests for answers about the real world's suicide pandemic. This journey inward explores the relationships between biology, apoptosis, chaos, and neuroscience and describes the first-ever behavioral toxin. We come to understand how it attacks us from the inside and out. 

But is there a remedy? 


5.0 out of 5 stars A surprising twist on suicide...

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 4, 2020

Final Chaos isn’t a tale about Goode vs. Evil, but a journey through cellular biology, neurobiology, aging research and military environmentalism as seen through the lens of chaos theory. But the story line and its surprising ending are actually decoys. You’re really being led along an introspective journey into how your own chaotic psychological life processes might resolve themselves–or not. A psychological reset is the futuristic goal of survivors of the World Water Wars whereby chaotic brain states can be identified and rectified before any damage is done. In chaos theory this intervention would be at the level of the “flapping of the butterfly’s wings” rather than at the level of a downstream “tornado”. With this perspective shift, the author invites you to take a hard look at the metaphor of cellular apoptosis, i.e., programmed cell death, that’s raised up to the level of the human psyche. It then becomes the question of apoptocide, i.e., programmed suicide. But Goode doesn’t leave you hanging with just the question that you too are susceptible to the chaotic forces of life, but he leaves you with viable strategies to offset your vulnerabilities. Read this book–it could save your life or that of a loved one! --Robert Friedman, Amazon Review



COMMENTS FROM AUTHOR MARK GOODE:

Can you imagine trying to write a book about suicide? You can literally hear everyone heading for the exit. One of the victims lives in the past, the others suffer immeasurably, often for a lifetime. My book is a thought experiment that plays out via a fictional story. 

The goal was to get people talking about suicide and create a movement to bring it out of the darkness in a different light. I am very pleased that I wrote this book, I am proud of it, and I never get tired of thinking about the many ramifications.

We humans possess the most sophisticated supercomputer in existence. We experience life via the development of consciousness which is brought to us by our brain Chaos is a natural phenomenon that is ubiquitous, and it can certainly develop within us. 

In our experiment, self-destruction and or suicide can be the result of internal or external environmental factors. Whether driving in the fast lane at 100 mph or simply dealing with the chaos of life, sometimes the wheels fly off, resulting in a major crash.

Join Angela on this amazing adventure and hopefully emerge with the knowledge that we are all human we are all vulnerable and it is possible to reset our brain and our lives.
Finally, join me in a war on suicide and let’s learn how we can support one another, reset our brains and lives from the chaos derailing suicide and converting potential victims into survivors.

The story itself which is the vehicle of expression for my thought experiment is really unique. No one saw it coming.




Thursday, September 22, 2022

Happy fall





 

Today is the first day of autumn, my favorite time of year.

I love the crunch of leaves, the scent of pumpkin spice! How about you? What's your favorite thing about this time of year?


 

Monday, August 29, 2022

1838 Rendezvous site near Riverton, Wyoming

My photos of the 1838 Rendezvous site, near Riverton, Wyoming, where mountain men gathered at the confluence of the Wind River and Popo Agie (now Little Wind) rivers.

The area looks nearly the same as in 1830 and 1838 when Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, and other famous mountain men met for the annual fur trade and to re-supply. Annually, a re-enactment of the 1838 Rendezvous brings attention to the history of the area.

Want to learn more? Go to: https://www.1838rendezvous.com/rendezvous



 

Thursday, August 11, 2022

The travel bug

 

Traveling is in my blood.

I moved around a lot as a kid with my family. As an Air Force Spouse, I moved around with my young children to various places, including Japan.

I've also traveled to other places like Hawaii, where my daughter held her wedding. The Caribbean, Samoa, New Zealand, the Philippines, and many places in the United States.

But Wyoming? I've lived here a long time, and I'm still venturing out to new sites. I have a long list of places yet to explore, and each summer, I try to visit somewhere new.

On a trip to Riverton, WY, I stopped by the Wind River Heritage Museum, which features items from trapper Jake Korell. The displays are amazing, and you'll learn plenty of historical information. Below are a few more pictures of the things you'll see there.

What are some of the places you've visited?












Monday, August 1, 2022

Doggos rule!



It's difficult to lose a pet.

Emotionally, I find it one of the most stressful events to heal from. After Ewok, our little doggie went over the Rainbow Bridge in December, I swore I could never handle it again.

Seven months later, I'm back to being a dog mama again, and I'm loving it!

Meet Myka (Mike-a), our new Goldendoodle pup! She's 12 weeks old and in only 2 days, she's the star attraction of our home.

My heart is happy.

Do you have a dog/cat? What is your favorite story about them? I'd love to hear it. 









Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Survival of the fittest

Look what survived the harsh Wyoming winter! This is a Bleeding Heart bush tuber that I planted last spring.

Its sister plant didn't make it, but this one survived. I love gardening, but alas, Wyoming is rough on anything green that tries to grow.

Unless its a weed. Weeds flourish around here, but they're not very pretty in the yard.

While living in Colorado and Utah I had lush gardens full of tomatoes, peas, corn, beans--you name it! 

Many people here in Wyoming use greenhouses to grow gardens, but that's beyond my reach, unfortunately.

