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The sun dipped low in the horizon, casting long shadows across the dusty streets of Willow Springs. The air buzzed with the laughter and chatter of the townspeople as they gathered in the town square for the community’s biannual festival, a tradition that had grown even more vibrant over the past couple of years.
In the midst of it all, Felix and Olive stood side by side at their diner’s outdoor stall, serving up hearty plates of stew and freshly baked bread. Felix handed a plate to a young boy, ruffling his hair with a chuckle as the boy thanked him and scampered off to join his friends.
“You know, I still can’t believe how much this place feels like home now,” Olive said, her eyes scanning the crowd, her voice filled with warmth. She leaned back against the counter, a content smile playing on her lips.
Felix wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “It’s all because you’re here with me. This town, this diner… it wouldn’t be the same without you, Olive.”
Just then, Isla approached, a baby cradled in one arm and her other hand holding onto Hope, who toddled along with the uncertain, eager steps of the newly walking. Her husband, a kind-faced man named Samuel, who had moved to town a year after she had returned, followed close behind, chatting with Victor and Bethany.
“Look who decided to finally wake up from her nap,” Isla announced cheerfully as she reached Felix and Olive. She adjusted the baby in her arms, allowing them a better look. The little girl, with her tuft of light brown hair and curious blue eyes, gazed up at Felix and Olive, a gummy smile spreading across her face.
“She’s got your eyes, Isla,” Olive cooed, reaching out to tickle the baby’s chin, eliciting a happy squeal.
“And thankfully, Samuel’s calm demeanor,” Isla added with a laugh, sharing a look with her husband that spoke volumes of their shared joy and contentment.
The group’s laughter attracted Victor and Bethany, who came over with two plates piled with food. Bethany, ever the social butterfly, immediately launched into a lively recount of their latest adventure running the general store, which they had taken over a few months ago.
“It’s been absolutely bustling! You wouldn’t believe how busy we’ve been since the railroad company started planning a route through here,” Bethany exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Victor, who had transitioned from deputy to helping Bethany at the store, nodded in agreement. “It’s true. And it’s all hands on deck. But I tell you, it’s a good problem to have.”
As they chatted, Felix noticed Olive had grown quiet, her gaze distant as she watched the children playing nearby. He squeezed her hand gently, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Everything alright, love?” he asked softly, his voice just for her.
Olive turned to him, her smile returning as she met his gaze. “Actually, Felix, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” she began, her voice trembling with barely contained excitement. “I just found out this morning…”
Felix leaned in closer, anticipation building. “Yes?”
“I’m pregnant,” she whispered, her eyes shining with tears of joy.
The words hung in the air for a moment before Felix’s face broke into a wide, exuberant grin. He swept Olive into his arms, spinning her around as whoops and cheers erupted from their friends.
“You’re serious? We’re going to have a baby?” he laughed, his voice choked with emotion.
Olive nodded, laughing through her tears. “Yes, we’re going to have a baby!”
As Felix set her down, Isla, Bethany, and Victor crowded around, offering hugs and congratulations, the news bringing an even brighter spark to the festive atmosphere. The group’s laughter and chatter melded with the sounds of the festival, creating a tapestry of community and joy.
Underneath the sprawling branches of an old oak tree, Felix pulled Olive to his side once more, his heart swelling with pride and love. “This is just the beginning, isn’t it?” he murmured, kissing her forehead gently.
“It’s the most beautiful beginning,” Olive agreed, her hand resting on her belly as she imagined the future. “Our own little family.”
As the sun set completely, leaving a canvas of stars above, the little town buzzed with the promise of new beginnings and the warmth of enduring love. Felix and Olive stood together, their hearts full, ready to embrace whatever came their way, with their friends and family by their side.
The golden hues of early morning light streamed through the windows of Felix and Olive’s cozy home, casting a warm glow over the kitchen where Felix was busy flipping pancakes. The aroma of coffee mingled with the sweet scent of maple syrup, filling the room with a comforting familiarity.
Olive entered the kitchen, her hands cradling her growing belly, a peaceful smile on her face. “Something smells delicious,” she commented, walking up behind Felix and wrapping her arms around him.
Felix turned and kissed her gently. “Only the best for my beautiful wife and our little one on the way,” he said, his eyes twinkling with happiness.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their moment. Felix wiped his hands on a towel and went to answer it, finding Victor and Bethany on the doorstep, their faces bright with the early morning cheer.
