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melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors and I loved this first book in her new Colorado Cowboys series. This is a marriage of convenience story with plenty of heart palpating drama and romance.
Greta is traveling West with her little sister to marry a virtual stranger and hopefully offer her sick sister a new chance. When her stagecoach is robbed and she then finds out her soon to be husband is dead, she’s at a loss.
Wyatt is trying to make a go of his cattle ranch in Colorado, but things are difficult. When the mayor makes him an offer he can’t refuse if he’ll marry Greta, he decides he might just take him up on it. With nowhere to go and no money, Greta accepts Wyatt’s offer with the understanding that it’s a marriage of convenience and either one could walk away in the Spring.
Wyatt and Greta’s relationship is filled with so many swoon-worthy moments and a lot of angst. While there was so much great chemistry between them, each tries to protect the other and they both suffer from a lack of self worth. When they finally get on the same page, the romance sizzles, but there’s always a fly in the ointment and when the past comes back to haunt them, they have to decide if what they’ve found is worth fighting for.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. While at first I wasn’t sure if I’d like the narration, it grew on me and I ended up enjoying the narrator’s interpretation. She was able to distinguish each character in a unique way with great emotion. I think the one character that was hard for me to listen to was Astrid. It’s hard to voice children, but she did a pretty good job.
All in all, I enjoyed this start to a new series and look forward to the next books. I think I would have enjoyed reading it more than listening, but still loved Jody Hedlund’s brilliant story telling that shines through. Story is a 4+, audiobook is 3 1/2 stars.
Greta is traveling West with her little sister to marry a virtual stranger and hopefully offer her sick sister a new chance. When her stagecoach is robbed and she then finds out her soon to be husband is dead, she’s at a loss.
Wyatt is trying to make a go of his cattle ranch in Colorado, but things are difficult. When the mayor makes him an offer he can’t refuse if he’ll marry Greta, he decides he might just take him up on it. With nowhere to go and no money, Greta accepts Wyatt’s offer with the understanding that it’s a marriage of convenience and either one could walk away in the Spring.
Wyatt and Greta’s relationship is filled with so many swoon-worthy moments and a lot of angst. While there was so much great chemistry between them, each tries to protect the other and they both suffer from a lack of self worth. When they finally get on the same page, the romance sizzles, but there’s always a fly in the ointment and when the past comes back to haunt them, they have to decide if what they’ve found is worth fighting for.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. While at first I wasn’t sure if I’d like the narration, it grew on me and I ended up enjoying the narrator’s interpretation. She was able to distinguish each character in a unique way with great emotion. I think the one character that was hard for me to listen to was Astrid. It’s hard to voice children, but she did a pretty good job.
All in all, I enjoyed this start to a new series and look forward to the next books. I think I would have enjoyed reading it more than listening, but still loved Jody Hedlund’s brilliant story telling that shines through. Story is a 4+, audiobook is 3 1/2 stars.
tiggeruo's review against another edition
3.0
This book is set in the 1800's, and is more of a western romance style book. The storyline was cute overall. I did like Astrid, she was a pistol and being a handful summed her up for sure. I really liked Judd, he was a silent type but when he spoke it was with wisdom and you took notice. The book was a clean read overall. I do feel like the book did drag some so I had a hard time keeping my attention. I felt like something was missing in a sense but if you are looking for a clean read that's a mail order bride on her journey to find a better place for her sister, then this book might be for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
simplymeagreads's review against another edition
5.0
Greta decides to become a mail order bride to help her little sister. But when she finally reaches Colorado, her fiancé is believed dead. After being robbed on the way, she has no money and must marry to provide for her sister. Wyatt didn’t expect to come to town and leave married, but marrying Greta might be the best deal he ever struck.
I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read a western in awhile. This is my first time reading a book from this author, and I loved her writing style. There’s Christian themes through out. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out and the themes of being good enough and loved despite hardships were written. I think I’ve said this a couple times recently, but I love when father like figures dote on their daughters. It melts my heart.
I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read a western in awhile. This is my first time reading a book from this author, and I loved her writing style. There’s Christian themes through out. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out and the themes of being good enough and loved despite hardships were written. I think I’ve said this a couple times recently, but I love when father like figures dote on their daughters. It melts my heart.
sarahalexis96's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brookamber's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
dotarvi's review against another edition
It was more about being Christian than being a story.
aganethadyck's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jeaninetaniece's review against another edition
5.0
“I never meant to hurt you. And now that I’ve lost everything I’ve been working for, I realize you’re all I really want.” ~ Wyatt
I know I’m probably the last person to read this series, and trust me I realize what I have been missing! Jody wrote a terrific cowboy romance. This story was so good!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and this one is done so well. The rugged setting and unforgiving frontier make for the perfect backdrop, providing challenges and testing the mettle of our main characters. Their ability to adapt and overcome obstacles is a trying of their faith and commitment to one another, while strengthening their resolve and solidifying their bond and admiration. Each character finding themselves at a point of utter despair and tremendous loss, yet determined to persevere and fight for those in their care. A testament to those who tamed the Wild West while following their dreams with undying hope and unwavering faith.
