Oh! I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Which is ridiculous to say because I knew I was going to like it. I love this author and I liked the first book in this series so of course I was going to like it, right? But I REALLY liked it. Devoured it. I had hours of uninterrupted reading time so I had minimal distractions and it was lovely.

The characters really came to life for me throughout the course of this story. My heart was bursting for Flynn and all he was dealing with. What a loyal, hardworking and considerate man. I wanted to wrap him up in a big mama bear hug with all kinds of "build him up" words. Fortunately, Linnea is also good at building words and she uses them frequently and with kindness toward Flynn. Beauty, smarts and kindness- the triple threat. Flynn doesn't really ever stand a chance against Linnea.

I'm loving this series. We get a little sneak peek at the next book and wow, I wish I could read it right now. My heart. The McQuaid family. I just love them.

Content: mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story was a joy to read! I had the hardest time putting it down, and loved every moment I spent reading it. Love on the Range is the third book in the Brother’s in Arms series, and having read the other two, I was dying to get my hands on this one! From the very beginning of this series I fell in love with all three brothers. Knowing I was going to get a story for each one actually made me a little giddy. Connealy has a way with characters that makes them so unique, still flawed, and yet easy to love.

This book follows Molly and Wyatt. Molly tends to take care of everyone, whether it’s cooking or doctoring. Since Wyatt was shot, taking care of him falls on her shoulders along with everything else. I loved getting to know both of these characters even more. Molly had some secrets that she carried, and she tended to see the world through that brokenness. The chemistry between her and Wyatt was undeniable, and all too fun to watch. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Connealy mixes the perfect combination of Romance, Family, and Suspense. Danger lurks around every corner, it’s a good thing these brothers and their women all have each other. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been looking forward to Flynn's story since meeting the McQuaid family in the first book in this earlier this year. This was a fun and exciting read as it has mystery, romance, and an exciting journey all within the book's pages. I really liked Linnea, she was such a fun and unusual character and brought a lot to the story. I enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next McQuaid family book!

I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Two hearts that swore never to marry, find their convictions challenged on the trail to Colorado.

Flynn has been mother and father to his younger siblings, shouldering the responsibilities of a family, and more than his share of the blame. Linnea, recently widowed, is fighting to prove her worth as a botanist in her own right, apart from her late husband and grandfather's shadows.

An engaging romance, set against the backdrop of the treacherous trail to Colorado, fraught with danger and Confederate Irregulars. Linnea is a modern woman for her time, with a passion for plants and sciences. I liked how she takes Flynn's sister Ivy, under her wing, teaching her about being a young woman. Ivy spunky and full of sass, she says things as she sees them sometimes to the embarrassment of others, easily one of my favorite people in the story!

Flynn has spent his life trying to protect his family, first from the fists of his step-father, then fields of battle, and now delivering a herd of cattle to his brother Wyatt in Colorado. After reading the last book in the series, I wasn't sure how any of the other McQuaid brothers could measure up to Wyatt, but Flynn easily won me over with his strong protective instincts, and big heart.

Overall, a fantastic, sizzling with chemistry, and roaring with action, addition to the series, I loved seeing both new and familiar faces in the pages of this book. Especially since Judd was my favorite from the previous book. A engrossing read, with characters that you can cheer for throughout, with an inspiring message of faith and overcoming the past. Definitely recommend for fans of western romance! I can't wait to read Brody's story!


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

Jody Hedlund’s books are always a treat to read. She’s a master at making historical fiction come alive. The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in her Colorado Cowboys series, but it can easily stand alone. Flynn McQuaid is a stellar hero—courageous, responsible, and trustworthy. Linnea Newberry is an intelligent scientist who often leaps before she looks, therefore getting into many dangerous situations. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow throughout the tale, as Flynn hires on as Linnea’s bodyguard.

