Blessings that is. I knew book two of my Hill Country Cowboys series was releasing in mid June and my backlist title, Counting on the Cowboy was re-releasing in a western collection in mid May. But I didn’t know the collection would be in Walmart. I didn’t even look. But my husband did. It was a fun surprise when he called me on my cell phone and told me to come to the book section. Though it will probably be gone from the shelves by the time you read this since Love Inspired books are only on shelves during their release month, I promise it was there. See the blurry picture for proof.
Counting on the Cowboy is book four in my Texas Cowboys series. But don’t let that put you off. Each book I write in my series is stand alone. You can read them in any order or even read only one book in the series and get a complete story. But you get the full picture with each story in chronological order if you read them in order.
Set in Bandera, Texas, close to where my husband’s family owns a ranch, Counting on the Cowboy was fun to write. I put all of my own city girl dumped in the country experience into my heroine, along with some fun stories from a former church member who’d experienced culture shock like me a few years back. Jill Lynn’s title, Her Texas Cowboy is set in Fredericksburg, which along with Bandera is in Texas Hill Country. The western collections are a great way for readers to try new to them authors. Two books by different authors for the price of one.
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory is set in Medina, Texas, where the family ranch is. I’ve written a lot of books with cowboys on the ranch and every ranch is based on the Vannatter family ranch, right down to the river across the back of the property. In the story, the hero is fresh off a rodeo injury. My heroine is an occupational therapist and was his dad’s therapist two years before. With a two year gap in his memory, there’s a lot of things the hero has forgotten, but he remembers the heroine being at his dad’s funeral. Though they never met. Until now.
I’ve long wanted to do an amnesia story and enjoyed finally getting to. Even though the hero spends a lot of
time being frustrated, the heroine, along with his his adorable nephew and niece keep him striving for recovery. Here’s the back cover copy, along with where you can find the book:
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory
Can he reclaim his past…and build a future?
He needs to remember. She’s his best hope…
After a rodeo accident took away Clint Rawlins’s mobility and two years’ worth of memories, occupational therapist Lexie Parker is his only shot at recovering and regaining independence. Lexie is drawn to Clint…but she’s wary of the amnesiac’s all-too-vulnerable feelings. And with the possibility of him returning to his dangerous bull-riding side job, she refuses to risk her heart. But resisting her charming patient may be harder than she expected…
(Available in Walmart mid-June through mid-July)
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Amazon The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Christian Book
Here’s the back cover copy for the western collection including my book and Jill Lynn’s title:
Counting on the Cowboy by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Texas cowboy Brock McBride knows better than to fall for a city girl. She’ll leave and break his heart—just like his ex-fiancée did. But his job at Chasing Eden Dude Ranch requires working alongside Dallas wedding planner Devree Malone. And despite fierce resistance, he’s falling hard. Yet with Devree’s business back in the city, can he convince her she’s found her home…with him?
Her Texas Cowboy by Jill Lynn
When Rachel Maddox returns to her hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas, avoiding her ex is much easier said than done. Still nursing the broken heart Rachel caused years earlier, rancher Hunter McDermott figures he can be cordial for the brief time she’s in town—maybe they can even be friends. But how do you forge just a friendship with someone you’ve always pictured as your bride?
Counting on the Cowboy & Her Texas Cowboy Western Collection – ChristianBook
Counting on the Cowboy & Her Texas Cowboy Western Collection – Amazon
To celebrate my book blessings, I’m giving away a print copy of each, one copy of The Cowboy’s Missing Memory and one copy of the western collection including mine and Jill’s books. Two winners will each receive one book, international included. Tell me about your recent blessings to enter the drawings. Deadline June 11th.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. Woohoo!
Hi Shannon! Last Thursday I celebrated my 70th birthday with my sons and grandkids. My youngest son with the help of his Sous chef – oldest grandson made burgers and brats. Received lots of Facebook birthday greetings from around the globe. In 12 days I celebrate my 47th Wedding Anniversary.
I am blessed to still have my parents. with us. They are 95 and almost 92 (next month).
I live on a small horse ranch and every day is a blessing 😊
Every day that I wake up is a blessing to me. I am so appreciative of every moment of life because we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
I recently celebrated my 18th anniversary. I’m blessed to have a gentle, funny, intelligent husband. I’m also blessed with my energetic but intelligent sons, ages 14 and almost 10. I’m also blessed to have a pretty, funny kitty who has helped so much while grieving the loss of our dog of 7 years. I have to also add, I am blessed to have a really good AC unit as it finally got hot here! :D
I have a new great-niece, named Nellie Gene, who will be one week old tomorrow! And I’m planning to go see her this weekend. Thanks for the chance.
Congratulations on the books! They do sound good!! My biggest blessing is my Mom, who celebrated her 96th Birthday last month. My next blessing is that my new business endeavor is going really well.
That’s awesome, Lincoln. My husband and I will celebrate 36 this year.
That’s awesome Renate. I love big family gatherings. I’m so glad y’all were able to get together.
