Marilyn was born and reared in cattle country. She wanted no part of the life of a rancher's wife. No saddle sores and feeding hungry cowboys in the middle of dusty pastures. She would read, research, and write. She married-a rancher, of course-but she taught school, surrounded by sweet children and books. Cheryl's mother was her co-teacher and closest friend. Marilyn collected history and wrote for historical magazines and journals for sixteen years until the day her rancher said he needed her with him more than they needed a paycheck. She finally earned her spurs. Now a widow, she again collects history and writes historical fiction about inspired women of the southwest.