Hedlund portrays realistically the challenges and dangers of travelling in the old West while it was still being settled. I enjoyed learning about the flora and fauna found along the trail. I also liked the snippet at the end of the book previewing Brody’s story. It sounds like we’re in for another fantastic McQuaid tale!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

When Flynn McQuaid rescues a woman from a flooded river crossing on his way west, he has no idea the encounter will change his life. After watching his mother suffer through childbirth, Flynn has no desire to ever have a wife of his own. Flynn’s brother has asked Flynn to drive a herd of cattle to his new ranch in the Colorado Territory. Keeping the cattle from stampeding and his younger siblings corralled takes all of Flynn’s energy.

But when Dr. Howell, the young woman’s grandfather, offers to pay Flynn to keep Linnea safe, Flynn can’t refuse, although he feels uncomfortable with Dr. Howell’s insistence that Linnea not know about the arrangement.

Newly widowed Linnea Newberry, a brilliant botanist, wants nothing more than to spend her time collecting, cataloging, and painting the flora of the West. She finagled a place on her grandfather’s botany expedition and feels as if she has made valuable contributions to science. But things keep happening.

Accidents with the samples the group collects make her wonder at her own competence. Mishaps along the trail—such as nearly drowning in a river crossing—make her fear she’ll get sent home. When the handsome cowboy who saved her starts hanging around, Linnea delights in their growing friendship.

Both Linnea and Flynn harbor secrets that threaten their friendship—and their growing feelings for each other.

Why I Loved this Book

The second in the Colorado Cowboys series, The Heart of a Cowboy chronicles the second oldest McQuaid brother’s experiences. Like his older brother Wyatt, Flynn struggles with feelings of inadequacy and anger due to the abuse inflicted on him by their stepfather. Each brother has reacted differently to the abuse and chosen to handle the situation differently.

Linnea struggles to establish her professional career and do the things she feels God has gifted her to do. Flynn and Linnea grow as they travel westward and face dangers from without and within their party.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and older adolescent readers would enjoy it, too. Fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer will love Jody Hedlund’s book. Although part of a series, readers won’t feel lost if they read it as a standalone novel.

I loved Linnea and Flynn story in The Heart of a Cowboy. Most of the time they are traveling; Flynn is trying to keep Linnea safe. This is a historical set during the 1800’s so traveling was by wagon and horseback. I loved how Flynn younger sister was always playing matchmaker. There is so much to the story I don’t want to give anything away. Heart of a Cowboy is a very good book. I really enjoyed Linnea and how brave she was and adventurous.

This is the second book in the series. The book can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend reading the first book also.

I always love a book about the wagon trains as they made their trek on the trail to another and better life as they are hoping for. Hedlund’s book deals with the Santa Fe Trail to Colorado Territory. The characters are most interesting. There is Linnea Newberry, a botanical scientist, is having her dream of adventure, as she accompanies her grandfather’s expedition. Then there is Flynn McQuaid, who her grandfather asks to act as Linnea’s “bodyguard” during the journey, without her knowing it, just staying near and protecting her as she is prone to “accidents”. Now this presents lots of problems as McQuaid has his own cattle to herd on the trail and keep an eye on his two younger siblings as he is their soul provider and guardian. After watching his mother suffer and die during childbirth, he swears he’ll never marry or care for a woman ever; he needs to focus on providing for his siblings…..But then, his protectiveness of Linnea suddenly has nothing to do with being hired to protect her. The spark between them was undeniable and he was constantly fighting against his being drawn to her, as he couldn’t let his heart love a woman. He had to stay strong for his aim in life, getting the herd to Colorado and delivered to his brother and providing a home for he and his young brother and sister. But true love wins out and faith in God leading their way, makes a most interesting read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!……. I received this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

This book has an ammmmazing first line - you're immediately hooked- and then I never wanted to stop reading!!
This book is such an adventure!!

Linnea Newberry and her grandfather are traveling across the Santa Fe Trail with Flynn McQuaid and his siblings. Due to the number of scrapes Linnea constantly finds herself in, her grandfather secretly hires Flynn to be her bodyguard along the trail.

"When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart."

