This is a great start to the Colorado Cowboys series. Greta is taking her sickly sister to Colorado in hopes it will improve her sister's health.  To do that, she agreed to be a mail-order bride.  But things turn upside down when their stagecoach is robbed and her fiance has died. Penniless, she agrees to a crazy proposal out of desperation.  

This book just flowed.  It was well written and interesting.  I felt for Greta and Astrid.    Greta feels the weight of her responsibilities so greatly and doesn't want to be a burden.   Astrid is the opposite.  Everyone is a potential friend to Astrid whether robber, Indian,  or old man.  She brings joy to everyone around her.  She's a delightful character.  

I really liked Wyatt and Judd too.  They are true gentlemen.  Judd has a lot of wisdom and is a great mentor for Wyatt.  It's good to have friends like them. 

I would highly recommend this book.  Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this fun historical romance. It is a good one for readers who like reluctant cowboy heroes. 

In this novel, Wyatt, a struggling rancher near Fairplay, Colorado, agrees to marry Greta. A mail-order bride, she arrived in town only to find the man she was to wed is dead. And she is penniless, the stage coach having been robbed. Her plans to find a healing place for her little sister plagued with consumption are dashed. Then Wyatt comes to her rescue, forced to do so by the mayor, a man who can rescue or ruin Wyatt in his ranching efforts. Can a marriage arranged under such dire circumstances possibly succeed?

Hedlund has added a few side issues to this romance, including a mean rancher who wants to see Wyatt fail and a few scary Indians. Most of the added issues are psychological as Wyatt and Greta try to figure out how they feel about each other. Wyatt is such a gentleman, he allows Greta to live in his house as a sort of house keeper while he bunks in the barn. But, this is a romance and feelings begins to spark. Both have to overcome deep feelings of failure. A bright spot in the rough relationship ride is Astrid, the younger sister with consumption. She is a kick.

The plot is pretty typical but Hedlund makes it work with the added issues. This novel is the first in a new series for Hedlund. I'll be watching for the next one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I enjoyed A Cowboy for keeps so much. I become attached to the characters. Greta was so determined to help her sister get better. She came to Colorado as a mail order bride. She ended up marrying Wyatt who wasn’t the one that brought her there. Read the book to find out why. I loved how Greta was so hard working. Astrid, Greta’s younger sister was a special little girl. Even with being sick she going to do normal things. Cowboy for keeps is a wonderful mail order bride story. I love historical books and this is a good one. This is a first in the series. I look forward to reading the next book.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

I was so curious going in to this book if I would enjoy this western story! It’s not my typical cup of sarsaparilla. However I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the setting and tone of this book.  Wyatt was the perfect heroic cowboy! Hardworking, protective, charming, and reliable! I loved him! I appreciated Greta’s hardworking and industrious spirit, however her internal fixation on being a burden to those around her became tedious.  Astrid brought bits of humor to the story and I think most readers will find her charming.  I had a hard time loving her character due to her constant disobedience and outspoken nature, but I think it was a personal preference.  There were some sweet moments that I enjoyed between Wyatt and Greta and I loved how protective Wyatt was of his newly formed family.  Judd’s character may have been my favorite. Such subtle humor, kindness, and wisdom! This book was a quick read and I found it entertaining.

This book in my opinion is a bit different than what Hedlund normally writes but I still loved it just the same. Really, anything she writes is awesome!
These characters will make you fall in love with them from the very beginning especially little Astrid. ( By the way, I love that name! It's definitely different!)
Wyatt and Greta are perfect for each other. 
The romance in this story is just right. Not too mushy. 
I love that this book kept my attention and I finished it early in the morning. It was awesome!
I enjoyed my visit to Fairplay, Colorado. I didn't want to the leave.
Highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book.
All opinions are my own

I never miss a Jody Hedlund book! Westerns can be somewhat hit or miss for me, but this was certainly a hit. Plus, marriage of convenience stories are absolutely my jam. I enjoyed these characters and the plot moved at a nice pace. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund sweeps you back in time to 1860s Colorado and two people’s quest for survival.

