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I’m delighted to be visiting here with Annie and her friends today. And even more thrilled to introduce the first book in the Big Heart Ranch series, Claiming Her Cowboy here on the Just Commonly Blog.
Cowboys!
I grew up a-dreamin' of bein' a cowboy
And lovin' the cowboy ways
Pursuin' the life of my high ridin' heroes
-Willie Nelson
Why do we love cowboys?
They represent the American dream, and the American work ethic with a side order of happily ever after. The cowboy passion and integrity to complete the job, be it on the range or while holding the heroine in his arms, is equaled by few other hero types.
Cowboys are bigger than life. They’re three-dimensional heroes who we can envision as the hero in our books. They love God and country. They save the day and work side-by-side with a heroine just as tough as they are.
The romantic mystique of the west is captured in the cowboy essence. He represents two extremes, a rugged and unyielding Alpha hero and a warm-hearted giant. The cowboy hero is rough around the edges, yet tender enough to win the heroine’s heart and gentle enough to cradle babies in their big muscled arms.
Think John Wayne, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Gary Cooper and you rustle up images of men who are tall in the saddle, and yes, handsome. Men who speak few words because they’re all about action. These same heroes are today’s film cowboys too. Examples are Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under, Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves and Scott Eastwood in The Longest Ride.
The cowboys of film and television are just like the cowboy heroes portrayed in inspirational romance novels. This hero is rugged, vulnerable and honest. He is always a wounded hero who carries a backstory (internal conflict) that he must deal with before he and his heroine can earn their happily ever after. The most memorable tales provide the reader with a wonderful, yet slightly flawed hero who battles his demons and overcomes them with the help of his faith.
Words that describe our cowboy hero? Rugged, rough, tough, honorable, stoic, loyal, passionate, determined, stubborn, brave, lean, patriotic, formidable, genuine and silent.

The heroes of my Big Heart Ranch series are no different. Book one, Claiming Her Cowboy features Jackson Harris, an attorney who returns to his cowboy roots and goes toe-to-toe with the book’s heroine, Lucy Maxwell. I like to think of Lucy as a Maureen O’Hara type. Remember John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in all those westerns they were paired in such as Rio Grande, McLintock! and Big Jake? When we put a hero alongside a heroine who is just as tough as he is, it makes the happily ever after that much more satisfying.
What are your favorite cowboy heroes in books, television or movies? What do you think the cowboy allure is?
Leave a comment and share. I’ve brought a giveaway package to celebrate the release of Claiming Her Cowboy!
They represent the American dream, and the American work ethic with a side order of happily ever after. The cowboy passion and integrity to complete the job, be it on the range or while holding the heroine in his arms, is equaled by few other hero types.
Cowboys are bigger than life. They’re three-dimensional heroes who we can envision as the hero in our books. They love God and country. They save the day and work side-by-side with a heroine just as tough as they are.
The romantic mystique of the west is captured in the cowboy essence. He represents two extremes, a rugged and unyielding Alpha hero and a warm-hearted giant. The cowboy hero is rough around the edges, yet tender enough to win the heroine’s heart and gentle enough to cradle babies in their big muscled arms.
Think John Wayne, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Gary Cooper and you rustle up images of men who are tall in the saddle, and yes, handsome. Men who speak few words because they’re all about action. These same heroes are today’s film cowboys too. Examples are Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under, Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves and Scott Eastwood in The Longest Ride.
The cowboys of film and television are just like the cowboy heroes portrayed in inspirational romance novels. This hero is rugged, vulnerable and honest. He is always a wounded hero who carries a backstory (internal conflict) that he must deal with before he and his heroine can earn their happily ever after. The most memorable tales provide the reader with a wonderful, yet slightly flawed hero who battles his demons and overcomes them with the help of his faith.
Words that describe our cowboy hero? Rugged, rough, tough, honorable, stoic, loyal, passionate, determined, stubborn, brave, lean, patriotic, formidable, genuine and silent.

The heroes of my Big Heart Ranch series are no different. Book one, Claiming Her Cowboy features Jackson Harris, an attorney who returns to his cowboy roots and goes toe-to-toe with the book’s heroine, Lucy Maxwell. I like to think of Lucy as a Maureen O’Hara type. Remember John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in all those westerns they were paired in such as Rio Grande, McLintock! and Big Jake? When we put a hero alongside a heroine who is just as tough as he is, it makes the happily ever after that much more satisfying.
What are your favorite cowboy heroes in books, television or movies? What do you think the cowboy allure is?
Leave a comment and share. I’ve brought a giveaway package to celebrate the release of Claiming Her Cowboy!
