There are books that resonate with me. A Cowboy for Keeps is one of them.

Greta is a compassionate woman. She is left with the care of her young sister. She doesn't shirk from this responsibility. She embraces it. She will do whatever it takes as she prays for a cure. Her determination took her to Colorado as a Mail-Order Bride.

The opening pages begin with the stagecoach being held up. Her sister, Astrid, provides the humor with her adorable personality. Astrid is a force to be reckoned with, even with consumption. She was probably my favorite character in the book.

It would appear that forces conspired against Greta. After arriving in her new town, the groom is presumed dead, leaving her without funds and no place to live. She is provided an option when Wyatt McQuaid offers to step in as her groom.

The story is inspiring, cute, and entertaining. I found myself rooting for Wyatt and Greta to make their marriage binding instead of one of convenience. There were so many misunderstandings and secrets that it made it tough to navigate.

This book captured my heart and mind. I am very excited to read the next installment in the series.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Jody Hedlund has written a really good Western historical romance. This book has it all, a penniless, stranded, mail-order bride; a handsome cowboy hero struggling to keep his ranch going; and a benevolent mayor. The plot includes stage-coach hold-ups, cattle rustling, shoot-outs, land grabbing, and a missing bridegroom. And the villain is very bad. Who could resist?

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.

This is book one in the Colorado Cowboys series, what a great place to start. Greta Nilsson and Wyatt McQuad may be the answer to each others problems. I loved the chemistry between them. I can't wait to read more from this series.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

A strong faith element runs through A Cowboy for Keeps. Greta has struggled with the sense that she is unimportant and a burden to everyone around her. She worked so hard to prove her worth! She had to learn of her value to the Lord and to allow Him to carry her burdens.

Wyatt felt that he was a failure - everything he touched seemed to fall apart. He became inclined to give up when things got hard. He had to learn that God doesn't always keep us out of the fire, but He does walk through the fire with us.

This was a sweet story. There was a hint of a mystery as to the identity of the stagecoach robbers, though I figured out what was going on pretty early on.

Personally, I didn't care for the numerous references to the physical attraction between Greta and Wyatt. I don't mind some mentions of this but felt that this attraction was a major part of the plot.

Readers of Western romance will want to consider adding A Cowboy for Keeps to their library.

Reading this book was like settling in with an old friend- several of my favorite story elements wrapped up in a new tale. It was just a pleasure to read! Wyatt and Greta both have heavy worries and vulnerabilities, but one of the major themes of the book is how we are stronger together rather than apart. Even though Greta and the precocious Astrid bring light and joy into the lives of Wyatt and Judd, not to mention her hard work and a new income with her pie and jam selling, she still feels they are a burden. Complications with neighbors and townspeople keep their relationship from being simple, and I was anxious as I read for Greta and Wyatt to learn to communicate more effectively with each other and work out their feelings. They have wonderful chemistry and it was fun to see their attraction blossom as they explored their growing feelings with stolen kisses. Some climaxes added tension and a little suspense, making this a well-rounded western with sweet romance! The epilogue gives a lead-in to the next book with Wyatt's family, and I'm looking forward to getting to know more characters in this series!

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.

It has been a long time since I’ve read a western! A Cowboy for Keeps is a great one, with a handsome rancher, outlaws, Native Americans, a beautiful mountain setting, and a heroine determined to provide a better life for her sister.

This story progresses quickly, with some unexpected surprises and just enough adventure. Hedlund’s descriptions of the Colorado setting are spot-on (Colorado is a fav place of mine to visit, in books and real like!). Long time fans of westerns will be satisfied with the expected elements of the story, too, like the hard work of running a cattle ranch, the beauty & isolation of the west, and the colorful & witty characters — like Judd and Astrid! There is one slight secret that propels the plot forward which I felt was a little formulaic, but I like the way it is resolved in a realistic way.

The relationship between Greta and Wyatt is my favorite aspect of the novel. Let me remind you this is a CLASSIC Jody Hedlund marriage-of-convenience setup that’s original and full of her signature swoony-kissing-moments — sometimes with banter & sometimes super meaningful. Beyond their progressing romance, Greta and Wyatt need the faith of each other. I like how Greta’s belief in him and his dream becomes increasingly important to Wyatt, and redeems a part of his past he had been carrying. Likewise, Greta’s time at the ranch helps her to rely on God and realize she’s not a burden to those around her.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! I have a feeling we’ll see more of Wyatt’s family featured in the future ;).

