Tag: fictional characters

Character Talk Tuesday-Ethan Charm

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, cowboys, happy endings, romance, second chance romance, silver fox romance, small town romance, Uncategorized1 Comment

Introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ethan Charm. I’m fifteen years old and going to be a sophomore at Mountain High School in the fall.

How long have you lived in Peakview?

Just about a year. My mom and I moved here from Nebraska last summer when she got the job managing Sam’s Hardware Store.

How do you like Peakview?”

It took me awhile adjust. At first I wanted to go back to Prairie where I was born and raised, but I soon discovered that life here in the Rocky Mountains could be pretty great. Especially after Mom and Jake got married and we moved out to his ranch. I love it out there. I’ve got my own horse, several cats, a dog, some goats. It’s the life.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a runner. I run cross country and track for the Mountain High Mustangs. Running is a sport that you have to practice all year long. I rarely take a break. I have asthma so I need to keep in shape. The altitude was hard when I first got here, but I’m hoping to do better this fall. I like to hang out with the other guys on the team and my girlfriend, Lindsee. I am learning roping now that I have my own horse. Maybe someday I’ll compete. Jake is also teaching me to fly fish.

It sounds like you keep busy. Anything else you want to tell us about Peakview?

It a great little town. Everyone is friendly and nice. If you love the outdoors and don’t mind snow in the winter, its a great place to live.

Character Talk Tuesday-Ethan Charm

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, family, motherhood, love, happy endings, later in life romance, romance, second chance romance, silver fox romance, small town romance, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Welcome, introduce yourself.

I’m Ethan Charm. I moved here to Peakview with my mom last fall. I’m fifteen and a freshman at Mountain High School.

What activities are you involved in?

I’m a runner, so I’m on the high school’s cross country and track teams. At first it was hard running at such a high altitude with my asthma, but I’m getting more use to it now. The elevation is much higher than where we came from in Nebraska.

How do you like Peakview?

It’s great. I’ve made a lot of friends. Everyone is very down to earth and friendly. I like being at a rural school. Now that mom and Jake are married, I love living on our ranch. We have so many animals. I love them all, but my favorite it my cat, Carrie. I was there the day she was born. She was the runt of the litter, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in personality.

What are you doing for the summer?

I help Jake around the ranch and I’ve been working part time for Jerry at Heart’s Haven doing some repair work and trimming of trees and lawn stuff. I like it. It’s good to be outdoors in the mountains in the summer. In my spare time, I like to fish and hang out with the cross country guys. We have practices all summer, so running continues. I’ll go back to Nebraska for a couple of weeks with my dad, but I’ll be ready to come back. This town really does feel like home.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY–

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, family, motherhood, love, happy endings, later in life romance, romance, second chance romance, silver fox romance, small town romance, Spring in Colorado, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

Introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Sam Phillips. I’ve lived in Peakview for almost fifty years, I guess that means I’m getting old. My wife, Vickie and I live in the big white house on main street, right next door to Sophie’s Choice Bookstore.

What do you do in Peakview?

I own Sam’s Hardware. We sell a little bit of everything. There aren’t any big box store in our county, so we’re it. For the past year since, Kelly became the store manager, we branched out, carrying more household items and a greater selection of clothing. I’m an attorney and also run a law practice in Peakview. For years, I was the only attorney in town, but now Cindy Welch practices here, too. She’s been a great help now that I spend half of the year in Tumbleweed, Wyoming, my wife’s home town.

How long have you and Vickie been married?

We’re newlyweds, really. We’ve only been married a year. When my first wife, Alice, passed, I thought I’d spend the rest of my days alone, and then Vickie came into my life. Quite unexpectedly, I might add. In a short time, she’d turned my world upside down–in a good way.

Do you have any other family in Peakview?

