What Cowboys Represent and Why we Love Them by Shirleen Davis
Romance writers and readers are, at their core, pragmatic and passionate sorts. We like to find meaning in what we read even if it is simply the honesty and commitment between the male and female protagonists in a book. Granted, these may not come until the last few pages, but we read these books to satisfy our quest for these basic human cravings.
Cowboys have always conjured up visions of a simpler way of life where honesty and commitment are valued, good triumphs over evil, integrity helps define a person, and speaking the truth rather than being politically correct is a way of life.
Today, many of these traits have been beaten down, passed over, and denigrated to the point it’s hard to identify people who possess what seemed basic within the Cowboy culture.
Cowboys represent a way of life that many have watched fall from grace as being too old fashioned or old-school. I, for one, don’t believe this hogwash.
The Cowboy culture is still just as necessary today, maybe more so, than at any previous time. It is the same culture that sustained our men and women of the Greatest Generation during World War II, and it may behoove us to consider honoring these qualities again in a time when many feel we’ve lost our way.
What are the key characteristics of those rugged, western men we love to read about in our stories and what do they still represent today?
Honesty. They say what they mean without regard to being politically correct.
Loyalty. They have your back when times are tough.
Integrity. They possess strong moral principles.
Respect. They respect others and are respected in return.
Humble. They handle things and do their jobs without the need for kudos or seeking the spotlight.
Independence. They don’t feel the need to do something just because everyone else does. They don’t believe in change for the sake of change. There are reasons for what they do.
Freedom. They believe in the right to act, speak, or think without hindrance, as long as those actions conform to the other traits a Cowboy represents.
Courage. They have a spirit that enables them to face fear or danger with confidence and bravery. They are resolute when others waver.
Aren’t these the qualities we’d like to see in all people, not just those who are Cowboys? Wouldn’t we all be better off if more of us could claim the Cowboy culture?
Title: Redemption’s Edge
Author: Shirleen Davies
Genre: Historical Western Romance
“A heartwarming, passionate story of loss, forgiveness, and redemption set in the untamed frontier during the tumultuous years following the Civil War. Ms. Davies’ engaging and complex characters draw you in from the start, creating an exciting introduction to this new historical western romance series.”
“Redemption’s Edge is a strong and engaging introduction to her new historical western romance series.”
Dax Pelletier is ready for a new life, far away from the one he left behind in Savannah following the South’s devastating defeat in the Civil War. The ex-Confederate general wants nothing more to do with commanding men and confronting the tough truths of leadership.
Rachel Davenport possesses skills unlike those of her Boston socialite peers—skills honed as a nurse in field hospitals during the Civil War. Eschewing her northeastern suitors and changed by the carnage she’s seen, Rachel decides to accept her uncle’s invitation to assist him at his clinic in the dangerous and wild frontier of Montana.
Now a Texas Ranger, a promise to a friend takes Dax and his brother, Luke, to the untamed territory of Montana. He’ll fulfill his oath and return to Austin, at least that’s what he believes.
The small town of Splendor is what Rachel needs after life in a large city. In a few short months, she’s grown to love the people as well as the majestic beauty of the untamed frontier. She’s settled into a life unlike any she has ever thought possible.
Thinking his battle days are over, he now faces dangers of a different kind—one by those from his past who seek vengeance, and another from Rachel, the woman who’s captured his heart.
Add Redemption’s Edge to your Goodreads shelf.
Purchase Redemption’s Edge: Book 1, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance
Giveaway:
Enter to win $20, $10 Amazon gift card & ebooks by Shirleen Davis
About the Author
I have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing.
I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.
Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I’ve sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband’s Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.
Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today.
My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn’t change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.
I love hearing from readers, so please feel email me at
sh******@sh************.com
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Best regards to all of you.
Connect with Shirleen – Website
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