PAULA'S REVIEW:
From
the gorgeous sunset on the cover to the concluding pages, this was an
epic mail-order-bride-gone-wrong story with hope and faith winnings out!
“Ahead, the cabin and barn sat against the backdrop of the
mountains with the glow of the setting sun reflected on the golden
aspens, dark evergreens, and gray rocky crags.” This beautiful setting
is perfect for this layered story of rancher, Wyatt McQuaid and Greta
Nilsson and their quest to eke out a living in Colorado in 1862. Greta
has her sick sister to care for and arrives to find her husband-to-be
has died. Wyatt and Greta accept a marriage of convenience, putting
their faith in God to somehow make things right. Both are hardworking
and honorable. Ms. Hedlund writes a villain we love to hate and he makes
things hard for Wyatt and his friend Judd. Their resolve is challenged
but they do not buckle.
Greta tries her best with her nine year
old sister, Astrid, who despite her illness, is a bright spot in their
lives. “For so long, every time she prayed, she had felt she was
disturbing God. Maybe He was waiting-even wanting- her to come to Him
and let Him bear the burdens with her.”
Although this story came
to an end, the last chapter hints at an equally mesmerizing story to
come. The next book is about Wyatt’s family in Pennsylvania and a
reunion is in the works.
*I received a complimentary
copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a
favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars. Strong faith thread
TRIXI'S REVIEW:
”She needs a husband,” Steele said firmly. “You need an investor. And I need a civilized town for my wife.”
With that ultimatum, how can Wyatt resist a chance to finally start his
own cattle ranch? But then again, who is he to play with hearts? As for
Greta, what other choice does she have but to enter a marriage of
convenience for the sake of both herself and younger sister? What a
quandary!
I already love Jody Hedlund's historical books, so I
was especially excited to read her first Western one! Her stories are
character driven, which is something I enjoy very much. I fell in love
with Wyatt at first sight; not just because he's ruggedly handsome, but
for his heart of gold. He learns that Greta and her young sister are
in desperate need and reluctantly agrees to the mayor's marriage
bargain. How this story plays out from there was all consuming for me, a
book that was thoroughly engrossing. It was also a gentle love story
between Wyatt and Greta, an absolute pleasure to watch these two
together. They both have insecurities they fight within themselves, but
in the end faith, hope and love overcome. The secondary characters
added their own personalities and flavor; I especially loved
Judd—Wyatt's unofficial cowhand and sage advice giving grizzled older
gentleman. He was a favorite of mine.
I thoroughly enjoyed
reading this fantastic western historical & eagerly look forward to
the next installment of “Colorado Cowboys”!
*I received a
complimentary copy from Bethany House and was not obligated to leave a
favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine. *
A Cowboy for Keeps is the start of a new series, Colorado Cowboys, by Jody Hedlund, and it’s quite a change from her previous series that I’ve read. With a change of scenery to the Colorado territory in 1862, and the introduction to the McQuaid family, this book set the stage for the new series. I enjoyed meeting the fascinating characters in this book. Wyatt McQuaid is an interesting hero with insecurities and past failures, but his courage, work ethics, and compassion shine. Greta Nilsson is independent, caring, and focused on improving her sister Astrid’s poor health. Astrid is a great addition to the cast, as is Wyatt’s ranch hand, Judd, whose wry wisdom and loyalty enhance the story.
“The way I see it . . . a team of oxen can carry more together than apart.”
“You can walk away every time the flies start bitin’. Or you can swat ‘em until they’re gone.”
I enjoyed this charming and enjoyable marriage of convenience tale, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of Wyatt’s family in the rest of the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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.
Sounds great, thank you for sharing.
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