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Jody Hedlund has once again proven that she can tackle different genres. She is a super talented writer and it shows in her new release, A Cowboy for Keeps. This begins the Colorado Cowboys series. I adored Greta right from the start. I admired her determination to do what was right for her sister. I loved how she interacted with Wyatt. Such a beautiful, inspiring, tender and sweet story.
A Cowboy for Keeps is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I am looking forward to the next installment from the Colorado Cowboys series to see what happens next. Meanwhile, this one will be placed on my very limited keeper shelf. I highly recommend for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance.
I received A Cowboy for Keeps from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

A Cowboy for Keeps, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in the Colorado Cowboys series. As a western, historical romance, this novel does not disappoint. As a marriage of convenience story, this book is utterly satisfying. As a piece of well-written fiction, this novel is truly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.

From the first sentence to the final word, Ms. Hedlund successfully demonstrates her talent for crafting books that are rich in descriptive detail, compelling settings, complex characterization, and riveting storylines. From the wide open land of the Colorado Territory, to a cold, clear stream in the woods, to the crowded space in a small cabin, the settings of this novel are thoughtfully described and well-suited to the story. They provide the relevant backdrop for the characters in this book as they strive for their goals, recognize their insecurities, face their fears, and nurture their faith. Page after page, these characters are memorable and authentic. Their hopes, concerns, and motivations are interesting and moving. As a reader, I was quickly and easily drawn into their stories and the plot details that flowed from them. I was captivated by this stunning novel filled with peril, hope, uncertainty, courage, compassion, resiliency, trust, and second chances.

A Cowboy for Keeps is a special novel and a pleasure to read. Abounding with history, romance, adventure, and heart, it is truly engaging and endearing. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

I genuinely loved this book! It read like a Karen Witemeyer novel, but with less humor and more angst. It's the perfect read for fans of historical romances, especially if they have a soft spot for cowboys and marriages of convenience.

The tension was fantastic and the stakes were high. I felt everything that Greta and Wyatt were feeling, every second of the book. I couldn't possibly put this book down and finished it in a day. I can't wait to read more!

I loved Judd, pouring out just the right amount of wisdom at the right times in his own special way. And Astrid, being honest and full of life despite her illness. And the romance sizzles, with sparks flying right off the page.

It's a good one, friends. Don't miss it.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All expressed opinions belong to me.

A Cowboy for Keeps is a great read. I loved how Greta and Wyatt would up getting paired up. Greta planned to have a new start for her and her sister, but things go wrong on the trip out west and when she gets to the town where her soon to be husband lived. She finds herself looking for help as she does not know who to turn to.

Wyatt is not really planning to start a family but when given the proposition of getting his ranch going just by helping the mayor he soon starts to decide it is a cause he can work with. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine. I also was able to listen to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.

Jody Hedlund's A Cowboy For Keeps offers a fun read with a fast-moving plot! The characters drew me in and kept me up at night because I wanted to know what they were doing. Through fantastic dialogue, I really got to know Greta and Wyatt. I am looking forward to what happens next in their life when Wyatt's brothers and sister move in from out East. So put the coffee on and settle in for a good old marriage of convenience story.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Marriage of Convenience stories are s favourite trope. Jody Hedlund is a favourite author. The two of them mixed together makes for and exciting tale right? Right!!
I was so glad to read this story. I loved Greta from the start. Her desire to take care of her strong willed sister and give her the best life could offer even if it meant marrying a perfect stranger.
And then there's lovable Wyatt, gentle and with a deep sense of responsibility. I respected him from the start. Both of them are not without their insecurities and this story follows through on their journey.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

A Cowboy for Keeps is book #1 in the Colorado Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

Set in 1862, Colorado, the book tells the story of a mail-order bride, her sick sister, and the rancher who married her after her fiance died.

Greta and her sister Astrid were not wanted in their own home. After their father had passed away and their brothers joined the war, their sisters-in-law wanted them gone.

Expecting the west's clean air to help her sister recover from her illness, Greta decided to answer an ad to become a mail-order bride.

Her fiance was older, kind, and well-situated in life and had agreed to take care of Astrid.

But when Greta arrived in Colorado penniless and frightened, she discovered her fiance had died, and she had no place to stay and no money to return.

The mayor of the city, interested in keeping Greta there to make the place more family-friendly, asked a rancher (Wyatt) to marry her instead.

With a sick sister and no food or shelter, Greta reluctantly agreed to marry the quiet stranger.

The story was emotional and angsty with a strong element of faith.

Wyatt and Greta's relationship was built on companionship and hard-work, and I love that he was always so caring and respectful of her wishes.

The side characters are the real show—Astrid and her love for life, and old Judd's timeless wisdom.

A Cowboy for Keeps is an inspirational story about difficult choices, hard work, and never losing faith.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 02/16/2020*

I absolutely loved A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund. It is the first book in her new series Colorado Cowboys and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Greta agrees to being a mail-order-bride in order to find a place where her younger sister's health might improve after suffering from consumption for years, but everything from the beginning of the trip goes wrong starting with the stagecoach being robbed and after getting to town she learns that her betrothed is presumed dead. Left with little choice she agrees to marry Wyatt and help him on his ranch and taking care of his livestock as long as her sister's health improves, if not she is moving on.
Little do they realize that even with all of the uncertainty and at times the odds that are stacked against them their relationship becomes more than just friendly, but will it be enough to keep them together in the end?

