About Cowboy Luke

Cowboy Luke is more than the main character in a story- he’s inspired by a real Montana cowboy whose life was defined by faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Luke Lenski lived his 36 years with a rare blend of grit, generosity, and quiet strength. Born and raised in Colorado, he eventually made Montana his home- the place he felt most himself. Throughout his career, Luke worked on three of the largest ranches in the state, mastering horsemanship, cattle work, and the art of managing livestock. Known as an absolutely tough cowboy, he carried himself with an easygoing, humble nature that made lifelong friends everywhere he went.

Luke’s greatest joy came from his family. He married his wife, Kelly, in 2020, and became a devoted father to two daughters who lit up his life: Camden, who shared his love of horses and long days at rodeos, and Brooklyn, whom he welcomed with pride in 2023. For Luke, being a dad was the role he cherished most.

When he wasn’t working cattle, Luke could be found where he felt most at peace: deep in the Bob Marshall wilderness. Whether riding through the mountains, packing his horses, fishing, or simply taking in the quiet beauty of Montana, Luke experienced much of his world—and his faith—from the back of a horse.

The Cowboy Luke in this book reflects the real Luke’s character: strong, kind, steady, and rooted in the values he lived every day. Through these pages, young readers get a glimpse into ranch life and the heart of a man who truly loved the land, the animals he worked with, and the family he held close.

Whether kids are learning about calving season, riding out with the horses, or discovering the quiet magic of the wide-open sky, Cowboy Luke reminds us all that the best adventures often come from the work we do with our hands and the love we carry in our hearts.