“Morning, Felix! Hope we’re not too early,” Victor said, holding up a basket filled with fresh fruit from their store.
“Not at all! You’re just in time for breakfast. Come in,” Felix welcomed them, leading the way to the kitchen.
Bethany hugged Olive warmly. “How are you feeling, darling? Any more cravings?” she asked, setting the basket on the counter.
“Actually, yes. Felix has been on pancake duty all morning,” Olive laughed, patting her belly.
The group settled around the kitchen table, filling plates with pancakes and drizzling them with syrup. Conversation flowed easily, laughter echoing through the room as they shared stories and plans for the future.
As breakfast wound down, Isla arrived with her toddler and the baby. Olive immediately got up to help her sister-in-law settle in, cooing over the little ones.
“I can’t believe how big they’re getting,” Olive said, tickling the toddler, who giggled and clung to her leg.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it? They grow up so fast,” Isla replied, handing the baby to Samuel, who had followed his wife and children in.
Felix watched the scene, a contented smile on his face. “It seems like just yesterday we were all wondering about the future. Now, here we are, surrounded by family and more on the way.”
Victor nodded, his arm around Bethany. “It’s the best kind of life we could have asked for. Who would have thought, eh?”
The conversation shifted to the upcoming changes in the town with the new railroad and the potential growth it would bring. Everyone was excited about the opportunities and the influx of new faces it would likely bring.
As the morning progressed, the men decided to step outside, leaving the women to chat and watch the children. Felix, Victor, and Samuel stood on the porch, looking out over the town.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about expanding the diner,” Felix shared. “With the railroad coming and all, it might be time to grow.”
Victor clapped him on the back. “That sounds like a great idea. If you need any help, you know where to find me.”
Samuel nodded. “And I’m sure the new folks will appreciate a good place to eat. It’s a solid plan, Felix.”
Back inside, Olive shared her hopes and dreams for their child, her voice filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Isla and Bethany offered advice and shared their own experiences, reinforcing the bond they had formed.
As the afternoon approached, the group gathered their things, preparing to leave. Hugs were exchanged, and promises to meet up soon were made.
After everyone had left, Felix and Olive stood at their front door, watching their friends walk down the path.
“Looks like we’re really doing this, huh? Growing our family, expanding the diner,” Olive said, leaning against Felix.
“We are,” Felix confirmed, wrapping an arm around her. “And whatever comes, we’ll handle it together, just like we always have.”
Olive rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “Together,” she echoed, a sense of complete and utter contentment washing over her as they stepped back into the house to enjoy the quiet of the afternoon, basking in the warmth of their shared future.
The town square was bustling with activity as the community gathered for the monthly market day, a tradition that had become even more popular with the recent influx of new residents brought by the railroad. Stalls lined the streets, offering everything from homemade jams and handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce and livestock.
Olive, her belly now prominently showing, wandered among the stalls, her arm looped through Felix’s. They stopped occasionally to chat with townsfolk and admire the goods on display. At a particularly vibrant stall filled with woven blankets, Olive paused, her fingers tracing the patterns of a soft, blue throw.
“This would be perfect for the baby’s crib,” she mused aloud, looking up at Felix with a smile.
“You read my mind,” Felix replied, kissing her forehead before purchasing the blanket from the smiling vendor.
Nearby, Isla was showing little Hope around the market, her newest addition strapped securely to her chest in a carrier. Hope, now nearly three years old, tugged at her mother’s hand, her eyes wide with wonder at all the sights and sounds.
“Look, Mommy! Puppies!” Hope exclaimed, pointing excitedly towards a pen where a farmer was selling border collie pups.
Isla laughed, guiding Hope towards the pen. “Would you like to pet one?” she asked.
Hope nodded vigorously, and together, they approached the pen. The farmer, a kind old man with a weathered face and gentle eyes, picked up a wriggling pup and handed it to Hope, who giggled as the puppy licked her face.
“Be gentle, sweetheart,” Isla instructed, her voice soft but firm.
Hope petted the puppy’s head carefully, her small fingers clumsy but tender. “Soft,” she declared, her voice filled with delight.
Isla watched her daughter, her heart swelling with love. She caught Olive’s eye across the square and waved, beckoning her sister-in-law over.
