Patricia Thayer's "The Rancher's Doorstep Baby"

One of my favorite things to do is talk about my books. And as most of my readers know, I love cowboy heros. Men of the West. They're honest, hard working guys who put in long days. There's something sexy about a man in worn jeans, chaps, cowboy boots and a Stetson hat. Oh, my.

In The Rancher's Doorstep Baby, my hero, Cole Parrish, is a drifter who feels he's lost everything. He shows up at the Bar H Ranch to work for Rachel Hewitt, but when the time comes, he can't seem to move on. Then he's a total goner when baby Hannah appears on the doorstep.

I hope you enjoy the story.

I model my cowboys/ranchers after a gentleman I met years ago when I first began writing. 

Hence Barrow has been a rancher all his life.  He just recently died this past summer at the age of 97.  Over the years, I was privileged to get to know him and his family.  I've heard so many wonderful stories from Hence.  And I also modeled my mentor charcter, Hank Barrett, in my Texas brotherhood series, after Hence.   

Now, there's a third generation of Barrows ranching on three different ranches around the Midland/Odessa area, with a fourth generation not to far back.  I know Brandan and Michelle, and Holley and Michael are carrying on the important things their granddad taught them.        

I believe things change over the years, but we all want to hold on to what's important.  I feel that's honesty, courage and a sense of family.  That what I want my hero to represent.  

                                         Pat
 

Just wanted to say Hi and I started reading your books last year when I picked up the three book trilogy Rocky Mountain Brides. I read The Rancher's Doorstep Baby last month and really enjoyed it. So what's up next and when can I expect it. Will be waiting and watching for more.

Rae,

I don't understand the questions.

You mean who was my favorite rancher in my books? And I'm not sure what plotter and pantster mean, either.

Pat

Sounds good to me will be waiting for them. Wrote the dates in on my calendar so I wouldn't miss them. Thanks

Rae,

I think I figured out what you mean about plotter or pantster.

Yes, I do plot. I have a plot group I work with to help develop my stories. But when I put my butt in the chair, a lot of the time, I'm flying on my own. So I guess that makes me a pantster, too. I love it that my characters have a mind of their own.

Pat

Read this book earlier this month and loved it.  I have enjoyed all of your books. 

Does the partner get his own book?  I hope so. 

How odd that you would talk about Randolph AFB.  My brother was stationed there twice and when he retired and worked civil service he worked there.  I have been to the base several times and it is very beautiful.  If you have some questions I could ask him and I am sure he would be happy to help you.

Elaine,

I'm glad you liked my book. And you're right, I probably have several questions about the AF, but I'm lucky that I found someone at Randolph to answer my questions. And I aways have lots of questions.

But who knows, I might take you up on your offer.

Pat

never know where you're going to find me these days!  I joined the 100,000 book challenge here at eharlequin.com, and I've been checking the site quite often.  I found the link to this forum and of course had to come over!  

Mama and I are doing ok.  She's still out at the farm and doing pretty well.  Daddy was in the nursing home the last year and a half.  He just sat in his wheelchair and went to sleep after lunch, on the Friday before Father's Day.  We, of course, miss him terribly and the holidays were hard, but we're so thankful he didn't suffer and went so peacefully.  

Wow!  Your family is growing!  I can't believe you still have only boys in your family.   Ours continues to grow also, a great-niece born in October and two more on the way this spring.

I was promoted to "head" of special ed. on our campus last year, that only means I have more paperwork....nothing spectacular!

I will give you a call, I don't know if you have my cell nubmer or not.  I think that's how I called the last time.  3812 is the last numbers.  I think about you a lot, but am so bad about doing anything about it.

Hugs,

Marsha

I read The Rancher's Doorstep Baby recently. I
picked it up during one of those tear out the hair hectic times in real
life and it was a perfect read to center things.

I don't know about bad boys (the title to the link that brought me here). Bad boy or not, the hero here had several qualities that made him something special. And of course, Cy, the ranch hand too. Personally, what I like about western set romances is when the hero, rough and tumble cowboy, still has a soft heart. Knights...cowboys...men of honor...

MMMM I love 'em!  I do believe that the cowboy has gotten a bad rap in the past.

I have to agree with Mary, Pat,  Just Maggie was one of those books that I will never forget!  I loved Wildcat Wedding, for obvious reasons, but Just Maggie is the one that hooked me!

Marsha 

Ladies,

I think we all agree that we love cowboys, so maybe you could help me out.

I'm putting together a basket to be auctioned off for charity. Of course my books will be in it. But I need other ideas so some one will bid on it.

I have a western theme. I'm calling it, Romance on the Ranch.

I thought I'd get an western blanket. I found a candle that is called, Firewood. I have a Wild Wild West Cook Book, and some Texas Pecan barbecue sauce.

I think I'll get a bottle of Texas wine. A gift certificate to a western clothing store. Also I found chocolate from Texas.

Does anyone have ideas for me? Remember I have to mail this, so keep it little and light. Brenda Novak is doing an action for the the Diabetes Assoc. that being held in May.

Pat

Book are never to heavy to carry, ship or pack.  They are a must for every trip to the doctor, every vacation, or just to have on hand while sitting in the car waiting for your kids to finish soccer practice.

You can never have too many books.

Pat 

You know I was going to say jerky of some sort too.  It's a big thing here...in northern Canuckland cowboy country!  And jewelry is a great idea! 

What about books about the west?  When I was in Vegas last summer I grabbed one that was Romances of the West that was really cool...true love stories of real cowboys and outlaws.  :-)

And it looks like we'll be shelf-mates in August!  :-)

 Donna

It's been fun for me, too.  I enjoyed getting to know my readers.   Hope you all will also enjoy my upcoming books.  For any info you need, you can go to my website.   

Thanks again, it's been a pleasure.  Pat Thayer