Junior Michael Ray and Corinne Joy Brown, Sanctuary Ranch

Sanctuary Ranch

Junior Michael Ray and Corinne Joy Brown

Five Stars, Apr 2006, $26.95

ISBN: 1594144508

In Fairfield, New Jersey, Nashville promoters Mike Foxworthy and Mart Heistler think that with some polish singer Amelia "Tawny" Talbott can be their ticket back to the big time. Broke and at the end of her rope, Tawny and her manager Terry Ann Hill agree to her being turned into the "Daughter of the American West".

Their old army buddy Jess McLain owes Mike a favor, so the former rodeo star and local musician agrees to house Tawny on his J Bar M Ranch in Wyoming, though he would prefer to say no. He knows he needs the money if Mike's instincts prove correct and his ranch is to survive. When Tawny arrives, he hears her talent when she sings, but also knows she will fail because she is an alcoholic. Pushing her beyond her limit as if she was a new military recruit, she cleans up, but shocks him when she encourages him to be all that he can be by going back on the rodeo circuit, even as they fall in love.

SANCTUARY RANCH is a fascinating character study starring two individuals who seemingly on the surface have noting in common, but quickly realize they share plenty, as each encourages the other to conquer their demons that hold them back. The support cast is solid, adding to the feel of modern day life on a Wyoming ranch, or the behind the scenes manipulation in the Nashville music world. However, this contemporary is the story of two people meeting, with each bringing out the best in the other.