Clara and the Cowboy

Clara and the Cowboy is a 2010 inspirational historical romance by Erica Vetsch, published by Heartsong Presents as a 170-page paperback.

Alec's problem is his own history. He grew up with an abusive and alcoholic father, and the local community has decided that he will turn out the same, so the novel gives him two forms of judgement to deal with: the town's assumption and his own doubts. That is why the prospect of loving his employer's daughter seems to him like a mistake for everyone concerned. Alec works for Clara's father, so her declaration is also a claim on his position, and the town's view of him is the reason he does not trust it.

The plot's crisis is external. Clara is endangered by cattle rustlers, which forces Alec to act and gives the town and Clara both a reason to see him differently. The copy frames his choice as a matter of letting go of the past and trusting for the future, which is the resolution structure the Heartsong line used, and the book is short enough to be read in one sitting.