I was thrilled when author CJ Carmichael invited me to write a book for the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. This is my first Montana Born story and I can honestly tell you that it was so easy to fall in love with Marietta, Montana and all its inhabitants.
When I brainstorm new books, I focus on one single character first—I call him or her my anchor character. Once I know who the anchor character is, the other characters easily fall into place as well as the setting and the plot. In the case of Sweet Home Cowboy I already knew the setting was the charming town of Marietta, Montana, so I only needed to focus on characters and plot.
You might assume the anchor character in this story was the heroine Elena Puente, a first-grade teacher from Las Vegas, Nevada, or local Marietta cowboy Wesley Banks. Not so. This time a secondary character tugged at my heartstrings. Years ago Keith Urban came out with a song called “But for the Grace of God”. The verse below has stayed with me for years and I knew one day the right book would come along where I could tell this man’s story.
I can see that old man
He’s walking past our door
And I’ve been told that he’s rich
But he seems so poor
‘Cause no one comes to call on him
And his phone it never rings
He wanders through his empty home
Surrounded by his things
In Sweet Home Cowboy the man Keith Urban sings about is my anchor character Judge Alistair Kingsley—the estranged great-grandfather of my heroine Elena Puente and the employer of my hero, Wesley Banks. Judge Kingsley is the lynch pin that holds this story together and allowed me to explore one of my favorite themes…the meaning of home. Home is more than a place. Home is forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love. Home is your shelter and your path forward.
I’ve always been most comfortable writing about imperfect people who struggle through life—people who accept the life they’ve been given but always strive for better. Imperfect characters, dysfunctional families and small-town settings are the heart of my stories and Marietta, Montana is the perfect backdrop for Sweet Home Cowboy—a story that reminds us of how resilient the human spirit is and that everyone deserves their very own happy ever after—even cranky old men like Judge Alistair Kingsley.
What’s your definition of Home?
I invite you to stop by my website www.marinthomas.com or sign at http://bit.ly/MarinThomasUpdates for information on my releases and current giveaways.
Marin Thomas is an award-winning author of over 35 western romances for Harlequin books and she also writes women’s fiction for Berkley. She loves small-town stories with quirky characters that revolve around the importance of family and is thrilled that her Tule debut will release in the Montana Born line and Chocolate Shop Books series.
anywhere with my family
Amen to family, Denise!
Wherever my family is located is home for me!! So currently 3 places on Indiana
Teresa, I think a person can have more than one home for the very reason you stated!
Home for me is the ocean/beach. And when i find that special soemone it will be wherever they are. Home is unconditional love.
Sabrina, so true–unconditional love is a powerful definition for home.
Home is where I feel safe and happy!
I totally agree…home can be anywhere as long as we feel loved and safe and happy!
Home is the complete acceptance and love of family and close friends. The moment you arrive their arms are open. I truly look forward to reading Sweet Home Cowboy.
Carol L
Carol, you got it right-home is where were loved! Hope you enjoy Sweet Home Cowboy if you get a chance to read the book :-)
Being with my family!!!
Another vote for family, I totally agree, Eileen!
With my family. Wherever that may be.
Glenda, family is important, everyone needs family whether their related by blood or not.
Home is the place in my heart where my memories live.
What beautiful thought, Laurie! Home can be treasured memories, too!
My definition of home is wherever my husband and children are with me together no matter what adventures we are on.
So true, Millie, home is with our families!
Home is wherever I have friends and family that love me. =)
So true, Kimberly!
Home will be when i meet my otehr half. I know people say that life isn’t that way, but for me it is. I feel that something special missing in my life….that special somoene that makes for a richer me….that best friend, my forever best friend is still elusive to me. For me….that will be home and a homecoming I wish and pray for comes soon.
Ha! I didn’t know I’d already commented. Apparentluy I had more to say…lol
Keep the faith, Sabrina! You will find that forever someone!
1dq1th