Title: Claiming Her CowboySeries: Big Heart Ranch, Book 1
Author: Tina Radcliffe
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Her Temporary Cowboy
Attorney Jackson Harris regularly goes toe-to-toe with the world’s toughest lawyers — but none of them compare to Lucy Maxwell. The feisty director of Oklahoma’s Big Heart Ranch for orphans is as stubborn as she is pretty. But Jack must stay focused; he’s only there to evaluate the ranch’s funding. Falling for Lucy and the sweet children she protects is out of the question.
Though Lucy is determined to keep the ranch, she’s not about to give control to a city slicker — even a devastatingly good-looking one. But as they bump heads, Jack and Lucy gradually nudge open their hearts. Could a temporary cowboy become a permanent part of Lucy’s life?
Attorney Jackson Harris regularly goes toe-to-toe with the world’s toughest lawyers — but none of them compare to Lucy Maxwell. The feisty director of Oklahoma’s Big Heart Ranch for orphans is as stubborn as she is pretty. But Jack must stay focused; he’s only there to evaluate the ranch’s funding. Falling for Lucy and the sweet children she protects is out of the question.
Though Lucy is determined to keep the ranch, she’s not about to give control to a city slicker — even a devastatingly good-looking one. But as they bump heads, Jack and Lucy gradually nudge open their hearts. Could a temporary cowboy become a permanent part of Lucy’s life?
"If I was looking for a man in my life, it certainly
would not be another temporary cowboy." (20)
So I'm kind of in love with Tina Radcliffe's books. Her latest, Claiming Her Cowboy, the first of the Big Heart Ranch series is funny and downright adorable. Not only, there's substance. Know what I mean? A story is as good as it can be when it give us a plot that works, characters that makes an impact, along with touching our hearts, and teaches us something along the way.
"Cowboys wear hats. It keeps your head cool, keeps the sun off your face and keeps the dirt out of your eyes. A cowboy without a hat just ain't right." (185)
Claiming Her Cowboy promises on delivering an adorable 5-year old that will just melt your heart, and a message that goes in line with the mission statement of the Big Heart Ranch.
"First Corinthians thirteen. Faith, hope and love. Faith in God, hope for tomorrow, and unconditional love." (22)
Tina Radcliffe fit a story that seems to want to jump off the pages and spread the faith, hope and love it radiates for our characters. A place like Big Heart Ranch (the idea from the Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home located in Alabama for children needing a chance, as noted in the author's dedication) is so beautiful and humbling. To read about such love and devotion, it just touches those heartstrings like it's a musical instrument, itching to share the music within. In all, Claiming Her Cowboy isn't just romance as the title suggest, but a story that holds more than the mere 221 pages can keep up with. I look forward to the next books in this series for sure!
"Falling in love with a child has nothing to do with biology. It's a choice." (166)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
A Cowboy Giveaway Package that includes a pound of fresh-roasted Arbuckle’s Ariosa Coffee, “The Coffee That Won the West,” includes a fun, handcrafted Arbuckle Ariosa Texas style mug and a print copy of Claiming Her Cowboy!
US./Canada Mailing addresses only.
Woo hoo! So glad to be in Annie-ville today. Coffee is warming over the campfire and I have biscuits cooking along with bacon. Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteLol. Annie-ville. Hahhahaha. So funny. Kinda cute too. Thank you Tina for stopping by today! Now let's talk cowboys!
DeleteI think my allure to cowboys go back to the old days of cowboys on TV where they were honest, hard working men would did right always looking out for the underdog. It was the rugged good looks and not the chiseled wall street guy that caught the gals attention and who they all wanted to make a home with.
ReplyDeleteMy heros now in books, movies and TV have to fit the same bill of those of my childhood cowboy heros. Who wouldn't mind "roughing it" if they had one of those strong, hard-working, roughedly handsome, take care of you type men by their side!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Ahhh. Love this. You are so right. Love the roughing part too!
DeleteThanks for allowing me to visit both of you at Annie-ville. Almost as much fun as visiting The Big Heart Ranch. Cowboys remind me of "few with words", hardworking and loyal men, much like the Daddy that I grew up with and the man that I now claim as my own cowboy!
ReplyDeleteTina, I wish you much success with this book and series.
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Awww. Yes..our daddy will always be our first cowboy! Thanks for dropping by Connie
DeleteThanks, Connie. I ❤️ librarians!
DeleteMcLINTOCK???? Oh, honey, I am soooooooo there!! Cannot wait to read it, Tina!! Thanks, Annie, for having one of my faves on!!
ReplyDeleteHUGS and a HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND HOLY HOLIDAY SEASON to you both!
Julie
My pleasure. I love you both and can't wait until you join us again here at Annie-ville.😜
DeleteJulie, I love the Duke snd you’re a Maureen O’hara type for sure!!
