ANDREA SMUTZ NOVELIST:
Photo: Bodie is a ghost town that I actually used in Book 2
ANDREA SMUTZ PUBLICATIONS
My Books
The Hopefield Chronicles is Andrea's signature series detailing the life and travels of Stannis Hopefield. The series spans the life of Hopefield from his early 20's to his death. He lived for family, love, and adventure. In many ways, he was like so many who dedicated themselves to settling the West after the Civil War. He had the advantage of education, intelligence and money. He used them to save lives, to create his own life, and hunt those who did not follow the laws of the country.
Additionally, outside the Western Genre, there is a modern romance centered around Liz Cunningham with her family and the family business, a large ranch. In process are other romances, some are historical in nature, a murder/mystery, just about anything that enters into my mind and needs development.
So far, most books are available in paperback and eBook formats. Audiobooks are on the horizon.
The following books are available for sale directly
from me or are on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com.
The Hopefield Chronicles is recommended to be read in order.
In 1866, the United States was recovering from the Civil War. Healing was far from over, but despite the pain of the past, men and women find hope to be sought as the development of the country westward promises a better future. Stannis Hopefield arrives in Denver, young, naïve and ready for challenges in the expanding west. He has no interest in joining the family bank and discovers himself while exploring the Rocky Mountains. Stan begins the evolution from the young banker to a mountain man, trapper and admirer of the local Arapaho Tribe. His skills are honed as he is befriended by an experienced trapper and members of the Arapaho People. Returning to Denver for supplies, he falls in love and marries. Together, the couple begin settling into the ranch near the mountains Stan loves. Their lives might have been idyllic, sharing love, family and friend, but it is not to last. A horrific occurrence changes Stan into a dangerous man, ruthless and dedicated to revenge. Nothing can divert him from his purpose. Nothing can save him from himself and the demons in his own mind. This volume begins the series that will follow his actions, challenges, and final resolutions to the trauma suffered in this volume. The entire series, Hopefield Chronicles, covers his life experiences and beyond.
Stannis Hopefield had brought the six men to justice who had murdered his wife. Now, he turned to their young son, Steven, and the ranch near the front range of the Rockies. There, raising horses and cattle, he recovered and planned. He planned to hunt criminals by becoming a vigilante. Focusing on those robbing, killing and otherwise disobeying law, he joins with another vigilante, Robert Reed, and together they connect to arrest a gang stealing cattle and driving them to Mexico. The two men joined again to solve stagecoach robberies and murders. The chase goes south into Mexico where Stan’s patience and skills are tested by a woman and her son that he’s sworn to return to Texas for justice, or kill. Robert learns more from and about Stannis. Sometimes he learns more than he wants to know. Stan’s interrogations results in information to identify criminals involved in other schemes. The vigilantes must fight to bring justice and survive. Other adventures follow and Stan finds comfort from an unexpected source at home. That is until another gang must be dealt with and Robert and Stan are joined by a US Marshal. The three go to Deadwood, the infamous town in South Dakota where he faces the fastest gun he has ever confronted and the three are almost destroyed.
Stannis Hopefield is returning to the city of his birth, New York. There he hopes to provide Steven, his son, with education and find peace from the murder of his wife, Lily. His brother, Duncan, has hopes that medical treatment can complete Stan's recovery from the shootout in Deadwood, South Dakota where he almost looses his life. If it weren't for Steven, and perhaps the promise of improved health, Stan would not return to New York. His life and love is in Colorado, on the ranch he owns in the shadow of the mountains that he loves. But he recognizes that it is time to resolve the health issues and perhaps more importantly, finally heal from his wife's murder. Regardless, he is traveling back to a city dominated by tall buildings not beautiful, wild tall mountains. Stan's life would never be one without challenges and again, he faces them. But these are different. As he learns new skills, joins Duncan in the banking enterprises of the family, he is challenged and meets them. But following his lover, Betsy, departure from his life, he meets someone who will help him find the peace that has escaped him for so long. He resolves to return to the ranch but something or someone holds him in New York. Stan feels a need to save a person, somehow recognizing that the person will lead him to full recovery but not knowing who or what the challenge is. How long must he stay in the canyons of buildings and yearn for the canyons and peaks of Colorado? Who needs him and where is that person? Will he regain control of his life, heal and move forward again?