Olive made her way to them, smiling as she watched Hope interact with the puppy. “She’s got a way with animals, hasn’t she?” Olive observed, crouching down beside Hope.
“Just like her uncle Felix,” Isla replied, her gaze fond as she looked over at Felix, who was now deep in conversation with a local farmer about some produce.
Hope, satisfied with her time with the puppy, looked up at Olive with a serious expression. “Can we get one, Auntie Olive?” she asked, her eyes hopeful.
Olive exchanged a glance with Isla, who shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “Maybe when you’re a little older, sweetie,” Olive answered, brushing a curl from Hope’s forehead.
Disappointed but not deterred, Hope nodded, accepting the answer for now. She took Olive’s hand as they walked back to join Felix, chatting animatedly about the puppy and the other animals she’d seen.
As the day wore on, the square filled with music and laughter. A local band had set up near the fountain, playing lively tunes that had folks tapping their feet and clapping along. Children ran about, playing games of tag and hide-and-seek among the stalls.
Isla, Olive, and Felix found themselves sitting on a bench, enjoying some freshly made lemonade. Victor and Bethany joined them, their faces flushed from the hustle of managing their own stall.
“It’s been a good day,” Victor commented, taking a sip of his lemonade. “Looks like the town’s growing faster than we thought.”
“Which means more customers for the diner,” Bethany added, winking at Felix. “Better get ready to expand sooner than planned.”
Felix chuckled, nodding in agreement. “I guess it’s time to put those plans into action.”
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the community gathered for the final event of the day—a dance in the square. Lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow over the faces of the townspeople as they danced and celebrated together.
Felix took Olive’s hand, leading her to the center of the square. As they swayed to the music, Olive rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
“Everything’s changing, isn’t it?” she murmured.
“For the better,” Felix replied, tightening his embrace. “For the better.”
As autumn crept over Willow Springs, the town was awash with the burnt oranges and reds of the changing leaves, creating a picturesque scene that seemed almost painted. The cooler air brought the community closer, gathering around bonfires and preparing for the upcoming harvest festivals.
Felix stood outside his expanded diner one crisp morning, admiring the new sign that hung proudly above the entrance. “Bishop’s Diner,” it read, with the subtitle, “Home cooking with love.” He had just finished a round of renovations, making room for more tables and a small play area for children.
Olive joined him, wrapping a warm shawl around her shoulders. She placed her hand on her significantly larger belly, feeling a gentle kick as if in greeting. “It looks wonderful, Felix,” she said, her eyes gleaming with pride.
“It sure does. And it’s all ready just in time,” Felix replied, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and nerves.
Just then, Isla approached with Hope skipping beside her and her youngest in a stroller. “Ready for the big day?” Isla called out, her voice carrying across the crisp morning air.
“Just about,” Felix grinned, waving them over.
Inside, the diner buzzed with activity. Bethany and Victor, along with other members of the community, helped set up decorations for the grand reopening scheduled for later that day. Garlands of autumn leaves and strings of soft, golden lights were strung across the ceiling, giving the space a warm, inviting glow.
Olive, overseeing the arrangements, directed a couple of teenagers where to place the pumpkins and hay bales. Her attention to detail ensured that everything would be perfect for the celebration.
As the afternoon sun began to lower, the townspeople started to arrive, drawn by the promise of Felix’s famous apple pie and the newly added pumpkin juice. The air filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of dishes, as the diner came to life with old friends and new faces.
Felix, standing by the entrance, greeted each guest personally, while Olive, supported by Isla, chatted with the guests, her laughter bright and frequent.
Victor and Bethany, now integral parts of the community, circulated through the crowd, sharing stories and ensuring everyone had what they needed. The diner, under the warm glow of lights and festive decorations, felt like the heart of Willow Springs.
As the evening progressed, Felix took a moment to step outside with Olive. They stood together, watching the sunset paint the sky a brilliant array of colors.
“You know, I think about the day I first saw you, walking into my diner, carrying Hope, looking for some milk,” Felix reminisced, his eyes locked on Olive’s.
“And now, look where we are,” Olive smiled, resting her head against Felix’s shoulder. “Your diner has grown, our family is growing, and it feels like every piece has fallen right where it’s meant to be.”
“Every day with you is a blessing, Olive. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better life,” Felix said, his voice thick with emotion. He knelt down slightly, pressing his ear against her belly, whispering words of love to their unborn child.