The meet-cute is so so good! Flynn is the strong silent type, and is basically a single father to his younger siblings, and I'm here for it! Linnea is awwwwsome! She's smart and forward-thinking and so kind and understanding! And Flynn and Linnea are so good together!! The tension and romance is goooooood! 🥰 (Jody Hedlund knows how to WRITE a kiss!!)

But Linnea and Flynn resist the love. they each tell each other their reasons for why they don't ever want to get married... sooo they agree to be "friends"...😉😉

Can they overcome past fears?! Future dreams!? Strained family relationships!! Will they survive the trail and make it to the new lands of Colorado??

You have to read this book and experience the glorious adventure for yourself! Its non-stop action and romance and I loved it so much!

A handsome cowboy, a wagon train and author Jody Hedlund means a wonderful book! Linnea is a woman (and widow) determined to make a name for herself as a female botanist. She has led a sheltered life and is rather scatterbrained! Her misadventures add humor to this story! I admired Flynn for looking out for his younger siblings after their mother's death. He is attempting to drive a beef herd to his brother's ranch in Colorado and caring for his precocious young sister but still takes on protecting Linnea! Linnea is keeping a secret even from her wealthy grandfather who is leading the botanical expedition! The Heart of a Cowboy has many wonderful characters. There is much excitement in The Heart of a Cowboy. I recommend The Heart of a Cowboy to others! I received an early e-book through NetGalley and the author. This is my honest opinion.

Loved this book so much! I have been looking forward to this book since reading A Cowboy for Keeps and the wait was totally worth it.

Flynn and Linnea are both complex characters with trauma in their pasts and some healing to be done. I loved their interactions and how they were always willing to give the other what they needed most. Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning but I appreciated how their feelings deepened as they grew to know each other and fell in love with the other for so much more than their physical attraction!

The rich historical details of driving the cattle west and of Linnea and the team of botanists were fascinating and helped round out the story. I loved having a heroine had dreams and ambitions of her own!

I have yet to meet a Jody Hedlund book that I did not enjoy and this cowboy series is shaping up to be one of my favorites. Looking forward to Brody's story next!

Pioneer stories are what got me into historical fiction, so when I saw one of my favorite authors had one I had to read it. This one is set on the Santa Fe Trail (cue Newsies singing "Santa Fe are you there..." except their goal is Colorado--visiting the brother from the first one in this series--except this one totally stands alone.
Linnea and all her troubles are funny. How pretty is her name by the way? Her character has book smarts, but not street smarts I guess you'd say. and some secrets keep the story interesting. River crossings, rattlesnakes, buffalo, it's everything you ever wanted in a pioneer novel.
So yeah if you like pioneer, cowboy, adventure, or were obsessed with The Oregon Trail then you'll appreciate this one. And as always with Hedlund's books, the chemistry is sizzling. Definitely a solid novel worth reading.
Thank you netgally and Bethany House for the copy!

I love when I find a great western story that takes me on an adventure in another time and place. This book does just that. I was on that journey with Flynn and Linnea. Both had different reasons to be on the Santa Fee Trail but with time they discovered what they were both looking for.
Certain characters stood out for me more than others. I loved Ivy and her pure joy in life. She had no filter and said what came to her mind. She was usually right on target with her observations. Judd, the ranch hand, was one whom shared his words of wisdom. Thank goodness, Flynn listened to him.

Linnea held on to her faith in good times and bad. She prayed and gave thanks throughout her ordeals. Flynn struggled and questioned his faith.

I can truly say that I loved the story and look forward to the next installment about Brody.

Matthew 17:20

New International Version
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

The Heart of a Cowboy
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date: October 5,2021
Bethany House Publishers

Jody Hedlund is one of our top authors requested by our patrons. We always make sure we have her latest release on our shelf. They go out quickly.
Thanks to BethanyPublisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a great #2 book in the series and it did not disappoint.
Make sure you read it!