DeleteCowboys do project that image that they are bigger than life. They are tough and can handle anything. I can picture Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot in their roles that they played as cowboys in the movies. I never tire of watching movies like that.
ReplyDeleteSwoon!!! Sam Elliot! Thanks for stopping by Cheryl. How are you feeling?
DeleteWoohoo! There's just something about cowboys!
DeleteExactly Kay! That allure never changes. Thsnks for stopping by. Happy Holidays ����
ReplyDeleteMy love of cowboys began with Clint Walker/Cheyenne Body, and Clint Eastwood/Rowdy Yates. I know there are lots of great cowboys out there today, but I prefer to dream of the ones from the "old west". Thanks for a great interview and visit Tina!
ReplyDeleteGreat post on cowboys, Tina and Annie! Yes, Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott....I’ll add Antonio Banderas. Cowboys are tough when getting the job done, but tender with women, children and animals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your review, Annie. This first book in the new Big Heart Ranch series is so heart-touching! I love the story about the inspiration for the books.
BTW, Tina, love your cowboy coffee giveaway!
Well someone named Sherida Stewart got me addicted to Arbuckle coffee. I won't put Starbucks in my Keurig anymore
DeleteThanks Sherida! And it was you that introduced the coffee of the west to Tina? Well, thank you!
DeleteDid someone say 'cowboy'??? SWOON :D
ReplyDeleteLol. O yes!
DeleteHi Carrie! Waving !Let's grab our saddles and go on a trailride!
DeleteLove cowboy stories. Loved the description of "Claiming Her Cowboy." Your book is on my "to read"
ReplyDeletelist to read ASAP. Thanks and have a Very Merry Christmas!!
Love that title! Just like how all us girls must claim our own cowboys! Lol.
DeleteSharon, thanks for stopping by. Cowboys are so the real thing. Love them! Honorable, resolute and so real.
DeleteI grew up with Bonanza and Rowdy Yates (aka young Clint Eastwood) on Wagon Train. (jozywails@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteWagon Train!
DeleteRollin' Rollin' Rollin' keep them doggies rollin', rawhide.
DeleteI love Chuck Conners and The Rifleman too.
Call me old-fashioned, but, my favorite cowboys are Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Remember, it is the guy in the white hat who is on the side of the law.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Heard lots of story about Roy Rogers!
DeleteNot old fashioned I love Roy and Gene and The Lone Ranger too.
DeleteI grew up watching the old westerns. Nothing more fun than riding horses. :)
ReplyDeleteI will admit that most of my experience with horses was in my childhood. But I still love it in my vivid imagination, Susanne!!
DeleteHi Tina,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning more about your passion for cowboys. My dad was always a big John Wayne fan, and I grew up on John Wayne movies. Now that he's retired, he loves to settle back and watch them from the comfort of his easy chair.
I thoroughly loved reading Claiming Her Cowboy. Jackson is just as swoon-worthy as his picture on the cover. Great job!
O yes, John Wayne. When I think of Westerns & cowboys, he's always one of the ones I think of.
DeleteJackson - the temporary cowboy ain't so temporary, after all! *wink wink
Thank you for the kind words, Jackie. One of my personal favorite Duke movies is The Cowboy. Although it is not a traditional HEA, it really touches the spirit of the old. West. And on a lighter note...I LOVE CITY SLICKERS!!! Thanks for taking th time to stop by.
DeleteHow about James Drury...the Virginian. Hoosh! And Clint Walker, my all-time favorite! *Double sigh*
ReplyDeleteGlad I clicked on this link via Seekerville. I'll be back.
Awesome book, Tina. One that touches my heart.
Hi Marcia! Thanks for dropping by! Totally appreciate it!
DeleteDon't say James Drury in front of Connie Queen. He's her hero. She met him even. Thanks for stopping by, Marcia!
DeleteI'll be honest I got most of my ideas of cowboys with ranch shows like Bonanza and Big Valley reruns when I was a kid. My mom was the biggest cowboy fan with a huge fondness for Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. That love caused us to move to a pretty awesome horse loving town with kind of a weird name...Norco.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. My cowboys are also from books! Heheh
DeleteKelly! Great to see you. Bonaza is an international favorite. When I was in the army and stationed in Europe the Germans loved anything Bonanza.
ReplyDeleteRoy Rogers a d john Wayne, the stars of Bonanza, Sam Elliott, Zane Gray, a d so many more. fishingjanATaolDOTcom
ReplyDeleteJan, great to see you here. Zane Gray is missing from my education, as is Louis L'Amour. Must rectify that asap.
DeleteThanks Jan for stopping by! And you list quite a few. You must have a thing for cowboys! 😜
DeleteTina, you are awesome! I'm halfway through the book :) so no time for anything else :) Need to get more books now to share....
