Trusting the Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

How exciting to have Vic Moore the hero from Trusting the Cowboy written by Carolyne Aarsen, a July 2016 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

Truth to tell I’m not that interesting. I work on the ranch I inherited from my father. I work rodeo as a pickup man. We’re the behind the scenes guys who get cowboy’s off their horses. I don’t like the limelight that much so it works for me. I’ll leave the guts and glory for my little brother, Dean.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I like riding my horse. Working on the ranch. If you enjoy your work, it’s not really work is it?

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

Talking to Dean about his attitude. He’s been grouchy and down in the dumps since his accident and I know it’s my fault, but I don’t what to do about it all.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Letting my family down. Mostly my brother. I’ve got dibs on Keith Mccauley’s ranch but his daughter, Lauren, wants to sell it. I’ve been looking at that ranch for Dean.  A way of making up for what happened to him. But things don’t look that good for me taking it over if Lauren wants to sell it.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Ranching. Taking care of my family. My faith.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

I like reading biographies. Stories of how people got through their lives. Helps me figure out, at times, what to do about mine.

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

I don’t know if I would change anything about myself, but I sure wish I could go back in time and change what happened between me and my brother.

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

Nope. Just my horses.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

Back to when Dean got dumped off that horse and busted his leg. I would love more than anything to change that. To be there for him. To have paid better attention when that rank bronc tossed him. That is something that still haunts me. I pray every day that I can find a way to make it up to him.

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW:A Family for the Soldier by Carolyne Aarsen

A Cowboy's Homecoming 

Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention—and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance—and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life-altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…

Interview:

How exciting to have  Grady Stillwater the hero from A Family for the Soldier written by Carolyne Aarsen, a January from Love Inspired Romance .

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

I don’t know how interesting it is to other people. I worked Special Ops in Afghanistan but I don’t like talk about it. That’s a part of my life that few people stateside really understand.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Fun? I just got my leg almost blown off and I’m trying to find my balance in my new life. Trust me, fun isn’t a word in my vocabulary right now.

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

Rehab. I know I’m supposed to but I hate being helpless. Hate seeing other people see me that way. I figure I’ll just tough it out.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Afraid? I’m always afraid. It’s what kept me alive. Now that I’m back at Stillwater ranch I know I don’t need to be afraid, but this Chloe girl makes me kind of fearful. 

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Family_. I’d do anything for my brother though the fact that he’s in a coma bother’s me more than I can say. I feel so helpless. And this baby that an old girlfriend claims is mine - I know it isn’t but it’s hard to get rid of the rumors.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Sorry. I don’t read much. If I do, nonfiction.

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

My leg. I’d want to be whole again. I’d want to be the kind of man that I think a girl like Chloe deserves. I hate that I’m helpless and I hate that she has to see that.

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

I got my horses. They aren’t pets but they are my partners. I just wish I could ride better.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I don’t like looking back. That’s never done me any good. I need to look ahead. To figure out what to do with what’s in front of me. Right now I need to find peace. My grandmother always tells me that only God can give me that, but I don’t trust Him that much right now. Anyhow, I’ll keep on plugging. Keep doing what I know I need to do. And try to find a way to deal with Chloe and those haunting eyes of hers.

Lone Star Cowboy League Continuity Miniseries

LONE STAR COWBOY LEAGUE:
Bighearted Ranchers in small-town Texas

Welcome to Love Inspired's 2015-2016 Continuity Mini-series!