I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience story. Hedlund does a great job of making you care about the characters and their plight from the very beginning. I think it’s always a good sign when you don’t always agree with a character’s decisions but still root for them to come through their trials.

Wyatt and Greta go into the marriage with selfish motives and an understanding that they both have their priorities already set. The conflict comes in when feelings develop, causing them to question their motives and priorities. I think this is a great look at relationships because everyone has to stop and reevaluate in a relationship, especially when marriage is involved.

Seeing these characters grow was just the incentive I needed to keep turning pages. Hedlund fleshes out these characters in such a way that you quickly become invested in their lives and root for them as they grow and mature.

And there are great spiritual arcs about fiery trials and how God wants to be involved in our lives. I found these arcs to be especially touching. Believing that God cares even about the little things can sometimes be hard for us to wrap our minds around. Especially when we encounter so many people who act as if we’re a bother. We can never be reminded too often that God cares about us.

Overall, A Cowboy for Keeps is a satisfying romance historical fiction lovers will enjoy.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

It has been a long time since I have read a book in a day, and this was the one to draw me in like that!
I love the way Jody hedlund writes historical romance.  She has well crafted,  multi dimensional characters.  The on page chemistry is there in the right places.  I love marriage of convenience stories and this one checked all the right boxes for me. I loved how the relationship between the two main characters grew slowly,  we got to see them build their relationship and learn things that they needed to grow in. I loved the frontier setting and how there was a bit of danger and drama to keep me flying through the pages. 
I loved the story,  loved the romance.  All the things!
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally.  All opinions in this review are completely my own and honest.

I was drawn in from the first pages as the stagecoach was being robbed and could not stop until I was finished with the book! I love the characters and their personalities. There were many things to keep your attention and keep the story moving. Many sweet heart tugging moments. I don’t to want to give anything away. Jody Hedlund is one of my top authors!

I received a complimentary ARC of this Book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

What a great book by Jody Hedlund! This book is different then her other books seeing as it is a western romance but I thought she did a great job of telling this story. I loved that it was a mail-order bride/marriage of convenience story. I loved how they learned to deal with the trails they went through together. I also loved how Jody showed us how a Western town would have developed and how people could go from trying their hand at mining to then ranching. I thought she did great and I look forward to other books in this series!

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This book was an excellent read. The author brought the story to life with her words and you will fall in love with Astrid, she is so spunky. This story is full of hope and inspiration and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I look forward to the next book in this series. I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are my own.

I’m always excited when Jody Hedlund writes a new book. This one is different and I’m usually not into westerns, but it’s Jody so I had to review it. 
I was pleasantly surprised. It’s about mail order bride Greta who arrives in Colorado 1862 to discover her intended is dead. Desperate for cattle, cowboy Wyatt agrees to marry in Greta and take care of her sister Astrid in a cattle deal. It’s a lot about the relationship with more tension than most Christian novels. Some mixups, misunderstandings, and twists and turns occur. Winter is coming and mention of snow had me thankful I live where and when I do. Would not have wanted to survive those hard winters. It’s not really about the plot, but more about the characters and writing. Hedlund is just such a solid writer no matter what she writes. I recommend it if you want something light and happy. I read it in a night. Thank you netgalley for the chance to review it! All opinions are my own.

