Synopsis:~

Greta Nilsson’s trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He’ll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt’s ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

Necee’s take:~

“As if sensing her gaze, he glanced at her, his brows rising above his rich brown eyes, eyes that could draw her in and make her forget about everything but him.”

Warm, beautiful, and touching, this historical romance drew me right into the settling of the Colorado Rockies. It had a feel of an old time western movie and Little House on the Prairie that felt like a warm, cozy blanket. At the end of a long trip with hardly a penny to their name, Greta and young Astrid needed help. So when Wyatt offers a marriage of convenience, Greta can’t help but accept it to provide for her young sister. This is the first book of the Colorado Cowboys series that had an intriguing storyline and beginning. A Cowboy for Keeps is full of heart, strength and conviction with all the important components of a good western. From bad guys, to good guys to ranching and romance, it grabbed me from the start. I really enjoyed Greta and how hardworking, creative, and caring she was with Astrid and Wyatt. She struggled with feeling like a burden, but wanted what was best for Astrid. Wyatt was a good man with a kind and protective way about him, yet he struggled with being good enough. I loved watching their romance develop from friendships to more. Astrid’s spunk and zest for life added to the story even more.

“His two girls. That was how he was beginning to think of them. They were his. His to care for and love and protect.”  

This is a heartwarming story of love, devotion, and family. Allowing God to heal their hearts from the past and trusting in him for the future was a key element that was faith building to read. If you’re looking for a story with heart and have a love for western romance, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It is not necessarily action-packed, but definitely a comfort read with spiritual God hugs.

“For so long, every time she prayed, she’d felt like she was disturbing God. Maybe He was waiting—even wanting—her to come to Him and let Him bear the burdens with her.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 20 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats. Visit her at www.jodyhedlund.com.

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All Things Hedlund @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Jody’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: A Cowboy for Keeps or Koorong