Oscar & Sarah from Roping the Wrangler by Lacy Williams

I recently joined the ACFW Bookclub, which has been a fun way to discuss Christian fiction books.  It’s free for anyone to join and communication is done through yahoo groups via e-mail.  This title was one we discussed a few months ago and I’ve been wanting to post on it since then, but didn’t get a chance until now. 

 

Roping the Wrangler is a sweet story about a school teacher and a horseman falling in love with each other as well as three little half-Native American girls that no one else seems to have time for.  It's a touching story and one that will warm your heart to read during Christmas time.

The inspiration for this sketch marks a turning point in the story.  Before this scene, the girls rode bareback through bad weather to make it to the school house in time for their Christmas program.  Knowing that they would need an escort home Oscar and Sarah decide to take them back.  But, Sarah’s boss seems to have a problem with that, and tells Sarah that it would be inappropriate to spend more time with them and the horseman.  She decides to go anyway.  Sarah has just made a decision which places the girl’s needs over her reputation.  Truly, that is the greatest gift we can give to another, to put their needs first.

 From pages 141-142:

Somehow they managed to fit all five of them on the single bench seat.  With Susie half seated on top of Sarah’s lap, and Cecilia no doubt the same on Oscar’s, and Velma sandwiched on the middle.

“Hyah!” Oscar snapped the reins and they began to silde across the snowy landscape.  Mr. Caldwell’s horse trailed behind.

With snow falling faster now, it formed a blanket of silence around them, insulating them from seeing houses that Sarah knew weren’t far off the road.  It was as if they were the only ones out.

“It’s kinda spooky,” Cecilia said softly.

“Too quiet,” Oscar agreed.  He winked at Sarah over the top of the girl’s heads.  Even with three girls between them, his look was pure male appreciation.  Just that look could keep Sarah warm for the entire ride.”

“You know what we need?”

“I’m afraid to guess,” Sarah teased him.

“What?  What?” the girls chorused.

“Christmas carols.”  He didn’t wait for agreement, just began belting out “Jingle Bells” in his strong baritone.

When I thought about doing a sketch for the book, I knew it would have to include not just the couple, but the girls as well.  Getting a horse in there was very fitting too, but you can probably tell drawing horses is a weakness of mine; I truly need more practice with them!  Above is the original sketch before I took it into Photoshop to spice it up a bit.  Next to it is a photo taken this October from the window of my home office!  These horses belong to our Amish neighbor.  When I was reading "Roping the Wrangler," it was easy for me to image Oscar driving this handsome pair!

Thanks for stopping by the blog during this busy holiday season!  God Bless!

-Monica