Two close friends are wrangling in a cattle drive to Kansas City. One, Micah, wants to use his pay to invest, eventually getting his own ranch. The other, Manny, has less of a need for that, but is the wilder of the two, often helping his friend get into trouble. A chance encounter over cards introduces the two to Stan Hopefield. Stan joins up with the two offer help and advice to Micah, and reintroduce himself to Manny. The resulting partnership gives all three the chance to enjoy the friendship. Going home to his family farm, Micah has his two partners join him. The result for Manny is a sudden wake-up call to grow up and return home to learn from his father about the huge Rudolph spread in Texas. But trouble follows the men, resulting in a realization that the difficulties in Kansas City didn't stay there. Suddenly, the men are defending Micah's family. Manny and Micah return to Texas, accompanied by Davey, Micah's younger brother. Texas offers a chance for all three to learn much more about ranching, skills needed to 'cowboy' as Davey says, and for Davey to start growing up in the presence of his brother and all the ranch hands. Resolving his issues by learning about the ranch, Manny plans to return to Missouri and marry Sue. Trouble erupts as two men attempt to kill Micah. Protection is brought by Hopefield who travels to Texas to guard Micah and Davey, after the local Sheriff and Trail Boss recognize his name during the aftermath of the attempt on Micah's life. Although Micah and Manny didn't know of Hopefield's skill as a vigilante, Stan wants to defend the partners he'd taken on in Missouri. Unfortunately, one of the men will not survive. This sends Hopefield on a trail of vengeance, joined by a new partner, a young man who must learn about how to track and the man who is training him. The two pursue the gang that had murdered the young man. Hopefield has once again been pulled from his ranch and where he wants to be. But he has someone to meet, someone to care for and ultimately, someone to complete his recovery and to love.
David Cunningham has recovered from witnessing his brother, Micah, being murdered in front of him. He has matured and now wants to see Stannis Hopefield, the man who hunted the murdered and brought the gang to justice. Davey had questions only Stannis can answer. And now, he is ready to ask the questions and is prepared to hear the details. To do that, he must leave Texas, his sister, Sue and her husband Manny and their family. But it is time to become the man Micah said he would become. His travels are to the farm where he was raised, near where Micah died, and then head west to Colorado and Stan. Now, Dave is a mature man, ready to be the uncle to his nephews and niece on the farm. And he needs to say goodbye to Micah. Maturity sits comfortably on Dave's shoulders. But Stan's welcome is one to take Dave back to the memory of Micah and his nickname for Davey, of Buckshot. Dave used it for years, ever since Micah died, and now, it fits the young man like a second skin. With Stan's help, he begins to understand what was necessary for Stan to capture the men responsible. The lessons lead him to mature and he meets and travels to Canada with Beaver Joe and Little Pigeon, Stan's friends. There, Dave experiences more of life than challenges, but also gains knowledge, enemies, and then, friends. The relationship between Stannis and Buckshot grows and develops into mutual respect and eventually love of two men, as close as father and son. The relationship faces challenges beyond what either might have expected, but in the end, the relationship gains strengths beyond their expectations.
Following the marathon wedding of the three couples, Stan and Susan spend time and he tells of an experience none has previously heard. Then he and Susan travel and return three years later to run the ranch. But Buckshot wants to take Little Swan to see her family in the encampment in Canada. Initially, Stan hesitates but then decides to travel. Once again with Duncan, Buckshot and their wives, Stannis must face an old enemy once more. The incident leads him to additional healing from a young minister in a small town. Returning to the ranch, they settle in. Almost twenty years pass. Stannis and Susan have passed. The family and friends are in mourning, but not for long. The Odyssey, Stan's ranch, must continue. Steven now depends on Dave Cunningham, aka Buckshot, for help and learning. But the family has more to learn. Stannis has left a letter and months after his passing, Steve shares it with his brothers, wives and Stannis' long time friends. In it, he finally tells all that happened so many years ago following Lily's murder. Suddenly, everyone is lost in memories and also wanting to understand their relationship in this large family. It is a time for learning about oneself, about each other and their relationship to the man who created them. This book follows the five children directly or indirectly raised by Stan. Steve, Mike, Young Stan, David Micah, and Lily. Each must find their way through the adjustment of life without the guidance of their father.
