Monday, August 13, 2018 Cowboys Need Not Apply
With: Robert Tate Miller
The summer I turned eleven I learned the meaning of the word unrequited, and boy did it hurt. Back in those days, my parents owned a small mountain inn in North Carolina, and there was a sixteen-year-old waitress that summer named Becky who showed me that a childhood crush may be cute and charming to some, but terribly painful to the one doing the crushing. After all, they don’t call it a crush for nothing. Despite the fact my affections were not reciprocated, I think that early heartbreak was the catalyst that sparked my desire to write romantic movies and books. Maybe I just wanted to be able to control the ending.
Perhaps, my painful puppy love for Becky the waitress is why I now identify with stories of unlikely romance. In my opinion, some of the greatest love stories of all time involve relationships that look darn near unworkable on the surface. There’s poor Jack and wealthy Rose in Titanic, aimless Lloyd and driven Diane in Say Anything and, of course, steely businessman Edward and fun-loving prostitute Vivian in Pretty Woman. I love love stories, but I especially love stories where the ones doing the loving come from opposite worlds, where the obstacles to their happy endings seem nearly insurmountable.
My new novel Cowboys Need Not Apply continues this proud romantic tradition. Jessica Carmichael and Matt Walker seem (at first) to go together like anchovies and ice cream. Gross. I know. No dating site algorithm on the planet would pair a wealthy Juilliard-trained ballerina from Manhattan’s upper eastside and an orphaned wild and untamed bronc rider from the Montana backcountry. As a matter of fact, it takes a twist of fate to bring Jessica and Matt together. But, then again, when it comes to true love, maybe fate knows best.
When untimely knee injuries threaten to derail both of their legendary careers, ballerina Jessica and cowboy Matt end up paired as physical therapy partners in a famous New York physiotherapy clinic. They do not share a Tony and Maria across-a-crowded-room-love-at-first- sight moment. Far from it. Jessica wants to get away from the loud, cocky and bad-joke-telling cowboy as fast as humanly possible. But, when the trainers tell her she can’t switch partners, she determines that – if she can’t get away from this rodeo yahoo – she’s going to beat him. Their daily training turns into a competition where every exercise becomes a bet, a chance for each to show the other who does it best: the ballerina or the cowboy.
With: Robert Tate Miller
The summer I turned eleven I learned the meaning of the word unrequited, and boy did it hurt. Back in those days, my parents owned a small mountain inn in North Carolina, and there was a sixteen-year-old waitress that summer named Becky who showed me that a childhood crush may be cute and charming to some, but terribly painful to the one doing the crushing. After all, they don’t call it a crush for nothing. Despite the fact my affections were not reciprocated, I think that early heartbreak was the catalyst that sparked my desire to write romantic movies and books. Maybe I just wanted to be able to control the ending.
Perhaps, my painful puppy love for Becky the waitress is why I now identify with stories of unlikely romance. In my opinion, some of the greatest love stories of all time involve relationships that look darn near unworkable on the surface. There’s poor Jack and wealthy Rose in Titanic, aimless Lloyd and driven Diane in Say Anything and, of course, steely businessman Edward and fun-loving prostitute Vivian in Pretty Woman. I love love stories, but I especially love stories where the ones doing the loving come from opposite worlds, where the obstacles to their happy endings seem nearly insurmountable.
My new novel Cowboys Need Not Apply continues this proud romantic tradition. Jessica Carmichael and Matt Walker seem (at first) to go together like anchovies and ice cream. Gross. I know. No dating site algorithm on the planet would pair a wealthy Juilliard-trained ballerina from Manhattan’s upper eastside and an orphaned wild and untamed bronc rider from the Montana backcountry. As a matter of fact, it takes a twist of fate to bring Jessica and Matt together. But, then again, when it comes to true love, maybe fate knows best.
When untimely knee injuries threaten to derail both of their legendary careers, ballerina Jessica and cowboy Matt end up paired as physical therapy partners in a famous New York physiotherapy clinic. They do not share a Tony and Maria across-a-crowded-room-love-at-first- sight moment. Far from it. Jessica wants to get away from the loud, cocky and bad-joke-telling cowboy as fast as humanly possible. But, when the trainers tell her she can’t switch partners, she determines that – if she can’t get away from this rodeo yahoo – she’s going to beat him. Their daily training turns into a competition where every exercise becomes a bet, a chance for each to show the other who does it best: the ballerina or the cowboy.

