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Gideon and Jedediah #2
Earth and Sun, Cedar and Sage
Gideon Makepeace grew up in Bill Tourney's Traveling Wild West Show, so he knows Indians better than a lot of folks of his day. He and his half-breed lover, Jedediah Buffalo Bird, are traveling east to New Orleans where Gideon hopes they'll find a home together, safe among the crowds of the big city. But it's winter in the desert and a storm is blowing in, so when they run across Kingman, Arizona, just before Christmas, they decide to take their chances and hunker down for the holiday.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2009 Advent Calendar package "Mistletoe Madness".
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2009 Advent Calendar package "Mistletoe Madness".
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2009
121 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mills
21 books21 followersMargaret Mills is a professional technical writer and editor; branching into narrative fiction seemed like a natural extension of the pleasure that writing has always been for her. A California resident, Maggie enjoys hiking in the nearby hills, reading, walking the dog on the beach, and writing with her co-author, Tedi Ward. Maggie met Tedi in a writers' group, and their personalities mix almost as well as their characters' do; they enjoy writing the kinds of stories they love to read.
Her most exciting adventure involved a brief but thrilling skydiving habit. Her next exciting adventure involves a trip to Yosemite National Park where she'll be hiking Half Dome with her husband of twenty-five years.
Her most exciting adventure involved a brief but thrilling skydiving habit. Her next exciting adventure involves a trip to Yosemite National Park where she'll be hiking Half Dome with her husband of twenty-five years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 2, 2019
***4.5 Stars***
Beautiful, perfect, extended epilogue for Well Traveled, which could not have been any better! ❤
Beautiful, perfect, extended epilogue for Well Traveled, which could not have been any better! ❤
March 27, 2014
Gideon and his half-breed lover, Jedediah, was still on the road heading to New Orleans. They stopped in Kingman, Arizona, due to winter storm and stopped for some warm places and maybe a chance to celebrate holiday.
I was quite surprised when I saw that the release date for this novella was actually PRIOR Well Traveled because the story was a continuation of that novel. There was the understated tone combined with fear of something bad that might happened and my heart just broke when I read the story of Jed's past and why he became very careful person. I also got choked up when Gideon begged Jed never to leave without telling him first ...
And of course, the scene where they bathe each other was so intimate it hurt. It was as lovely as the novel (and why didn't these two authors writing again?!?)
I was quite surprised when I saw that the release date for this novella was actually PRIOR Well Traveled because the story was a continuation of that novel. There was the understated tone combined with fear of something bad that might happened and my heart just broke when I read the story of Jed's past and why he became very careful person. I also got choked up when Gideon begged Jed never to leave without telling him first ...
“Jed,” he said, desperate enough to reach down and catch his lover’s cheek, “tell me before you ask the spirits, tell me before you think about leaving. I- I don’t think I could bear to lose you ’cause of something I did. Hell, hit me if you have to, but give me the chance to make it right.”
And of course, the scene where they bathe each other was so intimate it hurt. It was as lovely as the novel (and why didn't these two authors writing again?!?)
March 5, 2019
An utterly charming and meaningful addition to Well Traveled
I reviewed together with the first novel here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2727790160
I reviewed together with the first novel here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2727790160
April 9, 2015
Мало! Мало! Мало!
По сюжету еще возможна куча таких новелл, но особо интересно было бы прочитать про знакомство с семьей Гидеона и, возможно, с близкими Джеда.
Ну почему авторы не продолжили приключения этой парочки???
По сюжету еще возможна куча таких новелл, но особо интересно было бы прочитать про знакомство с семьей Гидеона и, возможно, с близкими Джеда.
Ну почему авторы не продолжили приключения этой парочки???
May 20, 2021
Wish there was more.
August 12, 2012
I do so love Gideon and Jedediah. My only complaint with this one is that it's too short. Can we please get a Gideon and Jedediah #3? In this short sequel, they are moving on and stop in a town along their way to New Orleans to meet up with Gideon's family and their western side show. It's Christmas and through the help of a kind stranger, Gideon and Jedediah get the opportunity to spend a very special Christmas together.
March 29, 2020
It's nice to know that Jed and Gideon are continuing to live happily ever after. I hope there will be more of them soon.
