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baileyskye's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Many thanks to Graf-Martin for sending me a complimentary copy for an honest review.
If you're ready to hear the line "This town ain't big enough for the two of us" within the first 20 pages of a western novel, then this book is for you.
But in all seriousness, this book is chock full of genre tropes - but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. When you reach for a romance, you often know what you're getting yourself into. I like to take the leap every once in awhile as guilty pleasure, and this book delivered.
Greta is traveling across the country headed for Colorado with her young sister as a mail order bride. With nothing to her name she needs to belong somewhere, and take care of her sister Astrid, who's sick with consumption. When she arrives in the small town only to learn that he husband to be has passed, Greta has no idea what she's going to do. Greta's traveling companion takes pity, and seeing an opportunity to spin things to his own advantage, he asks Wyatt - a local man trying to get his start at ranching - to marry Greta. The two strike a bargain, and Wyatt asks Greta to be his wife. Feeling like she has no other options anyways, and wanting to make sure her sister can be taken care of, Greta agrees.
The characters in this novel are honestly pretty great. Wyatt is completely lovable and you can't help but be attracted to his charming personality and hard work ethic. Astrid is a fearless young lady who always has a quick response, even when she's not trying to be smart, and her banter with the characters throughout is always enjoyable. And even Greta herself has admirable qualities. She, too, has a strong work ethic and takes pride in her home and responsibilities to her family. She has a fierce need to contribute - though admittedly she was a little too good for my tastes and if I had to read about her twirling a loose strand of her hair around her finger all innocently again, my eyes would likely roll so far back into my head that they'd be irretrievable.
Overall the story is heartwarming and has a satisfying conclusion while still being left open ended for the author to add to this new series. While this is a Christian book, the themes aren't overwhelmingly in your face about it, and still enjoyable for people like me who aren't religious. I think part of it, too, is that it fits with the time period, so it doesn't feel like a religious message being thrown in for the sake of it. While I can't see myself going out of my way to read the next book, I'd certainly give it a read if it found its way into my hands.
If you're ready to hear the line "This town ain't big enough for the two of us" within the first 20 pages of a western novel, then this book is for you.
But in all seriousness, this book is chock full of genre tropes - but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. When you reach for a romance, you often know what you're getting yourself into. I like to take the leap every once in awhile as guilty pleasure, and this book delivered.
Greta is traveling across the country headed for Colorado with her young sister as a mail order bride. With nothing to her name she needs to belong somewhere, and take care of her sister Astrid, who's sick with consumption. When she arrives in the small town only to learn that he husband to be has passed, Greta has no idea what she's going to do. Greta's traveling companion takes pity, and seeing an opportunity to spin things to his own advantage, he asks Wyatt - a local man trying to get his start at ranching - to marry Greta. The two strike a bargain, and Wyatt asks Greta to be his wife. Feeling like she has no other options anyways, and wanting to make sure her sister can be taken care of, Greta agrees.
The characters in this novel are honestly pretty great. Wyatt is completely lovable and you can't help but be attracted to his charming personality and hard work ethic. Astrid is a fearless young lady who always has a quick response, even when she's not trying to be smart, and her banter with the characters throughout is always enjoyable. And even Greta herself has admirable qualities. She, too, has a strong work ethic and takes pride in her home and responsibilities to her family. She has a fierce need to contribute - though admittedly she was a little too good for my tastes and if I had to read about her twirling a loose strand of her hair around her finger all innocently again, my eyes would likely roll so far back into my head that they'd be irretrievable.
Overall the story is heartwarming and has a satisfying conclusion while still being left open ended for the author to add to this new series. While this is a Christian book, the themes aren't overwhelmingly in your face about it, and still enjoyable for people like me who aren't religious. I think part of it, too, is that it fits with the time period, so it doesn't feel like a religious message being thrown in for the sake of it. While I can't see myself going out of my way to read the next book, I'd certainly give it a read if it found its way into my hands.
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I love marriage of convenience books so much and this one was especially good. I felt like the romance evolved very naturally, had the perfect amount of conflict, and a great ending (except the weird last chapter which probably should have been an epilogue).
I loved the partnership in this book. Even before the romance evolved I really liked how Greta worked so hard and was such a help meet for Wyatt on the ranch. But I so loved how supportive he was of her own business endeavors and also with her sister.
Overall a great read with a good balance of western and romance.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I loved the partnership in this book. Even before the romance evolved I really liked how Greta worked so hard and was such a help meet for Wyatt on the ranch. But I so loved how supportive he was of her own business endeavors and also with her sister.
Overall a great read with a good balance of western and romance.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Blood, and Death of parent
now_booking's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I would like to read more Christian romance this year and when I was younger, I used to really enjoy old Christian historical fiction featuring the American West so I decided to give this first book in this author’s new Colorado Cowboys series a try. In summary, I did like it, but I didn’t think it did anything especially unique or different or memorable, it was just okay and pleasant enough as a story.