The Cowboy's Second Chance 

As president of the Lone Star Cowboy League, rancher Carson Thorn is committed to serving his community of Little Horn. But when high school sweetheart Ruby Donovan returns, his steadfast pledge is tested. Ruby left town twelve years ago—stealing money from his father and breaking Carson's heart in her wake. Now she's asking for his trust—just as her brother becomes Carson's prime suspect in the rash of recent ranch thefts. Carson is torn. His town is depending on him for justice, but one look in Ruby's eyes has him questioning everything he thought he knew—about truth, about love and about the wisdom of second chances…

A Season for Healing 

As Little Horn, Texas, prepares for Thanksgiving, Dr. Tyler Grainger tries to count his blessings. Returning to his family's ranch brings bittersweet memories of the sister he lost. But one thing he canbe grateful for is Eva Brooks, who's just become the nanny for her cousin's baby. Tyler is glad to offer advice, but when his late sister's f horse is stolen, Eva's the one who helps him cope. Tyler's past heartache urges him to ride off into the sunset—alone. Yet the holiday season offers hope that the good doctor may have finally found a woman to heal his heart.

From Leigh Bale:

Writing is usually a solitary job.  But writing "A Doctor for the Nanny," which is the 2nd book in the Lone Star Cowboy League series, it was delightful because I got to bounce ideas off of several of my fellow authors who were also writing books in this fun series.  When something wasn't going well, we could chat and find ways to make it work.  It was like having a "brain bank" to make each story within the series more effective.  I thoroughly enjoyed this series. 

A Christmas to Remember 

In Little Horn, Texas, Amelia Klondike is known as the Queen of Christmas. Her generosity and sheer joy during the holidays is contagious—to everyone except Finn Brannigan. The attractive, wounded stranger doesn't know who he is or where he came from—and he isn't feeling merry at all. It isn't long before Amelia, her grandfather and their adorable dog begin to warm Finn's heart. But when Finn's memory starts to return, his past as a Texas Ranger—the one thing that might cause Amelia to withdraw from him—is revealed. And he worries that he may lose his chance for one perfect Western Christmas with the woman he can't bear to forget…

From Allie Pleiter:

The most exciting thing about working on A RANGER FOR THE HOLIDAYS was the chance to finally use my amnesia experience in a book.  In 2010 I developed a case of Transient Global Amnesia, which meant that I lost a portion of my memory and my ability to process new information for about 4 days.  It was a temporary phenomena—brought on by the stress of my son’s cancer at the time—but we are both absolutely fine now.  I like to think I was able to use the fear and disorientation of my experience to make Finn’s full-scale amnesia come truly alive for readers.

A Cowboy's Homecoming 

Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention—and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance—and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life-altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…

His Unexpected Valentines 

Clint Daniels knows he is nobody's sweetheart. The rugged mountain guide has lived most of his life alone, and with his heartbreaking past, he can't imagine a domestic future with anyone. Especially not a warm and graceful widow like Olivia Barlow. But when her three towheaded little boys approach him at the Lone Star Cowboy League's annual Valentine's dance, he finds it impossible to turn them away. Clint isn't prepared to be a father, but these boys draw out his paternal side. And somehow, vulnerable Olivia and her children begin to make the cowboy suspect their wary hearts might actually be a perfect match…

From Deb Kastner:

It was an absolute delight working with the other five ladies in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity. My favorite part was the process of world-building with the others, based on the original story conceived by editor Shana Asaro. It was great having the opportunity to sling around ideas and to have other authors around when I got stuck on a plot point. I truly enjoyed writing A DADDY FOR HER TRIPLETS and hope readers will enjoy the whole series.

The Cowboy's Unexpected Family 

Awakening from a months-long coma, Ben Stillwater is met with a big surprise: the footloose bachelor cowboy is a father! Ben tries to adjust to life with baby Cody and decides what the child really needs is a mom. Sheriff Lucy Benson does not seem a likely candidate—she already has her hands full closing in on the thieves who have been targeting the ranches of Little Horn, Texas. But the closer Ben gets to Lucy—and the closer they get to solving the mystery—the more it seems the free-spirited rancher and the determined officer could be the perfect match.

From Margaret Daley:

I've taken part in a lot of continuity series but usually it is a Love Inspired Suspense series. This is my third for Love Inspired and I had a great experience working with the other authors. They were so willing to share and help each other. They worked as a team to make the best continuity series.