Reed Diamond and Kristin Davis from my 2001 movie, THREE DAYS.
Three Days
By Lynda Dale MacLean, 12/24/2003
A second chance at love and only a few days to let her know.
For all those who enjoy a Christmas story about rekindling love, forgiveness, destiny, and second chances, here is a sweet story that is sure to touch your Christmas spirit.
Beth Farmer (Kristin Davis) and her husband Andrew {Reed Diamond), is a couple that has been together since they were young sweethearts in their small hometown. Now married and living in Boston, where Andrew's career as a literary agent is booming and rock solid, life is good... financially good that is.
Beth's career has not taken the same prestigious road as Andrew's, and that is just fine with her. Beth loves to help people, and teaches a meditation class. Beth is just as sweet, devoted and loving to her husband, as she was so many years ago, but it seems that Andrew's career and all his stress and traveling that comes with it, has put a strain on their relationship, and things are just not being looked at the same way, as when they were first in love with each other.
Beth is still trying to get this marriage together by the simple enjoyment of spending time together, especially with Christmas around the corner and the special joy she takes in having her and Andrew pick out their tree. Andrew wasn't there to help with the tree,and his news about traveling to meet a writer, leaves much to be happy about in Beth's eyes.
Beth assumed that Andrew was taking this trip alone since he made no mention of traveling with any of his business associates. When Beth calls Andrew's room, she is taken off guard by the familiar voice of another woman, answering the phone, a woman who Andrew works with. Now Beth is trapped with such hurt and disgust that she sits home alone, while thoughts of her husband's infidelity rips through her heart.
This woman had every intention of seducing Andrew, and has wanted him for a while now, but this time she was upfront with her intentions and now the next move is Andrew's.
Andrew never did, nor would he cheat on Beth, but he also had no idea that Beth called his room, until he came back home. When Beth confronts him, he tells her nothing happened, but it is still too much for Beth to handle with all the distance between the two of them lately, so she goes for a walk to clear her head.
After walking for a little bit, Beth notices her neighbor's dog, who from time to time gets loose in the building, but never outside. Andrew follows Beth to where she is and just as Beth picks up the dog, Andrew sees a truck coming toward her. Andrew yells out, but it is too late, Beth has been struck by the truck and killed.
Now Andrew is sickened at the fact that he thinks the love of his life thought he abandoned their love by cheating on her. He wishes he could let her know how much she means to him.
Since this is a story of second chances and miracles, it is only fitting to allow such blessings to be bestowed on those who truly deserve them.
Lionel (Tim Meadows), an Angel, hears Andrews's wish and grants him the last three days to be spent again with Beth to prove his love for her. The only problem is that Beth's destiny of being killed on Christmas Eve will still happen, and Andrew must take this precious gift that he has been given and use it in the most remarkable way he can, to prove his love to her.
Not only will these three days help Andrew show his love to Beth, but also open his eyes to his own past, which has significantly put a standstill to the plans he and Beth had hoped on working towards someday.
The only question is, will Andrew know how to tell Beth how much she means to him, before the three days are up, and will it be enough in Andrew's heart to know that Beth does know the truth?
I like Three Days and if you get a chance to see it again on ABC Family it will be worth it. I just love Tim Meadows' character and to me it was the best in the movie. His Angel is a mix of sarcasm and warmth. He really did a terrific job with this role and I only hope to meet an Angel like him someday!
Kristin Davis was bursting with a bouncy and sweet personality and her cup spills over with a fun and free spirit, carried throughout the film. When her character was scared, confused and hurting, it was felt and understood.
Reed Diamond is such a likable guy, and even though his character was going through some heavy stuff, you knew there was something special and caring about him that needed some help in revealing how wonderful he truly is.
Christmas is a time of miracles, love,and for all of us who believe in an Angel looking out for us and listening to our deepest wish, this is a touching movie.
Merry Christmas, and may your wish be granted too.
Three Days
By Lynda Dale MacLean, 12/24/2003
A second chance at love and only a few days to let her know.
For all those who enjoy a Christmas story about rekindling love, forgiveness, destiny, and second chances, here is a sweet story that is sure to touch your Christmas spirit.
