FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Cowgirl for Keeps by Louise M. Gouge

Lassoing the Cowgirl 

Rosamond Northam's plans of building a high school take an unexpected turn when her father informs her she'll be overseeing construction of a new hotel instead—with Englishman Garrick Wakefield. The newly arrived aristocrat seems to turn his nose up at all she loves about her Colorado hometown. The man is entirely insufferable…yet undoubtedly handsome. 

Garrick wants nothing more than to prove himself to his uncle, who has backed the building of this hotel. But he finds himself ever at odds with his pretty cowgirl partner over the plans. The American West is so different from his British home, but with Rosamond showing him the ropes, maybe he'll commit to Western life…and a Western lass. 

Four Stones Ranch: Love finds a home out West

Interview: 

How exciting to have Garrick Wakefield, the hero from Cowgirl for Keeps, written by Louise M. Gouge and a July 2015 release from Love Inspired Historical Romance.

1.  Garrick Wakefield, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

            Perhaps you Americans will find it interesting that I am a bona fide English aristocrat. Of course that does not mean much because I have neither title (titled aristocrats are call nobility) nor wealth (all the wealth of my uncle, Lord Westbourne, goes to his eldest son). Alas, I now must (shudder) take up a trade. My uncle has done his best to help my future by arranging for me to build a hotel in the American West (another shudder).

2.  What do you do for fun?

            I used to play polo, attend concerts in a Covent Garden theatre, and spend time at White’s, my London club. Now that my uncle has sent me to the American West, goodness knows what paltry amusements might be found. I certainly have no interest in anything cowboys (shudder again) might find amusing.

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

            While I am grateful to Uncle, that is, Lord Westbourne, I cannot imagine why he expects to make money from this hotel venture. Who would actually want to visit this vast Colorado wilderness? Further, having to work with a stubborn, albeit beautiful young lady in this project makes it all the more difficult for me. I would love to procrastinate, but that would lead to failure. See next question.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

            No question about it, I fear the failure I just mentioned. When I lost all my expectations, I knew life would be difficult. Let me explain below.

5.  What do you want out of life?

            When I was a child, I was my childless uncle’s heir. But in his old age, his countess died and he married a new young countess. They were blessed with three darling boys. I adore my young cousins, but their births assured that I would never become Lord Westbourne (heir and a spare and another spare). Nor will I inherit any wealth. Nevertheless, my faith in God assures me that He has a plan for my life. I am uncertain of exactly what I shall be doing, but if I please Him, that is all I hope for.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

            In spite of what may come across as arrogance to you Americans, I am not a pompous windbag. I have a heart that is daily growing fonder of Miss Rosamond Northam, with whom I am building Uncle’s hotel. While she annoys me beyond words for her headstrong ways, she also intrigues me. I now realize that the young ladies at home are far too compliant. Miss Northam challenges me to be a better man, and I believe I am up to that challenge.

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

            If I could be more like my jolly cousin Percy, I would be happy. Percy is related to me on my mother’s side of the family, so he has no connection to Lord Westbourne. He never aspired to title or social position, and he easily finds amusement in whatever situation he finds himself. As such, he is as carefree as any man can be. I can only wish for such a carefree attitude toward life.

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

This is a time of many great inventions. Candles and whale oil lamps have given way to gaslights to illuminate streets and homes. Communication has become faster than one could ever hope for due to the telegraph. Even travel has become so fast that it shocks the imagination as trains are replacing coaches and carriages all over the civilized world.

I would love to give away a print copy of Cowgirl for Keeps to a U. S. resident.

Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historicals. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005 and placed in 2011; and place in the Laurel Wreath in 2012. Her indie novel Then Came Love is a finalist for the 2015 IRCA. When she isn't writing or teaching her college classes, she and David, her husband of fifty years, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. Please visit her Web site at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com