From the time she moved to Colorado before the war, Savannah Marshall has followed around the Double L’s vet and feels called to help animals. But her father and Chandler Saxton, the man her father wants her to marry, see a different future for her. One that involves homemaking and childrearing.

On the eve of her wedding to Chandler, Savannah runs away. She wants to help her parents out of their financial bind by marrying Chandler, but she doesn’t know if she loves him. Savannah thinks her only hope of gaining clarity is to get away from the situation.

After riding into Colorado’s high country, she finds a job as a temporary veterinarian at Healing Springs Ranch.

Ever since the war, Brody McQuaid has battled the sights, sounds, and memories of Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. His brothers, Flynn and Wyatt, despair of ever seeing Brody healed from his internal wounds. They pray for healing for their brother before his rages prove fatal.

When Flynn sees him interact with a stranger on the streets of Fairplay, he hires the young woman on the spot. Although she looks mighty young to be a vet, she seems to have a healing touch with Brody, too.

Can a broken man find healing? And can Savannah learn to stand up for herself when she’s around the people she loves?

What I Loved About This Book

The third book in Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series, To Tame a Cowboy continues the saga of the McQuaid brothers. Readers will enjoy it as a stand-alone novel if they haven’t read the first two books. The sweet love story has a fair share of swoony sparks between the protagonists, and readers will relate to how Savannah and Brody struggle to overcome old patterns of thinking.

I appreciate Hedlund’s foray into addressing difficult topics of the period (post-Civil War Colorado) such as slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, and Westward expansion. While not an exposé on what ailed society, Hedlund takes a huge step forward in Christian historical fiction by inviting readers to think. Kudos for not ignoring the issues of the day by whitewashing history.

Fans of Lauraine Snelling and Melanie Dickerson will enjoy this book.

I always knew Jody Hedlund was a great author because of all the praise she gets on Bookstagram. So without reading any of her books, I already thought she was a fabulous author. But…I’m grateful for this new book that encouraged me to read the three books in this series. Each of the Colorado Cowboys novels were special in their own way.
I also have a soft spot for wounded men from the war in novels and Brody from To Tame a Cowboy sure met that criteria. He was a sweetheart and the connection he had with Savannah was adorable.
Man!! I was so invested in this book and there was so much angst that I was messaging friends who also had read it just to know everything turned out okay. This was a rollercoaster of a ride and I loved it—despite me needing to know that everything works out in the end.
I’m addition to the sweet story, I appreciated Brody’s journey back to God and his growing as a person. You can read this as a stand-alone, but it means more to know who the other characters in the novel are.
A big thanks to Jody Hedlund and Bethany House Publishers for releasing a wonderful book!

Loved Loved Loved! All the feels:} This has the sweet southern belle and the battered war veteran cowboy! Goodness yes! I love how Hedlund gives you bits of steam to let you feel how much these two want each other! Not many romance writers know how to give you just a bit! Not too steamy tho for the reader who wants the bedroom door closed:} This is such a sweet story, I loved every bit of it. It has the Hudlund flair for sure. I have liked this series so far.
This is a Christian romance with some hot kisses:}

To Tame a Cowboy
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date: May 3, 2022
Bethany
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This is the third book in the Colorado Cowboys series and I was very eagerly looking forward to reading it!
*Historical Fiction *Christian
Hedlund has crafted a hero that is damaged from his time in the Civil War and a horrific prison during that conflict. He keeps to himself and will let no one in. I hurt for him as he felt such agony of emotional pain. I loved how the author handled this and how God moves in His most wonderful way for His children. If you haven't read this author, you need to. Her writing is excellent and this series is a great place to start.
5 stars

SWOONY. This book had so many sparks it could almost light itself on fire! While the chemistry was off the charts the author still managed to write a GODLY Christian romance that was clean and appropriate and REAL. This is one of those books that I will be re reading in the future!!!!

This is the third book in this series, set in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, and featuring the McQuaid family. This can be read alone, the author brings us up to date as we page turn this current book featuring Brody McQuaid. We are also gifted with Savannah Marshall, a well need Veterinarian and run away bride.