July 13, 2023
I missed Jed and Gideon so much. I read the first book Well Traveled back in early 2020 and, at that time, couldn't find this sequel novella for purchase or download anywhere. I randomly searched this month and was able to find it and immediately jumped in. I wish Mills and Ward were more prolific writers of fiction or even had more of an online presence because this series needs to be more well known and loved, at the least enough to get more stories out of the authors.
This is just a quick glimpse of Jed and Gideon's time together. They stop in Kingman, AZ after leaving California at the end of the first book. They stop just before Christmas and the stable master of the town is kind enough to help them out, despite normal prejudices of the time and area. They end up staying in the area for a few days into Christmas day and it's just a sweet story with two very sweet characters.
This is just a quick glimpse of Jed and Gideon's time together. They stop in Kingman, AZ after leaving California at the end of the first book. They stop just before Christmas and the stable master of the town is kind enough to help them out, despite normal prejudices of the time and area. They end up staying in the area for a few days into Christmas day and it's just a sweet story with two very sweet characters.
January 23, 2010
This was one of the Dreamspinner Christmas things that I didn't read and everyone said it is amazing and I finally sucked it up and read it. There is a reason why I don't read historicals, I had to skim over part of it. I KNOW really really bad shit happened, I don't want to read about it. But besides that, Jed is a half-breed traveling with Gideon whose family owned a traveling wild west show. They are heading to New Orleans but it's Christmas and they are only in Arizona and it's starting to snow. They stop at a small town and face prejudice which just makes Gideon wacky despite Jed telling him to let it go. They find friendship in the form of the livery stable owner who lets them sleep there (no boarding house with take a Native American) and tells them of an abandoned mining camp where they can set up house if they want. They do spend a few days and get to know each other better and Gideon (20) finds out why Jed (much older) was so adamant about not fooling around in the livery. (skimmed part). After "educating" the locals and proving that Jed is not a savage they still decide to push on to New Orleans where Gideon believes they can have a "normal" life, relatively speaking.
It was really well written - there was some nice background about aboriginal customs such as smudging and despite Jed's stoic nature you knew he loved Gideon and it was obvious Gideon had that naive enthusiasm of youth. I liked the characters but the constant living in fear of discovery combined with being aboriginal and dealing with that causes a level of angst for me I don't particularly enjoy. (You'll likely notice I also slipped into calling him aboriginal or Native America because as a Canadian we never use the word Indian unless you are from Mumbai. Just NOT done, and I have difficulty even typing it in that context. PC is us. :-)
It was really well written - there was some nice background about aboriginal customs such as smudging and despite Jed's stoic nature you knew he loved Gideon and it was obvious Gideon had that naive enthusiasm of youth. I liked the characters but the constant living in fear of discovery combined with being aboriginal and dealing with that causes a level of angst for me I don't particularly enjoy. (You'll likely notice I also slipped into calling him aboriginal or Native America because as a Canadian we never use the word Indian unless you are from Mumbai. Just NOT done, and I have difficulty even typing it in that context. PC is us. :-)
December 5, 2009
This is an amazing story about change and acceptance, set in the 'Wild West' of the late 1800s. The situation of the two taveling lovers facing hostile people in the town had me facinated as much as the vivid and detailed descriptions of their world.
Gideon is a young and sometimes hot-headed white man in love with the slightly older half-Sioux Jed. On their way to New Orleans, where they hope to find a society more accepting of a Native American, Gideon learns to understand Jed's hesitance and weariness towards white people better. The story of both lovers making the effort to bridge the cultural differences between them is beautifully and well told.
Gideon is a young and sometimes hot-headed white man in love with the slightly older half-Sioux Jed. On their way to New Orleans, where they hope to find a society more accepting of a Native American, Gideon learns to understand Jed's hesitance and weariness towards white people better. The story of both lovers making the effort to bridge the cultural differences between them is beautifully and well told.
June 5, 2016
Wonderful follow-on book to "Well Traveled" (although another reviewer said this was written and released before "Well Traveled"). This is a much shorter book but it picks up just as "Well Traveled" ended with Gideon and Jedediah on the road to New Orleans where hopefully a white 20-year old boy and a little older Sioux indian (I don't remember ever really knowing how old Jed was, maybe because Jed didn't really know) M/M couple can live together in peace.