Back inside, Isla watched them through the window, holding Hope close. “See, sweetie? That’s love,” she whispered to her daughter, who looked on with wide, curious eyes.
Hope nodded, understanding in her own way, her gaze fixed on her aunt and uncle. “Like mommy and daddy?” she asked.
“Just like mommy and daddy,” Isla confirmed, kissing the top of Hope’s head.
The night wound down with stories shared around the newly installed fireplace in the corner of the diner. The community, closer than ever, celebrated not just the reopening of Bishop’s Diner, but the enduring spirit of friendship and family that the diner itself represented.
As the last guests departed, Felix and Olive stood hand in hand, watching the embers of the day fade. They knew whatever challenges and joys lay ahead, they would face them together, with the support of their town, their friends, and their growing family.
In the soft glow of the diner’s new lights, amid the quiet whispers of the settling town, they shared a kiss, a promise sealed between them, under the watchful stars of Willow Springs.
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Puzzled that nothing was said about his sister who is Hope’s mom. Where did the baking come from – Olive was a nurse and no mention of her baking anything in the book.
Thank you for your feedback and observations dear Kathy! The details in the extended epilogue were focused on other elements and I failed to include Hope’s mom. However, your points are well taken, and I appreciate your attention to these aspects. It helps in considering what readers are curious about and what might be included or expanded upon in future works.
I enjoyed this book very much also the adventures they. Had with gang. They really loved Hope. In their own special way.
Thank you so much for your support and feedback, Frances! I am glad you enjoyed it!
You are looking for Hope’s mom, Isla, in the extended epilogue. Isla now has a new husband, Samual, and a new infant in addition to Hope!
So Carol, I really loved the extended epilogue. I loved the book also, but it had so ma y errors in it. Often the spelling was good but it was words that didn’t work with the story at the time. It makes me feel like the proof reader was actually just a spell check done by the computer. Now onto the story I loved how quickly everything could change from all ok to the gang causing all kinds of chaos. Kept me to keep reading so I could figure out what was going to happen next and I just kept on reading. My fave couple wax Felix and Olive. I’ve never read the description of Nico conveyed like you have written him. He was a fascinating character even being the bad guy. What a narcissist he was. Keep bringing the stories and I will keep reading them. Thank you Carol, for another awesome book
Thank you so much for your kind words and detailed feedback Kay! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the extended epilogue and found the story engaging. I appreciate your comments on the errors and will ensure more thorough editing in future books. Your support and enthusiasm mean a lot, and I’m thrilled you connected with the characters, especially Felix and Olive. I’ll continue to bring you more stories, and I hope you’ll enjoy them just as much. Thank you for reading!
A sweet Old West romance.
Question what happened to Isla? Mother of Hope one would think she would be calling Olive and Felix Auntie and Uncle.
Main story a page turner. Isla is a keystone in taking down the Shadow Gang.
Only money is incentive for Mr Barron and Mr Wesley in their attempt to drag Olive back to Pennsylvania. Shameful that Brown family so close minded to place any blame on Olive.
Since Montana was not a state yet until 1889 they wouldn’t have any legal standing to do anything.
Thank you Carol Colyer an excellent page turning story.
Thank you for your thoughtful review Virginia! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and found it engaging. Regarding Isla and her relationship with Olive and Felix, it’s an interesting observation and I will surely update the extended epilogue to clear this cliffhanger! The dynamics with the Shadow Gang and the challenges Olive faced were definitely intended to add tension and depth to the story. I’m thrilled you found it a page-turner and appreciate your attention to the historical details as well. Thanks again for your feedback and support!
I enjoyed the story but the epilogue left me disappointed. What happened to Isla? I was sure she and Victor would become a couple .What happened to the outlaws and what happened in regards to the aggrieved family in Pennsylvania. Epilogue didn’t meet expectation.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I apologize if the extended epilogue didn’t fully meet your expectations or address all the storylines. I’ll make sure to update it to provide more closure on Isla, Victor, the outlaws, and the situation with the family in Pennsylvania. Your feedback is invaluable, and I appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance the story.
I don’t understand what happened to Isla? In your book she was going to take care of Hope as her own that she is. Very disappointed.
Thank you for your feedback!. I’m sorry the extended epilogue left some questions unanswered, particularly about Isla and her role in caring for Hope. I assure you, we’ll be updating the extended epilogue to address these cliffhangers and provide more clarity. Your input helps us improve, and I appreciate your understanding and support.
