BLUEBONNET is a work of historical fiction, set in two periods of 20th-Century Texas (middle thirties and early sixties). Its main character is Wesley Adrian “Wade” Sheppard – alternately a high school teenager and a grown man with a family of his own. His friendships with members of ethnic minorities repeatedly bring him into conflict with other ‘white’ Anglo-Saxons.  His loyalty to his friends and his commitment to the Christian Faith are frequently put to the test when he is confronted with opposition from outspoken and physically-aggressive racial bigots (as well as from other folks who are more subtle in expressing their racist attitudes). Finding the courage to “do the right thing” is further complicated by his personal struggles with a physical disorder, character deficiencies, and doubts about what he really believes. He can’t help wondering if all the trouble he brings upon himself and his loved ones is really worthwhile.

Quoting from the novel’s introduction: “And now, get ready to join Wade Sheppard during two periods of his life…as he faces, alternately, the challenges of adolescence and adulthood: Of high school classes, a demanding extracurricular assignment, persecution by relentless bullies, rocky personal relationships, his first romantic love, a frustrating and embarrassing physical disorder, and spiritual struggles; and of trying to keep his small business solvent while dealing with inner-family conflicts, the aftermath of a hurricane, verbal and physical clashes resulting from racial bigotry toward his family’s new friends in the neighborhood, recovering from injuries to both body and mind, and continued spiritual struggles. Throughout both periods related in this story, Wade’s faith in God is time and time again put on trial; sometimes he stands firm, at other times he falls flat on his face. Perhaps the reader will be able to feel a kinship with him in his varying ‘mountaintop’ and ‘valley-of-the-shadow-of-death’ experiences…”

The earlier part of the story takes place during the centennial commemoration/ celebration of the Texas Revolution, which was fought against Mexico in 1835-36. So, I’m hoping the book will especially appeal to native-born Texans – regardless which side their ancestors may have fought on. I have endeavored to see both sides of the conflict, not just what I was taught in my seventh grade Texas History class. Anyway, besides being educational, the story I’ve told (hopefully) is also entertaining, to both youthful readers and older adults. I’ve tried to throw in some of everything that normally seizes and retains people’s interest: Action, suspense, drama, romance, conflict, humor, likeable and despicable characters, religion (particularly Christianity), sentimental heart-warming stuff, etcetera. (There is also occasional, relatively-mild bad language, as well as brief references to sex – not for the purpose of ‘spicing things up’, but for the sake of semi-realism. Otherwise, I’d probably try to get this work published as Christian Fiction.)

So, be sure to check back on this site, on Facebook and other sources of information, for news concerning the publication and release of the novel BLUEBONNET, by Michael W. Owens. Then, “Run, don’t walk” to obtain your copy, in either e-book or printed paperback format.  And thanks for visiting this website.