The premise is that mail-order bride, Greta, is headed to Colorado with her young, sickly sister to start a new life with her new husband and hopefully find healing for her sisters lungs in the higher-altitude air. On getting to Colorado, she discovers that her husband-to-be is missing and presumed dead, and completely destitute, she enters into marriage with a down-on-his-luck rancher, Wyatt. Together they must all learn to live and rely on each other as a family and overcome their deep-seated demons through love and the Grace of God.
I liked the premise of this but found the execution a little bland. I know novels of this style and genre (Old American West Christian Romance) frequently lack diversity or a deeper, more nuanced look into the historical context at the time, so my expectations weren’t high in that score. There was a lot of mention of indigenous people (“Indians”) as antagonists and enemies, which whilst that might have been the prevailing feeling when this book was written, felt a little un-nuanced; this is why I appreciated that Wyatt had the grace to acknowledge that white mining settlers taking over indigenous land was a trigger for the enmity between settlers and indigenous people. I thought more would be done with the relationship between Astrid/Greta and the Utes in the novel but it wasn’t explored. I would like to see Christian romance explore the existence and perspectives of non-white characters more and with more empathy and nuance and to acknowledge the existence of non-white people as is was This overall felt a little piecey to me- I cared about the story and the characters but it didn’t feel cohesive and I kept falling out of reading it.
One thing I really enjoyed were the themes of insecurity and self-doubt that were explored in this novel in differing ways for each character- for Greta, her insecurity comes from believing she’s a burden and that her worries are unimportant to others in the grand scheme of things, and for Wyatt, his insecurity comes from feeling like a failure, an anti-Midas because he’s tried and failed at so many things so many times in life. I loved how faith was used to approach and salve these insecurities and how it was acknowledged that these characters weren’t instantly fixed by knowing God’s perspective but were rather on a journey of changing long-held mindsets, because that was realistic and relatable.
Even though this was definitely closed-door in terms of spice level, I did find this a lot spicier than your typical Christian romance or at least than the ones I used to read. It is chaste in the sense of no “adult” scenes but there is a lot of making out, if that is something you’re currently avoiding in your reads or don’t find appropriate for your Christian romance. It is nothing inappropriate and I think this book is probably Christian teen-appropriate, but went all on different walks with accountability and with our convictions so I’m putting this note in about heat-level.
Overall, I thought this was okay. The last chapter with Wyatt’s family back in Pennsylvania ended on enough of a cliff-hanger that I might check out more books in this series when they come out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is that mail-order bride, Greta, is headed to Colorado with her young, sickly sister to start a new life with her new husband and hopefully find healing for her sisters lungs in the higher-altitude air. On getting to Colorado, she discovers that her husband-to-be is missing and presumed dead, and completely destitute, she enters into marriage with a down-on-his-luck rancher, Wyatt. Together they must all learn to live and rely on each other as a family and overcome their deep-seated demons through love and the Grace of God.
I liked the premise of this but found the execution a little bland. I know novels of this style and genre (Old American West Christian Romance) frequently lack diversity or a deeper, more nuanced look into the historical context at the time, so my expectations weren’t high in that score. There was a lot of mention of indigenous people (“Indians”) as antagonists and enemies, which whilst that might have been the prevailing feeling when this book was written, felt a little un-nuanced; this is why I appreciated that Wyatt had the grace to acknowledge that white mining settlers taking over indigenous land was a trigger for the enmity between settlers and indigenous people. I thought more would be done with the relationship between Astrid/Greta and the Utes in the novel but it wasn’t explored. I would like to see Christian romance explore the existence and perspectives of non-white characters more and with more empathy and nuance and to acknowledge the existence of non-white people as is was This overall felt a little piecey to me- I cared about the story and the characters but it didn’t feel cohesive and I kept falling out of reading it.
One thing I really enjoyed were the themes of insecurity and self-doubt that were explored in this novel in differing ways for each character- for Greta, her insecurity comes from believing she’s a burden and that her worries are unimportant to others in the grand scheme of things, and for Wyatt, his insecurity comes from feeling like a failure, an anti-Midas because he’s tried and failed at so many things so many times in life. I loved how faith was used to approach and salve these insecurities and how it was acknowledged that these characters weren’t instantly fixed by knowing God’s perspective but were rather on a journey of changing long-held mindsets, because that was realistic and relatable.
Even though this was definitely closed-door in terms of spice level, I did find this a lot spicier than your typical Christian romance or at least than the ones I used to read. It is chaste in the sense of no “adult” scenes but there is a lot of making out, if that is something you’re currently avoiding in your reads or don’t find appropriate for your Christian romance. It is nothing inappropriate and I think this book is probably Christian teen-appropriate, but went all on different walks with accountability and with our convictions so I’m putting this note in about heat-level.
Overall, I thought this was okay. The last chapter with Wyatt’s family back in Pennsylvania ended on enough of a cliff-hanger that I might check out more books in this series when they come out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
nicole1's review
5.0
It has been a long time since I have read a book in a day, loved this one.
Full review coming soon!