My family has grown in the past year. There’s my Daughter, Nicole, and her new husband, Rick Brady. Now there’s Vickie’s son Hank, his wife Melanie, and their daughters, Sophie and Marissa. Melanie is pregnant, so there’ll be another grandchild soon. There’s also Vickie’s daughter, Gloria and her husband, Pete and their four boys in Tumbleweed. That’s the main reason we spend winter’s there. Oh and I can’t leave out my miniature Aussie, Marshall. He’s one on the family.

What’s the one thing you’d like us to know about Peakview, Colorado?

Its just a great place, full of wonderful, kind neighbors. I can’t imagine a better place on earth. Not only are the people great, but the scenery is spectacular. Our little community has grown a lot over the past few years, but the newcomers quickly become one of us. That’s just the way we are.

 

 

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY–SUZY DECKER

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, family, motherhood, love, happy endings, romance, second chance romance, small town romance, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

I understand you’re fairly new to Peakview. How long have you lived here?

It’s been almost a year. I moved here on the first of June last summer.

What brought you to Peakview?

I first wandered into town in a blinding snowstorm right before New Year’s Eve. My son had passed away, and I needed to get out of Denver. I just drove. I think God brought me to Peakview. I met Jerry, my husband and a world that had turned dark, was suddenly worth living again. Anyway, we fell in love and decided to open our bed and breakfast, Heart’s Haven. We’ll celebrate a year in business July first.

How’s the business going?

Great. I didn’t know it, but I think I was born to run a small inn. I love all the people we meet. Some become almost like family. We even do specialty weeks. We had weeks for veterans, families who’ve lost a child, and foster families. We plan to do a lot more of that kind of thing in the future.

Any plans to expand your family?

If you mean kids, not right now, but our four-legged family keeps growing. Since opening the inn we acquired a pony, another dog, several cats and goats. It’s fun. Being raised a city girl, I’m loving the mountain life.

What would you like to tell people about Peakview?

It’s a magical place. It saved my life. I want to do that for others. If you find yourself in our area, come on by and spend the night. I think you’ll love our little slice of heaven on earth.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-MOLLY PEYTON

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, happy endings, romance, second chance romance, small town romance, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

Tell us how long you’ve lived in Peakview County.

My husband, Jim and I purchased Peaktop Guest Ranch almost thirty years ago. We absolutely love these mountains and the community. We also love running a guest ranch. Our two children grew up here.

What exactly is a guest ranch?

I’m glad you asked. A guest ranch, or dude ranch as they’re sometimes called, are wonderful places for family vacations. It’s an American-style all-inclusive vacation. The main activity is horseback riding, although there is plenty of other activities to keep our guests busy if the don’t ride. There’s many miles of hiking trails, fishing, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. During the summer months, everyone stays a whole week, from Sunday until Sunday. We have activities every evening. We have a square dance, singing around the campfire, cookouts, hayrides, and an old fashioned melodrama. During our off-season, September through May, guests can choose to come for a weekend or just a couple of days. We are closed in January and most of February.

That sounds wonderful.

People like it. We have many families that come year after year. We’ve even gotten to the point where kids who grew up coming here are now bringing their children.

Any plans to retire?

Not in the near future. Our hope is someday when we get too old to want to do this full time, that our kids will take over. Our son, Brandon is a junior at Colorado State majoring in animal science with a minor in business. He hopes to become a vet. It would be great to have our own with so many animals on the ranch. He loves this place as much as we do.

Where is your ranch from the town of Peakview?

It’s located about fifteen miles northeast of town. It’s very isolated, which is what guests like. They come to get away from civilization. We still don’t have cell service, and we like it that way. There’s always something going on. Stop by and check us out if you get the chance.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-CYNTHIA WELCH COULTER

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, Christmas, Christmas Romance, contemporary romance, happy endings, moving, romance, second chance romance, silver fox romance, small town romance, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

I hear you are a newcomer to Peakview. What brought you to this community?

I was practicing law in Chicago. I got burnt out and needed a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A partner of mine told me about Peaktop Guest Ranch. Even though they were closed for the winter, the Peytons graciously allowed me to come and stay. I fell in love with the Colorado Rockies. Then there was a certain cowboy, AJ Coulter. By the time the new year rolled around, I’d fallen in love with him, too. We decided to start our lives together here in Peakview County. It’s a magical place.

