Dear Reader,

After the Rodeo just poured right out of my heart. Jace, a former bull rider, and Vivian, a wildlife biologist, are both realizing that life won’t cooperate with their plans. But they discover friendship, love, community and new dreams. I hope you enjoy their journey to happily-ever-after!

Writing the Heroes of Shelter Creek series is such a joy, in part because I get to write about my beloved heartland, the northern California coast. It was fun to include California’s native elk, the tule elk, in this book. My favorite encounter with them was a couple decades ago. My friend and I were riding our bicycles down a steep hill when a group of elk started to run alongside us. They stayed just yards away from us, leaping and galloping, for a very long time. I cherish that magical memory!

In this story I get to explore another thing I care deeply about—chronic illness. I hope this story reminds us that even in difficult circumstances we can find new possibilities for ourselves, and more compassion for each other.

Thank you for reading After the Rodeo. Please look for me on social media or at clairemcewen.com. I always love hearing from readers!

Claire McEwen