ReplyDeleteThank you! Merry Christmas! Blessings!
Big hugs going out to you, Natalya!! Thank you so much for stopping by. Merry Christmas.
DeleteMerry Christmas! Isn't it good?!
DeleteI love the John Wayne types in movies. Cowboys just have such a masculine feel to them. LITERALLY!
ReplyDeleteLori Byrd! Thanks for stopping by. They're like Superman. Just heroes. Period.
DeleteRight you are Lori!
DeleteI love an independent woman who butts heads with a strong willed, opinionated cowboy and finally brings him around to her way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteLOLOLOL! Pam, you nailed it! Merry Christmas!
DeleteLol Pam! I love how you said the cowboy has to come around to HER way of thinking. Yes..you go girl!
DeleteThere is just something about a cowboy in a pair of wranglers and boots. I love strong men and women.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Denise. Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!
DeleteSo right! I also love the plaid shirts...
DeleteI'm a big Louis L'Amour fan, in fact, I named first dog, a fluffy red Alaskan Malamute, Tell (as in Tell Sackett). I also named my dad's dog Ty (Tyrell Sackett) and my brother named his dog Chantry (for the entire Chantry family). I'm also a big fan of John Wayne and Roy Rogers. And I know the lyrics to my favorite Sons Of The Pioneers song, (Ghost) Riders In The Sky. Since I'm from Montana we have a great history of cowboys, which, I'm pretty proud of. When my grandpa was a kid in the 30's and 40's he did the work of a full grown man on his dad's tiny cattle ranch.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Jasmine A.
P.S. Two of my prized autographs in my autograph album are a signed photo of Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under and a signed photo of Sam Elliot and Katherine Ross in Conagher. Sending away for those autographs was a lot of fun but nerve-wracking while I waited to find out if they would come back signed.
DeleteJasmine! Great to see you here. Wow, I am so impressed by your heritage. And jealous of your Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot autographs! WOW!~~~ Not many folks anymore appreciate those movies.
DeleteWow Jasmine! Well, I guess we can say cowboys run in your blood! Love autographed items! Merry Christmas!
DeleteCowboys to me I see as strong, muscular, take charge, hard working, loyal and get the job done types. I grew up watching all the old western shows. Looking forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteYes to all..and handsome. I think my cowboy is..lol
DeleteDorie! Thanks for stopping by. I'm with you. I'll take a western any day! Merry Christmas.
DeleteI can date my fascination with cowboys to going to see "The Man from Snowy River" on the big screen. I know it's an Australian film, but man, after that I was hooked!
ReplyDeleteCowboys are cowboys, no matter where they're from. 😉
DeleteI just gasped. I forgot about that movie TOMI. Thanks for the reminder. Must put it on my list. Merry Christmas.
DeleteHmm. . I think there is something about a man who lives off the land. A man's man. Becky
ReplyDeleteSo true Becky!
DeleteWhile I don't need to be taken care of, it's good to know that your man CAN. Thanks for stopping by, Becky!
DeleteI don't have a favorite cowboy, but I do like reading stories about them! They are portrayed as being hardworking family men!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely. I love cowboy stories too! Thanks Linda for stopping by!
DeleteExactly, Linda. God and family. Merry Christmas.
DeleteI've always enjoyed the outdoors & horses.. Cowboys are both!!
ReplyDeleteLol Deanna! You got that right!
DeleteDeanna, great to see you here. Aren't you the quilting gal? We must talk about quilts sometime too. But waving my Stetson at you for now! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think the allure of cowboys is we love 'em because they're larger than life hero's. They can ride the range,rope a steer but yet their hands would be gentle enough to give us a hug and a little squeeze. My favorite cowboy is John Wayne,always respectful of the ladies.
ReplyDeleteCnnamongirl at aol dot com
Hi Deanne, We are John Wayne fans! Such a great explaination. Thank you! Merry Christmas.
DeleteAwww. I love that too! Well said, Deanne!
DeleteI can't necessarily think of any specific cowboy that I'm a huge fan of, but I do enjoy Christian fiction books with heart throbbing cowboys as the hero...this one sounds terrific!
ReplyDeleteHi Rosalyn! Thanks for stopping by! Thanks for the kind words on my heart throbbing cowboy Jack Harris! Merry Christmas.
DeleteI love cowboys - after all, my name is Cowgirl, uh, make that Cowgill! Well anyway, underneath that super-tough exterior, is a softer side that makes my heart melt. And underneath that Stetson is the best looking man I ever did see, which makes my heart beat in quadruple time. Please enter me in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteLOLOL, Edwina. Yes. You got it. The gruff exterior with a heart of melted chocolate. Merry Christmas.
Delete