Author: JC
Rarely Pure, Never Simple (by JC)
Summary: Joe Cartwright makes a choice between his family and the woman he loves. (An extra scene for the Julia Bulette Story.)
Rating: T Word Count: 716
Face Down in the Dust — A Ballad for the Broken (by JC)
Adam’s friend Ed Payson learns too late that you can hang up your gun, but it won’t let you go. (A “Broken Ballad” recap in rhyme)
Rating T Word Count 250
Tales of the Cartwright Zone — “Brothers Family Feud” (by JC)
Summary: Following the success of their appearance on The Dating Game, the Cartwright Brothers take on the Bolt Brothers of Seattle in the Virginia City premier of a new game show. (A Bonanza/Here Come the Brides crossover)
Rating: T Word Count:1975
If at First You Don’t Succeed; or, A Lesson in the Cartwright Way (by JC)
Summary: There are a few simple rules for growing up Cartwright: 1. Never underestimate your father. 2. Don’t forget the first rule.
Rating: K Word Count: 1195
A Stop at The Shady Villa (by JC)
Summary: After a nearly fatal case of mistaken identity in Kiowa Flats, Joe and Hoss continue their quest for Texas Longhorn breeding stock, inadvertently stumbling across a potential goldmine (What Happened Next after “The Gunmen”). Written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 Third Quarter Challenge*.
Rating: K+ Word Count: 2974
Double Trouble (by JC)
Summary: A glimpse into the future with grandchildren on the Ponderosa. Ben gets more than he bargained for when he offers to keep Joe’s twins while their parents are away. (Part of the Jacob’s Ladder series, links below.)
Rating: G WC: 520
Junction (by JC)
Summary: After an extended absence, Adam Cartwright is returning home to the Ponderosa, but an overnight stop in a California town leads to an unforeseeable delay.
Rating: T Word Count: 17967
Adam’s Journal — She Walks in Beauty (by JC)
Summary: Adam’s version of events surrounding the unforgettable Ragan Miller. Written for the 2025 Pernell Roberts Birthday Literary Challenge.
Rating: T Word Count 574
Bake Shop Girl (by JC)
Summary: The seeds of a memorable friendship are sown during a chance encounter at a Boston bakery.
Rating: G Word Count: 646
Again, By Grace (by JC)
Summary: A moody portrait of the Ponderosa patriarch, seeking grace amid grief
Rating: T Word Count 793
Little Boy Joe (by JC)
There are definite advantages to being the youngest Cartwright. And who would know that better than Little Joe?
Rating: G Word Count: 657
Always Maddie (by JC)
Summary: In his thirteenth summer, Joe meets a girl for all seasons.
Rating: K WC: 783
Melancholy Rain (By JC)
Summary: Rainy day reflections from Hoss Cartwright in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Rating: T Word Count: 644
A Wise Man Said (by JC)
Summary: Insightful observations from the Journal of Hop Sing Rating: G WC: 445
Encore (by JC)
Summary: On a trip to San Francisco, Ben has a choice to make when the fire from an old flame is rekindled.
Rating: T Word Count: 623