Beth Farmer (Kristin Davis) and her husband Andrew {Reed Diamond), is a couple that has been together since they were young sweethearts in their small hometown. Now married and living in Boston, where Andrew's career as a literary agent is booming and rock solid, life is good... financially good that is.
Beth's career has not taken the same prestigious road as Andrew's, and that is just fine with her. Beth loves to help people, and teaches a meditation class. Beth is just as sweet, devoted and loving to her husband, as she was so many years ago, but it seems that Andrew's career and all his stress and traveling that comes with it, has put a strain on their relationship, and things are just not being looked at the same way, as when they were first in love with each other.
Beth is still trying to get this marriage together by the simple enjoyment of spending time together, especially with Christmas around the corner and the special joy she takes in having her and Andrew pick out their tree. Andrew wasn't there to help with the tree,and his news about traveling to meet a writer, leaves much to be happy about in Beth's eyes.
Beth assumed that Andrew was taking this trip alone since he made no mention of traveling with any of his business associates. When Beth calls Andrew's room, she is taken off guard by the familiar voice of another woman, answering the phone, a woman who Andrew works with. Now Beth is trapped with such hurt and disgust that she sits home alone, while thoughts of her husband's infidelity rips through her heart.
This woman had every intention of seducing Andrew, and has wanted him for a while now, but this time she was upfront with her intentions and now the next move is Andrew's.
Andrew never did, nor would he cheat on Beth, but he also had no idea that Beth called his room, until he came back home. When Beth confronts him, he tells her nothing happened, but it is still too much for Beth to handle with all the distance between the two of them lately, so she goes for a walk to clear her head.
After walking for a little bit, Beth notices her neighbor's dog, who from time to time gets loose in the building, but never outside. Andrew follows Beth to where she is and just as Beth picks up the dog, Andrew sees a truck coming toward her. Andrew yells out, but it is too late, Beth has been struck by the truck and killed.
Now Andrew is sickened at the fact that he thinks the love of his life thought he abandoned their love by cheating on her. He wishes he could let her know how much she means to him.
Since this is a story of second chances and miracles, it is only fitting to allow such blessings to be bestowed on those who truly deserve them.
Lionel (Tim Meadows), an Angel, hears Andrews's wish and grants him the last three days to be spent again with Beth to prove his love for her. The only problem is that Beth's destiny of being killed on Christmas Eve will still happen, and Andrew must take this precious gift that he has been given and use it in the most remarkable way he can, to prove his love to her.
Not only will these three days help Andrew show his love to Beth, but also open his eyes to his own past, which has significantly put a standstill to the plans he and Beth had hoped on working towards someday.
The only question is, will Andrew know how to tell Beth how much she means to him, before the three days are up, and will it be enough in Andrew's heart to know that Beth does know the truth?
I like Three Days and if you get a chance to see it again on ABC Family it will be worth it. I just love Tim Meadows' character and to me it was the best in the movie. His Angel is a mix of sarcasm and warmth. He really did a terrific job with this role and I only hope to meet an Angel like him someday!
Kristin Davis was bursting with a bouncy and sweet personality and her cup spills over with a fun and free spirit, carried throughout the film. When her character was scared, confused and hurting, it was felt and understood.
Reed Diamond is such a likable guy, and even though his character was going through some heavy stuff, you knew there was something special and caring about him that needed some help in revealing how wonderful he truly is.
Christmas is a time of miracles, love,and for all of us who believe in an Angel looking out for us and listening to our deepest wish, this is a touching movie.
Merry Christmas, and may your wish be granted too.
Forever Christmas by Robert Tate Miller
A Book Review
Robin Prater, Christian Women's Voice Magazine
A Story of Hope, Love, And Christmas Miracles. Now, who doesn't love to read a novel that contains all that and more! I know, it's a little early for Christmas, but this is one I had to choose. The cover beckoned me.
I'm a forever kind of Christmas girl so even the title spoke to my heart.
Robert Tate Miller takes us on a Christmas journey the heart will not soon forget. This is a novel that ponders the thought of second chances and just what if this was the last Christmas we spent with the one we love.
Some might say it takes the theme of, A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life. This isn't exactly a faith themed book. Faith isn't shouting off the pages. It's gently speaking to the soul. This could easily be a Hallmark movie. It has that kind of theme. It speaks to the heart. We see these characters in a transparent way that makes them vulnerable and easy to love.