While Savannah is torn in wanting to help her family, Brody is fighting his own demons of flash backs from the horror of being in the Civil War. Brody is a gifted trainer of horses, and fights to save the wild mustangs.

As you turn the first page you won't be able to leave and the story just kept getting better and better. There is a teaser chapter at the end of this read, we are going to get Ivy's book!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

TO TAME A COWBOY is the third novel in the Colorado Cowboys series by JODI HEDLUND. The story is exciting and inspirational, with some great characters, a sweet romance and a strong Christian message. It is a most enjoyable read and one I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Savannah Marshall is a kind and gentle young woman who works as a veterinarian, much to her intended, Chandler Saxton’s, disapproval. She is really good at alleviating pain in hurting animals and even people who are broken, as we see in her relationship with Brody McQuaid. She sees the best in everyone and wants to help everyone which leads to her accepting Chandler’s marriage proposal in order to help her beloved parents. It is 1867, a time in which women were looked upon as the weaker sex and Savannah runs away the day before her wedding to have the freedom to be herself before she gives in to the choice that has been made for her by the men in her life.
She arrives in Fairplay and meets Brody McQuaid, the two of them saving a terrified mustang from horrific mistreatment, and ends up being employed as a veterinarian on the McQuaid’s ranch. I especially like the descriptions of the beautiful wild horses being tamed by Brody. Savannah encourages him to fight his demons, especially the guilt that causes him nightmares after he wasn’t able to save his friends during the war. She says of him, “ I’d say you are a gifted man
who has to learn to see the beauty of life through the ashes.” Another quotation I like is “When you’re taming a horse you don’t overcome his fear by beating him or bribing him,. You do it by getting inside his head and heart and working to overcome his fears and gain his trust and respect.”
That is all I am going to tell you for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I’ve enjoyed four historical romance novels this week and To Tame A Cowboy is by far my favourite. The romance is off the charts!! My goodness, it is as sexy and swoony as a Christian novel would dare. A story of new hope and lives rekindled. Horses, freedom and romance (have I mentioned the romance yet?)

Savannah’s future is set - marry a man who will bring fortunes to her father and allow her grieving parents the lives they want. On the eve of her wedding, Savannah decides she needs more time to face her future and she flees. She finds work at the Healing Springs ranch as their veterinarian. She spends most of her time with Brody as he works to tame the wild mustangs that roam the area. The two are drawn to each other, but Savannah is conflicted about her future and Brody is haunted by his memories of his time in the war. With a fiancé awaiting her return, Savannah must decide between her duty to her family and her growing feelings for Brody.


Savannah comes from a life of privilege. She is intelligent and her skills as a vet make her someone who just jumps in where there is need. She isn’t squeamish, but sometimes she doesn’t consider all the pieces as maybe she should. She is confused about her future and doesn’t want to marry a man she doesn’t love but her devotion to her family and what she thinks is the right thing to do causes her to string Brody along.

The romance was the standout for me. It’s delicious to witness Brody slowly learn to trust Savannah and while sometimes I though she should consider him more, especially as she waffles between choosing him for her future, there is no denying their attraction.

This book uses every romantic trope, from a shared bed and being forced to warm each other to being stranded alone facing wild elements on a trip chasing wild horses where Brody and and Savannah find themselves stuck in a snowstorm. Savannah’s fiancé causes quite a bit of drama towards the end and it made me eager to flick through the pages while still wanting to savour the growing flames between Savannah and Brody.

What’s even more exciting about this book is the last chapter, which neatly introduces how the fourth book will continue the McQuaid family story with younger sister Ivy, who promises to be a strong female lead and I can’t wait to read her story.

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

I have been a Christian fiction reader for many years, but only a small number of books make it onto my favorite series of all-time list. Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series is fantastic and has secured a place on my list!

I loved Wyatt and Greta in A Cowboy for Keeps, and Flynn and Linnea in The Heart of a Cowboy, but Brody and Savannah in To Tame a Cowboy may just be my favorite so far. Each story builds on the McQuaid family's lives. I can hardly wait for Jericho Bliss to meet his match in little sister Ivy's story, Falling for the Cowgirl releasing in October.