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

I’m always excited when an author I like starts a new series and the fact that this was a marriage of convenience (my favorite trope) had me anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Wyatt was great and I loved the way he let Greta set the pace of things and was a true gentleman about it. I also admired the way that he didn’t bat an eye over the fact that her little sister came with her and took time to form a relationship with her.
Greta had a caring heart which was evident in the deep love she had for her half-sister and the lengths she was willing to go to give her a better chance at life.
I will admit though that for most of the book I wanted to smack Wyatt and Greta’s heads together and hope that knocked some sense into them. It was like they both were constantly waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop and making assumptions about the other one even when they were clearly saying the opposite. They both had people in the past who hadn’t treated them well and said things that they were letting affect their lives years later. In the end I was happy they worked things out but man they could have had such a richer relationship if they weren’t always looking to give the other person an out. There were still some great moments between them though and those were my favorite parts! Astrid, the little sister, was hard to handle for sure and drove me crazy with the way she acted and the fact that she basically ran unchecked.
Overall this was an interesting start to the series and I’m definitely looking forward to the next books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

“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.

A new Jody Hedlund series was the perfect way to start a new year! A western isn’t the genre I’ve come to associate with Hedlund, but she’s proven yet again that she can write a stellar book in any genre. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the McQuaid family as this new series continues.

Greta and Wyatt’s story combines a marriage of convenience and mail-order bride tale, set against the backdrop of the rugged Colorado wilderness. Greta has always felt like she and her sister Astrid, who is fighting consumption, are a burden wherever they are. Wyatt struggles with feeling like a constant failure. After a stagecoach robbery and missing groom leaves Greta in a bind, she agrees to marry Wyatt, not knowing he’s getting heard of cattle out of the arrangement.

There is sweet romance, challenges aplenty and a few surprises along the way that will keep you glued to the pages, rooting for a happy ending. There’s even a teaser at the very end that has me more than excited to meet Flynn McQuaid!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of A Cowboy For Keeps by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

A Cowboy For Keeps is a mail order bride story. Greta and her younger sister, Astrid, arrive in Fairplay only find out that her fiance is missing and believed dead. She has nowhere to stay and no money to return to the east. Wyatt is a struggling rancher who agrees to marry her in return for a financing deal from the mayor of Fairplay. Both Greta and Wyatt have similar family issues in their past.

This is the first book in the Colorado Cowboys series. The story has a similar "marriage of convenience" feel to the Love Comes Softly series which is one of my favorite Christian Fiction series.

This is a story of self doubt, learning to love yourself, and faith. I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It's one of those books that you start at bedtime to "just read a few chapters", then realize it's 3:30am and you read the entire book. Yes, I loved this book.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Romance
Release Date: January 5, 2021

Overall I am regrettably underwhelmed with A Cowboy for Keeps, the start of Jody Hedlund’s new Colorado Cowboys series which takes place in a mining town called Fairplay, Colorado.

Best Characters: Astrid, an impulsive, stouthearted, at times defiant, ridden with consumption, little sister to Greta, stole my heart and every scene in the story she was in as well. I laughed out loud when she audaciously took on Wyatt’s bully neighbor Roper Brawley, the pirate as she called him, several times. I must divulge A Cowboy for Keeps would have been my first Jody Hedlund DNF if it had not been for her. The other character who stood out for me was Judd, Wyatt’s wise right-hand-man, who didn’t talk much, but when he did, you should pay heed.

Least Notable Characters: Greta Nilsson and Wyatt McQuaid, the H and H of the story were mediocre, both feeling they were not worthy. Instead of depth, wisdom, and the ability to understand and reason, we were given two leading characters with no horse sense. They spent so much time lusting each other it overwhelmed the Christian message for me.

Astrid kept me turning the pages as well as some of the more humorous interactions amount the characters. For example: “Come on now, Captain Jim.” (Owner of Simpkin’s General Store) “You know the business of every fly living on a horse’s hind end this side of the Continental Divide.” “If you didn’t see where that little girl was headed,” Mr. McQuaid continued, “then I reckon this town better invest in a telegraph to take your place.”

Except for the vivid scene that took place when Astrid and Greta first met the Indians there wasn’t much description to make me feel as if I was in the 1800s. However, the stunning breathtaking descriptions of the Colorado Territory landscape when Wyatt took Greta berry picking and while searching for Astrid reminded me of the Jody Hedlund of old.

Must bring to light that personally I would rate this story R due to the borderline provocative thoughts of Greta and Wyatt, and some very crude comments.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author’s publisher Bethany House via NetGalley as a member of her Release Crew. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.