Do you practice law here in Peakview?

Only part time. AJ and I bought a small ranch. I’ve been spending a lot of my time decorating and remodeling. It’s not something I thought I’d enjoy, but I love it. I’m also working on a romance novel. That’s fun. Peakview’s only attorney, San Phillips, now spends his winters in Wyoming with his new wife. I’ve been covering his practice for him while he’s gone. I enjoy it. Let’s me keep up with my legal skills. I may open my own little office at some point.

What is your favorite thing about Peakview?

I love being in a small town. It’s so different from the big city. Everyone knows each other and looks out for them. It’s like one big family. I didn’t have that before. The people here are great. You never feel alone.

So you think you’ll stay?

Most definitely. This is a great place to call home. Our ranch is perfect. We have horses, a couple dogs, and of course our cat, Smokey. It’s a long story, but we give him credit for bringing the two of us together. AJ has two daughters who love to visit here as well. It’s a forever home

 

 

 

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-JAKE MIDNIGHT

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, family, motherhood, love, happy endings, romance, second chance romance, silver fox romance, small town romance, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

Welcome, how long have you lived in Peakview County?

All my life. I was born and raised in Aspen Ridge and now live with my wife and stepson on my ranch outside of Peakview. We also have three horses, two dogs, six cats, 6 chickens, and two pigmy goats. It’s quite the zoo sometimes. My stepson, Ethan, constantly wants to add more animals. I think he should grow up to be a vet.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an EMT for Peakview Fire and Rescue. Have been for over twenty years. We serve all of Peakview County.

Tell us more about your job.

It’s always interesting. We handle all kinds of calls here in the Colorado high country. From vehicles accidents caused by flatlanders driving too fast on curvy mountain roads, to bear and mountain lion sightings, to rescues of hikers and climbers. Every day is different. That’s one thing I like about the job. It never gets boring. And I help those in need–it’s rewarding.

You’re newly married, how’s that?

Married life is wonderful. Kelly, my wife, manages Sam’s Hardware in Peakview. I love having her and Ethan at my ranch. Actually, I met her as part of my job, when Ethan had an asthma attack. He wasn’t used to the high altitude.

Was it love at first sight.

Hardly, we didn’t hit it off very well at first, but it all worked out in the end. I’m glad it did. I’d lived alone for a long time. Having a family is the best.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

If you’re planning a trip to our beautiful county, rest assured that you will have the best help if anything happens. I think we have the best fire department around. Hope to see you all soon.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-ANN ANDERSON

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, happy endings, romance, second chance romance, small town romance, Uncategorized, western romanceLeave a comment

Hi. My name is Ann Anderson. I live with my husband of almost thirty years, Gary, on a small farm just out of town off the highway.

Are you from Peakview?

Almost, I grew up over in Aspen Ridge. I met Gary when I was in high school. We both went to Mountain High.  It was pretty much love at first sight, we started dating when we were Juniors and have been together ever since. It must run in the family. The same thing happened with my daughter, Penny and her now husband, Luke.

Anyway, once we decided to get married, Gary bought our farm, and we’ve lived there ever since. Gary runs a few head of cattle, some horses, and chickens. My pride and joy is my vegetable garden.  I sell produce to all the neighbors each fall.  I love growing things and seem to have a green thumb.

You mentioned Penny. Is she your only child?

Yep. God only blessed us with one, but she is our pride and joy. And now I have a grandson, Bronco. He’s just the cutest little guy. Penny and Luke live a the Walker Ranch which buts right up to our property. I can walk over there and see my grandson every day. Some days, Penny even drops him off when she works at the camp. Gary and I both love our new role as grandparents. We’re hoping that they have a couple more.

Do you have any other interests besides your garden and your grandson?