Brody McQuaid is home from the war, but after two years he still suffers with PTSD. He lashes out in violent unhealthy ways until he meets new in town veterinarian Savannah Marshall, who just happens to be a runaway bride. They are the sweetest couple from the very beginning and their story stole my heart. There's plenty of romantic tension and attraction on their way to love everlasting . Whew! However, their path is not an easy one and there's plenty of inference from both sides to keep them apart.

The inspirational theme running throughout the story concerning how much God loves us and pursues us is strong. Hedlund expresses this so well through Savannah's thoughts,
"They were doing something so right, protecting the mustangs. As wild as they were, they had incredible potential if tamed by the right hands. Wasn't that how it was with God? When others gave up, He kept going, kept pursuing, always seeing the potential of a person tamed by His hands."

Jody Hedlund is a masterful storyteller and I enjoyed this book immensely! I highly recommend To Tame a Cowboy and the entire Colorado Cowboys series. I appreciate Bethany House Publishers making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Jody Hedlund continues the story of the McQuaid family in the Colorado Cowboys series.

Brody's past haunts him. He is broken and hurting. Savannah is a sweet kind hearted girl, seeking to find her place. She runs from her families ranch, desiring to be a veterinarian. What she finds is Brody's brokenness. Brody and Savannah's characters grow beautifully.

This story is about finding God's forgiveness and healing. A tender story to wrap around your heart. I read Wyatt's story, but this one can be read as a stand alone.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the third book in the series about the McQuaid family who relocated to Colorado to try to start a cattle ranch. Wyatt and Flynn, the two older brothers and their families are settled into their large spread and Brody (brother number 3) has joined them after his time serving in the Civil War, and all the recovery he has had to do. He is making his way now catching wild horses and training them. Savannan Marshall, the daughter of another big cattle rancher elsewhere in Colorado want to be a veterinarian and has had training with another vet. Her parents want her to marry a wealthy gentlman of their acquaintance and stop the veterinary practice. She takes off to the Front Range where the McQuaid ranch is and hires on with them as their vet. Of course, her would-be fiance and her father are looking for her while she starts enjoying life at the McQuaid ranch and the company of Brody especially.. I have so enjoyed this series. There is another brother and a sister coming along so I'm hoping to enjoy these folks for a couple more books at least.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Jody Hedlund gives us one handsome, rugged cowboy, the majestic Rocky Mountain setting and a determined lady veterinarian...what more could we ask for in her latest installation of the Colorado Cowboys?! This has been such a fun series and I've adored getting to know the McQuaid family. It's best to start at the beginning because you won't want to miss out on any of this amazing book-goodness! Book 4, Falling for the Cowgirl, (Ivy's story) comes out in October this year and I am eagerly waiting for it.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 3 May 2022

The McQuaid family has been through a lot - and is incredibly resilient. Brody is one of the younger brothers - he fought in the civil war and was a captive in Andersonville prison. He is still dealing with the experience of that war. and has a very hard time keeping his temper under control. Savannah is the daughter of a very successful rancher near Denver and has trained as a veterinarian. Her family wants her to marry the wealthy ranch manager as a means for them to move on from their life out west, but that is not what Savannah wants at all. She runs away from that to South Park in hopes of getting sometime to come to terms with her family's plans vs. what she wants. The McQuaid's take a chance on her as a vet - and as someone who might be able to get through to Brody.

Savannah and Brody are so sweet together. I loved them as a couple and how they just fit. I also loved that Brody truly supported Savannah in pretty much every possible way. I also - as always - love the realism of the story in terms of how things were during this time - from the hardships people faced to what was going on in the world around them. It was NOT an easy time to be alive.

Honestly - I don't even usually like Christian romance - but this series by Jody Hedlund is truly top notch. I've loved all the books in the series and it strikes just the right tone of historical romance with strong Christian themes. I recommend for readers of all romance!

