Category: Hurt/Comfort
Someday Soon (by Wrangler)
Summary: Sorting through a box of mementos, Ben finds a gift Little Joe made when he was five and recalls how it helped the Cartwrights through their first Christmas without Marie. Rating T, WC 12,520
Calling Up Angels (By Wrangler)
Summary: When a little boy is left in Little Joe’s care, he hopes to adopt him however problems arise which might prevent the adoption. A tale of love and loss. Rating T, WC 19,382
The Sound of Surviving (by Wrangler)
Summary: Though his family thinks he’s paranoid due to the trauma of the past year Joe insists he’s acting instinctively. Now he faces one final battle to prove he’s a survivor and no longer a victim.
Rating T, WC 37,040 Links to stories within the series are included within.
The Truth Be Told (by Wrangler)
Summary: There’s trouble brewing when Pa accuses his youngest of coming home drunk on several occasions but Little Joe insists he’s innocent. The truth proves to be unpredictable. Rating T, WC 13,401
It Was Just One Second (by AC1830)
Summary: How long does it take to change a life forever? Joe Cartwright finds out it only takes a second. Written for the 2025 Michael Landon’s Birthday Challenge – pick a period of time, from a second up to a year, that changed Joe Cartwright’s life forever.
Rating: T, Word Count: 1101
Thirst (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: A Halloween story, told by Joe and Hoss. Joe gets into trouble while Hoss does everything to fix things again.
Rating: PG Word count: 9000
When October Goes (by Wrangler)
Summary: Ben disowns Little Joe; Adam fights him in town and Hoss ignores him. Now everyone wants to know why. The reason lies in October. Rating T, WC 41,844
The Declaration (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: An older brother mourns his believed failure in keeping a promise. Written for the 3rd Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs Writing Challenge.
RATING: K/G WORD COUNT: 1,335
If Your Heart Cries Out Tonight (by Wrangler)
Summary: Little Joe reflects back to when he challenged an important decision that his father made. Now, at seventeen, he discovers why Pa was right.
Rating T WC 10,225,
Hellbent, Population – 98 (by Wrangler)
Summary: Ben and Joe have a layover in the town of Hellbent. That’s where the highly logical patriarch of the Ponderosa, and his highly illogical son, Joe, get a good dose of what a ghost town is all about.
Rated: K WC 14,000
I’m Already There (by Wrangler)
Summary: Little Joe doesn’t know what to do with himself when Pa is delayed and can’t make his seventeenth birthday. A simple sweet tale.
Rating T, WC 3326,
Sick Love (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: Joe wants to end a relationship, but the girl has other ideas.
Rating: PG-13 Word count: 10600
The Trapper (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: Joe’s encounter with an old trapper turns into a harrowing adventure that tests his courage, endurance, and creativity.
Rating: PG Word count: 14600
Not Til We Find Him (by Patina)
Summary:. A missing son, a father’s search. A WHIB and WHI for The Crucible.
Rating: T Word Count: 5,353
Remember When (by Wrangler)
Summary: Ben recalls a bittersweet moment from the past when a special gift from Little Joe caused a big misunderstanding. (A rare shorter story)
Rating T WC 2,568,