Stannis Hopefield and Susan died. Three years later, the need of someone to stop a plot to serious damage to the United States economy. Who had the skills? Who could understand the plot? Who could handle the man plotting destruction of Chicago? Who indeed! But he was dead. Or was he? As Stannis had turned to God as he matured, now God knew who to send as his Angel of Retribution. As Father Joseph had recognized years before, Stan was the one who had the skills, the education, could uncover the way of the man seeking his own fortune at the expense of others. Waking in pain in the glade, Stannis must understand his rebirth, accept the assignment and find a way to stop James Bennett. He is not alone. He has friends, both human and angels, even his trusted animals come to his aid. The men who had helped him before his death, in all his adventures, now came forward to guide him again. And there were others, many from his past, and Stan reconnected with loved family and friends. And his potential reward is great. It is beyond his comprehension but more than his expectations. And with it all, he is blessed by God. Ride with Stannis Hopefield as he finds his way from death to life again, accepts love and guidance, and succeeds in the task assigned. Is this his last time to ride and help others? Stay with the author as she explores a new storyline.
Odyssey is under attack. The ranch founded by Stannis Hopefield, now owned and run by his great-grandson, James, is attacked by a descendant of one of Stannis' most devious criminals. Jim and his cousin, Stan, are terrified and prayed that someone would come to help them defend not only the ranch but the hands and all the family. Stannis has come back before and hearing of his great-grandson's plight, he and Buckshot, Dave Cunningham, return to help. This isn't just a challenge for them to defend their relatives and ranch. Suddenly these two find themselves in the 21st century trying to overcome the stupefying advances in technology! They didn't return alone. With them are two splendid horses, Loco and Cloud. But would Stannis return without Pete? Not likely! This volume excursions into torture, murder, and abuse. But never fear, it isn't Stannis or Buckshot that do this but the violent Lobo Rabioso! This assassin has become crazed with the need for revenge against the Hopefields in this century for a murder in the nineteenth century. Murder and property damage are his tools and strengths and he has planned payback that includes maiming Jim and murdering his wife and children. Stannis has been the Angel of Retribution before and he is willing to do it again to protect his progeny. This volume is full of twists and turns and is often sexually explicit. This not a volume for those unwilling to read a fictional but highly erotic story.
A robbery occurs at the Denver branch of the Hopefield Bank. Tim Marlowe is seriously injured and Robert Carver, his assistant manager, is shot. Money is taken and the customers terrorized. When Stannis Hopefield is told about the situation his initial reaction is that Tim may not survive. Their lifelong friendship is something that Stan values and he vows to bring the criminal element to justice. Not surprisingly, Buckshot, Dave Cunningham, offers to help his friend. Leaving Bill Monroe and Steven Hopefield to run the ranch, Stannis and Buckshot begin to track the robbers. Their journey takes them south, possibly toward Mexico or the New Mexico territory. But the robber have other plans. Heading south then west, they cross the Rocky Mountains to small communities, terrorizing as they go. Stan and Buckshot follow. The two vigilantes have help from unexpected old friends and new friends. The two must overcome heat, thirst, cold, weather, other criminals, and bad poker games. Eventually, they arrive at Carson City Nevada and begin the search for the men. Fighting for justice, fighting the criminals, suffering injuries and almost dying, Stan and Dave must overcome the challenges and find a way to win against a large gang of criminals. Help comes as Stan suffers an almost fatal injury. His brother and a US Marshal come to support the two vigilantes, find a way to defeat them and finally find a way to return. But even with the return, things were still leading to changes. Stan needs to come to terms with his family, especially, his son Steve. All this takes place through the Rocky Mountains and the varied areas of Nevada as the two men find courage and support from one another to succeed where it seems impossible to do so.
The adventures of Stannis Hopefield expanded beyond the pages of the books. This collection of stories, all with Stannis and many of the characters may not be in any previous volumes. Because these stories were written after the publication of most of the Hopefield Chronicles, it was not efficient or attractive to modify the existing books to insert these stories. For those readers that have wondered about Stan's interactions previously to the books, this may answer those questions. This is also a location for some popular sections of the Chronicles, to be repeated. These may include additional information that was not covered in the volumes that have been published. The author did not publish this book until after most of the volumes were published. That is because there are answers here to questions a reader may have. To publish this first might have spoiled the surprises of the various volumes. Just for fun, there is a family circle for the Hopefield and Odyssey Group. Maybe the reader will figure out what woman had what child, where all the children came from, where Stannis found release, or just for the heck of it. As in the original volumes, Stannis continues his search for criminals, trying to save other people from the heartbreak of his wife's murder. Anyone who has lost a loved one through violence will identify with the need for healing and acceptance. It takes time. I know it does, for it has happened to the author and her family. We have preserved. It takes understanding, help, support, and prayer. And of course, Stannis Hopefield still pursues women! What would any story of his be without his need for the female care. Thankfully, as you know if you've read book 5, and now this anthology of stories, you'll know who heals him finally. I needed to do that for this character that I've learned to admire, and lets face it, love. Enjoy this book, full of fun, sex and violence. What would any book be with some or all of those aspects?