We got to know why Jed was really so afraid of being out in the open as a gay couple (very sad) and spent a wonderful Christmas with them where each of their true feelings for each other were admitted. I just loved this couple.
We got to know why Jed was really so afraid of being out in the open as a gay couple (very sad) and spent a wonderful Christmas with them where each of their true feelings for each other were admitted. I just loved this couple.
September 7, 2016
Same as the first one. I don't even see the point in this book, it's much shorter and adds nothing to the overall story. Just a cutesy Christmas sketch.
May 27, 2014
A nice follow-up to Well Traveled. Wish it was longer)
November 19, 2024
4 years to find a copy to read the sequel O_O
It was nice revisiting this couple.. of course I wish Gideon wasn't such a horny dog to make Jed anxious and angry but it all sort of ends well. While they are together and they love each other so much, this sequel still feels like a HFN because 1) they are not settling down in the small town they spent Christmas, and 2) Jed was really thinking about leaving Gideon bc it is such a danger for them to be together.
But them bathing each other was really sweet, and I love Gideon fighting for Jed in small things, like getting his gloves back.
It was nice revisiting this couple.. of course I wish Gideon wasn't such a horny dog to make Jed anxious and angry but it all sort of ends well. While they are together and they love each other so much, this sequel still feels like a HFN because 1) they are not settling down in the small town they spent Christmas, and 2) Jed was really thinking about leaving Gideon bc it is such a danger for them to be together.
But them bathing each other was really sweet, and I love Gideon fighting for Jed in small things, like getting his gloves back.
April 21, 2011
Although we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, I wouldn’t have taken up this one either, only based on the front picture and the blurb. There’s another saying, you eat with your eyes first, and this is obviously true in m/m fiction, too. There’s a lot to be said to the power of covers… Then again, better an unassuming cover that hides a precious little gem of a story like this one does, than a “holy hell HAWT” cover when the story can’t live up to it.
This book takes up a few days after Well Traveled ends. (It was published as early as December 2009 as a part of the DSP “Mistletoe Madness” series). Thus, it has a bit of background info on Gideon and Jed that isn’t necessary for those who have read Well Traveled, but just enough so this book could be read as a standalone. I wouldn’t really recommend doing so though, since by reading this first you’d miss out on a lot of what was and is going on between Jed and Gideon, and what makes the few short days pictured in here so important for them.
This book didn’t quite live up to the epic qualities of Well Traveled, of course, but it still was a remarkable read. In here, I found the concept of showing, not telling exercised to perfection. Because of the shortness of the format, the characters coldn’t be that fully worked out, but the authors still did a great job in making them three – dimensional and real. Only one example: While Gideon says “I love you” several times, Jed doesn’t, not once. But in his words and actions he conveys the sentiment so clearly I didn’t need him to, and I absolutely bought that Gideon didn’t need Jed to speak the words either. The secondary cast wasn’t as colorful, but given that the gist of this story was the progress Jed and Gideon made as lovers, this didn’t bother me overly much.
Sometimes I find epilogues superfluous, at times even annoying. This one provided an important step forward in Jed’s and Gideon’s relationship, which was still so fragile and new after the end of Well Traveled but now seems firmed, so much so as to be able to withstand a whole lot of obstacles after this. I’d really love to see more of those guys and can only recommend this book warmly, not just for Christmas time.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjssewave.com
This book takes up a few days after Well Traveled ends. (It was published as early as December 2009 as a part of the DSP “Mistletoe Madness” series). Thus, it has a bit of background info on Gideon and Jed that isn’t necessary for those who have read Well Traveled, but just enough so this book could be read as a standalone. I wouldn’t really recommend doing so though, since by reading this first you’d miss out on a lot of what was and is going on between Jed and Gideon, and what makes the few short days pictured in here so important for them.
This book didn’t quite live up to the epic qualities of Well Traveled, of course, but it still was a remarkable read. In here, I found the concept of showing, not telling exercised to perfection. Because of the shortness of the format, the characters coldn’t be that fully worked out, but the authors still did a great job in making them three – dimensional and real. Only one example: While Gideon says “I love you” several times, Jed doesn’t, not once. But in his words and actions he conveys the sentiment so clearly I didn’t need him to, and I absolutely bought that Gideon didn’t need Jed to speak the words either. The secondary cast wasn’t as colorful, but given that the gist of this story was the progress Jed and Gideon made as lovers, this didn’t bother me overly much.
