The Journey Home (by Tavia42)
Summary: On a trip away from the Ponderosa, the Cartwright boys encounter some old friends and one old foe. Even though he has a grudge against Hoss, Joe becomes the target in his scheme for revenge. A What Happened (Much) Later for “The Ape,” featuring Leonard Nimoy as Freddy, and a What Happened (Long) Before for the “Quaker Girl” episode of Gunsmoke, featuring William Shatner as Fred Bateman. No knowledge of Gunsmoke is necessary to read this story.
Rating: PG | Word Count: 22,322
When You Remember Me (by Wrangler)
Summary: After a serious head injury wipes out part of Pa’s memory, Doctor Martin is unsure if Ben will ever remember one of his sons.
Rating T WC 24,300
Forgiveness (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: Joe rides out with some cowboys to fix fences, but by evening, he is gone.
Rating: PG Word Count: 9200
I’m FINE! (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: Adam’s heart is set on attending a performance by actor Edwin Booth at a production of Hamlet at San Francisco’s Adelphi Theatre. As his departure date nears, he can feel himself coming down with a cold. He knows the moment he sneezes, Ben and Hop Sing will have him confined to bed. Can he manage to hold his illness at bay long enough to not miss something he wants so very, very badly to experience? And how much is he willing to risk in order to do so? (17,156 words)
Almost Caught (by LillianMontane)
Summary: Little Joe is almost caught in a brothel when he is 17.
Rating: M Word count: 1476
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
The Appaloosa
Summary: To gain new experiences, Joe leaves the ranch for one summer.
Rating: PG Word count: 18500
Fools and Wisemen (by AH83)
Summary: Young Hoss and Adam learn some lessons about wisdom.
Rating: K, Word Count: 1016
The Best Medicine #3 – Coup De Grace (by Wrangler)
Summary: Joe pays the ultimate price when he seeks vengeance on evil Dr Hale who maimed his leg and got off scot-free. Rating T-13, WC 43,800 Family,Drama,Hurt/Comfort Best Medicine Series: Best Medicine Malice Aforethought Coup De Grace
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
Adam’s Journal – A Rose for Lotta (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: Adam’s journal entry for the day involving Lotta Crabtree’s role in snaring a Cartwright in Virginia City at the behest of Alpheus Troy. Written for the 2025 “Pernell Roberts’ Birthday Week” activities.
RATING: K/G
WORD COUNT: 1,901 words
Chiaroscuro – Between Dark and Light (by Wrangler)
Summary: Little Joe is emotionally caught between dark and light when Trenton’s brother Preston devises a plot to capture him by using Pa as bait. Will he break under the trauma of another captivity? Part three of the Stay in the Darkness series, links to stories provided within.
Rating T, WC 42,240
The Man in Green (by Tavia42)
Summary: On a trip to San Francisco with Hoss, Joe buys himself a new jacket – and, inexplicably, a giant bolt of green fabric. This purchase launches the boys into an evening of chaos and hijinks involving mistaken identities, Confederate spies, and old friend Mark Twain.
Rating: G | Word Count: 19,382
Adam’s Lady: A Romance in Ten Glimpses (by DJK)
Summary: During his last year at college, Adam falls in love with the sister of a classmate and friend. Can he convince her that she would make him a “good wife”?
rating: T/PG13 word count: 5049
The Problem (by LillianMontane)
Summary: Hoss thought Joe’s problem with food had been solved years ago. But he wasn’t as right as he thought.
Rating: T, discussion of eating disorders.
Word count: 2,343
