Join me for a night of comedy!

September 7, 20262 Comments

If you’re casting about for something to do on Friday, September 18, why don’t you head over to the Neighborhood Comedy Theater in Mesa. I’ve been invited to tell some stories, after which improv comedians will act them out. Sounds interesting, yes? The show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available here or at the door.

Liaison: A Next Chapter Imprint

Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Rebecca Quinn escapes her controlling husband and, with nowhere else to go, hops the red-eye to Arizona. There, Gaby Strand – her aunt’s college roommate – gives her shelter at the Salt River Inn, a 1930’s guesthouse located in the wildly beautiful Tonto National Forest. Becca struggles with post-traumatic stress, but is enthralled by the splendor and fragility of the Sonoran Desert. The once aspiring artist meets Noah Tanner, a cattle rancher and beekeeper, Oscar Billingsley, a retired psychiatrist and avid birder, and a blacksmith named Walt. Thanks to her new friends and a small band of wild horses, Becca adjusts to life in the desert and rekindles her love of art. Then, Becca’s husband tracks her down, forcing her to summon all her strength. But can she finally stop running away?

Get your copy here.

Praise for Wild Horses on the Salt

“Wild Horses On The Salt showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative driven and dramatic storytelling that is the hallmark of an award-worthy novel.” – Midwest Book Review

“Ms. Montgomery weaves an intricate parallel tale, portraying the struggles of one woman, and that of a lost wild stallion—both fighting to rise above the cruelty of an unkind world. Her unique writing style, incredible knowledge of her subject matter, combined with her ability to create vivid scenes of the East Valley, and particularly the Tonto National Forest and Salt River area in Arizona, takes the reader on a fascinating (and educational) journey.” – Margaret Millmore Author

“A beautiful yet tragic story of healing.” – Erin Kosio Amazon

“The story of the wild horses of the Salt is expertly interwoven into this exciting and thoughtful story of a wounded soul determined to regain her life and find genuine love.” – Sharon Grow Goodreads

“It is a romance, not just between men and woman, but between people and a place. Montgomery captured it and accurately, too. This was an engrossing read, despite the abuse. I recommend it.” – Anne R. Marshall Amazon

“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller-highly recommended.” – Rose Auburn-Writing and Reviews

“Fantastic page-turner. Fast-paced, adventurous, and thoughtful story of the survival of Becca’s wounded soul. Her struggles, experiences, passions, fears, healing, and the truth of her chilly silence are wonderfully portrayed.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog

Wolf Catcher: Action-Packed

August 28, 2026Leave a comment

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐱 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲.” – 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐤𝐢 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐤𝐢.𝐜𝐨𝐦

Next Chapter Publishing

Historical Fiction

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a 900-year-old tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by hundreds of extraordinary funerary objects, including wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man was a magician.

Sixty-five years later, investigative reporter Kate Butler discovers evidence that The Magician looked notably different from those who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archaeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

Universal Book Link

Amazon

Apple Books

Barnes and Noble

Google Books

Praise for Wolf Catcher

“Blending archaeology and Native American mythology, “Wolf Catcher” by novelist Anne Montgomery is an original, exceptionally well written, and compelling work of historical fiction…” – Midwest Book Review

“The author’s ability to interweave the past and the present was masterful. The characters were complex and interesting, especially with the underlying theme of rethinking the history of worldly human migration. I saw myself in the book, through both Kate and Kaya, through the accurate representation of the balance women face between their passions, society and partnership. Without giving away the ending, the emotions I experienced in the last chapters were ones rarely felt when finishing other books. A real page turner and I am wondering when the movie is going to be made!” – Alicia Williams Goodreads

“The story is very well-paced, reaching a page-turning, action-packed climax to the end. This story has all the elements of a great suspense drama centered around a historical mystery.” – Heidi Slowinski heidislowinski.com

“I was deeply and thoroughly embroiled in this imaginative novel… (that) melds seamlessly much of fact with fiction. Totally recommended! “ – V. Williams Vine Voice

“What a journey! What a story! A truly epic tale that grabs you by a throat and moves your soul. Highly recommend for the readers of all age groups.” – Marina Sardarova Author

“Boy, didn’t this one grip me quickly and keep me glued to the pages! Loved the cliff-hanging chapter endings. Well researched, well-plotted and paced…Trust me, you’ll love it. Totally recommended and out now!” – Rosepoint Publishing

“Once again the author has created a beautiful story with a powerful message. She took a piece of history and brought it to life. I just can’t say enough good things about Wolf Catcher.” – Megan Salcido Wildwood Reads

Life rarely goes the way we planned

August 24, 2026Leave a comment

There are twists and turns in life that take us to places we never dreamed of. My thanks to podcaster Ryan Wright for letting me tell my story. I’ll let him handle it from here.

“In the 1970s, a teenage Anne Montgomery declared she wanted to be a sportscaster — and was told, again and again, that women simply didn’t do that. She did it anyway, working her way through sports officiating (football, hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer) and into broadcasting, eventually anchoring SportsCenter at ESPN. But at 40, she was let go — deemed no longer “pretty enough” for TV — a loss that was abrupt and confusing.

In this episode, Anne opens up about what it was really like being one of the only women in sportscasting and officiating, the “stubborn resilience” she traces back to a bullied, dyslexic childhood, and why she now says getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to her. From there, Anne rebuilt an entirely new life — becoming a teacher, a foster mom, and eventually a published author of six books. It’s a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and choosing to embrace the next chapter — even when it wasn’t the one you planned.”

NEXT CHAPTER PUBLISHING

Suspense/Thriller

Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?

