Cowboy

Harmony #1

by Staci Stallings

Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it's done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life's weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real. Cowboy is a grace-filled story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone. Staci Stallings has intertwined the loss and grief of two characters into a sweet love story. Full of truths and illustrations of God's grace, Cowboy will capture a reader's heart. Stallings has peppered in song lyrics that strike a beautiful chord. Eileen Key

Genres: Christian, Romance, Christian Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...

Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/

Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Life has done its best to knock Beth McCasland to the ground, and the truth is: it’s done a pretty good job of keeping her there. Stuck in a minimum-wage job with a young daughter counting on her, Beth does her best to stay standing under the weight of it all because she knows God is on her side. Then one night she gets the chance to be an angel to another of life’s weary travelers. For once hope has never looked so real.

Timothy Ashton Raines has worked himself to the very top of the country music charts, but the loss of his wife has him questioning if life is even worth living. When he walks away from it all, a chance encounter saves him from the abyss, but does he have enough faith to hold on to love a second time around?

Cowboy is a grace-filled love story about the power of giving everything to God and how a simple act of compassion can change lives forever. Emotional, soothing, and heart-wrenching, Cowboy is infused with the message that no matter who we are and no matter what life has thrown at us, we never have to walk alone.

REVIEW: Books can leave you with many different feelings but it is a rare book that leaves you with sweet tears of happiness. Cowboy is one such book. This book is a captivating read that depicts the slow growth of love, trust, and faith between the prince and the pauper. The slow development
of the storyline and the depth of portrayal of each of the characters draws you into the story and makes for a book that you can't put down. Contemporary romance is not my favorite genre but this book had me spellbound.

The fact that both Beth and Timothy were wiling to wait on God's direction for their lives made the bond even stronger between them. I loved how the author used the prayer to unite Kenzie, Beth, and Timothy throughout the story. The thread of faith was interwove throughout the storyline beautifully without being overdone or preachy.

This is the second book I have read by Staci Stallings, and it definitely will not be the last.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "You can look down in desperation or up for inspiration; just don't look across for information."

THE PRAYER:
"Thy will be done tonight. Tonight is a night of completion. We give thanks for this perfect night. Miracle shall follow miracle, and wonders shall never cease."

"It may not be obvious at the time, but God has a reason for everything."

"Yep, you'd be amazed at what God can do when you let Him."

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been reading Christian fiction for a long time, mainly because some of them become preachy and I don’t want a sermon with my romance. I do, however, appreciate different points of view. My reading of Cowboy was thoroughly entertaining and endearing and I didn’t miss out on any of the romance.
This is a story about a man who feels like he is outside of God’s Grace and has nothing to live for. Ashton Raines is the hottest country music star in America but has lost his passion for the music. With each passing night it comes more of a chore to go out on stage and give the fans a performance worth the ticket price and on a rainy night he turns off the highway and finds the one person who understands exactly what it means to lose everything. That person is Beth, single mother working at the diner where Ashton ends up. Beth immediately knows that something is wrong with the man who steps in from out of the rain. She becomes his lifeline and prays for him daily and even through her pain she prays for him. Shows him that in order to heal, all he has to do is trust and open his heart to God and He’ll take care of the rest. Ashton must turn his life around if he is to survive and he faces all the challenges of life a musician on the road that are, by design, meant to lead him away from her.
I was fell completely in love with these characters who try to stay faithful and move through tragedy. These aren’t portrayals of people with perfect lives; rather, they are people who worry about where the next meal is coming from and how they will make it through the next day. There are wonderful little stories about how God uses unknown people and situations to save you; leading you to where He needs you to be to receive His blessings. Very good read with a wonderful HEA.

[Joleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wouldnt you think something labeled Christian fiction would have "Christ" in it? Or "Jesus"? Neither is mentioned...ever. God is mentioned a lot but any New Age book would use God as many times. The main character (Beth) seems to love God and prays a lot, and tells Timothy God loves him a lot but there's simply no mention of the very person for which this book gets that label "Christian Fiction". Some inane prayer is repeated ad nauseum (13 times to be precise) that isn't even a prayer... simply an expectation of a miracle following miracle.
When Timothy wants to get to know her better he suggests going to a mountain get away. She's not concerned about his intentions nor asks him if separate rooms are expected, and her parents are okay with it without even a warning. It ended up to be innocent, but these are things a Christian finds out FIRST, and also considers the propriety and how this looks to her young daughter she leaves behind to go off with a man for a weekend.
I finally finished the book rooting for the main characters to get together, but it never ends with Christ as the focus, so, yes even the sweet ending was disappointing from a Christian point of view.
It's a very clean story (cussing was mentioned in a couple reviews, but honestly I do think it was just damn, which is not that big of a deal). Anyway, it was clean and sweet and not horrible. Not great fiction, but not horrible. I think it may have been for young adults but I didn't see that label.
I wouldn't recommend someone go out and buy it, but if someone asked me if it was okay, I'd say yes.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashford Raines was an award winning Country Music singer who had lost his wife and felt like his life wasn't worth living without her. One rainy night in desperation he drove away from his band not knowing for sure where he was going or what he was doing. He ended up at a little diner late at night for a cup of coffee. The waitress normally didn't work the night shift but was that night. She sensed right away he needed a friend. In an impulsive moment she gave him her phone number and said if he ever needed to talk to call her. Thus began the beginning of Ashford getting back his life and being led to become a Christian. This book is heart warming, sad at times and shows how God will work in your life, if you allow Him. Good book

[Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy

Cowboy
You never know when a simple act of kindness might change the life of a stranger. Perhaps even save that life. When GOD brings together two people who have known devastation, when He is given control over the direction of their lives, the result is beautiful. This book is the purest form of romance. I cried and I rejoiced with these two. Very well written!

[Quahana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too long, worst and frantic in format

Decent enough story, but too long and wordy
. The job could have been done in half the pages and maybe half the angst and jumping back and forth (dizzying). Maybe then I would have liked the heroine better! Kenzie was a sweet touch to the landscape. Probably won’t read anymore from this author as her style is not my jam.

[MARY WILSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME love story!!

This is a wonderful love story!! Beth and Timothy's story is wonderfully told. Two strangers meet when Beth wants to help a down on his luck customer. They form a bond that is undeniable. God guides their path to each other.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance novel that follows the usual formula (boy meets girl, attraction, love, angst, decisions, angst, happy ending), but without the raunch. Light reading. Enjoyable fluff.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

This was a fun read. I love story that tugged at my heartstrings. A story of grace, hope, and forgiveness.

[Paula Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Staci Stallings’ romance, Cowboy, country music sensation, Ashton Raines, lost his wife to cancer and every part of him wants nothing more than to walk away from his life and leave it behind and never look back. Without her, he feels life is too hard, too draining and too overwhelming and not worth living. He doesn’t know who he is anymore and feels he has ceased to exist as a real person. He constantly asks himself, “Who is this person anyway? Who is this man walking around in my body?”

Beth McCasland is a single working mother of a young daughter, and she lost her husband five years earlier, and is still reeling from his absence. After a chance meeting in the restaurant where Beth works, she encourages Ashton to stop running and turn his problems over to God, but he is angry and feels God doesn’t want to hear from him. He feels no one understands him, not even Beth. Theirs is a long distance relationship, nurtured through late night phone calls. Beth is very honest about her faith and her insistence that Ashton needs a relationship with God in order to move on with his life. I found her dependence upon God refreshing and enjoyed reading how her prayers and those of her daughter too, helped guide him back to spiritual restoration and a renewed relationship with God. I really liked how Beth included her daughter in the developing friendship and romance she had with Ashton.

Entertaining and easy to read, Cowboy captures all the elements of an enjoyable novel. Staci’s writing shows warmth and love and she clearly cares about her characters and makes the reader feel very involved in their lives. She also does a great job of building believable and likeable characters. Beth and Ashton’s story is heartrending and beautiful. I felt their pain as well as their healing as the story progressed. I loved how Staci uses Beth to bring Ashton back to his faith and closer to God than he was before. This is a clean romance, and one where the Christian message comes through loud and clear. Best of all, it has the kind of ending I like to see in books. If you are looking for a book to inspire, entertain and keep you hooked, this is it. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. This is a romance not only for adults to read, but teens will enjoy it too.

Thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Tamara Tilley]

COWBOY is not your run of the mill romance. Beth McCasland is a widow with a daughter and a dead end job at a small town diner, barely making ends meet. Ashton “Timothy” Raines is a country singer at the top of his career, but feeling as if he’s at the end of his rope. When Timothy stumbles into Beth’s diner on the brink of wanting to end it all, she sees his desperation and tries to offer a friendly smile and a listening ear. What follows is a most unorthodox relationship.

With an intriguing premise, Staci Stallings creates a relationship between two characters even though they’ve only had one brief encounter and are hundreds of miles away from each other. Timothy and Beth’s relationship grows through a series of phone calls. He calls her, needing to feel a connection to someone who isn’t interested in him for who he is, and Beth looks forward to her late night phone calls from Timothy at the end of every day.

