"An endearing, modern tale about Cowboys, Rodeo Queens, and above all - the simple truth that love is both messy and healing - and worth coming back for again and again. One of my favorite reads of the year!" ~ Amy Impellizzeri, Author of Lemongrass Hope

“Brimming with genuine honesty, The Real Thing takes a heartfelt look at second marriages and blended families. You’ll cheer for Forkner’s characters, who are poignantly sincere and refreshingly determined, as they confront a series of challenges that test their resolve and redefine the meaning of family. A story filled with warmth and empathy - once you begin reading, you won’t want to put it down!” ~ Marin Thomas, Author of The Promise of Forgiveness

“An emotional and heart-rending story filled with humor, humanity, and hope. Tina Ann Forkner’s writing is as hard to resist as an ice cream cone on a hot summer day!” ~ Susan Sands, Author of Again Alabama

"Brimming with vibrant, lovable characters, Forkner makes magic with her powerful story of a new bride challenged with finding her place in a family saddled with a difficult past. Amanda is everything I look for in a narrator: feisty, irreverent, and all heart—and Forkner’s rich descriptions and flawless dialog will have you cheering through your tears, and sure you have rodeo dirt to dust off your feet. Poignant and tender, The Real Thing is above all a deeply-felt novel of hope and faith, and the undisputed power of love to unite hearts when life gets messy." ~Erika Marks, author of The Guest House

“With The Real Thing, Tina Ann Forkner gives us loving families with troubled histories and an imperfect, adorable heroine who can handle it all. This book teaches profound truths: love, parenthood, and marriage aren’t supposed to be perfect, and it's the imperfections in life that can bring us the most joy. An enchanting, heartfelt book.” ~Katie Rose Guest Pryal, Author of Entanglement

“A heartwarming—and heart wrenching—story of moving on, The Real Thing deftly explores stepfamilies and Alzheimer’s disease with plenty of intrigue and a healthy helping of romance. Tina Ann Forkner weaves a tale of love, loss, overcoming fears and, best of all, discovering what it really means to be a cowgirl.” ~Kristy Woodson Harvey, author of Dear Carolina and Lies and Other Acts of Love

“The Real Thing rings true to its name. Tina Ann Forkner delivers with her latest beautifully nuanced rodeo-enlivened read. Unexpected twists lassoed me and pulled me deep into the plot. I had to know if Keith and Mandy’s love would endure the secrets that threatened to sever their bond. Forkner is skilled with creating realistic characters you can’t help but root for. The Real Thing is a powerful, thought-provoking not-to-be-missed story!” ~Wendy Paine Miller, Author of The Short & Sincere Life of Ellory James