Most Recent Stories
2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament
Welcome to the 2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament! Begun in 2013, this cherished challenge has resulted in numerous stories being added to the library that have made fans laugh, cry, or tremble in fear at a villian’s evil exploits. A deck of 52 cards is used per table (up to…
What a Fool Believes (by Wrangler)
Summary: Jennifer Burns was one of Little Joe’s best friends until the lie she told her husband almost got him killed. Beaten almost unrecognizable, Joe must now defend his honor in court. Rating T, WC 39,420
Dreams #2 – Epoch of a Dream (by BluewindFarm)
Summary: Choosing to act on one’s dream was the easy part. Handling the aftermath with his family was easier than he expected. What more is there other than an epoch of a dream?
Rating: G (890 words)
Part of the Dreams series, links to stories included within.
A Good Shirt Is Hard to Find (by Tavia42)
Summary: In the Season 12 episode “El Jefe,” Joe is unaccountably wearing a red shirt. This is so strange and unprecedented that it required a What Happened Before to explain it.
Rating: G | Word Count: 2,293
Forever in My Heart #2 (by Wrangler)
Summary: Pa’s point of view is highlighted as he puts his own spin on the story that Little Joe told in “Forever in My Heart” regarding his youngest son’s penchant for coming home late. Rating T, WC 6,402 Forever in My Heart Series Forever in My Heart #1 Forever in…
Caught in a Storm (by JC)
Joe’s plans for a romantic rendezvous go awry when Mother Nature intervenes, but that’s not the worst of it…
Rating: T Word Count: 745
Dreams #1 – Chasing Dreams (by BluewindFarm)
Summary: Inspired by a Pinecone Challenge. A conversation between two brothers. One we were never privy to hear.
Rating: G (955 words)
Part of the Dreams series, links included within.
No Place That Far (by Wrangler)
Summary: Little Joe hides the fact that he hurt his head in a fall, leaving everyone wondering why his behavior has changed. Upset by his actions, Joe leaves home forcing his family to find him before time runs out. Rating T, WC 34,347
Lauras and Jennifers and Anns, Oh My (by Tavia42)
Summary: Ever notice the frequent repetition of certain names among the women the Cartwrights romance? The boys have noticed, and are having some fun with it.
Rating: G | Word Count: 812 words
Fervently Do We Pray – Book 4 of A HOUSE UNITED series (by pulitzer2016)
Summary: 1863 has arrived, and the Cartwrights face a hard winter. Their faith in God and each other is tested as both Ben and Josie face life-threatening situations and Adam must trust his instincts – and the local Paiute tribe – to save them. And in the end, they will all have to trust one another to endure a visit from some surprise visitors.
Rating: T (39,200 words)
One Way Or Another (by Annie K Cowgirl)
Summary: “He’s just one kid against the whole town….” Sheriff Gains’ words echoed in my mind and my guts twisted as I scrambled up onto the roof of the livery stable. A missing scene from the episode The Gamble.
Rating: K+
Word Count: 891
A Private Lesson (by JC)
Summary: Lotta Crabtree’s arrival in Virginia City seemed to spell trouble for the Cartwrights, or was it the beginning of a beautiful friendship? (WHN after “A Rose for Lotta”)
Rating: PG Word Count: 630
Truth and Rain (by JaneYvanne)
Summary: Jamie barely knows his eldest brother, so he writes a letter to Adam to tell him about himself. Based on “A Matter of Faith”, with a bit of pre-canon background.
Rating: PG Word Count: 1901
Figures from the Past (by Tavia42)
Old friends and enemies from Joe’s past return to up-end the Cartwrights’ lives. One wants to marry Joe, while others want to kill him. With Ben away, the Cartwright sons – with a little help – will have to figure out who is targeting Joe, and how to keep the culprit from finishing the job. Part of my continuing Lady in the House AU series.
Rating: PG | Word Count: 44,082
Thin Ice (by DJK)
Summary: Little Joe does not heed Adam’s warning that Joe is skating on thin ice. rating: teen word count: 728
