Thank you for inviting me back to Petticoats and Pistols. I was here last January to promote my Love Inspired book Feuding with the Cowboy. Today, I want to introduce you to my brand new sequel, The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo. This story continues my series about the Mattson family of New Mexico cattle ranchers. As always with Love Inspired, my heroine and hero work through their unique conflicts and adversities on the way to earning their happily-ever-after.
Before I get into the specifics about the book, I want to jump on the bandwagon with other on P&P writers in celebrating the United States’ 250 anniversary. Quick question you don’t have to answer: How much did you have to practice to say “Semi-Quincentennial”? In May, I gave a patriotic talk to a ladies’ meeting, and I sure did have to pause and think each time I said the word. LOL! Also, to celebrate this remarkable anniversary, I brought a colorful ornament, some cute juice glasses, two tee shirts, a welcome mat, a yard flag, and a brand new Stars and Stripes flag to fly by our front porch. There was so much more I wanted to buy, but I had to stop someplace. BTW, I took all of these pictures with my iPhone, so they’re mine.
I’ve always been very patriotic. When I was in high school in 1962, I was honored to be chosen as the soloist when my choir introduced a new song titled “I’m just a flag-waving American.” Back then, everybody in this country would have made that same proclamation. If you click on the link, you won’t see me singing because, sad to say, my performance wasn’t recorded. Instead, you’ll hear a wonderful high school group singing the song in a 1976 celebration of our Bicentennial. Now, as we are about to celebrate the Semi-Quincentennial, it’s so inspiring to listen to the words of this song. Let me know what you think.
Thinking of patriotic people, I’m always impressed by the patriotism of the cowboy and rodeo community. These hardworking, down-to-earth folks get it. This is the greatest country in the world, and they are thankful to be here where we’re free to be whoever God wants us to be. Knowing The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo would be released in July, I made sure to include a scene in which my hero and heroine attend a community Independence Day celebration, complete with patriotic music, hot dogs, and fireworks. Rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are especially faith-filled and patriotic folks. You can always count on hearing an opening prayer and singing the National Anthem before every rodeo. And if the event happens on Sunday, they always attend Cowboy Church right there in the rodeo arena.
Here’s the story:
He’s risking it all for one last ride…After a near-fatal fall, former bull rider Raeder Westfall is determined to prove he’s no quitter, especially to his five-year-old son, Peanut. But rodeo queen June Mattson knows the price of chasing glory, and as Peanut’s Sunday school teacher, she worries Raeder is risking too much. Yet when the Riverton Stampede loses its star, June surprises them both by tossing Raeder’s name into the ring. As they work to save the town’s biggest event, friendship turns to something deeper. Can they overcome fear and pride to build the family they both long for?
So, what did you do to celebrate our Semi-Quincentennial? I’m partial to barbecue pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob for my July Fourth menu. Leave comments to enter my drawing for one print copy of The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo to a U. S. resident.
South Carolina author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 and 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a 25 year member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Married for fifty-four happy years to her beloved husband, David, Louise is now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.
You can find her complete Booklist and more info about her writing at her website: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMGougeAuthor
Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge
It was super hot here, so we didn’t go into town for the parade and festivities, but we did watch the fireworks between storms. Once I wrote it out, I didn’t have any problems with Semiquincentennial. Instead of buying new decor, I pulled out some of my decor from the Bicentennial.
I don’t blame you for avoiding hot weather when you can. I do that, too. How wonderful that you still have your decorations from 1976!
I was invited to a neighbor’s house for the 4th of July and brought potato salad.
Isn’t it fun to celebrate with others on these special days! Potato salad is one of my favorite side dishes in the summer.
Love your books and love inspired series. I have been introduced to authors I would probably never get to know.
Thank you, Sharon. I’m so glad you like our stories. I considered it an honor to write for Love Inspired.
BBQ
Yum! Makes me hungry. And it’s only ten a.m.
It was extremely hot here. We stayed home and had our own BBQ.
Right. The heat of summer can be nice, but too much heat spoils everything.
We watched the fireworks, and they were better than usual!
I love fireworks displays, but not the noise. I wore earplugs at the fireworks event we attended.
I sure enjoyed reading your Blog today, Louise. I live in a very tourist area in central Minnesota. We watched fireworks being displayed around the lakes. I decorated for the Fourth of July with flags and a special banner celebrating 250 years. It was very hot here so we enjoyed the day at home. I look forward to getting more acquainted with you as an author, as you are new to me! Hope you enjoy your summer.
Kathy, I saw on the news that you all are having unusually hot weather up there. I’m guessing that meant a big change for you. Down here in South Carolina, it’s business as usual hot.
I’m glad you enjoyed the blog. Rereading it this morning, I found a typo. Oh, dear! Where is my editor when I need her?
Your new book sounds awesome! We spent the 4th with friends and family. It was hot but we had a cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings. The neighbors were setting off fireworks all around us and we also had tvs outside so we could watch the World Cup. We had a very memorable time.
Hi, Patti. Sounds like you all had a good Independence Day. Wasn’t it fun to watch the World Cup? We never paid much attention to soccer, but I think we will in the future.
We went to my daughter’s and had a cookout. Everyone brought a passing dish. After dark they had fireworks, although my husband and I did not stay for that. He has dementia and wanted to go home.