Wonderful characters that stole my heart! An amazing story of hardships but how the burdens are easier with someone to share them with. The story grabs your interest and holds it captive to the last page. The romance that slowly grew was so sweet and was built on respect. The author does a great job of weaving hard work and sacrifice into the story of two people who need each other.  The reader is surprised by a unexpected turn of events that turns the story on its heels and steals your breath. A heart pounding read that is sure to please! 
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps, by Jody Hedlund, is book one in the Colorado Cowboys series. This is a great, quick to ready Christian Historical fiction story that takes place in Fairplay Colorado Territory in 1862. Greta has been left to care for her younger step-sister with consumption. Hearing a move to Colorado Territory would help the condition, she becomes a mail-order bride to move there. When she gets to Fairplay, the man she is to marry is believed to be dead. Due to a robbery with the stage coach, Greta has no money to provide for them. And after spending the day looking for a job, she comes up empty.

Wyatt is a struggling rancher who makes a deal with the mayor to marry Greta in exchange of help in investing in cattle. Wyatt has made a deal with Greta that they will take three months to get to know each other before moving forward with their marriage.

This is such a good story. It is quick to read with fun, lovable characters. There are so many things I like in this story, but the one focus I like the most is how helpful Greta is to everyone. She tends to her sick, bold, independent little sister by herself. Yet she finds time to bake and make jams to sell to help out the ranch. On top that she also helps on the ranch with the crops and animals. I also enjoy the humor written in with her little sister. I enjoyed this story so much, I look forward to the rest in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Colorado in the 1860’s/1870’s is one of my very favorite settings, so when I heard one of my very favorite authors’ next series would be set there and then, I knew I would be in for a treat!

Jody Hedlund kicks of her new series with A Cowboy For Keeps, a twist on the marriage of convenience/mail order bride story. Greta is traveling to Colorado to marry an older bachelor for the sake of her little sister Astrid’s heath, but everything is going wrong. Penniless due to a stagecoach robbery, finding out her fiancé is dead is the final straw. What is she going to do? Fairplay’s well-intentioned but meddlesome mayor takes Greta and Astrid’s plight to local rancher Wyatt with an unconventional proposal. If Wyatt will marry Greta and start a family, he will invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt. How can he turn down the opportunity of a lifetime?

The sweet romance that develops as Greta and Wyatt become friends propels the story forward, but more than anything, the character development in this story SHINES. I love that Greta and Wyatt are so open with each other, learning about their lives and sharing their internal struggles. The only time they have trouble sharing with each other is in regard to their relationship! Their characters are nuanced and intricate... and it’s not just the leads that get the attention. Astrid is a delightful handful... absolutely fearless and fascinating. Judd is compelling and I want to know so much more about his history! 

In true Jody Hedlund fashion, she throws in a bunch of twists and turns on the way to happily ever after. No spoilers from me, but you’re going to want to hold on to your hats and enjoy the ride. 

Just a sidebar really quick... I know a lot about early Colorado Territory history and even more about the Civil War, and I appreciate when an author gets all the details right, including the correct terminology, such as “The War of Succession,” which is exactly what a girl from Illinois would call the war. Details about the town of Fairplay, and even mentioning the problem with flies in the house... it’s the little things that add an authentic voice to the time, and Jody did her research! Just a little something I wanted to tip my cap to, because sometimes I feel authors writing romantic westerns don’t always concern themselves with all the gritty details of how hard life was. 

I can’t WAIT for the rest of this series as we get to know Wyatt’s little brothers and sister. 

Thank you to Jody Hedlund, Bethany House, and NetGalley for my copy of this book. It was my absolute pleasure to review!

"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 was exactly the book I needed to start my holidays with. It is extremely romantic, relaxing, exciting and so warming. It was also really easy to read - both a rest for my brain but also something that kept me eager to keep picking it back up. A Cowboy For Keeps is a charming historical romance and another fantastic offering from Jody Hedlund.

Greta and her younger sister have traveled west. As a mail-order bride, Greta hopes to finally be able to provide for herself and hopes the change will be good for her sister’s ailing health. But, when the stage is robbed, her savings stolen and she discovers that her intended is dead, Greta is scared about their prospects. Wyatt is working hard to build up his ranch, but with no funds and a competitor that is buying up many of the available livestock, he fears he will never be able to send for his mother and younger siblings. Then the town mayor proposes a deal - he’ll fund Wyatt’s herd if he marries Greta. What starts as a marriage of convenience has the chance to bloom into something real, if Greta and Wyatt can work past their hurts and fears.