I have more interests than time these days. I love to crochet. I’ve made a few new baby blankets recently. I’m part of the women’s group at church. We do a lot to help the needy in our community. Gary says I need to slow down, but that’s not happening any time soon.

Anything special you can tell us about living in Peakview County?

It’s the best. The weather, the scenery, the friendly people–it never gets old. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. It’s the best place on earth. Drop on by and see you, you’ll see what I mean.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-LUKE WALKER

On By jillhaymakerIn contemporary romance, family, motherhood, love, goodness, happy endings, romance, smal town romance, western romanceLeave a comment

How long have you lived in Peakview?

All my life. That would be 24 years. I grew up on the Walker Ranch, with my parents, Jeff and Susan Walker and my older brother, Matt. What a place to grow up. My earliest playmates were horses and cows. You could say ranching is in my blood. Unfortunately, Mom died of cancer when I was just twelve. Dad did a pretty darn good job of being a single parent. Although his cooking skills took some practice. I credit Violet for keeping us alive those first few months.

I hear you meet your wife, Penny, in kindergarten. Was it love at first sight?

Not exactly. We were always friends. Her parents own the ranch right next door to ours. It wasn’t until Mom passed that we became more. She was just there for me, got me. I don’t think I’d have made it through that time without her. After that, we became an item–dated all the way through high school. But my dream was always to stay on the ranch, raise quarter horses with Dad, and Penny wanted out. She dreamed of big cities. We broke up when she went off to college in Chicago. I hardly saw her for four years. And then she was back. She found a job at Peak Adventure Camp and the rest is history. I never really stopped loving her.

Tell us about your son.

Bronco. He’s the best. He’s four months old now. He already loves horses. Being a dad is the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. Every day he does something new. I hope he grows up to love the land as much as Dad and I do. Penny is a great mom. I knew she would be.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I’m an introvert. I was the football star in high school, ran with the popular crowd. Everyone viewed me as outgoing. Really inside,  I hate crowds. I’m more comfortable around horses than people. Give me a nice evening at home with my wife and son, that’s heaven for me.

CHARACTER TALK TUESDAY-HOWARD CRANDALL

On By jillhaymakerIn baby boomer romance, contemporary romance, happy endings, second chance romance, silver fox romance, smal town romance, western romance2 Comments

Welcome, tell us about yourself.

My name is Howard, my wife, Violet, told me I had to do this interview. What do you want to know?

What do you do in Peakview and how long have you lived here?

I’ve been here almost 40 years. I was in my twenties, when I happened upon this town. Never left. I’d worked a mechanic, so I was able to purchase the gas station and shop cheap from the estate of a man who had run it many years before. I love it here. You asked what I do. Besides running the garage, I own some cabins down by Apple Creek that I rent out in the summer, I plow and tow folks out of jams, and I’m kind of the unofficial mayor of this place. Someone’s got to make sure the town functions.

Tell us about your family.

There’s Violet, of course. My beautiful bride, We’ve been married a couple years now. Known her for over thirty. Stan, her deceased husband, was my best friend for years. After he passed, I watched out for her. You know, it’s what friends do. Somehow, it gradually become more than a friendship. I still don’t see what she sees in an old cout like me, but I’m glad she gave me a chance. That same year, I met my daughter, Melanie and my granddaughter, Sophie for the first time. I didn’t even know they existed, now I can’t imagine life without them. And now there’s Melanie’s husband Hank and their daughter, Marissa. My life is full.

What do you like best about living in Peakview?

Aside, from it being far from any big city or civilization, I like how everyone looks out for each other. We’re one big family here. No one goes without help. I credit my wife for much of that, she’s the glue that holds this town together.

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about Howard Crandall.

Let’s see. I used to be quite the dancer in my younger days. I could really cut a rug. I may appear clumsy, but I’m pretty limber as long as my arthritis doesn’t flare up. Violet loves it when I take her dancing. We don’t get to do that near often enough.

Any last words.

If you’re ever in north central Colorado, stop on by and check out our tiny town. Who knows, you might never want to leave.