Summary:  This story branches off from the Episode entitled “Between Heaven and Earth.” In that episode Ben mentions to Joe that he had a scary experience when he was five years old at Eagle’s Nest. This story is about that experience and what made Joe afraid of heights.

Rating:  G  (6,400 words)

Summary: Ben returns to the Ponderosa after a month long absence in San Francisco. He brings along a long time family friend as a guest in the house. A warm homecoming soon turns into turmoil when Joe finds this guest a threat to his mother’s memory and Adam adds to the issues by choosing to announce his plans for the future at the most inopportune time. It is up to Ben to pick up all the pieces and reassemble his family once more.

Rating:  K+  WC  12,000

Summary: Ten Year old Adam Cartwright must face a tough challenge in Mrs. Viola Watkins; a widow woman who is simply a scrooge. Can a falling out between them actually bring them together?

Rating:  K  (7.865 words)

Summary: This story is centered around what it was like for 7 year old Adam out on the trail with his Pa. It covers the two thousand mile journey they made with others traveling west in search of their new life. It describes their heartaches and joys and feelings of apprehension as they pushed on day after day not truly knowing what lay ahead.

Rating: K  (10,035 words)

Summary:  Adam brings a well known engineer from California to help Virginia City with their water problems. Alexis von Schmidt proves to be a brillant man with brillant ideas, but is he the best answer for Virginia City and its residents?

Rating:  K+  (9,500 words)

Summary:  Ben and Joe try to put the memories of their trip to town behind them. They must now rely on their inner strength to help them see past the guilt, anger, and pain. Can Joe forgive himself for what happened and allow the healing to begin?

Rating:  K+  4450

Inner Strength Series, links to all the stories within the series included.

Summary:  The loss of Marie has caused Ben to lose his desire for life itself. He has withdrawn from his work, his friends, and most importantly his family. He has taken his anger out in town and now must face the consequences for his actions. Can Roy Coffee and his boys help Ben realize that life is still worth living?

Rating:  K+ (4,820 words)

Summary: Joe and Ben head out on a father and son journey to town, but a stop along the way causes unforeseen problems. Can the two rely on their inner strength to see them through?

Rating:  K+  3300

Inner Strength Series, links to all the stories within the series included.

Summary:  When young little Joe is injured, his family tries to ease his fears by revealing some of their own scars.

Rating:  G (2,590 words)

Summary: Nine year old Hoss Cartwright wants so very much to excel in school like his older brother, particularly when it comes to math. The pressure he puts on himself to achieve leads him to an act of indiscretion. Can he ever make things right again?

Rating:  K+  WC  4900

Summary: In honor of Father’s Day… Ben Cartwright is the perfect model of a father, but even he can make mistakes with his children. This story is about how he acted in haste. He now must rekindle the relationship with his son, Hoss.

Rating: K+  WC  3400

Summary:  Have you ever wanted something so badly that you’d do anything to get it? Let’s just say Little Joe and his best friend Mitch find out the hard way that sometimes finders keepers end up being finders weepers. Contains reference to corporal punishment.

Rating:  K+ (4,485 words)

Summary: This is a WHB The Burma Rarity. All we know is that Ben drew Clementine’s name from a fish bowl at a picnic prior to the episode. This story attempts to shed some light on what happened at that picnic to make Ben so non eager to be around the Widow Hawkins.

Rating:  G  (9,060 words)

Summary: Joseph Francis Cartwright awaits sentencing. The judge is quick to blame the adults in his life for the boy’s actions. What can Joe say in defense?

Rating:  K+  1500

Summary: 12 year old Adam Cartwright decides to try smoking with his friends. When the sheriff surprises the boys, their simple act of mischief turns in to near tragedy.

Rating: K+  WC  6300