Two characters dominated my mind while I was writing and pitching another book. A respected mentor suggested that I start fresh, using something totally new. Hope Caldwell and O.D. Billings got their chance.
I always felt that I was meant to own and ride horses. Raised in a small town, very close to the other houses in my neighborhood, this dream never became a reality. The spark remained lit during visits with friends who owned horses. The fun and excitement of rodeos fanned the flame.
While watching a family friend who participated in horse shows, the characters and the plot of the story began to gel.
I am drawn to writing about young people at the thresh-hold of independence. When dreams that have been simmering in young brains have a chance to become real, the transition is seldom easy.
Hope Caldwell struggles to emerge from the shadow of her mom, who has recently passed away after a tough battle with cancer. The family’s rodeo business is lost without its business manager, the wind beneath everyone’s wings. Hope has been her mom’s right hand, and now feels an obligation to fill her hand-tooled boots.
O. D. Billings has two shadows following him around. His older brother, John K. is everyone’s favorite hero. The younger one, Cody is the bull-riding star with star-struck young fans.
When Hope hears rumblings that her uncle wants to sell the rodeo, she and her sister Faith enlist O.D.’s help in saving the only life they’ve ever known.
O.D. has issues of his own to deal with. How can he help anyone else with their problems until he understands where he fits in his own family? More importantly, he needs to come to an understanding with his heavenly Father.
I hope that my readers see themselves in the characters, recognize locations from their own hometowns. This first story attracted fans who were eager to read more. Nothing makes an author happier.
Here’s the link for ordering Hope Takes the Reins- and my other books:
Don’t forget to write a review. That’s another thing that makes an author happy!
Leave a Reply