5stars

The Heart of a Cowboy touched all the right places in my heart. Hedlund has a way with words that makes my heart blossom, my toes curl, and my mind dwell on story lines long after I finish. In this second book of the Colorado Cowboy series, we meet Linnea and Flynn. The opening scene grabbed my attention and left me endeared to Linnea’s affinity for trouble. I love her brilliant mind and her determination to have her work seen, valued, and recognized, even if she is a woman. Flynn is equally drawn to her, but his heart is so guarded and protected that he determines to be immune to her charm. Until he realizes he’s not. Everyone loves Linnea, and for good reasons. I love how she helps draw him out from the walls he’s built around his heart. They bring good balance to each other. As their friendship deepens into something genuine and true, I began turning pages with bated breath. I was torn between wanting to hurry up and get to the end for resolution and never ending so their story would go on. This story is so well crafted you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Grooms series. This book follows the next eldest brother, Flynn McQuaid, as he drives his older brother’s herd to Colorado along the Santa Fe Trail. He meets up with a botanical exposition after he saves the party’s lone female from a dangerous river.

The sparks fly at once, but both have their own reasons for not wanting to encourage the connection. I’ll admit, the author’s heat level is on the edge of what I generally prefer, however, one reason why I not only keep reading her books, but love them, is because she doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics surrounding the desire she shows within her stories. The Heart of a Cowboy addresses that discussion head on and I love how it makes me think.

The Heart of a Cowboy can stand alone, but it part of a series that will help add depth to the story if you read A Cowboy for Keeps first. With the way this story ends, I’m excited about book three and the next McQuaid it features!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Another wonderful western story delivered by Ms. Hedlund! At first, I wasn’t sure if her Westerns were going to be as good as her Historicals, but they’re just as good! Every one of her books always surpasses my expectations, and I think I like this one even more than the first (of which I raved)!
Linnea Newberry, a botanical scientist, is having her dream of adventure, as she accompanies her grandfather’s expedition along the Santa Fe Trail to Colorado Territory. She wants to be recognized as the asset she is, and not as a burden, just because of her gender. But after her life seriously threatened, Dr. Howell, her grandfather, fears for her safety and wonders if he should send her home. Until she meets Flynn McQuaid, the man who just rescued her from drowning… He sees in him an honest, decent man, so he asks him to act as Linnea’s “bodyguard” during the journey, without her knowing it; just staying near and checking her out. He’ll pay a good sum for his services. Flynn wants to reject the offer, but he needs the money if he wants for him and his siblings to arrive -along with the cattle- safe and sound to his older brother’s ranch in Colorado. But he promises himself he will not soften his for this woman he already is starting to admire. He wants to prove Wyatt that he’s capable and trustworthy. But after watching his mother suffer and die of childbirth, he swears he’ll never marry or care for a woman ever; he needs to focus on providing for his siblings. What he doesn’t know is that befriending and getting to know Linnea may just change his mind, and he finds himself wondering what is riskier, the dangers of the trail, of the danger of falling for a woman he is helplessly trying to resist?
Oh, I loved this story! I just fell in love with Linnea and Flynn. Both so different, yet so perfect for each other! Flynn had a heart of gold, he was selfless, he sacrificed everything to raise his younger siblings after his ma’ died. He is still aching over not being able to stop one of his younger brothers from enlisting for war. His heart is hurting and he’s vulnerable, but he can’t help himself in being attracted to Linnea’s cheery and bright personality that seems to lighten his load whenever he’s around her. Also, she seems to know how to deal with his siblings and tame their rebellious nature. Linnea is a strong and courageous woman, trying to prove her mettle in a world dominated by men. She’s recently widowed, after marrying an older man, a colleague and part of her grandfather’s team who promised to take her on the adventure of the trail, but died too soon after they started. Yet Linnea didn’t get a chance to really know what true love is. Until she meets Flynn. Her heart seems to want to brighten his life. His siblings are so endearing, she can’t help falling in love with the small McQuaid family. I also loved Linnea’s propensity to mishaps personality; she was just a genius, capable of observing nature with amazing detail, yet oblivious of what happens around her when she focuses on something. Flynn and Linnea’s growing relationship was a sight to behold. I loved how Flynn resists so much until he just can’t. And his protectiveness of Linnea suddenly has nothing to do with being hired to protect her. The spark between them was undeniable. Their romance was clean, sweet yet swooning, and my heart melted. They had enough danger-rescue opportunities to grow close and their chemistry to turn into something more. And I also fell in love, as Linnea, with Flynn’s family. Ivy was the best, so funny, outspoken and witty.
The plot is very engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The dangers they face made it all a real adventure. I really couldn’t put the book down. The description of the Santa Fe trail and the landscape was so vivid that I felt I was there, like a western movie. And the lovable, relatable characters made me feel part of their struggles and root for their seemingly difficult happily ever after. There is also a faith inspired message that flowed naturally. About letting go of the pain, letting God heal you and trusting Him with your life and letting Him guide you.
This is definitely a book you don’t want to miss! Highly recommended to western and historical fans! Just hold on to your saddle and join this heartwarming adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased review.

