Nancy Radke
The AMAZON BEST-SELLING author of clean romances and western pioneer stories, NANCY RADKE grew up on a wheat and cattle ranch in SE Washington State. She attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade. She learned to ride bareback at age 3 (Really! It was a common practice.) and when she got off or fell off, she would pull her horse's nose to the ground, get on behind its ears, and the horse would lift its head so she could scoot down onto its back. She spent most of her childhood exploring the Blue Mountain trails that bordered the ranchlands. She and a friend once took a trail that turned out to be a two day trip. They always rode with matches and pocket knives, so made camp and returned the next day. These long rides worried her parents, but provided plenty of time to make up stories. Her first novel was set in the Blues, and is entitled APPALOOSA BLUES.
TURNAGAIN LOVE was the first novel published. It rated a four star review from Affaire de Coeur. Scribes World said "Turnagain Love has some fascinating twists and turns, unexpected complications, and charming scenes." It is light and humorous.
Her next book was CLOSED DOORS, a novel about a man who couldn't read. This was especially interesting to Ms. Radke, as she taught remedial reading, sixth grade, and other classes. All her stories are linked by characters who know each other from book to book. For example, Zack and Jennel show up in two more books besides TURNAGAIN LOVE. Also her books have a theme, such as the theme for TENNESSEE TOUCH, which is that just being alive is dangerous, so you can't be so cautious that you miss out on life.
Radke has gone through survival and outward bound training, including long-distance ocean swimming. Facts from this training shows up in COURAGE DARES and SPIRIT OF A CHAMPION. Her western ranching background shows up in the pioneer series,THE TRAHERNS, and APPALOOSA BLUES, which is now available. Her critique group used to say that she talked and wrote backward. This really helped when writing the Traherns, as the dialect seemed very natural. APPALOOSA BLUES, another AMAZON TOP 100 BEST SELLER, is the final book for both the Trahern series and the Sisters of Spirit Series.
Ranch life gives a person a can-do attitude, so when she decided to write and produce a children's Bible on DVD, she never doubted she could do it. Never mind that she had to learn to use a Mac, Photoshop, and the Final Cut Studio programs. The first volume of the SHOW AND TELL BIBLE took eight years to complete. It is two hours long, contains 650 hand-drawn pictures, and gives the impression of a picture book being read by a well-loved parent or grandparent. Little children are absolutely enthralled by it. The second volume is three hours long, 850 pictures, concluding with Esther. It was finished in three years, so she really did manage to speed up.
The feedback from parents and kids has been tremendous. Nancy is working on the third volume now, which will complete the Old Testament. When the entire Bible is finished, she plans to do other children's books on DVD. And for her readers, there are more of those coming, THE BROTHERS OF SPIRIT series. For people who love cookbooks, those on Amazon are written by a different lady with the same name.
TURNAGAIN LOVE was the first novel published. It rated a four star review from Affaire de Coeur. Scribes World said "Turnagain Love has some fascinating twists and turns, unexpected complications, and charming scenes." It is light and humorous.
Her next book was CLOSED DOORS, a novel about a man who couldn't read. This was especially interesting to Ms. Radke, as she taught remedial reading, sixth grade, and other classes. All her stories are linked by characters who know each other from book to book. For example, Zack and Jennel show up in two more books besides TURNAGAIN LOVE. Also her books have a theme, such as the theme for TENNESSEE TOUCH, which is that just being alive is dangerous, so you can't be so cautious that you miss out on life.
Radke has gone through survival and outward bound training, including long-distance ocean swimming. Facts from this training shows up in COURAGE DARES and SPIRIT OF A CHAMPION. Her western ranching background shows up in the pioneer series,THE TRAHERNS, and APPALOOSA BLUES, which is now available. Her critique group used to say that she talked and wrote backward. This really helped when writing the Traherns, as the dialect seemed very natural. APPALOOSA BLUES, another AMAZON TOP 100 BEST SELLER, is the final book for both the Trahern series and the Sisters of Spirit Series.
