In Take Me to Texas: Lone Star Stories of Love and Other Adventures, T.W. Lawrence does something that the best writers hope to achieve; he offers the reader nuanced stories and tells them with skill. In one slender volume he presents a dozen tales, masterfully using evocative language to capture snapshots of the contemporary West. But these are not dime store westerns with stereotypical characters. Certainly he presents settings that you might expect in stories of Texas – there are honky-tonks and wide-open land and rodeos. There are themes that feel familiar – a young man struggling with adult codes of honor and unrealized love and the search for atonement. And there are recognizable circumstances that form the framework of the stories – business deals and veterinary practice and relationships. But what distinguishes Lawrence from writers of lesser talent is his ability to take these common elements and make them memorable. The moral struggles are palpable. The livestock and ranches add an earthy realism that is compelling. Even if you have not had the pleasure of living in Texas, you feel like you have by the time you finish the last of these convincing vignettes. Fortunately Lawrence is steeped in Texan culture and he conveys his unique love of the state and familiarity with its people and places in a way that immerses the reader in the blend of memory and imagination that informs his work. He is able to share the charm of autobiography without maudlin emotionalism and he evokes a regional sense without lapsing into parochialism. These are quietly gripping stories set in a big land, played out by people who ultimately feel like friends. If you are a Texan, reading these stories will feel like coming home. If you have not been so blessed, you will enjoy this nice escape from the gritty urban fiction that has become so commonplace. Either way, these stand-alone tales will not fail to please and satisfy. As an added bonus, Lawrence has included an excerpt from his novel Texas Cool Million at the end of this collection. Based on his performance here, the prospect of reading a novel by Lawrence would be a true pleasure.

– Clayton R.

As an indie film director/producer and a Christ-follower, I was mesmerized by this brilliantly-written western odyssey that feels tremendously cinematic to me and with a touching heart for Jesus that is slowly revealed. I especially loved the short chapters that read very much feel like scenes in an epic story of redemption that sneaks up on you unexpectedly time and time again. One does not need to be an avid fan of westerns or of faith-based stories in order to appreciate the humanity and heart depicted in The Trail Ends in Texas. Author, T.W. Lawrence’s terrific “cowpoke lingo” between the fascinating and colorful cast of characters (gradually introduced throughout the journey) is written with incredible authenticity while building on their purpose to the story in such creative ways that reading the novel provided an experience for me that was much like binge-watching an Emmy-winning, family-friendly series on Netflix or Amazon that had me hooked, line and sinker. I’ll eagerly be revisiting this read again while waiting for the film adaptation that I hope to see some day.

– Bradley H.

I am not generally a western fan by any means, but a recent guest left this at my house. I picked it up to glance through it and ended up reading three stories before my first cup of coffee. The story follows a cowboy and his horse as they have encounters with others along the trail. Each one leaves an impression and has a thought-provoking ending. It’s good story-telling with some insights that actually made me reflect on my own life a little bit, the biscuits story in particular. That was my favorite. I actually came online to see what else this guy wrote.

– Hype

Just a passing glimpse of the cover on this collection should be enough to warm the heart. These stories are about much more than a man and his horse and T.W. Lawrence has created an ongoing journey that entices the reader to saddle up and ride along. Each encounter is formed with detailed imagery through exceptional writing. Cowboy becomes the reader’s friend much like Dusty is his and, through his encounters on the trail, we often receive an open invitation for self examination. Lawrence gives us a chance to feel — laughter, sadness, tolerance, hope, humility — and to believe that, with faith, we can all know a better way. Well done and the audio version, narrated by Moby, is worth listening to over and over.

– Beverly G.

I fell in love with Dusty and Cowboy. Each story was better than the next. It gave me a different perspective on life. Cowboy makes you want to be a better person. A great read for men, women and teens.

– Sandy R.

Dusty and the Cowboy took me to a place I’d never actually been, yet to a place that resonated within to the point that made me feel as if I had. T.W.’s explicit imagery made me feel as if I had saddled up quietly alongside and could almost smell the dust along that path. We all come to a crossroads at some point in our lives, and this tale is a refreshing take on how faith, in even the most unsuspecting way, is always a part of our journey.

– Sherri A.

T. W. Lawrence has managed to lasso the Texas mystique in this incredible collection of stories! With colorful characters and meticulous positioning, the reader is easily drawn into each situation and Lawrence’s style would, no doubt, mesmerize a “campfire” gathering on the range. Sometimes a heart tug, sometimes a good hearty laugh, it’s a road trip of emotions and events depicting all that is special about the Lone Star state.

– Beverly G.

The dusty trail cowboy rides led me to a Texas I know from my youth and in my daydreams. You can almost smell the mesquite fire and hear that West Texas wind as you read. I’ve been forced to live outside my home state of Texas for 24 of my 48 years, and this read brings it all back for me. The author weaves meaningful life stories into his satisfying yarns. For those who desire to see inside the heart of a real cowboy, this book will certainly be satisfying. I highly recommend.

– Andre R.

I am delighted DUSTY AND THE COWBOY found me. The simple yet artful prose and Old West dialogue had me smiling immediately. The nuggets of faith and inspiration soon had me teary-eyed.

– P. F. H.

This book took me on a journey to a place and time I dreamed of when I was young and wished I was a cowboy. Well I just got off of Dusty, because I felt being a part of each chapter and story! Walter’s vocabulary and reference to time & places make it so real. One example is the men reading a paper that was not even a year old yet! I could go on & on but I’d rather order the books I haven’t read yet. I also listened to the audio CD, my first to listen too. My wife and one of my granddaughters listened while on a short trip. I felt like I left in a car and got to my destination and climbed down out of a saddle! Thanks!

– Curtis D.