The Horseman's Daughter, a Novel by Jeff Owenby

"The Horseman's Daughter" is a sweeping tale of love, tragedy, inspiration, and awe rich with family and personal hardship. "Wild" Carl Simpson was a ten-time world champion cowboy. His seven-year old daughter Carla Jane dreams of nothing else but being a professional rodeo star. Through years of triumph, Carla Jane continues toward stardom and an eventual world championship. Then, when a freak rodeo accident nearly kills her, Carla falls into a months-long coma, seeing firsthand "the mysterious valley of death where people cross over."

Permanently impaired, she faces the reality that she must learn how to rebuild her life and carry on. The Horseman's Daughter is an odyssey that begins with the magnificent expanse of Texas to the green and spacious landscapes of Oregon, featuring a cast of unforgettable characters and boasting one of the most powerful and unforgettable conclusions of all time.

A bit about the book.

It took me a long time before I even knew what to say about this achievement in my life. I spent several years writing this book, interviewing actual cowgirls and rodeo riders, researching, editing, pulling my hair out, and editing all over again. My most rewarding contact of all was with NFR champion Sharon Camarillo who was kind enough to review and critique some of the most technical aspects of the story involving the sport of pro rodeo.

Rodeo, as glamorous as it is, makes up only a fracion of this story that is indeed character intensive. I felt the heat of Texas and the rains of Oregon until he end result for me came as: "The Horseman's Daughter".

I began my novel in November of 1999. As of September 2006, it finally made it into print. It's been quite a journey, one that I am very grateful for. I am currently in the process of being wishy-washy, owning up to three, or four "second" novels.

As for "The Horseman's Daughter", it's been a true labor of love. You can check it out through the Multnomah Public Library.