Liz Cunningham is mourning her husband, Rob, who dies and leaves her with the large ranch in Colorado. With the assistance of her children and the ranch foreman and his family, she must now control the breeding, sales, management and overall operation. Rob's passing creates challenges she and her extended family must overcome to successfully continue the family business. Misty, Liz's daughter is finishing her Masters Degree in Ranch Management and Liz's other children, Jon and Kate and their families support Misty's efforts. With mother and daughter working together, they face challenges and learn more of each other's strengths. Jon and his wife, Cecilia, and Kate and her husband, Derek, have a life in Denver with their four children. Liz misses the steady management and love of Rob and wonders what life holds for her in the future. Would she have to run the ranch by herself with Misty's help or was there someone who would love her again? Liz has faith that she will find someone to love and who will love her. Following a trip to Europe with her dear friend, Janice, she returns home revitalized and ready to meet that special man. He arrives from an unexpected source and the attraction is immediate and unbelievably Liz is suddenly in love. The story is one of family, the support of dear children and wonderful friends. Love is the central theme and provides a backdrop of finding a new life.
A trio of short novels each with different characters that all found ways to succeed in the opening actions of the Old West. First comes Linc in White Creek Ranch. Linc and Esther meet when he saves her and her son in the blizzard. Neither understood or could prevent the attraction they felt. Both were recovering from the loss of their spouse and child. But even the pull of the woman could keep Linc from finding the men responsible for his own loss. Friends come to his aid, and together, they travel to arrest or kill the murderers and robbers. It didn't stop how the now separated couple felt about one another, but it didn't stop his need to finish the task. And when the posters said "Wanted, Dead or Alive", Linc and his friends understood it would be unlikely for the criminals to be taken alive. The McNaughtry Women is a story that could have occurred, and perhaps did. The pandemics of flu often hit the citizens hard, taking men, women and children to early graves. In this case, the husband and son died, leaving the widow and two young daughters to try and keep the farm. But, the work was to great, hands were not available to hire, and she didn't have money for that anyway. The bank took back the property, having loaned it to the couple before any development. And that was how Edith the mother, with Francine and Janine, found work taking care of two small children who's mother had died. But, although they started the travel to the ranch and promised work, fate intervened and suddenly love blossomed on the beautiful prairie they traveled through. So, Janine, took the promised position with another woman, and her mother and older sister journeyed further west to New Mexico. Things might have gone well, except for the presence of 'slavers' who would capture native children, Mexicans, young white women swooped into the ranch and took Janine. Suddenly she faced terrible horrors for a young woman, suffered at the hands of brutal men, and learned things she had never imagined. Sold to a saloon keeper who recognized the allure of a beautiful young woman, she was kept drugged and drunk, unknowing as to what was happening. At least, salvation would come. Her mother and a Sheriff deputy along with other Native Americans, sought the slavers, and ultimately saved her, only to have her face recovery. Lastly, there is Top Ridge. November was her name, but she was called Nova. Her father had walked out on her mother and her when she was born. An attack left her for dead, but Nova had more backbone than to die. Then after her grandmother dies, she and her Uncle Race strike out on their own. In a remote cabin they rebuild it, trap for furs, and find themselves providing shelter and food for travelers over the high ridge pass in the Rocky Mountains. All goes well until two Marshalls arrive and the confrontation shakes Nova's soul. The Uncle and niece create a small conclave of humanity where travelers rest and gradually it grows into a small town. By agreement, the town became known as Top Ridge. All was well until one Marshall returns, injured and changes Nova forever. His departure is abrupt and leaves her with fear for his safety. Then, both he and she are lost, somehow overwhelmed and separated a second time. Only his great desire helps him travel to Virginia City, as lawless and uncouth as any place in the West. He saves her, then helps her recover. But until they decide what their lives should be, whether apart or together, havoc reigns.