When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—an ancient Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.

But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.

With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK

AMAZON

APPLE BOOKS

BARNES & NOBEL

GOOGLE BOOKS

RAKUTEN KOBO

Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.

Praise for The Castle

“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review

“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central

“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews

“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews

“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine

“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog

“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog

“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author

“𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘.”

August 14, 2026Leave a comment

“𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘. 𝙈𝙨. 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙜𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙. 𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨.” – 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚

Blank Slate Press/Amphorae Publishing Group

Mystery/Suspense

A Light in the Desert traces the story of a lonely pregnant teenager, a Vietnam veteran and former Special Forces sniper who, as he descends into the throes of mental illness, latches onto the girl, and a group of Pentecostal zealots – the Children of Light – who have been waiting over thirty years in the Arizona desert for Armageddon. The Amtrak Sunset Limited, a passenger train en route to Los Angeles, is derailed in their midst’s, a deadly act of sabotage. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when local and state police, FBI investigators, and a horde of reporters make camp by the twisted wreckage of the Sunset Limited. As the search for the saboteurs continues, the authorities find more questions than answers. The girl mysteriously vanishes, the assassin struggles to maintain his sanity, and a child is about to be born in the wilderness.

Get your copy here or wherever you buy books.

Praise for A Light in the Desert

“Clever, compelling, readable and realistic. Ms. Montgomery wove the most compelling cast of characters into a fictionalized account of what might have happened. I was fascinated. No one knows the truth, but this author took a leap that resulted in one of my favorite recent books.” – Vine Voice

“This is a very emotional tale that explores a variety of social issues ranging from mental illness to child abuse. It is very well done, well developed characters and scenery as well as a fast moving plot.” – Margaret Millmore Author

“An engaging and thought-provoking read.” – Lynda Dickson Books Direct

“This is an engaging book with a story that builds slowly, answering some questions along the way, and ending in a denouement full of tension and drama. A very good read.” – Stuart Aken Author

“A Light in the Desert is a great read. If you’re looking for a great story about human nature, pick A Light in the Desert up today.” – Rabid Readers Reviews

Your Forgotten Sons: “Highly recommended”

August 7, 2026Leave a comment

“𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸, 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀…𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀.” – 𝗕𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗖 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆

Inspired by a true story

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Praise for Your Forgotten Sons

“Spectacular! One of the most personal books about WWII history that I’ve ever read…The characters in this book are so well crafted that the reader feels like they know them…My only regret is that it ended.” 5 Stars – Deacon Tom F, former USAF Lt Col., Amazon

“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.” – Midwest Book Review

“Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is a historical fiction novel that intricately explores the emotional turmoil of war, immersing readers in its richly crafted world and leaving a lasting impact with its nuanced characters and poignant storytelling.” – Chrysalis Brew Project

“This was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.” – Bekah C NetGalley

“The story of Bud is tragic and evokes strong emotions, a sense of having lost a buddy in arms, a brother you knew and loved…The conclusion may not be what the reader expects, however, and the reveal is shocking. War is hell. 5 stars.” – Virginia Williams Rosepoint Publishing

“Certainly Montgomery’s best book yet. Should be required reading for West Point Cadets and ROTC students, but more importantly mandatory reading for those of us that are casual observers of conflict. The book shifted my paradigm about the personal cost of war, and especially what it takes to clean up after a battle. Montgomery continues to be an outstanding story teller!” – Bill Clarkson Goodreads Reviewer

“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true. When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” – Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter

“Anne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” – Kathryn McLeer NetGalley

The Scent of Rain: A page-turner

July 30, 2026Leave a comment

“Anne Montgomery’s book, The Scent of Rain, was a page-turner. Filled with complexities of faith, religion, science and human nature, this book took me to remote Arizona and left me thirsty for both water, and the next page.” Anne Marie Amazon

Treehouse Publishing Group

2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards: Bronze Medal Winner for Fiction: West-Mountain Region

Contemporary Fiction/Young Adult Fiction

Rose Madsen dreams of becoming a science teacher and will do anything to keep from being married off to one of the men in her Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) community, including enduring her mother’s brutal beatings. Adan Reyes dreams of better days with his mother when he escapes the foster care system in Phoenix. When their fates become intertwined, Rose and Adan escape into the mountains, only to be hunted like animals. After they are discovered, they must decide if everyone they meet is determined to keep them locked in lives of abuse, or if some adults are worthy of their trust.

Get your copy here.

Praise for The Scent of Rain

“A deftly crafted and compelling read from cover to cover.” – Midwest Book Review

“Essential reading for both young adults and adults alike. There is literally nothing else I can say, except buy this book.” – Childishly Passionate Reviews

“A heartrending, heart-wrenching fictional narrative … Even in the midst of tribulations, The Scent of Rain celebrates the resilience and persistence of the human spirit.” – The Haunted Reading Room

“The characters in ‘The Scent of Rain’ added to an already amazing storyline.” – YABOOKSCENTRAL

“I loved ‘The Scent of Rain’. It is very apparent that Montgomery did extensive amounts of research … I absolutely think everyone should read it.” – The Book Return

“Whew. What a whirlwind. The story had been building and building and it all came to a tumbling end.”- Hasty Book List

A powerful and moving story

July 24, 2026Leave a comment

“A poignant story about domestic violence, the beauty of nature, and the plight of the wild horses of the Salt River, Wild Horses on the Salt is a powerful and moving read. I love the vivid and beautiful setting, the dynamic characters, and the strong messages of perseverance and finding oneself.” One Book More

Liaison: A Next Chapter Imprint

Release Date: 2020

Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Get your copy here.