Greta and Wyatt have a wonderful relationship. What starts as a slightly awkward arrangement that benefits them both slowly grows into a strong partnership. Neither of them are very good at communicating their feelings, but the chemistry between them is very sweet. 

I particularly loved the family element that Greta’s sister Astrid brings to the story. Her shenanigans and growing friendships with Wyatt and his ranch hand Judd add a lot of fun to the story.

Despite a few incidents with bandits, rustlers, and missing children, this is a relaxing book to read, yet the romance and relationship growth and general charming nature of the story make this a compelling book that was easy to pick up and hard to put down.

The best thing about this book is that it nicely sets things up for a new book that continues the story of Wyatt’s family. I’m really looking forward to coming back to this growing family.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

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.

Greta Nilsson will do anything to help her little sister Astrid. The Civil War wages in the East and the men in her family have gone to fight. Left at home to care for her precocious little sister with her brother’s wives, Greta feels unwanted. Her sisters-in-law encourage her to marry, but when Greta’s fiancé dies in the war, she chooses to strike out on her own with Astrid in tow. 

Their destination? Fairplay, Colorado, a mining town high in the Colorado mountains where a lonely bachelor has advertised for a wife. Through their correspondence, he agrees to pay for both Greta and Astrid to travel west and promises to support Astrid.

But nothing about the trip West turns out right. On the last day of travel, bandits hold up the stage and steal Greta’s money. When she arrives in town, she receives the news that her fiancé has perished. 

Wyatt McQuaid wants to prove himself, and he feels sure his ranching venture will provide the ticket to bring his mother and siblings to Colorado. Long hours of work slowly pay off, but he needs an infusion of quality beef stock to really prosper.

When he arrives in town to ask the mayor if he’d like to invest in his venture, Wyatt ends up agreeing to marry the newly arrived fiancée his friend had ordered from back East. In return, come next spring, the mayor will help him buy a herd of quality stock. 

Wyatt doesn’t want a wife, but the beautiful Greta has no one to help her out. And Wyatt needs an investor. Can two people married under such strange circumstances figure out a way to make their union work?

What I Loved About the Book

Jody Hedlund weaves together history, mystery, and romance into a book about two people struggling to find wholeness. Sometimes, what we think about ourselves becomes our own worst enemy.

Fans of Tracie Peterson, Jeanette Oke, and Cathy Marie Hake will love this inspiring novel set in Colorado.

A Cowboy for Keeps gets Jody Hedlund's latest series off to a fantastic start! 

Greta Nilsson has always struggled with feeling like a burden to those around her. Things are finally looking up when she accepts the offer of marriage to a man she's never met and moves across the country with her little sister, Astrid, in hopes that the climate will clear Astrid's lungs and lengthen her life. Their long journey introduces them to the harsh reality of life in the west (hello, bandits!), and ends with a shocking surprise Greta never could have anticipated. 

Aspiring rancher, Wyatt McQuaid never planned on getting married. At least not any time soon. His only focus is getting his ranch going well enough to bring his mother and siblings west, far away from his abusive step-father. When his believed-to-be-deceased friend's mail-order bride arrives, the mayor makes him an offer...but it comes with some very complicated strings attached. 

Can they overcome the obstacles in their new life and find love? Will they find a cure for Astrid or will Greta need to take her elsewhere? What really happened to Phineas? 

As a historical fiction fan who recently discovered Hedlund's books, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the launch team for A Cowboy for Keeps. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Greta, Wyatt, and Astrid (she'll keep you on your toes!), and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out. 

If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of suspense and romance, you won't want to miss this one!

*I received a complimentary copy of A Cowboy for Keeps through the author and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.