Liz Tolsma: Spring of Thanksgiving Interview

Character Interview with Ivy Cooke

Ivy, why is the Circle C ranch so important to you?

My parents bought this ranch and moved to Texas soon after the Civil  War, shortly before I was born. I grew up riding these hills, caring for these animals, and loving the wide-open spaces. I know nothing else. My dream is to live here for many, many years.

For a woman, you work especially hard on the ranch. Why is that?

Just over six months ago, my brother died, leaving behind a wife and a young son. They’ve moved to Dallas to be near Harriet’s parents, but someday, this ranch will belong to my nephew, Sam. It’s his legacy. Because his father is no long here, it’s up to me to much sure this ranch thrives until it’s time for Sam to come back and take over the ranch. I want to preserve it for my brother’s son, so that he’ll have something his father always wanted for him.

What is your favorite part of the ranch?

There’s a spring and a pond nestled into a grove of cottonwoods that I dearly love. I go there when I need to think or when I need some peace and quiet. The spring holds plenty of good memories for me too. When I was growing up, my brother and I and our friend came here often and played. To me, it’s a little bit of heaven on earth.

What do you think of your new neighbors?

I was so sorry when Mr. Hernandez died and the ranch was sold. We enjoyed living next to him. He was always very kind to me and my entire family. I’ve met the new owners a couple of times, and I can’t say I’m impressed with them. They claim the spring is located on their property and that we are trespassing on their land. Can you believe the nerve of those people? I hope to see as little of the Watsons as possible. I really miss having Mr. Hernandez for a neighbor. He was a much more reasonable man than Dell Watson.

How is your ranch faring under this terrible drought?

Thanks to the spring, our cattle are doing well. They have plenty to drink, so they’re holding up. I draw water from the spring for my garden, so that is helping to keep that alive. If we’re able to pay the bank note, I believe we’ll weather this drought just fine.

I know you’re busy, Ivy, but thank you for the time.

You’re welcome. I look forward to getting to know each of the readers better.

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, prairie romance novellas, a romantic suspense, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), and Pinterest. She is also a regular contributor to the Midwest Almanac blog.

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