Sometimes I find epilogues superfluous, at times even annoying. This one provided an important step forward in Jed’s and Gideon’s relationship, which was still so fragile and new after the end of Well Traveled but now seems firmed, so much so as to be able to withstand a whole lot of obstacles after this. I’d really love to see more of those guys and can only recommend this book warmly, not just for Christmas time.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjssewave.com
November 11, 2012
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
Perfect MM romance novella with two great leads and a strong romance balancing sexual and emotional intimacy.
I am always looking for emotional, erotic romance and this novella offers that. Sex for sex sake is fine but it gets a bit mechanical sometimes and I can honestly say this novella offers a perfect balance of emotional and sexual intimacy. Gideon and Jedediah are learning about each other and for Gideon this means changing his devil-may-care-ways for Jedediah. Jedediah finally opens up to Gideon and shares the tough life lessons he’s learned and Gideon offers such love and acceptance that I sighed a bit.
The cultural differences between Gideon and Jedediah are integrated beautifully into their relationship but instead of being a point of tension, it offers the men a chance to show they love and respect each other. There is a lovely scene where Jed and Gideon share their holiday rituals with each other. I have to say that this is one of the most spiritual scenes I’ve read in romance and thought it simply lovely.
There isn’t anything I don’t like about this novella except that story three isn’t out yet and I’m not sure when it will be. I should also note that though this is book two it could be read as a stand-alone novella, though the characters are so good I’d recommend readers start with book one.
This is a very satisfying character-based MM romance I’d highly recommend.
Perfect MM romance novella with two great leads and a strong romance balancing sexual and emotional intimacy.
I am always looking for emotional, erotic romance and this novella offers that. Sex for sex sake is fine but it gets a bit mechanical sometimes and I can honestly say this novella offers a perfect balance of emotional and sexual intimacy. Gideon and Jedediah are learning about each other and for Gideon this means changing his devil-may-care-ways for Jedediah. Jedediah finally opens up to Gideon and shares the tough life lessons he’s learned and Gideon offers such love and acceptance that I sighed a bit.
The cultural differences between Gideon and Jedediah are integrated beautifully into their relationship but instead of being a point of tension, it offers the men a chance to show they love and respect each other. There is a lovely scene where Jed and Gideon share their holiday rituals with each other. I have to say that this is one of the most spiritual scenes I’ve read in romance and thought it simply lovely.
There isn’t anything I don’t like about this novella except that story three isn’t out yet and I’m not sure when it will be. I should also note that though this is book two it could be read as a stand-alone novella, though the characters are so good I’d recommend readers start with book one.
This is a very satisfying character-based MM romance I’d highly recommend.
December 7, 2012
This book is set in the American (US) West in the late 1800's, sometime after the civil war, but not more that a few decdes later, I'd say. We meet Gideon, a young man who's apparently worked in a Wild West Show, and has the show pony to show for it. He's on the road, traveling eastwards, with his lover, a half-breed Native American called Jedediah Buffalo Bird, who seems to be quite a bit older (and wiser).
Rough weather forces them to stop at a small town just before Christmas, but Jedediah isn't welcome there, and he's scared that the town's people will find out the double stigma (at the time) of two men being in love and also the white/mixed-race thing.
On Jedediah's insistance they move on to a small abandonned trapper hut where they spend a very sweet Christmas where they show their love for each other, both emotionally and sexually.
When I read this book I kept thinking "this book would have been so much better if we had been told more of these characters' back stroy" and lo and behold! When I went to this book's GR page to log my review I found out that this is actually book 2, and that there is a full-leangth novel about Gideon and Jedediah, set before this one! I'm sure that I would have enjoyed this one much more if I had read the first one first, like I said, this was both hot and sweet. I'm not sure I'll read the first book though, since I'm not really into historical novels where the "big issue" is that homosexuality is against the law, and "mixed" couples were frowned upon.
Rough weather forces them to stop at a small town just before Christmas, but Jedediah isn't welcome there, and he's scared that the town's people will find out the double stigma (at the time) of two men being in love and also the white/mixed-race thing.