That's why when I manage to coax something green out of the ground, I'm a happy clam.

Here's a drawing of what Bleeding Heart looks like when they get larger and begin to bloom. I can't wait for mine to flourish! These flowers are supposedly deer and rabbit resistant, so wish me luck!




 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

"In every walk in with nature one receives far more than he seeks." --John Muir

     One of my hobbies besides writing is walking. On this sunny day as I was strolling through my neighborhood, I ran across some sidewalk chalk art. I love finding fun things along my path.

     I decided to share it so hopefully it might brighten your day, too. Enjoy!





Thursday, March 10, 2022

Bloody Prairie, a Solstice Publishing title by author Ryan Fleming

 

Hello everyone!

Ryan Fleming, a Solstice Publishing author based in Belton, South Carolina, has stopped by today to talk about his novel, Bloody Prairie. 

Here is Ryan's synopsis:

The Canadian Prairies are a land of endless skies, wild weather extremes, and endemic human trafficking. Saskatchewan high schooler Clint Carpentier takes matters into his own hands when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) drop the ball on investigating the abduction of his native girlfriend. 

A shocking betrayal and bloodbath leaves Clint fleeing to Montreal by way of Toronto with a bloodthirsty pack of traffickers hot on his tail. His ordeal will end the same as it began; in a hail of lead.

This is a neo western thriller that fits squarely with the works of Cormac McCarthy and Elmore Leonard. Horses are replaced with V-8 engines and motorbikes, revolvers and bandoliers with automatic weapons and magazines, but still there are the wide-open spaces, the dust, and the human greed that made—and makes—the west wild.


Ruthie L. Manier gave Bloody Prairie a five-star Amazon review, along with other reviewers. She said the book is action packed, full of gory murders, and love. 

"This is not a genre that I usually read but I was pleasantly surprised with ‘Bloody Prairie.’ Ryan Fleming is a convincing writer who uses a lot of detail describing events and making you feel like your there in the action! I think this book would make a great movie. And the love between Clint and Megan through all they went through was perfect!" 

Click on the links to go to Amazon to purchase a copy, or you can click on the book cover. Happy reading!

Solstice Publishing author, Ryan Fleming





Thursday, February 10, 2022

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens annual Glass Art Show

What is there to do in Cheyenne during the cold winter months?

Currently, a rainbow of glass artwork is displayed on the second floor of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the event. According to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper, this is Wyoming's largest glass show.

Each year, my sister and I go on an annual pilgrimage downtown to visit the dazzling display of stained glass. Life is quieter this time of year; and viewing the beautiful items breaks up the routine until Spring arrives with warmer weather and outdoor activities.

Of course, it's stunning to see the show in person. If you can make it over to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, 710 S. Lions Park Drive, to view the display, it's well worth it. Attendance is free and the show runs until April 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

What keeps you occupied during the winter months? 


















Of course, we took a spin through the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, too. The plants are amazing, and we love those colorful goldfish swimming in their pond. 










Wednesday, December 22, 2021

A new year, a new book!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Some of you may remember a while back when I announced I'd contracted for a three-book series with Camel Press. 

The first book in the series, "Wild Creek Whispers," will be published in April, so here is my cover! 

I love the Wyoming setting of the story, and hopefully readers will enjoy it as well.

Information about the mystery is listed on Amazon at:

https://amzn.to/3yOtBm2

Or go to my website at www.cindykeenreynders.com.

Have a great new year!



Friday, August 27, 2021

Ever dream of being a mountain man?

 


Ever wondered what it would be like to be a mountain man? 

These daring individuals survived starvation, dehydration, harsh cold and burning heat. They had to steer clear of wild, predatory animals in the wilderness. It was a lonely life of extreme isolation.

Their lives were full of danger, considering they lived in the wilds of America's Old West. Fur trapping was their trade because fur was in great demand back east for fashionable clothing and gentlemen's top hats. 

Mountain men made very little contact with the outside world, except when they visited remote trading posts or attended rendezvous. Jim Bridger was one of the most famous mountain men, along with Jedediah Smith. 

The above photo was taken in Riverton, Wyoming, located in the historic 1838 Rendezvous site where mountain men met to trade animal pelts for supplies. The site lies at the confluence of the Big and Little Wind Rivers. The area has also been a meeting place for Native Americans since pre-history. 

Every year in July, members of Riverton's Chamber of Commerce put on a rendezvous re-enactment at this river sandbar. During the annual gathering, they offer seminars on fur trapping methods, demonstrate Dutch oven cooking, flint knapping, fire starting, and much more. 

My visit was in August, so the area was deserted, yet it held silent historic significance. Signs tell visitors the area has been left much as it was back in the past. 

If you can plan a trip to Riverton in July during the rendezvous, you will get to see and experience some amazing things!














If time allows, plan a visit to the Wind River Heritage Center Wind River Heritage Center - Travel Wyoming where you'll get to see an actual trapper's cabin, a 1908 homesteaders' cabin, along with a display of Wyoming's wildlife and a wax museum featuring historical characters who were pivotal to Wyoming's settlement. 

Would you have wanted to be a pioneer of the Old West?