A Cowboy for Keeps

An incredible beginning to a new series from Jody Hedlund! A Cowboy For Keeps is sweetly romantic, poignantly fulfilling, and will certainly capture the hearts of readers.

A Cowboy For Keeps is not a typical mail-order bride story in any way. Combined with an unexpected marriage of convenience, Hedlund’s take on these tropes is refreshing and surprising. I even gasped a few times! As always, Hedlund has created a new cast of wonderful characters. Wyatt and Greta’s relationship is beautifully portrayed. Astrid is hilarious, and her sisterly relationship with Greta accurately resembles all the ups, downs, and truly touching moments between sisters.

Hedlund also has an exceptional talent for making the reader feel as if they are actually there with the characters, feeling and seeing everything they are. All of the reader’s senses will no doubt be activated by Hedlund’s incredible talent. Her writing always includes undertones of humor in stories that inspire and fulfill, and allow for introspection. A Cowboy For Keeps elicits all that and more.

I’ve been waiting for a really good cowboy story, and A Cowboy For Keeps certainly fits that definition. I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the series! 5/5 stars

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

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love this new series. When mail order bride, Greta arrives in frontier Colorado to find her intended deceased, what will she do to survive? Wyatt, trying to grow his herd of cattle and provide a ranch for his Pennsylvania family so they may move is put in a hard place when the mayor makes an uncomfortable offer. I enjoyed reading about the everyday life and struggles for survival on the frontier. The wisdom Judd provided Wyatt was encouraging. The strength and determination of Greta was admirable. Her nine year old little sister, Astrid, ill with consumption but spunky at times did not ring true. Enjoyable! Looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended!

A COWBOY FOR KEEPS by JODY HEDLUND is a historical romance novel with a good Christian message of hope against all odds, a great plot and believable characters. I like the way the author makes us feel the characters' emotions, especially Greta's, as we see her trying not to be a nuisance to anyone, showing the rejection she and Astrid have been through.
The story starts in 1962 with the stagecoach taking Greta Nillson and her little sister Astrid to a new life in Colorado is held up by bandits. Greta is on her way to meet the man she has promised to marry, as a mail order bride, only to find out that he has died.
I'm not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you. It is an exciting story with many twists and turns and one I can highly recommend. It is the first novel in the Colorado Cowboys series, and i am looking forward to the next one.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers, The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps is a traditional mail order bride story. While not entirely original, it was thoroughly delightful to read and I read the entire book in two days. Jody Hedlund’s characters are perfectly sweet and the romance is delightful. I would highly recommend as a great escape read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this, good clean mail order bride story. Greta and Astrid leave the family where they are a burden to find that there is no groom, local rancher Wyatt comes to the rescue and marries Greta giving her 3 months to get used to him . Lovely reading their relationship unfold, and can’t wait to see what happens when Wyatt’s family join them in the next book.

This is my first time reading a book by Jody Hedlund. It definitely is not going to be the only one. I can hardly wait for the next!! The story grabbed me from the first page!!

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is an excellent historical fiction that is the first book of what is sure to be an excellent new series: Colorado Cowboys. This book truly has it all: historical fiction, romance, suspense, a wonderful character cast, and an enthralling narrative that was addictive and entertaining until the end.

This book takes place in the small, up and coming western/gold mining town Fairplay, Colorado Territory 1862. Greta Nilsson makes a selfless decision to become a mail-order bride to a sight-unseen older gentleman in Colorado in hopes that by taking her younger half-sister, Astrid, with her to the clearer/higher altitude air and environment, she can help improve the overwhelming symptoms of her sister's consumption. After arriving, there is some confusion as the fact that the man she was supposed to marry has in fact passed away on route back to town. The town's mayor that has met Greta in route from Illionois on the stagecoach makes a deal with another single, younger man, Wyatt McQquaid, to marry Greta himself. The mayor comes to a deal with Wyatt who is in need of an investment partner for cattle for his growing ranch, while the mayor needs the establishment of young families to the area in order to encourage his own wife and family to move to the area themselves. What then ensues is initially a marriage of convenience for both Wyatt and Greta for different reasons, and what then follows is a strangers to friends to trusted love. There is so much more to this story then just that plotline, but the beauty of the focal storyline is what truly makes this novel special.

I truly, truly loved Greta, Wyatt, Astrid, and Judd. The character development was spot on. All characters were complex, realistic, like able, flawed, had their own strengths, weaknesses, and complicated pasts. It was wonderful to see their own respective transformations throughout the story and to see emotions, priorities, and outlooks change, inner strengths grow, and the characters being able to have the ability to find their own paths to happiness, satisfaction, forgiveness, purpose, and their faith again.

I also loved the stunning literary descriptions of the beautiful western landscapes. The author just has a way with words in her ability to create such visual images, colors, foliage, sights, and sounds as to make one feel as if they are actually there feeling the crisp air of the higher altitudes, the sun warming the back of their necks, the babbling streams in the background, and the grit of the dirt that clouds their path as they are walking around in town. Just stunning.

