Hello to my favorite readers here at Tule! I’m Barbara Ankrum and I’m back to talk about my latest (and final!) book in my The Hardestys of Montana series called “The Way to a Cowboy’s Heart.”
If you’ve read the first three books in this series (or any one of them) you know that this series is set in our favorite imaginary little town of Marietta, Montana and follows the Hardesty family—four grown siblings and their mother—on their journey of turning their struggling Marietta cattle operation into a prosperous guest ranch. Along the way, the healing journey for each of them, the discovery of love and happily ever-afters have absolutely made this series one of my favorite to write. Each character is unique but the common thread is love and family loyalty–qualities that I think are particularly apropos in today’s climate of separation and disconnectedness. Don’t we all just want connection and love?
Liam, the second oldest brother’s story started a long time ago when he became the heir apparent of a ranch he never imagined would be his to run. In fact, he never wanted it. He had other dreams of travel, seeing the world, finding love somewhere outside this small conclave of Marietta.
When I was coming up with his story, even though I knew Liam had spent the last few books coming to terms with his complicated relationship with the land, I couldn’t resist granting his wish of getting the heck out of Dodge, at least for a vacation. So, I sent him to NYC, a place I love, truly uncertain of what he was going to accomplish there.
Now, I admit, starting out what will be a ‘cowboy romance’ out in NYC might seem weird, but stick with me. Most of this book takes place on the ranch. But sometimes I believe you have to leave your comfortable little bubble to find yourself. And when Liam randomly meets Emily, a British ex-pat who works on Wall Street on a NYC subway, something mysteriously chemical happens between them and essentially redirects their paths. I don’t want to spoil the fun of how they get together again, but let’s just say fate intervenes.
When I say fate, what I mean really is that mysterious force that puts us in a place where we get to choose our path. Go one way or the other. Some of my early readers have pointed out that this is a ‘love at first sight’ story. Fair, but I tend to think of it more as an ‘I recognize you’ at first sight story. Because haven’t we all met people who instantly feel like home? Like we’ve known them for years? Or that we definitely want to know them? That’s not to say the path is easy or smooth. In fact, in this story, it’s anything but. That’s what made telling this story so much fun.
I love our Marietta and love visiting it and I hope you do, too. I will miss this family now that I’ve wrapped up this series, but as you’ll see, none of my Marietta families is ever gone forever, because I love to integrate old characters with the new. So, I hope you’ll look for the little Easter eggs I’ve laid for you and catch up with these old friends.
I have a giveaway for you of an e-copy of “The Way to a Cowboy’s Heart.” To enter just tell me if you’ve ever had an ‘I recognize you’ at first sight moment. I’ll choose a winner on Saturday 2/8. Please check back to see if you’ve won!
Happy Reading my friends!
Best, Barbara
About the Author.
Barbara Ankrum has a thing for the West and has written both historical and contemporary romances, all set in that magical place. Twice nominated for RWA’s RITA Award, her bestselling books are emotional, sexy rides with a touch of humor. Barbara’s married and raised two children in Southern California, which, in her mind, makes her a native Westerner.
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