I received this as an ARC via NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

I don't know how it is possible for each book in this series to be even better than the one before, but Jody Hedlund has proven it can and will be done! As I closed the cover on To Tame A Cowboy a feeling of contentment and complete satisfaction swept over me. This story was so good! I had to force myself to stop reading it and then found myself picking it back up as soon as my eyes opened the next morning and then kept on reading until I finished. It was nearly impossible to put down. This close knit, but flawed family of cowboy brothers have taken my heart captive!
The story is full of adventure, danger and clean romance with a strong theme of redemption and healing. Brody was a deeply flawed character with visible scars on the outside and deeper scars within. I loved how Brody and Savannah "fit" together and helped one another move forward. They have become one of my most favorite fictional couples.
The next book in the series is Ivy's story. The only sister among this tight band of brothers. She is so feisty and untraditional. I can hardly wait to read her journey to what I can only assume is to find love.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Wow! This book was amazing! I have been in love with Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboy series and this was just as good as the first two! Each book keeps on getting better and better. To Tame a Cowboy is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s series.
Oh Brody, he had much to grow in and learn. I felt for Brody as he tried to figure out how to live again. Brody was a complicated character, he had a lot of anger and memories to work through. The war had taken a part of him and he didn’t know how to find peace. Brody was a complicated character, but I was able to connect with him. I loved his growth as a character. He had so much to learn and he had to fight his demons. He fell for Savannah fast, but he had to heal first before he could hope for a relationship.
Savannah was sweet! She had such a kind heart and I felt as if you could really get that from reading about her. Savannah was trying to find her place in the world. She didn’t want to be forced into a marriage but she didn’t know what to tell her parents. It was fun to read about Savannah. It was really cool how she was a veterinarian and how much she loved animals. It was cute to read about her interacting with Brody and falling for him. But Savannah would have to learn how to stand up for herself and trust God’s plans.
Savannah and Brody were a fun couple, they helped each other be better. I really liked the progression of their romance, it did not feel rushed. They worked with each other and they chose to love each other. They saw each other's scars and wounds and still chose each other. I liked how they encouraged each other. I also liked how they learned to deal with their own scars before they tried to pursue each other.
The storyline was also interesting. I didn’t want to put the book down. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how Savannah and Brody were going to end up together. I liked how Hedlund wove faith into the story and the feelings of family. Family was such an important part of this book and this whole series. I really liked the side characters, and I am super excited for Ivy’s book!
There were so many quotes that I loved from this book but my favorite would have to be “Wounds might shape us, but they can’t determine who we are.” We can’t let our pasts define us. We need to mend and pick up our pieces, but trust that God has a plan. I really love the messages that Hedlund wrote. The characters had to learn to give everything to God and trust Him.
To Tame a Cowboy was a wonderful book and I would totally recommend it! It is a clean Christian historical romance. I would recommend it to those 16 years and older. I am also super excited for the next book, Falling for the Cowboy!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I posted my review on Goodreads, bookbub, and Barnes and Nobles on 03/29/2022. I will post on Amazon and my blog closer to release date.

A wonderful story about letting go of past sins and seeking God's forgiveness and healing, as well as following God's plans for us instead of the plans of others. As always, Jody captivates with tender touches and sweet sentiments while reminding readers that God is always looking out for us, no matter how difficult life gets.

“They were doing something so right, protecting the mustangs. As wild as they were, they had incredible potential if tamed by the right hands. Wasn’t that how it was with God? When others gave up, He kept going, kept pursuing, always seeing the potential of a person tamed by His hands.”

I’m so in love with this series! To Tame A Cowboy is the third installment of Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. Each book is a joy and allows us to spend quality time with the McQuaid siblings as they carve out lives in 1860’s Colorado.

Here we meet middle child Brody, a sensitive sweetheart destroyed by his service in the Civil War and time at Andersonville Prison. Once a quiet animal lover with a gift for drawing, he now spends his time getting into fights and pushing away everyone who cares about him, with the exception of his three year old niece. And newcomer Savannah Marshall.

Savannah is a talented veterinarian on the brink of a marriage to her father’s ranch manager for the sake of a business arrangement. But marrying Chandler and giving up her calling is not something Savannah is ready for. Running away into the mountains, she meets Brody trying to save an abused mustang, and finds herself needed, not only as a vet but as a calm in Brody’s storm.

As Savannah and Brody grow closer, Savannah remains torn between being a loyal daughter and being true to herself while Brody finds himself challenged and inspired by conversations with the girl invading his heart. Can they tame their fears and allow love to set them free?