On Jedediah's insistance they move on to a small abandonned trapper hut where they spend a very sweet Christmas where they show their love for each other, both emotionally and sexually.
When I read this book I kept thinking "this book would have been so much better if we had been told more of these characters' back stroy" and lo and behold! When I went to this book's GR page to log my review I found out that this is actually book 2, and that there is a full-leangth novel about Gideon and Jedediah, set before this one! I'm sure that I would have enjoyed this one much more if I had read the first one first, like I said, this was both hot and sweet. I'm not sure I'll read the first book though, since I'm not really into historical novels where the "big issue" is that homosexuality is against the law, and "mixed" couples were frowned upon.
March 31, 2014
I liked this coda to Well Traveled very much -- maybe even better than the first book. This is a sort of distillation of the themes that run throughout the first story -- Gideon's generous but somewhat naive and oblivious nature, Jed's stoicism and well-earned but often repressed fears, and their growth both as individuals and as a couple. Told in quiet, almost dreamy language, this is a must-read and greatly satisfying follow-up to the main story.
I'm giving this one 4.99 stars. I could allllllmost round it up to 5.
I'm giving this one 4.99 stars. I could allllllmost round it up to 5.
August 15, 2011
The story of Gideon and Jedediah continues as they trek from California to New Orleans to meet up with the traveling wild west show and Gideon's family. This is a Christmas story of a winter in a small Arizona mountain mining town and the acceptance Gideon craves for Jed. Sweet and sad, with Jed telling the story of the murder and hanging of his friend. Has a good ending with the town accepting them after they put on a trick pony show. I would love to read more about Gideon and Jed and their life in New Orleans. I do think it is a little bit expensive for a short story.
January 16, 2014
Wow! This was a wonderful story, an amazing follow-up to Well Traveled. The love scene in this one was one of the best I've ever read-- a true and powerful emotional connection.
I want more! I hope we get to see more of Gideon and Jedediah as they travel across country to New Orleans, but if we don't, at least I know these guys are meant to be together for life.
Highly recommend to all who've read the first one. Don't miss this!
I want more! I hope we get to see more of Gideon and Jedediah as they travel across country to New Orleans, but if we don't, at least I know these guys are meant to be together for life.
Highly recommend to all who've read the first one. Don't miss this!
December 8, 2009
4.5 stars ~ Gideon and Jed's story was wonderful & touching and a lesson all wrapped up in a tender and loving romance. I loved that Gideon was willing to do anything for Jed to make up for his actions. Jed is such a gentle man and he responded by opening his heart even more to Gideon.
Could there be another story about these two men? I'd grab it up in an instant!
Could there be another story about these two men? I'd grab it up in an instant!
December 30, 2010
Delightful to meet up with Gideon and Jed again. I enjoyed reading this novella but thought it lacked a guiding structure and purpose. That's the only reason it's four stars for me and not five. I really do hope these authors write more about these characters. I'm very interested in discovering what kind of lives they can make for themselves in New Orleans.
January 29, 2015
It's a crying fuckin shame people don't know about Gideon and Jed. These two books were just fabulous. Wish they'd written one more to get them on to New Orleans but it's still a decent HEA. And since this last one came out in 09, im guessing I shouldn't hold my breath for that follow up haha. A def must read, this and the first book.
May 3, 2016
Heartbreakingly bittersweet. In ‘Well Traveled’, there’s a chapter where Gideon watches a little boy becoming a man due to the need to protect his family, in this novella, I think Jed has a similar experience watching Gideon becoming a more thoughtful and responsible adult out of the love for him. It takes the meaning of respecting your partner to a whole new level.
August 1, 2012
It was great to have a short Christmas visit with these two friends. I really like that while it might not be politically correct usage in our day that the author uses the words and ideas that would be appropriate for the era in both spoken word and in the internal thoughts as well.
September 16, 2011
Very nice continuation to Well Traveled holiday style. I felt I understood Jedediah better and what makes him tick after this story. Love these two together and would love to read more about them.
October 18, 2011
Great short story follow up to Well Traveled
June 15, 2012
This was so sweet...Toppy Jed is so freaking romantic and intense. I want to read more about these guys,dammit......
June 1, 2013
review to follow.
June 1, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews