Article and Interview by Elise Cooper
Healing the Rancher by Melinda Curtis is another heartwarming story. Both the heroine and hero have scars literally and figuratively. These create obstacles that need to be overcome, especially since the two seem to be direct opposites.
Kendall Monroe is attempting to salvage her life. She has lost her job and boyfriend and has started her own social media company. But to land a big contract, she must be knowledgeable about ranching life. Now, city gal Kendall needs to do a rush course on living as a cow person. Lucky for her Finn McAfee is desperate to hire a ranch hand. After losing a bet to Kendall, he takes her on, but puts obstacles up so she will not succeed and will quit. Unfortunately, for him Kendall is stubborn and persistent. This book quote, “everybody wears their armor differently,” shows how these two opposites begin to realize there is an attraction that draws them together.
Finn is a widower, father, and retired Marine, with scars on his face and body. Kendall is stylish, a quick learner, and someone who believes in herself. They are brought together by Finn’s four-year-old daughter, Lizzie, and Kendall’s kitten Boo.
This is a wonderful story that encompasses some serious issues including cancer. But Curtis has a gift for writing stories that can make readers think, cry, and laugh with humorous interludes.
Elise Cooper: Why did you decide to have skin cancer play such an important part of the story?
Melinda Curtis: I read an article that spawned an idea. A person put their cancer treatment on hold because they wanted to have children. This was fascinating to me. Why would a person want children so badly? I thought of writing a story where this rancher feels that having little ones is very important. Because of the side effects he pauses it, mid treatment. As he went through the story, I wanted him to learn a lesson.
EC: What was the lesson of the story?
MC: He fell in love with a woman who was not ready to have her own children. They both realized that family could come in all different forms. Instead of making her pregnant, I had them adopt.
EC: How would you describe Kendall Monroe?
MC: After losing her steady job and her boyfriend she stops and evaluates what is happening in her life. Although fashion and appearance are important to her, that is her armor. She became the fish out of water role on a ranch, a former city gal. Kendall is guarded, feisty, sassy, and stubborn.
EC: How would you describe Finn McAfee?
MC: Big-hearted, hardworking, and knows the direction he wants to go. Being a Marine influenced who he became with his dedication, loyalty, and intensity. He can be cantankerous, grumpy, and moody.
EC: The role of Finn’s daughter Lizzie?
MC: She stole scenes. Very adorable. Lizzie is a counterpoint to Finn’s stony persona, showing readers his softer side. She is a lot like Kendall.
EC: What about Kitten Boo?
MC: We do have cats, but none like Boo. I would love to have a cat like Boo. She acted like a princess. I enjoy writing animal personalities and enjoy reading other stories with animals highlighted.
EC: What about the relationship?
MC: At first there was a contest of wills. Finn tried to set up Kendall to fail and she was not going to allow him to do it. It became a grudging respect. He is open to love. This is a Beauty and the Beast type of story. He needed to learn to love who he was and then he was able to learn to love others. The animals and Lizzie helped them grow together.
EC: Next projects?
MC: I had a dialogue last week with the same movie producer who made my last book into a TV movie. Nancy Yeaman up in Toronto is looking into my Christmas novels.
In August A Cowboy Thanksgiving comes out. It is a story about a handsome guy who is tired of women only looking at him for his looks. There is this orphan heroine who refuses to give him the due he gets. It also shows the competitiveness of the Monroe family with different games.
Wyoming Christmas Reunion is part of a five-book compilation coming out in November. This couple has been married and is now divorced. They are trying to save the ranch from a developer and the only way the developers will back off is if this woman will ride in a cutting horse competition. The problem is she has a fear of horses.
EC: THANK YOU!!
