Cowboy on the Run

By: Katie Clarkson

Narrated by: Stacy Hinkle

Frederick is a cowboy on the run from the law. He stops for supplies in a small town but finds a family in even worse shape than him. He meets a woman who is barely holding it together. Her Dad is sick and left her with the running of the general store. She has to take care of her little sister as well and their supplies are dwindling with winter approaching. Frederick soon finds himself wanting more than just freedom, he wants a family of his own.

©2015 Katie Clarkson (P)2015 Katie Clarkson

A short story which needs more thought.

I realize that there is not a lot a room for character development in a novella but their actions should still make sense and time passing can be implied in order to allow for deepening of trust in relationships. In this tale, the MC's are kissing immediately after first meeting which does not reflect the mores of the time unless she were a "soiled dove" in a saloon. In fact, everything in this story happens too fast. The new stranger in town immediately agrees to put his life at risk (for free) after meeting the store owner's daughter one time. Furthermore, the sickly father hands his store and daughter over to the care of the new stranger in town. None of that makes sense to me. I understand the author is new to the field so I gave two stars instead of one in hopes that she will continue to hone her craft.