I took me a bit to understand Ella, yet as each layer was revealed I loved how her journey took her from darkness to light. It was a process for her to embrace a new perspective with the unsolicited help from her overworked neighbor Cord, his friendly children, and his matchmaking father. As an artist I love when the main character is also creatively inclined, and it was interesting to see the various elements and influences of the art world and the pressure on her production and mental health. The pace of the narrative isn't always smooth, and I wished for more development of the romance between Ella and Cord to be shown. Overall it was a sweet read and I loved the happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

When Ella Langton leaves the city for a cabin in the Porcupine Hills of Alberta, she's looking for peace and solitude and inspiration for her art. She's getting away from two traumatic events in her life and needs space to grieve. Before she has even unpacked her boxes, her solitude is shattered by the three children her neighbor's nanny dumps on her doorstep. Turns out her "isolated" cabin is actually just a stone's throw from Cord Walsh and his three rambunctious children. To make matters worse, the nanny's departure means the children are being supervised by their elderly grandfather whose "naps" give the children far too many opportunities to escape to Ella's.

Harried father, Cord Walsh, has far too many demands on his time. Trying to complete his late wife's legacy, he spends every spare minute serving in her place on the local rodeo association. Unfortunately, with that and working to maintain his ranch, time with his children suffers. When his fourth nanny in two years quits, he despairs of finding balance in his life. Arriving at Ella's, he finds both Ella and his children distraught. Her reaction to his children appears to be one of distaste so he determines to keep his kids away from her. Unfortunately, his determination is no match for Suzy and Paul's desire for Ella's attention.

As Cord observes Ella with his two oldest, he realizes she's really very good with them. It's only his youngest - sweet, adorable Oliver - that she remains aloof from. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that she's good with him, too. Can he convince her to take a chance on a ready-made family? Can Ella get past the darkness of her grief to see the light God has for her?

I read Cord and Ella's story after reading Morgan and Tabitha's. Ms. Aarsen shows the depth of love this family has for one another and the support they give. I enjoyed - and raced through - both books in this series and I'm hoping she'll be telling sister Amanda's story soon!

This is a sweet story of recovery from tragedy and finding yourself in the aftermath. A quick read, I was surprised to find it includes some major issues and the consequences of living through them, but they’re well handled.

Ella lost touch with her artistic self when her child died and her marriage as well. She’s trying to reclaim that part of herself and has a golden opportunity to both teach and display her art if only she can create a new portfolio. To facilitate this, she rents an out-of-the-way cabin to regain her focus, only to discover it’s in the middle of just what she’s trying to escape.

Cord had the most perfect wife a man could have, kids, and the life he wanted, when his wife died unexpectedly. Now he’s struggling to live up to her memory while being a good father, and it’s all too much to handle. He’s certainly not interested in a new relationship, but his kids and his own feelings haven’t gotten the message.

They are both suffering crises of faith and life that they can’t seem to get beyond. Ella can’t move on until she gives herself the right to be happy while Cord needs to stop trying to live up to an impossible dream, something he can’t help but fail at. This is an inspirational romance so there is both a break with God in the past and recovering that connection. I found this thread subtle and smooth within the story rather than preachy.

The children are adorable and feel very realistic. How Ella finds her way back from losing her son is well crafted and plausible. The same with Cord learning to accept his future rather than letting guilt over his relationship with his dead wife cost both him and his children their childhood.

Come into the light from darkness is a major theme that resonates in both their paths. Cord’s love for his family is shown in the little things and small ways that make it feel real even, or especially, when the kids are acting up. Ella’s artistic journey is another powerful thread while I adore the resolution of her relationship with her mother, especially considering the very serious realizations her mother has to take in. I was worried there for a moment considering what we knew of her.

The actual ending scene read a little flat to me in the wording, especially when compared to how much I enjoyed the rest, but it’s a minor quibble in a story strong with redemption, family, and love. I’m happy to have spent time in their company.

P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I liked how Ella was brave enough to face her fears and how Cord was patient with her. I was not sure I liked Ella's mother until the very end. I really liked the kids. You will enjoy this book.

Ella is struggling finding inspiration for her career in the art world. She is struggling with many secrets of her past. When she does not find the solidarity she is seeking but a loud, loving family instead is this the answer to many unasked questions or is it more than her heart can take?