Beth and Timothy are two people from different ends of the spectrum. Beth has no idea as she offers simple advice and encouragement to this wayward traveler, that he is hiding his true self from her. And the more Timothy comes to rely on her, he realizes he has to explain to her who he is, but never seems to find the right words. All he knows is he is falling in love with the woman on the other end of the line.
I found myself reading page after page, not wanting to put the book down until I knew Beth and Timothy were safely together. As obstacles present themselves, Beth and Timothy have to decide if they have what it takes to make this relationship work, or if it was just a passing thing they will look back on with fondness. COWBOY is a wonderful read that was recommended to me by one of my readers, and I, in turn, recommend it as well.

[Tracy Krauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter two heartbroken people on opposite ends of the spectrum. Beth is a single mother, widow, and waitress just trying to make ends meet. Ashton Raines is a famous country music star who has lost his love of music after the untimely death of his wife. Then a chance meeting brings them together - or was it really chance at all? They soon strike up a long distance relationship that continues for several months, each helping the other through the feelings of loss and hopelessness. However, Beth doesn’t know Ashton’s true identity. To her he is just a broken hearted man in need of a friend. Once she finds out the truth, will she be able to overcome the hurdle of his fame and what that could mean for her life and the life of her daughter?

The relationship between the two develops slowly, especially in light of their personal losses. It did feel at one point that we had reached the climax but then there was a whole lot of book left. This long resolution was not necessarily a bad thing, it was just not typical of modern romance stories. There was only one thing I found odd and that was the use of land line phones throughout. I kept wondering why they didn’t just use their cell phones instead of waiting by their land lines all the time. I decided to set the story pre-cell phone era just for my own peace of mind, although the actual time period isn’t given. In any case, I really did enjoy reading Cowboy by Staci Stallings and have no hesitation recommending it to others.

[Marji Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Staci Stallings drew together an emotional romance and a moving story of new found faith. I enjoyed getting a peek into the world of country music. Her lyrics and song titles seemed so natural, I could easily believe the Ashton Raines was a real person.

The author used a unique voice in sharing the story. The characters shifted back and forth between their points of view very quickly. At first it distracted me, but I found I enjoyed seeing the same event through different eyes. She wrote in an unconstrained style that, though it broke "rules," displayed great writing ability.

The middle of the story existed in short phone calls exchanged with a perfect stranger, but I didn't find them tedious. In fact, I waited for the phone to ring with the same anticipation that Beth, the main character, displayed. And when the stranger's identity became known to her, I struggled with the hero and his frustrating position. This wonderful story transports Cinderella to the modern era, graced with lime-lights and a two-stepping rhythm. I couldn’t put the darn book down and finished reading it at 6AM. Will need to start earlier next time! Big-time thumbs up for Cowboy.

See my entire review at MarjiLaine.blogspot.com

[Karen Baney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet romance starts with a sad story of a singer, Ashton, who lost his wife. As he struggles to continue with his tour, he takes a road trip in desperation.

A kind diner waitress, Beth, gives him a few minutes of her time and listens like no one else has since he became famous. She doesn't know who he really is. She gives him her phone number and suggests he calls her anytime he needs to talk - thinking that he won't really take her up on the offer.

When he does, one phone call leads to many more. The two get to know each other and soon, both have hopes that their fledgling friendship might move on to something more.

I really enjoyed watching this sweet love story unfold. During the beginning few chapters, short scenes bounce between Ashton and Beth. Once I got used to this style, I found myself enjoying the back and forth.

It was easy to identify with Ashton, even though he's a famous singer, because he feels like no one really knows the real him. I think many non-famous people feel the same way in life. I also related to Beth and her struggle to balance love with what was best for her daughter.

There are many ups and downs and many wonderful romantic moments in this sweet contemporary novel.

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book by Staci Stallings, called Cowboy.
It is a first time that I have read any of this author but it wont be the last. Great story of a young woman who has lost a husband and is working through the grief and to raise a little girl who was born after husband died.
One night she meets a young man who seems to be in a bad way that stops at the diner where she works, he had lost his wife recently and finds life so hard to live now. He has just about decided to end it all when he meets Beth and she offers her friendship and lot of good advise.
After they part ways - they seem to become phone buddies when he calls and she helps him feel better about life, she quotes scriptures and helps him to see that he needs God in his life and more importantly to ask God to guide his steps and lean on him.
This story is full of Grace, Gods grace and how we only simply have to accept what is so freely offered. Beth does not realize that Timothy is anyone other then what he tells her and gets a huge shock when she finds out more about him.
You will want to read this book and see how Beth and Timothy get closer to one another and it helps both of them. When we put ourselves in Gods hands-lives change..