Full review coming soon!
bellesmoma2021's review
4.0
Jody Hedlund cannot write a bad story. She’s a master storyteller. A Cowboy for Keeps, her first novel in the Colorado Cowboys series, is a highly engaging, fast-paced ride you won’t want to put down. The action in this story is non-stop. The characters are fantastic — Greta will make your heart hurt a little, Wyatt will steal your breath a couple of times, and Astrid … well, Astrid will try your patience and make you want to hug her and laugh with her all at the same time. Hedlund has crafted endearing characters readers won’t soon forget. A Cowboy for Keeps is a novel I highly recommend to all who love a good Historical Romance.
My most favorite aspect to this story is the relationship between Greta and Wyatt. Each character has a hang up that really keeps them in a cycle of genuine negativity. But from the very beginning of meeting one another, Greta and Wyatt are able to silent those pessimistic thoughts for one another and allow the best versions of themselves to come to life. The whole time I was reading this book, Ecclesiastes 4:9 kept popping into my brain: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Truly, these two characters are the perfect embodiment of this verse. Being as their marriage of convenience is just that, they each have a purpose for making things work between the two of them. Greta needs a safe place to raise her sick sister, Astrid, and Wyatt needs the financial benefit that will come to his ranch through this convenient marriage. Neither one takes the other for granted and shows this through HARD work. I’m talking before the sun rises to well past its setting each day, Greta and Wyatt work together to make the best of their circumstances. I was truly impressed by their actions towards one another. Their relationship is a great example of the level of respect and arduous daily work it takes to make any marriage a successful one. And, I absolutely love their journey from teammates to much, much more. This relationship left my heart very happy, and I’m walking away from Greta and Wyatt’s story smiling from ear to ear!
A Cowboy for Keeps is a wonderful Historical Romance that I highly recommend. The plot is highly engaging. I did not want to put this book down! The characters are well written, unique, and endearing. And the messages are timely. Overall, this novel is a true must-read, and another home run by Jody Hedlund!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
My most favorite aspect to this story is the relationship between Greta and Wyatt. Each character has a hang up that really keeps them in a cycle of genuine negativity. But from the very beginning of meeting one another, Greta and Wyatt are able to silent those pessimistic thoughts for one another and allow the best versions of themselves to come to life. The whole time I was reading this book, Ecclesiastes 4:9 kept popping into my brain: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Truly, these two characters are the perfect embodiment of this verse. Being as their marriage of convenience is just that, they each have a purpose for making things work between the two of them. Greta needs a safe place to raise her sick sister, Astrid, and Wyatt needs the financial benefit that will come to his ranch through this convenient marriage. Neither one takes the other for granted and shows this through HARD work. I’m talking before the sun rises to well past its setting each day, Greta and Wyatt work together to make the best of their circumstances. I was truly impressed by their actions towards one another. Their relationship is a great example of the level of respect and arduous daily work it takes to make any marriage a successful one. And, I absolutely love their journey from teammates to much, much more. This relationship left my heart very happy, and I’m walking away from Greta and Wyatt’s story smiling from ear to ear!
A Cowboy for Keeps is a wonderful Historical Romance that I highly recommend. The plot is highly engaging. I did not want to put this book down! The characters are well written, unique, and endearing. And the messages are timely. Overall, this novel is a true must-read, and another home run by Jody Hedlund!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
mjsh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
"We ain't supposed to be surprised when we come against fiery trials. If the Lord suffered, then we gotta expect the suffering too."
This western historical that takes place in 1862 Colorado Territory is a bit different from Jody Hedlund's usual offerings but nonetheless quite lovely and delightful. With her trademark style and attention to detail, the author brings the mining town of Fairway to life. Greta is a selfless, hard-working young woman who moves west to help rejuvenate her sickly younger sister. Her resourcefulness and tenacity are admirable. Her precocious younger sister Astrid is fun and lively and brings levity to situations when they become too grave. Wyatt is a lovable, honorable, and tender hero who needs Greta's belief in him to spur him toward success at cattle ranching. Their faith that grows through trials in the untamed land is encouraging and edifying. They both have insecurities - Greta of feeling like she's a burden and Wyatt of feeling like a failure - but they finally realize that they can face life together while holding each other up. I can't wait to meet Wyatt's younger siblings in the next book!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This western historical that takes place in 1862 Colorado Territory is a bit different from Jody Hedlund's usual offerings but nonetheless quite lovely and delightful. With her trademark style and attention to detail, the author brings the mining town of Fairway to life. Greta is a selfless, hard-working young woman who moves west to help rejuvenate her sickly younger sister. Her resourcefulness and tenacity are admirable. Her precocious younger sister Astrid is fun and lively and brings levity to situations when they become too grave. Wyatt is a lovable, honorable, and tender hero who needs Greta's belief in him to spur him toward success at cattle ranching. Their faith that grows through trials in the untamed land is encouraging and edifying. They both have insecurities - Greta of feeling like she's a burden and Wyatt of feeling like a failure - but they finally realize that they can face life together while holding each other up. I can't wait to meet Wyatt's younger siblings in the next book!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
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