Ranch life gives a person a can-do attitude, so when she decided to write and produce a children's Bible on DVD, she never doubted she could do it. Never mind that she had to learn to use a Mac, Photoshop, and the Final Cut Studio programs. The first volume of the SHOW AND TELL BIBLE took eight years to complete. It is two hours long, contains 650 hand-drawn pictures, and gives the impression of a picture book being read by a well-loved parent or grandparent. Little children are absolutely enthralled by it. The second volume is three hours long, 850 pictures, concluding with Esther. It was finished in three years, so she really did manage to speed up.
The feedback from parents and kids has been tremendous. Nancy is working on the third volume now, which will complete the Old Testament. When the entire Bible is finished, she plans to do other children's books on DVD. And for her readers, there are more of those coming, THE BROTHERS OF SPIRIT series. For people who love cookbooks, those on Amazon are written by a different lady with the same name.
Turnagain Love, Sisters of Spirit #1
romance, humor
"I loved this book! So wonderful to read a "clean" romance, a page-turner where I couldn't wait to see what happens next. I really identified with Jennel's character. And it's a book I can feel good about my 13 year old daughter reading and passing along to her friends. Recommended!" Loves to Read Both Jennel Foster and Zachery Waylan are hired to remodel the vacant house on Turnagain Island in Washington State, he by the husband and she by the wife. Unable to reach their employers, Zack and Jennel must settle things between themselves. Each tries to out-maneuver the other while denying their growing attraction. Where are the owners who started this? Why are they not letting their wishes be known? And who invited the raccoons? |
Closed Doors, Sisters of Spirit #2
Romance
"Nancy Radke writes extremely addictive fiction. Her contemporary romances are my favorites and Closed Doors is no exception. The story pulls you in from page one and keeps you turning the pages. Can't wait to read more of this series. I just love it." A. Brantley Jared Steel is the head of a successful company that builds mega-yachts, and is also co-anchor on a popular business-advice TV show, but he has a secret that threatens to destroy hs life and his jobs. Now his office manager is leaving, marrying Clyde Brekley. Jared knows that without Ellen's help, his secret will soon be out. Ellen Craig expects to teach a child, not an intense hunk of a man who tries to talk her into doing something she doesn't want to do and isn't trained to do. She is afraid she will destroy his company, along with the man, for he is highly vulnerable in this. Falling in love with him does not help her resist his work requests. The characters from Turnagain Love join this story, along with her demanding family, a nosy reporter and Jared's sailboat called the Sea Sprite. There is a mystery involved, but kept secondary. |
Stolen Secrets, Sisters of Spirit #3
Romance, Mystery
"This book is a wonderful mixture of mystery, thriller and romance, with a big dose of family drama thrown in. Angie finds herself in the middle of a crime when someone tries to steal some valuable CDs containing company information. She ends up working with security expert Ryan to find the culprits of the crime. But Angie's involvement worries Ryan and his past trust issues with women stand in the way of him truly trusting Angie and admitting that he loves her. Angie is a lovely caring heroine with a good dose of common sense and Ryan is my favorite type of hero, intelligent, yet able to handle himself in a fight. Well written and very entertaining!" Loves Reading Stolen Secrets is a wonderful mixture of love and mystery, as computer expert Ryan Duvall tries to uncover the "cracker" who is hacking into an Alaskan oil company's information. He hires Angie Reid, even though he has some doubts about her involvement in the robbery. She tries to prove her innocence while working with him in his office in a Seattle houseboat. Their romance has a "Sleepless in Seattle" setting. |
Courage Dares, Sisters of Spirit #4
Romantic suspense, thriller
"Wow! This story was an adrenalin pumping suspenseful, sweetly romantic adventure! A heroine with a tragic past, a hero trying to rescue her from current danger, mountain climbing during avalanche season with a group of thugs and you have all the ingredients for a delicious romance! Nancy Radke always delivers romances that are beautiful, sweet, and clean! You feel the rush of new love's awakening and how it can quickly blossom! I can't wait to start Book 5 in this Sisters of Spirit Series!!" K. Baudoin Courage Dares: Be careful what you pray for. Mary Brown constantly prays for help to overcome the traumatic event that occurred while she was a child. She still blacks out in stressful situations. She cannot imagine that the answer to her prayers lies in a Navy pilot who is kidnapped along with her. The four killers demand she lead them to a carved chest that her father owned. They threaten to kill the pilot, Connor McLarren, if she does not. Conner tries, but cannot rescue her. He has been successful all his life, and defeat comes as a shock to him. As he and Mary strive to stay alive and somehow escape, love grows amid the danger. The answer to Mary's prayers comes as she develops the courage to take her destiny into her own hands. |
