What are the connections between cattle branding and Christian salvation, between livestock castration and square dancing, between rustling and the making of spurs and horsehair bridles in prison, between children's coloring books and cowboy poetry as it is practiced today? The Cowboy usesliterary, historical, folkloric, and pop cultural sources to document ways in which cowboys address religion, gender, economics, and literature. Arguing that cowboys are defined by the work they do, Allmendinger sets out in each chapter to investigate one form of labor (such as branding, castration,or rustling) that cowboys perform in their "work culture." He then looks at early oral poems that cowboys recited around campfires, on trail drives, at roundups, and at home in their bunkhouses, and at later poems, histories and autobiographies written by cowboys--most of which have never beforebeen studied by scholars. He discovers that these texts not only deal with work but with larger concerns, including art, morality, spirituality, and male sexuality. In addition to spotlighting little-known texts, art, and archival sources, The Cowboy examines the works of Twain, Steinbeck, Cather,Norris, Dana, McMurtry, and others, and features more than 60 historic photographs, many of which have not been published until now.

When the big shot from the city Meets the farm girl next door… Real estate mogul Jack Hart’s one goal is to earn his father’s approval. Selling his late grandfather’s farm could earn him respect, and a huge promotion. But he isn’t prepared for the fond memories Rosewood Valley still holds—or seeing Rachel Spencer again. The pretty girl next door has her heart set on his ranch but needs more time to purchase it. Now they’re working together on renovations, even as they start dreaming of a life together. But for Jack, falling for this country girl means giving up his city life—and disappointing the only family he has left… From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. Four Sisters Ranch Book 1: A Cowgirl's Homecoming Book 2: The Cowboy's Inheritance

Get ready for another mini-series in the best-selling Heart Falls world. ------- Pretend engagement, hidden sanctuary—where secrets and hope collide Inspired by their stepfather’s legacy of paying it forward, Aiden Skye and his brothers bought Heart Falls Animal Rescue with a hidden agenda. More than a shelter for animals, it’ll be a refuge—a secret haven for people needing a place to hide and rebuild their lives. Aiden is determined to make High Water a success. Petra Sorenson is looking for a new beginning in a place that already feels like home. With friends in Heart Falls ready to support her, an IT job waiting at her brother’s ranch, and some secret vigilante hacking on the side, she hopes a fresh start will heal her trampled heart. Neither Aiden nor Petra expected their paths to cross again. Their fiery one-night stand years ago was supposed to stay in the past. But when they have to pretend to be engaged to protect a young woman, their lives begin to tangle. Living together while building a secret safe house is complicated. Their attraction is undeniable, but adding real emotions to lies is messy. But a little pretending never hurt anyone...right? --- Keywords: Canadian Author, cowboy, western, contemporary, small town For readers who enjoy: Jennifer Ryan, Joan Johnston, Kate Pearce, Linda Lael Miller, Lindsay McKenna, Diana Palmer, Maisey Yates, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Lorelei James.

Uneasy Allies Mariah Stewart has a passion—to save racehorses from slaughter once they're done racing. Zach Johnson has a passion, too—raising winners. Mariah and her protests are one more annoyance on a list that may cost him his family stables. And when his best horse goes down, she pesters him about his plans for it. The thing is, Mariah is also a vet. Her crazy proposal to save Dasher might work, and what does Zach have to lose? Only his sanity! Maybe his determined bachelorhood, too. Because Mariah just…gets under his skin. Zach knows she feels it—she heats up every time he's near. But is the attraction between them enough to set aside everything they believe in?

He's got a lean, hard body and the heart of a poet... Casey Carmody may be the dreamer in his family, but he’s a born-and-bred cowboy. His days are spent on the family ranch while his nights belong to his band and the music they create. Casey would never dream of walking away from his responsibilities to pursue a career in music – until he meets urban artist Eva King. Eva has always been a rebel. In town to try to kickstart her career, the last thing she expects is to feel an instant connection with a cowboy. They both fall hard, but it doesn’t take long for the rebel in her to clash with Casey’s determination to do the right thing – even if that means sacrificing his dreams. With so much at stake, can these two soulmates risk building a life together?

Having a father is a big responsibility. And finding him a wife is a challenge eight-year-old Becky Jones takes seriously. Ex-rodeo cowboy Taggart Jones is adamant. No marriage. Been there. Done that. Not even if Becky's dream candidate is her beautiful, blonde teacher, Felicity Albright, who knows about barrettes, patching up scrapes, and hates carrots as much as his daughter. Taggart’s still not interested. Much. What's a daughter to do? Becky’s nothing if not ingenious, and she’s determined to convince a stubborn Taggart and a bemused Felicity that they really have met their match.

All Cassidy Jane Cooper wants is to fulfill her dream to compete in pro rodeo. CJ knows she’s going to have to work harder and smarter than everyone else to prove herself in the traditionally all-male saddle bronc competition. That means she shouldn’t look twice at handsome, charming cowboy, Jesse Carmody. She needs to focus on the competition, not one of her competitors. If only he wasn’t so damn hot… Jesse Carmody thinks he’s seen it all–until CJ’s arrival throws him for a loop. She’s tough, sexy, and challenging. Jesse quickly realizes he wants to know a whole lot more about this intriguing woman. When CJ faces ugly opposition from others on the circuit, Jesse is there to offer a friendly hand–and more, if she wants it. Between her trials in the arena and fighting to get the other riders to respect her, CJ knows getting involved with Jesse is the last thing she should do. But she can’t seem to keep away. Which leaves her with a choice–the man of her heart, or the career of her dreams? Or can she have them both?

A cowboy's heart: "Willow Michaels is through letting other people run her life. She's ready to stand on her own. Be independent. Run a business. Raise bucking bulls! And no matter what former rodeo star Clint Cameron thinks, Willow knows she's up for the job. Clint is used to taking care of everyone. His family, friends and especially his twin four-year-old nephews depend on him. Yet his stubborn, beautiful neighbor keeps pushing him away. Willow's scared to trust another man, but now that Clint has given her his heart, he's not about to let her walk away."

Can they build a future on a shaky foundation? Tyler “Ty” Evans lost everything in a car accident when he was twelve, retreating into his shell so tightly that it took months for him to come out again. Music and the ranch saved him, and he will always be grateful to his foster family for saving his life. Now, with the ranch on financial tenterhooks, he wonders if he can use his music to contribute to the solution. Piper Raines is the daughter of a legendary country music family. While her parents and brother are all famous, her attempt at an independent career went off the rails, and, with exhaustion and stress and bad press dogging her every step, she needs a place to recover. When Piper is invited to vacation at the ranch, Piper and Ty connect through horses and music. After a video duet of Piper and Ty goes viral, they’re invited to sing in Nashville, which also provides added pressure, stressing their new relationship.

HOME AT LAST Pepper Bourne has big plans for her stepdaddy's Arizona ranch. The physician's assistant dreams of opening a community garden for Angel Crossing's neediest. The only thing standing in her way is the tall, rugged cowboy who just inherited the property! Former bull rider AJ McCreary gave up the rodeo to raise his baby girl, and selling the ranch is the only way he can support her now. While Pepper's claim on the property may be uncertain, there's no denying her claim on AJ's heart. He's ready to become a family man. But can he prove it to the one woman who makes his family complete?