Loved the story but what happened to Isla and why is Hope with Felix and Olive. A funny ending that left it hanging!
Thank you for your feedback dear Linda! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I understand the ending left some questions, especially regarding Isla and why Hope is with Felix and Olive. We’ll be updating the extended epilogue to provide more details and resolve these lingering plot points. Your patience is appreciated, and I’m grateful for your support.
I agree with the other responses. What happened to Isla??? Up until the extended epilogue it was a great story. How could you forget Felicia sister?????
Dang spell check. Felix’s sister…
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts dear Karen! I apologize for the oversight regarding Isla—it’s clear that her story was important to many readers. It’s been a challenging week for me, and unfortunately, some key details slipped my mind. I appreciate your patience, and I will be updating the extended epilogue to address Isla’s storyline and any other missing details. Thanks for your understanding and continued support.
Who is Felicia? I never read her name in the story but did enjoy the story immensely. Loved reading it in just one day. The extended epilogue was also great I feel it finishes the story line and what happens to the main characters. I did notice that there was not much mention of Isla but what was there I did manage to get the gist of the story’s ending. Great read Carol! Norma
Thank you for your feedback, Norma! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and the extended epilogue. Felicia havs been a mix-up in the editing process, and I appreciate you bringing that to my attention. I’m happy to hear that the story kept you engaged, and your kind words mean a lot. Thank you for reading!
I agree with the other comments about errors and lack of Isla in the extra ending. But, I loved the story, the suspense, the characters, and the added threat at the end.
Thank you so much for your feedback and for sharing what you enjoyed about the story Karie! I’m glad to hear that the suspense and characters resonated with you. I apologize for the issues with the extended epilogue and the missing details about Isla. I’m working on updating it to address those concerns. Thanks again for your support and understanding!
Yes it was a beautiful story but the extended epilogue was all messed up. I was so looking forward to it! No mention of Isla. Then it’s says Felix & Olive have 2 children but Hope is Isla’s daughter so why does she call Felix & Olive Mum & Dad? It’s left me wanting for a more professional ending here & not left so confused!
I am sorry about that dear Judette! I have updated the extended epilogue with a better version of it! Let me know if you enjoy it!
I enjoyed the story. There was so many challenges that Olive and Felix had to deal with. The gang leader made me want to jump into the book and slap him for his treatment of his captives. I would line to see a sequel to this with more info on Isla and Hope. Maybe with Sheriff Victor.
Thank you so much for your sweet support and feedback dear Charlotte! I am thrilled the story resonated so much with you! I have updated the extended epilogu to add more information about Isla and Hope! Let me know what you think!
I have loved this story. Where could we find the extended epilogue of this story? We would all be so pleased to read it. And are there any follow up stories to this town and the people and couples in it? It was very intriguing. Thank you!
Where do we find the extended,extended epilogue?
I loved the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat while I.read the book. However, as others had already mentioned, I too was left wondering what happened to Isla. You mentioned an update on the extended ending. Any ideal on a time frame? Also, I do want to thank you for the many books that I read that were written by you.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. The adventure an romance were page turners.
I was so disappointed with the extended epilogue. Who writes these obviously not the author, or even anyone who read the entire story. I hope you will take this in consideration for your next story.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support dear readers! I wanted to take this opportunity to apologize for the inconsistencies in the old extended epilogue. I have updated it with a newer version to address these issues and provide a more satisfying conclusion. Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy the revised epilogue.
I must have read a different ending, what I read was Hope called Isla mommy and olive auntie. But what got me is that Isla married someone who was not in the book it’s like he just appears and Victor and Bethany are they married or not? I must have missed where one reader say Olive and Felix had two children, what I read was she was pregnant with there first child and at the end it was not born yet. The book was a nice story but a lot going on with no explanation of how it came about.
Thank you for your detailed observations Gwynette! The version you read is indeed an updated version of the extended epilogue. This new version aims to provide a more cohesive and complete ending to the story, though I understand some changes might have caused confusion.
Did you enjoy this updated version? Your feedback is very valuable, and I’m always looking to improve the reading experience.
I enjoyed your extended version,this book was a page turner for me,I felt like I was there with the characters.It definitely kept me interested in the story.Thank you for a wonderful book.