Songs for Perri, Sisters of Spirit #5
Romantic Suspense, Thriller
"This is a James Bond-ish type of story with true romance to increase the enjoyment. I don't know how this author can make each book so very interesting and captivating to read, but she does." roadway2000 Perri, unable to keep her mother alive after a tragic car accident, rushes to the aid of her stepbrother. Why can't she find him? Or her stepfather, sho is deaf and needs her help? Hugo works undercover as a variety of characters, which baffles Perri. He's the charming rogue who always seems to be in the midst of danger. Murder, suspense and spy-intrigue, along with a sweet romance. G-rated (as are all my books) |
Tennessee Touch, Sisters of Spirit #6
Romance
"My two favorite things ..football and romance. This story has a healthy dose of both. I was taken by Logan he was real easy to love even though he was secretive. Great storyline." Kindle Customer "A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands." Pr. 14:1 Can two opposites find romance? He's in Green Bay, she's in Seattle. He's a pro football quarterback, she hates football after a family sport's tragedy. She doesn't trust men, because she can lip-read and has "heard" too many negative comments from men trying to date her. In a "You've Got Mail" type of story, he hides his profession from her. She can't decide if he's a hard worker, a hit man, a drug dealer, or what, since he seems to be always busy, on the road, and with plenty of money. |
Spirit of a Champion, Sisters of Spirit #7
Romantic Suspense
“From the very first chapter of this book, the tension is non-stop! Stormy Drake is on a mission to save her brother, Jerry, from certain death even if it means putting her own life in jeopardy. . . which she does. Killer Kyle, the fighter her brother is pegged to fight in the ring is not only her worst nightmare, but he's also the guy she's falling for. The story takes place mostly in Las Vegas, where anything can happen and in this book, often does. This was a fast, and often fun, and sometimes brutal read. Stormy and Kyle are complex characters that make this ride very enjoyable!” Mary Leo Determined to save her brother’s life, even if he doesn’t want it saved, Stormy launches an all out campaign to stop his fight for the heavyweight championship against Killer Kyle, the current world champion. Kyle is impressed by this valiant woman who has the true spirit of a champion, triumphing over the murderous plans of the men sent to kill her. |
Appaloosa Blues
Romance, modern western
“Adam has loved Jo forever, and he's rescued her time and again. But her crotchety old grandfather has been hanging onto a powerful hurt that tore these two families apart. It seems almost impossible for Jo to find love with Adam as the grandfather hates him and his entire family, blaming Adam and his family for something he didn't do. And no one seems to have the courage to stand up to the grandfather as they fear hurting him. Will Jo have the courage to follow her heart? I can tell I was rooting for Adam and Jo to find their way together. You won't be disappointed and if you love series romances like I do, with that strong alpha cowboy, you'll love following this family and this series.” luvbooks Entangled in a family feud, Adam Trahern and Joanna Davies must find a way to reconcile their families, help his brother and her sister find happiness, and explore their own feelings for each other. This story is about forgiveness, and how difficult and far-reaching it can be. Two families, ranching in the modern Blue Mountains of Northeastern Oregon, are held apart by the bitter, unforgiving nature of Joanna’s grandfather. The old man has had several heart attacks, and uses his condition to keep her from Adam. Somehow they must reunite everyone. But can they do it without killing her grandfather? |
A Tennessee Christmas (novella)
Suspense, romance
“Deep sadness turns to joy in this Christmas tale. Robyn is a woman who’d been left for dead by her abusive boyfriend. Thanks to a heroic dog, she meets Daniel. After the loss of his child and a failed marriage, he is about to close up and sell a house he’d always loved. When he rescues Robyn and helps her, their budding relationship teaches him to reassess the memories of his past, while Robyn finds the courage to face her future. This is a story about healing and learning to go on.” Kelsey Tanner Good memories are the diamonds of your mind. Daniel Courtney has so many memories that are filled with pain, that he dwells on them. He needs the loving eyes of Robyn Duvall to open them again to the good memories. |
