Howdy, folks! I’m Shay Taggert, a ranch-raised gal from the American West, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and the stories that have been brewing in my heart for years.

Growing up on a family ranch, the land taught me resilience, the horses taught me patience, and the open skies taught me to dream big. These lessons have seeped into every page of my writing, especially in my debut novel, Hoofprints in Saguaro Shadows.

This story isn’t just fiction; it’s a tapestry woven from real experiences, cultural insights, and the complexities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border. The protagonist, Rye Dalton, is a Stanford-educated ranch owner who finds herself entangled in a dangerous investigation that challenges her beliefs and tests her courage. Her journey is one of moral ambiguity, resilience, and the fight for justice in a world that’s anything but black and white. 

The novel delves deep into themes of cultural diversity, terrorism, and the dichotomy of human morals, all set against the backdrop of the American Southwest. It’s a story that aims to shed light on the myriad human experiences tied to the ongoing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, advocating for empathy as the cornerstone of genuine solutions.

I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. Having lived in Mexico briefly in 2001, I was touched by the overwhelming solidarity expressed by the Mexican people towards the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11. These experiences have deeply influenced my writing, bringing authenticity and depth to the characters and narratives I create.

In Hoofprints in the Ashes, the gripping sequel to Hoofprints in Saguaro Shadows, the Dalton Ranch faces an even more horrific test as society crumbles around it. The Hoofprints of War series follows the Dalton family’s unyielding fight to protect their land, heritage, and way of life against escalating threats. Where Hoofprints in Saguaro Shadows introduces readers to the relentless real-life [Robert Krentz murdered on his family ranch] challenges of ranch life on the border, Hoofprints in the Ashes plunges them into a world on the brink of collapse—where civil unrest and lawlessness turn the ranch into a vital outpost of survival. With the release of Hoofprints of Revolution, the third book in the series, readers will find an epic continuation of the Dalton family’s journey, as they stand at the crossroads of war and revolution, battling to secure their future in a fractured world.

I was born and raised in the American West, growing up on a family ranch, which provided me with a connection to the land and its stories. This is a theme vividly reflected in the narratives of the book.

I feel my experience training horses and participating in cow horse events helped me to bring authenticity and a realistic sense of place to the accounts. My experiences, from the dusty arenas of local competitions to the serene expanse of the ranchlands, serve as the backdrop for stories that explore themes of loyalty, resilience, and the complexities of human and environmental relationships.

I’ve always been fascinated by the American Southwest, its striking landscapes, and its rich cultural tapestry. This passion has fueled the story I’ve crafted, which intertwines historical context with contemporary issues, offering a unique perspective on the tensions and dynamics at the U.S.-Mexico border in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Having lived in Mexico myself, I find its culture enamoring, adding depth and authenticity to the portrayal of Alejandro and his world. Composing this book has been a labor of love, a process filled with countless hours of research, writing, and revision.

If you love gritty action, high-stakes conflict, and the spirit of the Old West in a dystopian future, the Hoofprints War trilogy is your next must-read!

If you’re interested in exploring these themes further, or if you have any questions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out through my website or follow me on social media for updates and discussions.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me and my work. Here’s to stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us all.

Warm regards,

Shay Taggert

 

Contact

Get in Touch with Shay!

Shay Taggert values feedback, questions, and discussions with readers who share a passion for stories of resilience, patriotism, and survival against all odds. Whether you’re interested in exploring themes from Hoofprints of War book series, discussing character insights, or learning about upcoming books in the series, your messages are welcome. Additionally, follow on social media for updates, release announcements, and exclusive content related to the series.

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