Thank you so much dear Norma! I am glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
This book is definitely a page turner! I don’t sleep much so I read this book last night. So many interesting developments it was hard to take break from reading. Thanks for writing this and I have enjoyed everything I have read of yours so far.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Carolyn! I’m thrilled to hear that the book kept you engaged! Your support and enjoyment of my work mean the world to me. I hope you continue to find my stories just as captivating in the future!
I really enjoyed this story! Thanks so much for writing it! Martha
You are welcome, dear Martha! Thank you for your sweet comment! 🥰
This was a great book…errors and all. The plot, the characters and the setting brought the book to life. I could see myself in the small town welcoming good newcomers and abhorring evil people.
Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding, Patricia! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book, despite the errors. It’s wonderful to hear that the plot, characters, and setting resonated with you and brought the story to life. Your feedback means a lot, and I truly appreciate your support. I’ll continue striving to improve, and I’m glad the story left such a positive impression on you.
Wonderful book kept me interested until the very end. I must have read the updated extended epilogue because you answered most of the questions the other commenters had. I only have three comments, 1- what happens to the gang last we knew they were headed to a different jail?? 2- Did Olive finally have her baby? 3- I don’t think pumpkin spice lattes were known at that time !!!
I’m glad you enjoyed the book and the updated extended epilogue, Christine! I’m happy to clarify your questions: After being transferred to a different jail, the gang faces justice according to the law of the land. Their crimes caught up with them, and they received the appropriate sentences, ensuring that they would no longer be a threat to anyone.
When it comes to Olive, yes, she did have her baby! It was a joyful moment for her and Felix, bringing a new sense of happiness and completion to their lives. Finally, you’re right! Pumpkin spice lattes are definitely a more modern creation. It seems like a fun anachronism snuck into the story, adding a touch of whimsy. I’ll take note of that for future writing! Thank you for catching these details, and I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story overall!
I thought your book was great. There’s just so many pages in a book. Next time make it one thousand pages and you can explain all the characters in detail. Did Felix cook chicken fried steak?
Kathy’s husband, Carl
Thank you, Carl! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. I appreciate the suggestion for more pages—fitting all the characters’ stories in is always a balance! As for Felix and that chicken fried steak, it was a typing error and you have been a very observant reader! Thanks again for the feedback and the support! ✨
“Pumpkin Spice Latte”? Surely you jest? I don’t drink coffee at all, but it begs creduality to think back then they would be drinking that concoction. In checking on Google PSL didn’t come about until the late 1990s. McCormick Spices only came out with the combined spice in 1950. One of the things that I have been finding in many of these books, not just from yours, but many of the stories where they use phrases that are currently popular but wouldn’t have been 100+ years ago. To me it is jarring when reading an historical in time book. As is reading about things like the PSL drink.
Not sure why people weren’t thinking Isla wasn’t in the extended ending or was I reading the comments wrong. If you read the book, the relationships were fairly easy to recognize.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback, Gail! I really appreciate you pointing that out—details like that can sometimes slip through, and it’s helpful to receive input from readers like yourself. I’ll certainly be more mindful of these anachronisms in the future to ensure a smoother reading experience. Your comments truly help me improve both my writing and the overall experience for readers. Thank you again, with your help the extended epilogue can be revised!
Carol, Thank you for this story. Readers remember this is a novel. The author has writer’s privilege.
Thank you, Jo.I am glad you enjoyed the story!
Very good story. Olive and Felix both had their tragedies but they were able to overcome them and find each other. The Brown family and the Shadow Gang certainly tried to destroy them as well as Felicia sister Isle but right prevailed. I enjoyed it very much
Thank you so much, Shannon! I am thrilled you enjoyed the story and the characters’ happily ever after!
Everyone should read the extended story again Isla was there from almost the first. She came up to greet Felix and Olive carrying her new baby and Hope by her side, next she was showing Hope the puppies. Then she was eating pancakes at Felixes home and then she was helping decorate the new diner and had Hope looking out the window of the diner when Felix was talking to the baby in Olives stomach and said that’s love and hope said like mommy and daddy. These are not in order of the time they were seen but the story had plenty of mention of all the mane people. Who cares about the selfish Brown family or the outlaws. Use your imagination about them.
Thank you Deborah! I’m glad the moments with Isla and the other characters resonated with you. I appreciate your feedback!