I loved the story I was given with a female sheriff and a rancher with a baby. I read all the other books before I turned in my story to make sure it addressed and tied up the loose threads. I had the last book in the Lone Star Cowboy Series. I had the fun of wrapping it up at the end and giving the readers a glimpse at all the couples in the previous books.

We hope you've enjoyed a peek into the books and the authors, and we encourage you to pick up all six books in the series!

Reunion Romances

Good morning from Carolyne from the Great White North,which, after all the gorgeous spring weather we've been having isn't so white. Still great, but hey, this is Canada. Next month the second book in my Refuge Ranch series comes out - Reunited with the Cowboy. The title kind of says it all and sorry, it's a bit of a spoiler! It's a reunion romance - my favorite kind. I love writing about star-crossed lovers who were together at one time and as life and decisions move them around, they end up in the same place but different people. Why I like Reunion Romances is firstly because it makes for an immediate conflict. Why should my hero/heroine trust this person after they broke their heart before? Plus, it makes the romance easier to work with because I'm building on a previous relationship. And I like second chances. There's been many times in my life that I'd like a chance to meet someone from my past that I've hurt or wronged and try to find a way to fix the broken relationship. But even more than that it is a reminder that our God gives us more than a second chance. He keeps coming after us when we turn away from him, always calling us back to him. It's what Easter is about. God coming to us and making his home with us. About Christ's sacrifice to give us chance after chance to come to him. I hope you have a chance (or two) to pick up Reunited With the Cowboy. A second chance for Heather and John to find their way through the difficulties they've faced in the past.

Refuge Ranch. Where a Montana family comes home to love.

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: Her Cowboy Hero by Carolyne Aarsen

Montana rodeo star Tanner Fortier is a good man. A man Keira Bannister never stopped loving. But when he shows up at Refuge Ranch looking to have his late brother's saddle repaired in time for the championships, he's the last person Keira wants to see. For years, she's kept hidden the real reason for breaking their engagement—and Tanner's heart. But now, with him at the ranch, she's tempted to reveal the truth— one that could destroy him. But she knows that to have a future with the man of her dreams, she has to settle the past… 

Refuge Ranch:  Where a Montana family comes home to love.

Interview:

How exciting to have Tanner Fortier, the hero from Her Cowboy Hero written by Carolyne Aarsen, a January, 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

Don’t know if it’s all that interesting to you all, but I qualified for NFR and am heading to Las Vegas for the Finals in beginning of December. I’ve been working toward this for years.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I like just going out on my horse, riding but I haven’t had much time for pleasure riding lately. Most of my time has been focussed on either keeping my mechanic business running and practicing for the NFR. I used to play Scrabble. With Keira, when we used to hang out, but that was a long time ago. We used to make up words.

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

Meeting Keira. You’d think I could have gotten over her breaking up with me, but I really loved her. I’ve got to bring her my brother’s saddle to get fixed and I can’t really put it off anymore. I need the saddle to ride in the NFR. I’m doing this all in honour of my dead half-brother, David.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

Disappointing people. Shouldn’t bug me as much as it does, but I always feel like I have to do the right thing, be the right guy. I was once afraid of losing Keira and then it happened. I guess I got through it, but I don’t want anything like that to happen to me again.

5.  What is the most important thing to you?

Right now, winning this NFR so I can bring the buckle and my brother’s saddle to my step-mom, David’s mom. I figure it’s a small way of making up for the fact that David died while we were together.

6.  Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Not much for reading. Too busy being on the move I guess.

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

I think I would lose the feeling that I have to figure everything out. I know I need to trust that God will work out his will in my life, but it’s hard when I’m trying so hard to fix everything that happened - everything that went wrong.

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

Used to have a dog years ago, but since Dad died and left the ranch to my step-mom I don’t live there anymore. I don’t figure it’s fair to have a dog when you can’t be around enough to take care of him.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’d go back to that day that Keira took off without telling me why. I’d run after her this time and find out why. That’s what I’d do.

