Western Life

In the era of mass incarceration, over 600,000 people are released from federal or state prison each year, with many returning to chaotic living environments. In these circumstances, how do former prisoners navigate reentering society? In Homeward, sociologist Bruce Western examines the tumultuous first year after release from prison. Drawing from in-depth interviews with over 100 individuals, he describes the lives of the formerly incarcerated and demonstrates how poverty, racial inequality, and failures of social support trap many in a cycle of vulnerability.

Since his release from prison after serving an eighteen-month sentence for growing cannabis, Ben Hecht's life has settled into a familiar routine. On his farm in the foothills of California, he stays busy cultivating a dozen acres of grapes and tending to a flock of mistrustful sheep. Meanwhile, from her desk in their old redwood barn, his novelist wife, Ada, continues to work on what may be her most important book yet.

Sunday Rain (2023), the first Western novel in the Sons of War series, is a lively and powerful post-Civil War era gem of advocation, written by Western Hall of Fame artist and author Pete Lester, who portrays the physical and emotional journey of dangerous liaisons from the backcountry of Kentucky. The story is a fictional odyssey, yet authentic in nature, earthy, raw, wise, geographically sound, and historically set about three men challenged to ride in an untamed land. Along the way, Chas, Jackie Ray, and Atohi find only a handful of trustworthy friends and discover betrayal waits in ...

Football and Cowboys, Love and War! In the state of Texas where football is king, billionaire pro wide receiver Cody Landry’s world collides with Jamie Gray's strong defensive resolve to keep her distance from the gridiron's charm. Scarred by her ex-husband's infidelity, Jamie seeks solace far from the end zone, only to find herself ensnared in a game of affection spun by not one, but two players competing for her heart. As Jamie's past threatens to take out her newfound peace, Cody emerges as her number one fan, offering more than protection—a love that defies the glitz and glamour of ...

Their grandfather’s farm has always been a magical place for eleven-year old cousins, Liam and Samantha. Even before the wormhole in the woods transported them to the magical world of Nelliah where they encountered a variety of magical creatures with special powers, they’d known the farm and surrounding area was unlike any other place they’d ever been. The Promise of the Wishing Rock, finds the cousins deposited back to a time of ruthless outlaws and charming gun slingers. Imagine driving cattle hundreds of miles across the open terrain, befriended by Indians, enchanted by ...

Nat Love: The Life and Legacy of the Former Slave Who Became the Wild West’s Most Famous Black Cowboy chronicles the colorful life of Nat Love and the legends that sprung up around him over time. You will learn about Nat Love like never before.

Step into the lively, heartwarming world of I Love You, Vacuum in this engaging audio version, where every playful giggle and gentle lesson comes to life. Join African American siblings Zairah, Ahkeen, and little Mecca, along with their loving Mommy, as they transform a chaotic living room into a stage for teamwork, sharing, and lots of fun.

Discover the truths, the history, the myths and the magic behind the best-selling All Souls trilogy. Fall under the spell once more with this all-encompassing insider's guide to A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life. The All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, featuring historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont, delves into mythology, alchemy, literature and architecture. And history is brought to life.

I’ve seen Frank Fisher before, but he’s never seen me. He definitely saw me tonight. And I know I wasn’t the only one who felt the world shift the moment our eyes connected from across the bar. But Frank isn’t like his brothers. He’s quiet, elusive, and keeps to himself. It makes him mysterious, but that’s not why I’m drawn to him. It’s something else. Something I’ve never experienced before, as cliche as that may sound. I want to be around him. Get to know him better. Explore what’s growing between us, but Frank keeps holding back and I have no idea why.

FOREVER MORE - Silkworm Secrets Series: Book 2 The days pass for Ruby and Bobby just how they like: slow and peaceful with plenty of time for the two of them. The dark secrets they once shared have faded into the past, and their life in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is full of activity as they build their new business. A few head of cattle, a couple of horses, and their dog Rusty complete their family. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could want anything more. However, when family connections from long ago surface, Ruby and Bobby face responsibilities they hadn’t anticipated. Bobby is ...

Gallop off to another century in this action-filled adventure that crosses two continents. Set in the 1850’s and 60’s, Vladimir is a hunter who becomes the hunted. Come with Vlad on attacks in the Russian Army, follow him to Alaska, cross the pristine wilderness of the Alaskan frontier and the Canadian west, and thrill to danger in the American Civil War. Enjoy the beauty of the wild Alaskan-Canadian wilderness with gold-filled creeks, breathtaking vistas, and abundant wildlife, where man was not always at the top of the food chain. See how a young woman intrigues and captivates Vlad as...

When the arguing reaches a fever pitch, is it time to admit feelings that have been bubbling under the surface all along? Madison Taylor can’t forget the huge argument she’d had with her brother’s best friend. Technically he was her friend, too, but now that they were older they couldn’t seem to get along. And a year after their unforgettable fight, he’s trying her patience again. Alex Clark is determined to become a cowboy by the end of their dude ranch vacation. He wants the accomplishment, but he also wants to impress his friend Madison. Even though she’s a little prickly ...

That ache in my heart? Nope, it never really healed…. High school sweethearts, remember? Here we are again, But I’m tangled up in family drama— My dad's fading health, my storied ranch. You, once a cocky cowboy, chasing rodeo glory— Now a hotshot firefighter, Return to our small town to fight an inferno, Rekindling that tiny ember burning inside me. But the years of "what-ifs" and grudges Are piled high like hay bales between us! A wildfire surrounds us—past wounds reemerge, But from the scars a fresh trust takes shape. Is it possible to let go of past resentments, Full of ...

Few things have captured the American imagination like the “Wild West,” which still evokes images of dusty cowboys, outlaws, gunfights, gamblers, and barroom brawls over 100 years after the West was settled. A constant fixture in American pop culture, the 19th century American West continues to be vividly and colorfully portrayed not just as a place but as a state of mind.

Peter and his friend Archie call upon faithful dog Willie to outsmart a gang of tough bullies who want Peter's motorcycle goggles.

There's a tale as old as time of two people falling in love, but what happens when Belle won't have anything to do with it? Join her in this real life fairytale set in the small town of Silver Creek to find out how she'll transform the town's beast into a handsome prince with her heart, not her beautician skills.

THREE deliciously sweet romances with hunky cowboys, sassy heroines, adorable kids and oh-so-sweet kisses! Roping the Cowboy: Environmental Engineer Darby Brewster only plans to visit Kester Ranch long enough to get a signature on the contract allowing Brewster Oil to drill on their property. Then maybe her father will finally grant her the Vice President’s role after years of trying to prove herself worthy. But the stubborn cowboy refuses, forcing her to stick around the ranch. It doesn’t take long for the peaceful surroundings to soothe her weary spirit, and the handsome cowboy and ...

The Lovely Bones meets the wild, Wild West in this haunting tale inspired by a true story. Pregnant out of wedlock, 16-year-old Annie Moore is sent to live at a convent for fallen women. When the nuns take her baby, Annie escapes, determined to find a way to be reunited with her daughter. But few rights or opportunities are available to a woman in the 1860s, and after failing to find a respectable job, she resorts to prostitution in order to survive.

People may not have heard of Robert Leroy Parker or Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, but everyone in America—and most of the rest of the world—have heard of their better-known aliases: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This infamous duo carved out their place in American history stealing horses and cattle, and ingeniously robbing numerous banks, stagecoaches, and trains.

When Life Takes a Twist: Unraveling the Threads of Love, Family, and Destiny Rose, a dedicated school teacher, enjoys a well-deserved night out with her colleagues at a local pub. When a charming stranger, Elijah, catches her attention with a surprising gesture, they share an undeniable connection. As the night unfolds, their chemistry leads to an impulsive decision that leaves a lasting impact. When Rose later discovers she's expecting a child, she must confront her fears and navigate the unexpected consequences of that fateful evening. Elijah, known for living life to the fullest, is ...