What a wonderful historical romance! I loved being on the trail with Flynn, his siblings, Linnea, and the group of scientists traveling west. This is book two in the Colorado Cowboy series, yet can be read and enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first book, A Cowboy for Keeps. However, having read book one in the series, I was happy to get to see what was going on with former characters toward the end of The Heart of a Cowboy.

Flynn was a great character. He had such a heart for his siblings and wanted to protect them and raise them right. He felt that he had failed to protect his mother, who died in childbirth, as well as a brother who had run off to join the war. He carried guilt as well as trauma from his mother’s death, yet he still had a heart for others. His kindness toward Linnea and her grandfather spoke to the sort of man he was.

I loved the way the relationship began developing between Linnea and Flynn. They both kept trying to keep their interactions based in friendship, but there was a deep attraction that kept developing, even as both of them pushed against it. There were some big obstacles between them and only by putting their trust in God did they have a hope of a future together. I loved this book from start to finish and look forward to the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy continues Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. Shortly after Flynn McQuaid begins his journey to deliver cattle for his older brother, he flys into action to save Linnea Newbury from drowning. Linnea is traveling west with her grandfather on a scientific expedition. Before Flynn knows it, Linnea’s grandfather hires him to protect Linnea from the dangers along the trail!

These dangers not only involve poisonous snakes and former Civil War soldiers looking for a gun battle, but also the warm feelings that seem to be growing between Flynn and Linnea, due to their close interaction!

Hold fast to discover if Linnea will set aside her dreams of scientific achievement to discover what God has in store for her. You may surprised to see where Linnea and Flynn land by the final page of this tale!

With The Heart of a Cowboy, Jody Hedlund has crafted a sweet love story between a brilliant female scientist and a cowboy with a heart of gold.

From the end of A Cowboy for Keeps, I was intrigued and excited about Flynn’s story. So when I had to opportunity to read The Heart of a Cowboy, I was stoked. And I was not disappointed.

Hedlund grabs you from the first line and pulls you into the story of the Santa Fe Trail. For those who love stories about wagon trains, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. Hedlund puts a nice twist on it, though, because Flynn and his crew aren’t traveling to Oregon but are driving cattle to his brother’s ranch in Colorado. And Linnea, a female botanist ahead of her time, is with an expedition studying plant life in the west. These two disparate agendas come together when Linnea’s grandfather asks Flynn to protect her. This creates one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read.

There is a lot of discussion about physical attraction, which may be off-putting to some readers. But Hedlund uses this to make an important point about boundaries Christians should not cross. I liked that the physical attraction isn’t the only thing that draws Linnea and Flynn to each other. They also enjoy talking to one another and appreciate aspects of each other’s personalities. For example, Linnea admires Flynn’s selflessness, and Flynn admires Linnea’s kindness and zest for life. This really rounds out their relationship.

A Cowboy for Keeps is still my favorite of the series, but then again, I’m a sucker for a good marriage of convenience story.

Overall, The Heart of a Cowboy is a sweet, original, and action-packed romance historical fans will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to review. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)