Cord is confused by his new neighbor. not certain why she feels the way she seems to about his kids. Will he be able to find out Ella's secrets and help her or is it more than he will be willing to go through.

This was a well written and enjoyable book, however I felt the ending was rushed. It may be the author was limited on the number of words though. I do look forward to reading more from this author.

Two hurt, broken people meet and fall in love while healing from their equally complicated and sad pasts.

Ella has lost her inspiration and for a short while decides to stay in a cabin to see if she can find that inspiration once again. Little did she expect for the neighbors children and workaholic father to somehow make their way into her heart. Now shes painting differently then she used to and shes not sure if this a good or bad thing.

I thought that this was a sweet book. It was interesting getting to see Cord and Ella's POV and seeing how their life past and present was. It was interesting getting to dive briefly into their past to understand who they were as character and make the readers love the character more.I loved Cords children and how they managed to get their way at times knowing how to play the adults. I loved that the children did managed to stay as an important role when it came to book as well, many of the children in books tend to fade into the background and you don't hear about them much. I loved that this book was a clean romance, and if you're a person of christian faith you'll like this book as well. This book mentions about christian faith and you get to see how god plays into these characters lives as well. Overall it was a pretty sweet book I enjoyed it.

this is the first book that I have read by this author and it definitely wont be the last. This is a sweet romantic read. I enjoyed this book, it was a lovely easy book to read. This story flowed really well and was well paced. You will fall in love with the characters as you read. I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

Ella Langston is an artist, who has been having trouble lately finding the inspiration for her art, so her mother suggests that a change of scenery might help. So she rents a cabin outside of Cedar Ridge, Alberta, Canada, where she finds that she is next door neighbors with the landowner's widowed son, Cord and his three children.

Cord is a hardworking rancher, and a good father to his three children. He wants to be there for his children, but there aren't always enough hours in the day. Ella helps Cord see that there are some things that he can rearrange on his list of priorities, but he senses that she is keeping something from him.

Paul, Suzy, and Oliver adore Ella, and are friendly and welcoming to her from the start, they love her dog, Pablo, who is very good with children. And when Suzy asks for help with an art project, Ella can't say no. Ella is a great teacher an helps the children with their projects.

I like that Cord recognizes and appreciates the changes that he sees in his children, and makes an effort to spend more time with them. I like that he makes time to talk to Ella too, and get to know her.

Overall, a great read from beginning to end, with great characters, humor, and well done relationship building. Fast paced and heartwarming, a great read for the cold winter months.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Inspirational and encouraging novel that with a beautiful and a bit fragile example shows in practise what it means when we are promised that God will carry us even through the darkest times in our lives, and He can use that time for our best and through that darkness guide us to the path we are supposed to be on.
Yes, I was touched by this story, it spoke to me, and got directly to my heart. Ella's heartbreak was so vivid, the dark place her marriage had taken her into, with the shame and secrets, poured into the canvas and made her career, but it left her yearning for something more, light, joy, life into her days. She is a strong character, survivor really, with a big yet broken heart. She has so much kindness, passion, wit, and charm, but she is afraid to let it lose, to live again, to have joy again in her life.
Cord lives with his own regrets and shame from his marriage, but his three children, the ranch, the work with his wife's legacy, it all takes his time and thoughts, not really leaving him time for the daily to-do list, not to mention gives him time to reflect and heal from Lisa's death.
I love Cord's kids. They all had solid characteristics, a true joy to be around. They craved for love and affection, and attention. They play a center role in the story, bringing Cord and Ella together, and helping them both heal and move on.
All the parental figures who were introduced in the story twisted the plot to a new direction. Not everything was completely resolved regarding Lisa's parents. I think Ella and Cord will have to face that storm until smoother sailing is possible.
I was immensely impressed how Ella's art played another center role in the plot, and I admit a little jealous of her ability and gift to express herself in that form.
I have really fallen in love with these Love Inspired stories, and how the faith-based stories often spoke to me through the characters if I am willing to hear what they have to share.
Courting the Cowboy ended up being a deep, thoughtful, and encouraging story of second chances in life, and how every step we take in will be leading us to our destiny, even if the destiny is not what we expected and planned it to be. I'm still a bit in awe of the tale and I know I'll be thinking about it for a good while
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side