JEB'S QUEST

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Texas Ranger Jeb Powers and his faithful burro Tulip pursue the murderous Ned Burris across the Red River and deep into Oklahoma Indian Territory.
After tangling with the outlaw during an ice storm, Jeb is aided an elderly Creek woman with peculiar brilliant blue eyes. Once back on the trail, Jeb stumbles across an orphaned eight-year-old boy named Russ and then encounters a beautiful woman named Lillian.
Would the old Creek woman take care of Russ for a while? Should he delay his search even more in order to help Lillian find her fiance? With so many obstacles afoot, can Jeb catch up with Burris and his accomplices before more people are killed? — Ride the trail with Jeb, as he faces many dangers and meets a woman who captures his elusive heart.

See below to read an excerpt and to find video links ▼

SALES & FORMATS

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Paperback at Amazon • Paperback at Barnes & Noble • Hardback at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Amazon Kindle • eBook at Apple Books • eBook at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Kobo • eBook at Smashwords

PAPERBACK (Amazon) [EAN 978-1-949187-36-6 | ISBN 1-949187-36-5] 6x9 trade trim (158 pages) | Average Retail: $9.99

PAPERBACK (Barnes & Noble) [EAN 978-1-949187-37-3 | ISBN 1-949187-37-3] 6x9 trade trim (158 pages) | Average Retail: $8.99

HARDBACK (Barnes & Noble) [EAN 978-1-949187-38-0 | ISBN 1-949187-38-1] 6x9 library casebound (158 pages) | Average Retail: $16.99

EBOOK [EAN 978-1-949187-39-7 | ISBN 1-949187-39-X] Available in standard EPUB and Kindle MOBI (52,000 words) | Average Retail: $3.99

Print editions are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. Find ebooks at retailers, lending libraries, and subscription services, including: Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Blio, Kobo Books, Open Library, Overdrive, Smashwords, and more.

READ AN EXCERPT

CHAPTER 1:

RAIN, cold and relentless beat down, but Jeb Powers stayed motionless, as though molded into the tree trunk he leaned against.
Icy raindrops dripped from his flat-brimmed black hat, trickled under his oilskin raincoat collar, and then ran down his back. There was no wind, no sun, just the continuous patter of rain combined with the sound of rushing water in the North Canadian River.
He yearned to mount his horse and leave this miserable country. Yet duty compelled him to stay, and to move meant an almost certain death. Times like these he questioned his decision to become a Texas Ranger. Then he thought of the man Henry Burris killed for two dollars and the young girl he had kidnapped and murdered.
Despite the possibility he might be found frozen to that tree trunk, Jeb was determined to stay put until Burris made his move.
Burris hadn’t any kind of protection except bare-limbed trees, so he’d have to do something soon. He’d lost his pack yesterday when Jeb was hot on his trail, his horse was lame, and his canteen was empty. The killer was trapped on the north by the river, on the west by a creek running brim-full. To the east was a maze of briars and undergrowth. To the south waited a lawman that wouldn’t hesitate to shoot. Added to Burris’ dilemma was the fact he had no slicker, and from the looks of the clouds building in the north snow or sleet was headed right toward them.
With each passing minute, the clouds drew closer, and the already cold air grew even colder. Jeb knew he could wait out Burris, but the need for a cup of coffee gave him an idea.
“Hey Burris,” he called. “Come on out, and I’ll brew us a pot of coffee. Might even fry the rabbit I caught yesterday.”
“Good try,” the outlaw answered. “How do you plan to build a fire?”
“Got some wood covered with a canvas. Just pitch out your gun and mosey on over.”
“You know I ain’t going back to Texas.”
“Can’t say as I blame you. I don’t reckon you’d get a cordial greeting. What say I just take you to Fort Smith?”
“I have your word on that?”
“Yep.”
When Jeb heard the outlaw begin to make a move, he slipped behind the tree he had been sitting against.
Sure enough a shot rang out, and a bullet slammed into the trunk. Then Burris rushed from his hiding place.
“You missed,” Jeb said. “Drop your gun, or I’ll save myself a trip to Arkansas.”

[Copyright ©2023 Judy Goodspeed | No unauthorized reproduction or distribution]

READ REVIEWS

"When I was young, I used to devour westerns and especially loved Louis L'amour. Jeb's Quest reminded me of those classic, old-style westerns and I was completely captivated. Jeb is a fabulous hero. The setting and dialogue was authentic and the characters were very real. I would love to read more about Jeb!" ~ reviewed by T. P. Warren at Amazon Reviews [FIVE STARS]

"JEB'S QUEST is a complex and authentic western story written by an author with deep personal knowledge of the genre, the period, and the region in which the tale unfolds. The story follows Jeb Powers, a Texas Ranger who has spent too much time alone hunting outlaws, and also Russ, an orphan boy Jeb rescues along the way. To keep Russ safe, Jeb leaves him temporarily with an old Creek woman, who teaches the boy lessons in living and survival. As Jeb pursues a cold-blooded murderer and his companions, he winds up helping a beautiful woman engaged to another man. She is not his to covet. At least, not yet. Jeb and his companions face tense confrontations and inherent dangers from northern Texas up into wild Oklahoma Territory. Adding spice and humor to this delightful tale is Jeb's faithful companion, a smart and feisty burro named Tulip. JEB'S QUEST is an enjoyable, fast read with warmth, heart, and humor. Don't miss it!" ~ reviewed by Amber Sparks for Neon Book Reviews [FIVE STARS]

"Judy Goodspeed's new book JEB'S QUEST is a Western straight out of the old days, with details so accurate you can taste the trail dust. The Texas Ranger hero is determined to get his man, even though he gets distracted by another man's woman. Add in a young orphan, the mystery of an elder Creek woman with blue eyes, and a sassy burro companion, and you've got all the ingredients for a great read. Enjoy!" ~ reviewed by Suzi Taylor at Amazon Reviews [FOUR STARS]

WATCH VIDEO

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