That is a blessing Lori. Mine are 78 and 82. So far they’re both active and in good health.
So true Dalyn. I’m in rural Arkansas. I’m always so thankful we live in the country. Especially when the big cities go crazy.
True Sonnetta. We went to a 90th birthday party at our church for one of our members back in May. She was in excellent health and I never dreamed it would be the last time I saw her. She had a heart attack this week and we’re going to her funeral tomorrow.
Hey Lila, it’s so wonderful when couples are compatible and actually like each other. I was singing, It’s So Nice to Be with You to my husband the other day. We get along really well and enjoy the same things. Our son has been able to keep his job, but that means he’s gone a lot. He’s home a few nights a week at least. I have two 14 year old cats still going strong. Plus 3 dachshunds and 1 chocolate lab in doggie heaven. Air conditioning is my favorite thing. It’s amazing, we’ve actually had a spring this year in Arkansas. Usually it just kind of goes from cold to hot. But this spring has been nice. We’ve only had a few hot days so far, but it’s gearing up quickly.
How fun Kathy. I’m glad you’re getting to go see her. Family visits are my favorite.
Awesome on both, Trudy. Especially your mom. I’ll be doing my first editing job next month. I’m looking forward to helping new authors put out stellar books.
I’ve grown to love Texas, from afar, mostly because of authors who have shared their love. I’m adding your books to my wish list.
Thanks Judy. Texas is my 2nd favorite state. I love going there to visit family. It’s been about a year and a half since we’ve been there. We’re hoping to go soon.
My biggest blessing has to be my daughter. Book sounds awesome.
Some of my recent blessings are things moving forward regarding a family members upcoming surgery, and the blessing of having time to so things I enjoy.
My Blessings are being able to wake up each morning and The Lord has been so good to me I celebrated my 63rd Birthday and I Thank Jesus everyday I get see another day Congratulations on your new book release I love reading the print books Blessings to you and Yours!
We got good news this week regarding our finances! That means we don’t have to be as conservative in our spending as we have been!
So many people have been on hold needing surgery. I’m so glad your family member will soon get relief, Megan. And that life allowed down for you.
I’m glad you’re healthy, Sarah. We take our health for granted. I’m a print kind of gal too. I only e-books if they’re by a favorite author and it’s the only way they come.
That’s wonderful Linda. Everything is so stressful when funds are tight.
While under the stay-at-home order, my college son came home. It’s time I won’t get again. This will be his last year in school, and then he’ll probably move away from home, and possibly another state. Small blessing of time.
We were able to see people today! That was a huge blessing for our family during this time of distancing.
I Love Love Inspired books, I love their HEA’s . Your books sounds like Great reads. During this Pandemic, a lesson to learn is to Not take Anyone or Anything for Granted! Have a Great rest of the week, stay safe. Thank you for the chance.
I understand completely Denise. Our son graduated high school and was home for the month of May. I asked my editor for the month off. He’s working now and only home 1 or 2 nights a week. I’m thankful for the month we had.
Yes Melynda. At least this craziness has made us appreciate each other more.
I’m all about HEA’s Alicia. So true on not taking anyone or anything for granted. I think this has made us more grateful.
Yes Shelia. Family is everything.
This second book sounds as good as the first. I really like your ideas for this series.
I have been without any air conditioning so far this year. Finally, today I was able to get enough to hopefully last me through the summer. We certainly take these modern conveniences for granted when we don’t have them.
Thank you, Linda. I’ve enjoyed creating these characters. Air conditioning is my favorite thing in the whole world. I hope you’re able to stay cool all summer.
Congratulations on the book blessings. My blessings are my hubby has continued to work and yesterday I finally was able to get my hair cut. Have a blessed weekend.
Hi Lucy, I totally understand about the work and the haircut. Our church had lawn chair services at first and and only a handful of people were brave enough to come. My husband is a full time pastor, so we were worried people might put off tithing, especially since some were out of work. But God blessed us through it. And it was such a relief to get a haircut. I got about 3 inches cut off, it had gotten so long. Thankfully, I’m an ex-hairdresser, so I was able to do my own color. I cut the front to keep it out of my eyes, but I can’t do the back.
The blessings keep coming! I am atill working. My husband was only off two weeks. Our youngest came home for spring bresk… and is still here! It is her first year teaching. She has K-4 & they did not do video classes for that age. She is planning a wedding in July, so it has been nice to be able to plan together. The wedding is not being affected at this point and most family is planning on making the trip, even my 94 year old father. My 95 year old mother in law will not make the trip, but daughter has been able to spend extra time withher this spring. Thanx for the giveaway!!!!
Congrats!!
Recent blessings are definitely healthy family during these difficult times.
Congrats on your books.
It has been nice to have more time with family, Jennifer. My husband hasn’t visited church members as much and isn’t allowed in hospitals. But my writing schedule hasn’t changed. It’s been a challenge to stay in my office and not hang with him. I’m glad the wedding is still going to happen.
Thank you, Priscila. I’m glad y’all are healthy.
Thanks!!