[Suzanne Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very best part of this story was Timothy Ashton Raines. Reading his healing from deep sorrow to falling in love was pure pleasure. However, I became a bit miffed with Beth in the second half of the story. Her insecurities, though understandable, were given a bit too much rein and dragged on a bit too long. In fact, I disliked her by the end of the story. I also had a minor problem with the "You never know what God might do" thoughts. In my beliefs, God is good all the time. He does not at any time bring sorrow upon us. I do feel some of the reviews of this book regarding the lack of references to God are unjust. Not every Christian Fiction story needs to tell the Savior's story. This book successfully showed two people just living their lives out for Christ as best as they knew how. A good story with a great male main character.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like how the author led into this Christian romance story. Beth and Timothy's telephone relationship was the highlight of the story and I enjoyed the anticipation of wondering if and when they actually met in person whether the special relationship they had via telephone would still exist in real life. It was an enjoyable Christian fiction where one was able to really get to know the character's inner thoughts rather than just what they looked like. Beth's little girl, Kenzie, was a delightful part of the story and her desire to "make Timothy her Daddy" was so down-to earth.

[C.E. Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy by Staci Stallings is a great read. Ms. Stallings brings her characters to life in such a way that the reader can't help falling in love with them. They face situations which challenge both their ethics and commitment. Beth McCasland is a dedicated single mother who juggles life's demands drawing admiration. The settings are well painted and the flow of the story is maintained at a perfect page turning pace.

[Nicole Floyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent story and a little on the predictable side and while I did find it annoying that Beth tried to push Ashton away and used her daughter as an excuse and never asked her daughter what she thought about her (Beth) being with Ashton (granted she was a little girl, but she really wanted a dad and Beth had started including Ashton in their lives so what is a little girl gonna do or think???....but I digress) it was a good story.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored this story. Very romantic with a swoon-worthy, heartbreakingly handsome and kind hero. A heroine who is strong yet vulnerable. A precious little girl, country music and Elvis' "Are You Lonesome Tonight". Wow! It was awesome :) This was a tender and poignant love story. I would love to see it made into a movie. This is my first Staci book and can't wait to read another! Truly a book I will want to read again and again!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it! Great story of allowing God to direct our lives and receiving the blessings he has in store for us if we have the ability to turn everything over to him.

Beth and Timothy are great characters who are struggling to move past tragedy in their lives.

Take a chance and try this one, I don't think you will be disappointed. I did read this from the eBook box set love brings us home with 7 Christian novels. I enjoyed all of them, great clean reads.

Happy Reading!!!

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but I think that was me rather than the book. I really felt a connection with the two main characters. I keep thinking someone really should record the songs. Especially the Epilogue song. *sigh* This is my fourth Staci Stallings book and by far my favorite.

[Poonam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow,amazing story!It touched my heart all the way.Had a hard time putting it down .

I really love all the characters especially Timothy Ashton Raines and Beth and her daughter Kenzie. Love the way how their relationship evolved from stranger to falling in love with each other.Love the epilogue. Love all those moments between them. Wow.:D

Looking to read more books by this author.

[Phyllis Halstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

What a lovely well written love story. The fierce trip to find peace in the life of a talented singer who has lost his wife to cancer. His total despair. When he finds Beth and their mutual struggle with the help of God, to make a life together. I would highly recommend this book. Phyllis

[Ester · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book I wasn't sure whether I would like it or not since it was involving two different storylines. But I read It I begin to see how it was bringing together two different people together thru God's working in their lives. This book is one that I highly recommend for anyone to read.

[Precarious Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story that made me feel good from beginning to end. I'm not all that into romance as a genre, but I fully recommend this book. You just get attached to the characters right away and never stop liking them, even through all their stumbles.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sweet love story. Many of us chance to meet people who will change our lives or touch us through circumstances. This story touched on life circumstances that brought two unlikely people together.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh I love me a good clean romance!!! This book was great!! I loved how everything played out. I had a hard time putting it down. It was a little overboard on the preachness sometimes but overall not too bad.

[Mecca Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story

Sweet love story

As always,Staci STALLINGS did a wonderful job. A simple love story sprinkled with a little suspense. A book that makes you smile at the end.

[Marva Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming story

This is a good book to curl up with and spend time with. Well written and the story flows well. It will make you believe there are still good people around. Thanks, Stack.