Counterfeit Cowboy Interview

  How exciting to have Jesse Baker the hero from Counterfeit Cowboy written by Lacy Williams, a December 2012 release from Love Inspired Historical.

1.  Jesse, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m a con man recently out of prison. Before prison, I could be anyone with a few well-placed lies. But after five years locked up, I’m having a hard time finding my feet—figuring out who I am now.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I love to people watch. Sure, it’s part of my “job” as a con man, but I’ve always been interested in discovering what I can figure out by a person just by watching them. Take the pretty girl across the seat from me—there’s something special about her, more than just her external beauty. There’s a deepness there, like she’s solid gold inside. I’ve only got a few days to figure her out until we get off this train…

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

I have seen my mother in over a decade. Because of some things that happened in my past, I haven’t been able to face her or ask for her forgiveness. I know I don’t deserve it.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Turning into the lowlife that my stepfather said I would be. I want more for my life than being a criminal, but I’m not sure how to get there. Now I’ve met this gal and she’s making me want even more than that… things like family and true love.

5.  What do you want out of life?

Right now… a life. I’ve got no friends, no family to speak of, and no job. I want to find a place to settle down and start rebuilding.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

When I got on the train out of Boston, it was getting to Chicago. By the time we hit the Windy City, I knew that Erin O’Grady was something special. With no plan for my life, the important thing quickly became staying at her side for as long as I can… but she still doesn’t know my true identity.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My past. If I was a different man, maybe I would stand a chance with Erin. But without the things I did in the past, I never would’ve been on that train out of Boston to meet her…

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pet, but on the way out of Boston I “acquired” a sidekick by the name of Pete—a street urchin who tried to blackmail me. There’s something about him that reminds me of my little brother who I lost years ago…

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in?

The people traveling home for Christmas aren’t that much different from the ones who’ll be traveling this holiday season (2012). Rushed for time, stressed out about family situations, and crowded into a vehicle with a bunch of others in the same situation. And some of them even bring way too many bags onto the train.

Blurb:

A con man with a conscience…

From the moment Jesse Baker collides with Erin O'Grady on a Boston train platform, he faces a dilemma. For once, Jesse doesn't want to lie about who and what he is. Yet if she learns he's a con artist, not a cowboy—and the urchin with him is certainly not his brother—she'll never give him a chance.

Erin suspects there's more to the enigmatic cowboy than meets the eye. But the sheltered socialite is certain his deep compassion is real. On the long Christmastime train ride to Wyoming, hearts and courage are tested and true motives revealed. And the journey that began in a charade may end with redemption—and a very real love.