I loved each moment I spent wrapped up in this story. The heart and soul of To Tame A Cowboy is Brody’s journey to healing with Savannah and God’s help. I loved every parallel between Brody’s work with and love for the wild horses and God’s desire to work with and love us. I loved Savannah’s growth in learning from Brody how to stand up for herself. I loved how it wasn’t just Brody saving Savannah or Savannah saving Brody. Throughout the book they are exactly what each other needs. Every classic Jody Hedlund romantic spark kept me burning through pages and rooting for happily ever after.

Jody Hedlund delivers an emotional journey in Brody and Savannah’s story, a journey of healing and faith and love. Not without rocks in the path and danger around the bend, the end result is believable and rewarding on every front.

Always a joy to reunite with the McQuaid siblings, I enjoyed Flynn and Brody’s relationship growth, the absolute gem of 3-year-old Flora, and getting even more excited to read Ivy’s upcoming story. And then there’s the anticipation building with worry for Dylan! Yes, this series is certainly cementing it’s place on my favorites shelf.

Thank you to Jody Hedlund, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this story. My opinions are my own.

This is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. It will help if you read the first two books (A Cowboy for Keeps and The Heart of a Cowboy) before this one in order to read the stories of the two older McQuaid brothers, Wyatt & Flynn, and understand many of the characters that show up again in this book. This new book is about Brody McQuaid.

Brody, a broken, hurting man due to losing a lot of friends during the Civil War, is still fighting against the pain in the wrong ways. He does have talent, however, in taming wild mustangs. Savannah is a wealthy young Southern woman who wants to be a veterinarian and take care of hurting animals. She sees the good in everyone, and wants to fix all the problems she can for those around her, even if it means denying her own happiness.

Reading Brody and Savannah’s story kept me up late at night and forgetting what else I was supposed to be doing during the day. The chemistry between the two is sizzling (but clean), and various plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. There are some great insights on handling the pain from the past in ways that aren’t destructive, letting God do the taming, and how “sometimes loving people meant letting them go through their difficulties instead of providing a way for them to escape.”

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #ToTameACowboy #NetGalley

'Wounds might shape us, but they can't determine who we are.'

I have followed Jody Hedlund's books since she wrote her first one. I've never missed one and I never intend to. I love her books, whichever genre she writes in, and she is accomplished in all. This series started out so good and I was a fan. But this book? It's the best yet in this series. I was drawn in at the very start. Hedlund has crafted a hero that is damaged from his time in the Civil War and a horrific prison during that conflict. He keeps to himself and will let no one in. I hurt for him as he felt such agony of emotional pain. I loved how the author handled this and how God moves in His most wonderful way for His children.

This one is for the keeper shelf for sure. I know I will treasure it. Recommended very much.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The review is completely my own.

Jody Hedlund continues the McQuaid saga with Brody in To Tame a Cowboy. Brody’s story is all that I hoped for, and more!
Brody is a broken man after his time spent on the battlefields in the Civil War. He is moody, grumpy, and just unpleasant to be around. He keeps everyone at arm’s length away, with the exception of his little niece and the wild mustangs he tames. The writing paints his character clearly in my mind. Not only did I hurt for him, I hurt with him. He is such a tender soul who has just been shattered by what he has seen and done. When he meets Savannah, a veterinarian, something in his soul sparks back to life. I loved the way his brother saw the change and jumped at Brody’s insistence on hiring her. Savannah brings a fresh energy to the ranch, and she sees Brody in a way that others don’t. She patiently befriends him and starts to draw him out of his shell. In the process of working together, passions ignite, and Savannah is no longer content to settle just to appease her family. I really liked the way their friendship unfolded, based on mutual trust and respect. They were both able to be themselves and have the other see and appreciate them for just who they are.
It was fun to revisit some of the other siblings, particularly Ivy who provides lots of comic relief! Descriptions of the mountains and ranch life are spot-on and create the perfect backdrop to this tale. There is plenty of romantic heat, while keeping it clean. Jody Hedlund does such a great job of creating powerful emotions in her stories that draw all of my heart in. There are beautiful themes of redemption, forgiveness, and healing.
I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.