Hi, Karijean. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s dementia. As a widow who took care of my dear husband during his decline from cancer, I know you will do anything to make life easier for your beloved. I’m glad you got to see your family on the Fourth. Blessings to you.
Welcome back, Louise! Congrats on a great blog. It is amazing that our county is now 250 years old. Still, we’re like a child compared to England whose history stretches back to the before the middle ages. But our democracy, which started as an experiment, is something to be proud of. Sadly, I didn’t get out of my apartment on the 4th but watched fireworks out my window. That was good enough for me as I’m not fond of the loud noises. And I’ve seen terrible accidents with fireworks. I can’t remember what I ate, only that it was nothing special. My heart always swells with pride and I confess I tear up by the opening ceremonies when I attend rodeos. Your new book looks and sounds amazing. Wishing you much success.
Linda, you sound like me. Don’t care for those loud noises! Yes, we’re still a young country in the grand scheme of history. I’m a weeper over anything patriotic. In fact, I can’t sing our national anthem because I get too emotional. Instead, I mouth the words while my tears lodge in my throat. Thank you for your good wishes.
What a refreshing blog today, as I listened to the song which was sung in 1962. As a matter of fact, I graduated from high school in 1962 at 17 1/2 years old. I truly miss those days, the freedom and all the wonderful friends we had and all the fun and adventures in high school. Your Facebook site was also an eye-opening post which I shared with my followers. I look forward to reading your books. And welcome to Petticoats and Pistols. It is a very wonderful site with terrific author/hosts.
Hi, Judy. So, we’re twins! I was also 17 1/2 at graduation. I’m glad you enjoyed the song. I’ve always been surprised that it didn’t become more famous.
I too bought some patriotic things to display. I’m very proud to be an American and pray that God will continue His blessings on this great country, and that our younger generations will wake up and stand up for what is right and good about this country and try to make it even better.
Can’t wait to read your book. Love rodeos.
Sarah, you’re so right. It’s the younger generation that needs to rise up and love this country. I join you in prayer for God to continue His blessings to us despite those who want to destroy us.
I bought one new home decoration, a garland of small flags. For the 4th I fixed bbq pork ribs. Sat on my lawn and enjoyed watching the fireworks from the nearest town which is 15 miles southwest of my hilltop home. Our youngest daughter was glad she stayed home because her neighbors’ fireworks started a fire which reached her yard. Fortunately the local fire department arrived and stopped the fire from doing any major damage. As much as I enjoy fireworks I’m ready to have them banned to just commercial displays.
Oh, my goodness, Alice. I’m so glad your daughter’s home didn’t suffer major damage. I do agree about personal fireworks being controlled. I’m glad you enjoyed Independence Day!
We stayed home and had a quiet day.
Can’t argue with that! Sometimes the greatest blessings are in the quiet times.
Hi your book sounds like a Great read and I love the book cover! My husband played in a Funk Band in a city 2 hours away from where we live. It was the cities 4th of July Celebration (it was at the cities Downtown main Park, outside) and there were like 10,000 people there. My husband played his Baritone sax and his tenor sax , the band he was in was the Main band and they played last , right before the Firework Display, it was so much fun! I was able to sit in the second row from the Stage! The Firework display was Beautiful and we got to listen to some really good music , all together it was 3 bands. Thank you for the chance at your Great sounding and looking book.
Hi, Alicia. So glad you had such a great time on the Fourth.
Yes, the cover Love Inspired designed for me is lovely. But for me, anything with a cowboy and a horse is lovely. LOL!
We decorated big time… enjoyed a family BBQ! Had a wonderful time!
What fun!
Hello Louise we had a hog roast with family and friends then we done fireworks! Your Book sounds like such a great book!
Wow! A hog roast! Wish I could have been there!
Welcome. Thank you so much for the opportunity. This year, we did not do anything special. I was recovering from a broken femor and patella. My husband fixed a nice dinner. God bless you.
Debra, I’m so sorry to hear about your broken bones! I pray you’ll recover quickly! What a great husband you have.
Welcome the book sounds great. I didn’t do anything on the Fourth. I am a widow and the kids were all busy.
Liinda, I’m also a widow, and my grown kids are usually busy. Sometimes we just have to find our own fun. God bless.
A friend and I got together and had burgers, chips, corn on the cob, and brownies! It was nice to spend a few hours together! Then, we both had fireworks going on around our houses, so we didn’t need to go anywhere for those!
Trudy, I’m so glad you and your friend could enjoy the celebration together. Friends are such a great blessing.
Time for me to sign off. Thanks for all of your comments about your Independence Day 250 anniversary celebrations. Best wishes to you all. Please be looking for my next book in April 2027. The Cowboy’s Loyall Companion follows another branch of my Mattson family of New Mexico cattle ranchers. God bless!
It was really hot in my little borough here in PA but I celebrated by getting together with friends and family and grilled hotdogs on grill and had homemade Vanilla Ice Cream yummy ?
Stayed inside with the air conditioning on with the dogs. My parents and daughters went in to town and watched the fireworks. They said the finale was really good.
My family and I gathered together to celebrate and enjoy a feast together. We had ribs, wings, potato salad. tomato salad and brownies for dessert.
We went to Riverfest and stood under a canopy while it poured rain for an hour and a half. Then we eventually watched the fireworks there.