Thursday Sisterhood with Carolyne Aarsen

Family Status:_______Happily married__________________ 

What Is Your Favorite Beverage: ____Earl Grey Steamer___________________

What Is Your Favorite Food: ___Greek yogurt with Granola and Blackberries - that makes me sound like I always make healthy food choices, which isn't always true, but I do love the stuff.

What Is Your Favorite Thing to do During Free Time: ______Watch Netflix and knit/make cards/read/exercise - I don't like to do any one thing - I like to mix it up

Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life: ______My husband - he's been an example and an inspiration__________

First Book You Fell in Love With: ________Little Women________________________

A Book You Wish You’d Written: __________The Moonflower Vine, still one of the best books I've ever read_______________________

First Book Published: __Homecoming______________________________

Most Recent Book: ________A Father's Promise______________________________

Out Next: _______________A Father in the Making_____________________________

How Many Have You Written: ______________47______________________ 

What Do You Know Now That You Wish You’d Known Then: ____Take care of your body, exercise, be faithful with the time given and don't fritter it away watching dog videos on you-tube___

What is Your Favorite Bible Story: __________Joseph - I love the whole rising-above-adversity parts._______________________

What is Your Favorite Hymn: ____Oh Lord of Hosts How Lovely - based on Psalm 84 - I am drawn to the yearning in the song and the plaintive tune______________ 

What is an Ongoing Prayer Request You Have: ________For contentment in my life both for myself and my family_______________

The Cowboy Daddy Interview

How exciting to have Kip Cosgrove the hero from The Cowboy Daddy by Carolyne Aarsen, a November 2010 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1. Kip, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I guess the most interesting would be the fact that I used to race chuckwagons. Used to.
2. What do you do for fun?
Yeah. That's a good one. I don't have a lot of fun these days. Except when I take my brother's boys out for an outing. But what with my mom's surgery, my sister acting up and taking care of the ranch, I don't have much time for anything else. But I enjoy my life, don't get me wrong.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Telling the boys about their mother. How she took off on them and never showed up again. They know a bit, but they're pretty young yet.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
Losing the boys. I love the twins and I'd do anything . . . anything for them.
5. What do you want out of life?
To be able to keep taking care of the people in my life. Someday I'd like to get married, but with the way things are going in my life, doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
My relationship with my family. My faith.
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
That's right up there with what I do for fun! Haven't read a book since my brother died and left the boys with me. But when I did read, I liked reading murder mysteries. Like figuring out the puzzles.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Too many things. I don't think I'm very patient. I'd like to be less frustrated with my sister and the twins.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
The horses are more than enough. Tristan and Justin have a puppy, but that's about it.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I'd go back to that moment when my brother Scott, the boys father, climbed up on that horse. If he hadn't . . . he'd still be here. Things would be so different. For everyone. But, I can't. I just have to live with what happened. Pray that God will take away the guilt. And take care of my boys.

Thank you Carolyne for sharing Kip with us.

FEATURED BOOK: COWBOY DADDY BY CAROLYNE AARSEN

Rancher Kip Cosgrove promised his dying brother he'd take care of his motherless young twins. So when the boys' estranged aunt shows up on the Cosgrove doorstep with a will and the law on her side, Kip digs in his boot heels. Nicole Williams is wonderful with the boys, but Kip is just as much their kin as she is. And until legal issues are settled, she'll have to abide by his rules. Which means visiting the twins at the ranch. Seeing how much he loves the boys. How much they love him. And maybe…staying forever.

Featured Book: Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

Jace Scholte used to be the town bad boy, a rebel who thought he had a cause. But when Jace fell for Dodie Westerveld, he changed and became a Christian. Instead of marrying him, though, Dodie ran away without a word, taking his heart with her. Now they're both back in town. But Dodie still won't talk about the past. When they're paired together on a fundraiser for a new crisis center, Jace is reminded of how much she meant to him. Helping Dodie trust him—and herself—will take all the faith she once helped him find.