The Handsomest Man in the Country, The Traherns #1
Pioneer western romance, novella
I enjoyed THE HANDSOMEST MAN IN THE COUNTRY (#1 THE TRAHERNS) by Nancy Radke. This is my first exposure to Ms. Radke's work, and I found it quite different (not in a bad way) from most of the historical fiction I've read. This novella (roughly 70 pages) is an interesting blend of frontier challenges, wagon train life, marriage of convenience, coming-of-age, and tender romance. The content is wholesome (rated G). Frontier and historical setting-appropriate violence is off the page (the reader is just told about it having happened)-- perhaps ranking a PG rating. The storytelling is authentic...from setting to dialogue, historically accurate conflict to dialect. While there's little "showing" and a lot of "telling," I found the storytelling captivating enough that I didn't mind. This first exposure to Radke's writing reminds me a lot of the sweeping saga of western expansion written by Dana Fuller Ross (each book had the title of a State's name, i.e., MISSOURI!, IDAHO!, etc.) and the sweet historical romances written by Willo Davis Robers (CAROLINE, ELIZABETH). I enjoyed this first-taste of the Trahern series enough to want to keep reading. I've already purchased other books in the series, and intend to enjoy them, too. Recommend to fans of frontier-setting historical romances, wagon train romances, wholesome romance, etc.” K. Holt Mally Buchanan is determined to marry the handsomest man in the country. Forced to leave her home at the end of the Civil War, Mally runs into pioneers, Indians, a forgotten love, and a man (Trey Trahern) she is forced to marry. |
The Smartest Horse in Texas, The Traherns #2
Western/romance, novella
“This is a charming story of two young people facing challenging times and surviving--together. Mathew Trahern has survived the Civil War and is heading North looking for work and a new life. When his horse Hero (appropriately named) is stolen, Mathew runs into a beautiful young woman who like Mathew has faced hard times. Dawn was captured by Indians and lived away from white people for eight years. When she is "re" captured, she doesn't fit in either culture. Mathew and Dawn are drawn together by their love for horses and their instinctual understanding that they belong together. In a time and place that is filled with hardship these two principled people overcome the challenges and fall in love. All because of the "Smartest Horse in Texas." A short, sweet love story.” windego Hero couldn’t read or write, but the stallion was still the smartest horse in Texas, and saved the live of the Trahern who rode him. When the stallion found a filly, he decided to stay, and refused to travel on. Since a pretty woman had the filly, Matthew Trahern agreed with him. |
The Prettiest Girl in the Land, The Traherns #3
pioneer western romance, novella
When the preacher advises Ruth Trahern to go out into the world and find her Boaz, she does just that, leaving the Tennessee hills for California. She takes her rifle and picks up a stray dog, and walks to the Mississippi, where a young man who has known her all her life catches up to her. He is a rolling stone and unreliable, but she invites him along. On the way she begins to appreciate his manly qualities, and finds out that he has changed since the war. |
The Luckiest Man in the West, The Traherns #4
western pioneer romance
Romance on the trail. While traveling west on horseback, Mahala’s father is killed in a bear attack. Luke Trahern, badly hurt by the bear, brings her the news. She nurses him back to health, then the two of them journey westward, crossing the Rockies on the northern route her father had used as a fur trapper. Luke Trahern figures he is lucky, and so far he‘s been right. He is interested in getting gold. She is interested in farming, and refuses to stake him. |
The Happiest Man in the Territory, The Traherns #5
historical romance/coming of age
She thought taking a prize bull from Baltimore to Walla Walla in 1888 was tough, but Brynn found out the rancher there was even tougher. The train trip weans Brynn from her domineering mother, teaches her some life lessons, and introduces her to the rancher she marries, the son of Trey and Mally. Light, with spots of humor and one knife fight. |
The Stubbornest Girl in the Valley, The Traherns #6
Historical (1925), short novella
She was the Stubbornest girl in the Valley, and would not consider any man who was not worthy of her. Barnabas has lost his wife and is not ready to give his heart to anyone else. So why can't he get rid of this woman who comes onto his ranch with a dog named Bear and a heart ready to heal his? |