Excited to read the rest of the series. Jody writes amazing clean, Christian romance.
I know I’m probably the last person to read this series, and trust me I realize what I have been missing! Jody wrote a terrific cowboy romance. This story was so good!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and this one is done so well. The rugged setting and unforgiving frontier make for the perfect backdrop, providing challenges and testing the mettle of our main characters. Their ability to adapt and overcome obstacles is a trying of their faith and commitment to one another, while strengthening their resolve and solidifying their bond and admiration. Each character finding themselves at a point of utter despair and tremendous loss, yet determined to persevere and fight for those in their care. A testament to those who tamed the Wild West while following their dreams with undying hope and unwavering faith.
Excited to read the rest of the series. Jody writes amazing clean, Christian romance.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2021; Bethany House
This is my first novel by Jody Hedlund, and spoiler alert, I have added a few of her backlist (most are series/trilogies so I just added the first books) to my TBR list. I added the tag of "cozy" to this book as it is a sweet story with no steamy or gory scenes. A Cowboy to Keeps is set around the American Civil War, in Colorado. After the death of her stepmother and father, Greta takes her kid sister, Astrid to Colorado. While Astrid has siblings from her mother's side, they have families of their own so Greta has been left to her care. Greta, highly suggested by her step sister-in-laws, decided to put in an ad for Mail Order Bride. She find an older kind man who will pay for her and Astrid to come live with him. He will take care of both of them. Things go bad to worse when they are robbed on the train, and her fiancé has died on his journey to get some household items. His young rancher friend, Wyatt is persuaded into marrying Greta. In return for marrying Greta and setting up a family, one of the town's founder will invest in Wyatt's ranch with cattle. While this is good for his land, it upsets another man who will do anything get Wyatt's land.
Astrid reminds me a lot of Beverly Cleary's character, Ramona Quimby. She is very inquisitive and impulsive, which at times exasperates her older sister, but entertain Wyatt and his friend, Judd. I love how she brings out the sensitive side of the men. Greta trying so hard not to be a burden, finds it hard to lean on her new husband. The two like one another but want to respect the other's comfortability. In doing so they seem to put up bigger walls. I really enjoyed this story, especially while I was reading heavier books on racism. With that lens, I was a bit disappointed in how little the Indigenous people appeared in this story. One of the elders had recommended the spring for Astrid's illness but they never really went into it, nor did we hear from them again. This is the first book, so hopefully we will see more of an Indigenous presence. Although, maybe, it's better to keep it as is, as these novels are from a white lens. If you like cozier reads, you may like this one. It is also labeled as Christian fiction, but it's not religious as much as it's a "clean" read.
***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Bethany House
This is my first novel by Jody Hedlund, and spoiler alert, I have added a few of her backlist (most are series/trilogies so I just added the first books) to my TBR list. I added the tag of "cozy" to this book as it is a sweet story with no steamy or gory scenes. A Cowboy to Keeps is set around the American Civil War, in Colorado. After the death of her stepmother and father, Greta takes her kid sister, Astrid to Colorado. While Astrid has siblings from her mother's side, they have families of their own so Greta has been left to her care. Greta, highly suggested by her step sister-in-laws, decided to put in an ad for Mail Order Bride. She find an older kind man who will pay for her and Astrid to come live with him. He will take care of both of them. Things go bad to worse when they are robbed on the train, and her fiancé has died on his journey to get some household items. His young rancher friend, Wyatt is persuaded into marrying Greta. In return for marrying Greta and setting up a family, one of the town's founder will invest in Wyatt's ranch with cattle. While this is good for his land, it upsets another man who will do anything get Wyatt's land.
Astrid reminds me a lot of Beverly Cleary's character, Ramona Quimby. She is very inquisitive and impulsive, which at times exasperates her older sister, but entertain Wyatt and his friend, Judd. I love how she brings out the sensitive side of the men. Greta trying so hard not to be a burden, finds it hard to lean on her new husband. The two like one another but want to respect the other's comfortability. In doing so they seem to put up bigger walls. I really enjoyed this story, especially while I was reading heavier books on racism. With that lens, I was a bit disappointed in how little the Indigenous people appeared in this story. One of the elders had recommended the spring for Astrid's illness but they never really went into it, nor did we hear from them again. This is the first book, so hopefully we will see more of an Indigenous presence. Although, maybe, it's better to keep it as is, as these novels are from a white lens. If you like cozier reads, you may like this one. It is also labeled as Christian fiction, but it's not religious as much as it's a "clean" read.
***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***