We are often in a rushed world. We put things off. Mostly people. And for what? Our dream to make a name for ourselves or to see how many hours we can put in to add more to our account. This book makes it pretty real at just what can happen when we forget to live and love.
Let me tell you a bit about the story. We have a married couple. Childhood friends, high school sweethearts. Characters that we can easily relate to. They move way from their small town and into the big city life. Andrew is living his dream and it seems his dream for himself keeps getting bigger. Beth is the girl who lights up a room. Everyone adores her. She's one of those girls you never forget. But most people don't even know that Andrew exists. He's always gone. It seems as if Beth is always waiting. She has so much to offer, but yet feels as if she isn't enough. This is a couple who has lost their way to one another. They desperately want change, they just don't quite know how to get there. So, they just keep going through the motions and as they do they grow apart.
This is a book that we can relate to on many levels. Always busy and putting off what's most important. We forget the value of life. We take for granted what we most treasure. We read on the back cover, "Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change a man's life--and to teach him to treat every day as if it were his last." There are many nuggets to take away from this book. Most importantly, to live with gratitude.
Once I began reading I couldn't put this novel down. I loved how the writer shares the heart of the characters. We don't just learn about them, but we begin to care about them. He writes with such tenderness. I was truly swept away by this story. As I read I began to ponder my own life. I asked, "What if that were me? What exactly would I do in that moment?"
This was a story woven in beauty, love, forgiveness, sacrifice and appreciation. It's timely for the coming season. The season that we are hurried in all the mix of the hustle and bustle. We go through the motions, but we don't take the time to have conversation anymore. We have lost a part of what makes life so special. Enjoying the moment. Living in the now. Letting go of the past and trusting God with the future. Simply put, don't always live life as if we have tomorrow. A beautiful story the heart of man needs to grasp now more than ever before.
A Book Review
Robin Prater, Christian Women's Voice Magazine
A Story of Hope, Love, And Christmas Miracles. Now, who doesn't love to read a novel that contains all that and more! I know, it's a little early for Christmas, but this is one I had to choose. The cover beckoned me.
I'm a forever kind of Christmas girl so even the title spoke to my heart.
Robert Tate Miller takes us on a Christmas journey the heart will not soon forget. This is a novel that ponders the thought of second chances and just what if this was the last Christmas we spent with the one we love.
Some might say it takes the theme of, A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life. This isn't exactly a faith themed book. Faith isn't shouting off the pages. It's gently speaking to the soul. This could easily be a Hallmark movie. It has that kind of theme. It speaks to the heart. We see these characters in a transparent way that makes them vulnerable and easy to love.
We are often in a rushed world. We put things off. Mostly people. And for what? Our dream to make a name for ourselves or to see how many hours we can put in to add more to our account. This book makes it pretty real at just what can happen when we forget to live and love.
Let me tell you a bit about the story. We have a married couple. Childhood friends, high school sweethearts. Characters that we can easily relate to. They move way from their small town and into the big city life. Andrew is living his dream and it seems his dream for himself keeps getting bigger. Beth is the girl who lights up a room. Everyone adores her. She's one of those girls you never forget. But most people don't even know that Andrew exists. He's always gone. It seems as if Beth is always waiting. She has so much to offer, but yet feels as if she isn't enough. This is a couple who has lost their way to one another. They desperately want change, they just don't quite know how to get there. So, they just keep going through the motions and as they do they grow apart.
This is a book that we can relate to on many levels. Always busy and putting off what's most important. We forget the value of life. We take for granted what we most treasure. We read on the back cover, "Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change a man's life--and to teach him to treat every day as if it were his last." There are many nuggets to take away from this book. Most importantly, to live with gratitude.
Once I began reading I couldn't put this novel down. I loved how the writer shares the heart of the characters. We don't just learn about them, but we begin to care about them. He writes with such tenderness. I was truly swept away by this story. As I read I began to ponder my own life. I asked, "What if that were me? What exactly would I do in that moment?"
This was a story woven in beauty, love, forgiveness, sacrifice and appreciation. It's timely for the coming season. The season that we are hurried in all the mix of the hustle and bustle. We go through the motions, but we don't take the time to have conversation anymore. We have lost a part of what makes life so special. Enjoying the moment. Living in the now. Letting go of the past and trusting God with the future. Simply put, don't always live life as if we have tomorrow. A beautiful story the heart of man needs to grasp now more than ever before.