The Tallest Man in Texas, The Traherns #7
Western, historical 1889, novella
"Ms. Radke used first person in an almost Louis L'Amour style for this amazing story. I enjoyed THE TALLEST MAN IN TEXAS from the first line. Jack Noble is noble indeed, and Rachel Trahern knows a good man when she finds one. What a lovely story. I have a cousin who lives in Hereford, TX, and my late uncle lived there. I was pleased to read the fictional account of how the town was founded. Ms Radke did a lot of research for this book, and it shows--not in a pedantic way, but in the flow of events. Anyone who loves history or western romance or westerns will love this book.” Caroline Clemmons Jack Noble, the tallest man in Texas, had to take care of his past before he could enjoy his future. You first meet Jack as “Shorty” in the Happiest Man in the Territory. This story starts when Jack leaves Brynn on the train. |
The Quietest Woman in the South, The Traherns #8
Civil War historical/ novella
“These are the most enjoyable stories to read. They are truthful, happy, down to earth good reading. I love how everything relates to family and honesty, country honor and just plain entertaining. I would recommend these stories to everyone, I really love this author. A+ rating!!!!” samann Cade Trahern saddles up his Civil War mule, General Wheezer, planning to head back to Tennessee. But a lot of things can happen to a man and a mule, as they stop to help people along the way. |
The Bravest Woman in the Town, The Traherns #9
Civil War historical romance, novella
“I have really enjoyed reading Nancy Radke's Trahern family saga. This one, although short is just as entertaining. Our heroine is one plucky little southern gal who against great odds managed to get messages thru to the North and with the help of her Trahern Captain, made her way to safety and to the west. One of the most delightful things about her books is, there are no sexual scenes to mar the beauty of the books. Highly recommend reading, not only this one, but the whole series.” Dora M. Gourley Kate is a “mule,” smuggling guns and other items out of Nashville under her heavy skirts. How can she escape the Union officer, Captain Prescott Trahern, who discovers her secret? |
The Richest Man in Texas, The Traherns #10
The Loneliest Man in the Mountains, The Traherns #11
Western historical romance/coming of age, 1869 novella
“At first I thought it ended too soon. I wanted to know more about the characters and their stories. But thinking about the story afterward I decided it ended just as it should've to keep the focus where wanted. Nancy Radke writes characters that are memorable and even teach you a bit about the human condition (what a person needs and desires). It was also great to find a writer who can compose a story with a completely different voice. This being the second story (I'm already working on a third) of her novels I have read, the "Trahern" series has a distinct voice, very different from her "Sisters of Spirit" series (which I highly recommend!). I will definitely be watching out for new releases from Radke!” Holly Cox Matthew Trahern (The Smartest Horse in Texas) hires his young nephew Philip to take two stallions from Texas to Washington Territory. Philip is a man who needs a friend, and his trusted hound dog, Dixie, fills that spot while he is a youth. He makes a new friend on the trail, Erastus Courtney, but later loses both his dog and his friend. Now lonely again, he discovers girls, and finds that “he who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” |
The Toughest Man in the Territory, The Traherns #12
Western historical romance, novella
“Those pioneers had grit to even begin. An accident at any moment. The author has written of Regan' s close call at the waterfall...that was just the beginning. Engrossing reading and a heart lifting romance.” Bbet This story continues “The Loneliest Man in the Territory,” starting right before Regan gets swept over the falls while helping a pioneering family cross a river. Regan Trahern had pretty much raised himself and learned things the hard way, so he had bounced in and out of trouble, broke most of his bones, and still landed on his feet. This most recent adventure involved a river and grizzly bears, a young woman and her little brother. He not only has to survive, but he has to make sure he saves their lives as well. |
Height of Danger, Brothers of Spirit #1
Romantic suspense
"It was so easy to get carried away to the world Nancy and Nolan Radke have created. You can feel the heat and sense the danger. If you like romance laced with intrigue and adventure, don't miss this book." CIA operative, Owen Putman, must rescue a kidnapped woman while trying to solve a murder. Can he keep her safe from the people trying to kill her? Sample Height of Danger |
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