I also loved the last chapter. She sets this book up perfectly for the followup!

I truly enjoyed everything about this book and it is a great addition to a wonderful portfolio by Ms. Hedlund. I cannot wait to see where this series goes after this.

5/5 stars enthusiastically

Thank you to the author and Bethany House for this stunning ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am pos this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/5/21.

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit this title is really cringe. But! All hope is not lost! Hedlund is a pretty reliably good author, and it was my confidence in her writing that persuaded me to pick up this book to review. And I’m pleased to report, my confidence did not let me down. Now, this was no earth-shattering, heart-wrenching read, but it was light and pleasant and good for a boring afternoon. I thought the characters had great personalities and really kept my attention, and while this setting/genre of novel is not one Hedlund usually ventures into, I thought she handled it well. There were a few moments that made me squint at the pages and go, “That doesn’t seem like it would be geographically accurate”, or “That seems pretty cliché”…but c’mon, I came here to relax and unwind, not analyze the geography of the 1800s Midwestern United States.

All in all, I thought it was cute and it kept me hooked. And if the arguably overused western-cowboy formula isn’t broke…why fix it? Although I do have to say, I liked other novels of Hedlund’s better, and they’ve seemed a lot more original (especially in terms of settings). Ultimately, I would recommend to anyone looking for a light, feel-good read to ward off the winter blues.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Sometimes I really need to get back to my roots of reading romance. This one definitely felt old school to me - and I enjoyed it a lot. I think the very first romance I ever read was a Harlequin Historical set right after the civil war in the wild west. This is very much a frontier romance/mail-order-bride story. Greta and her younger sister are traveling to Colorado for Greta to get married. Greta's main motivation in moving to Colorado is hoping that her sister's consumption will improve in the west. Along the way her life savings are stolen and she finds out her prospective husband is dead. When she arrives, a kind man who was on the stagecoach with her - tries to help her by immediately finding her a husband. He strikes a deal with Wyatt McQuaid who is trying to start a ranch. Neither is sure about the arrangement and agree to give it a three month trial.

It turns out Greta is extremely hard working and is a huge asset to the ranch the sale of her jams and pies really helps Wyatt move his ranching dreams forward. These folks work so hard - I am always amazed in reading stories like this how hard things really were at that time.

I liked the realness of the people involved and the things they faced. I also really liked Wyatt and Greta. They are both flawed - and far from perfect. But they clearly are perfect for each other and will be good partners in life.

The opinions on the indigenous people in the book are not progressive and may be offensive to some readers - but taken in context are representative of the time and are purely from the perspective of the frontier settlers and not at all from the indigenous perspective.

I will say that I don't always really enjoy Christian romance. This did strike the right balance for me - of Christian beliefs and romance.

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

Jody Hedlund has started a new series set in Colorado in the 1860s. If you enjoy cowboys, gold miners, Indians, mail order brides, nasty villains, cute kids, and a gorgeous setting, you’ll like this book! The characters are well drawn, there are plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat, and plenty of swoon-worthy kisses, or almost kisses. I really enjoyed reading the book, and look forward to the next in the series!

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

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is a lighter story then others that I have read by this author.

Greta Nilsson responds to an ad for a mail order bride. Her purpose it to take her young sister out west to help with her consumption. Everything seems to go wrong. First their stage is held up and she loses all her money. Next the man she was supposed to marry dies. Which leaves her homeless and penniless.

Wyatt McQuaid finds himself in town when the stage arrives. A fellow passenger, Mr. Steele, comes up with a plan to help Greta, and gives Wyatt an out for his struggles running a ranch.

Greta has a hard time reigning in her young sister as she gets herself into lots of trouble. Their sibling relationship strikes me as true to form.

The ending introduces you to Wyatt's siblings, and it looks like the continuation of the series.

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

I loved this book and am very excited for this series! Jody Hedlund is great here. When Greta Nilsson's stagecoach is robbed, she and her little sister are totally destitute. But she is on her way to Fairplay, Colorado to marry a man she has agreed to marry. When she arrives and finds out that her husband-to-be is dead, she is left completely bereft. But then a struggling rancher is persuaded by the mayor to marry her for an investment in a herd of cattle. Wyatt McQuaid doesn't want to get married but wants his ranch to succeed. So he proposes. Greta has nothing to lose at this point and agrees to marry him.

What follows is a most delightful and precious story as two people who have not had the best life so far learn to care for each other and depend on God to work out their problems. I am so very excited to read more books in this series! Did I mention that already? That's because I am. I stayed up till nearly 4 am to finish this one. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not compensated in any way and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps
by Jody Hedlund
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 05 Jan 2021 | Archive Date 16 Feb 2021

Jody Hedlund is one of our patrons' favorite authors. This is a great first book in the next series. I liked the story and the characters. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC.

5 stars

I could not put this book down! This was such a fun read and I look forward to reading the next one!

Greta embarks on a journey to Colorado with her ill sister as a mail order bride. Unfortunately many difficulties come their way.

Wyatt is a rancher in Colorado who is looking to expand his ranch. He marries Greta since her to be husband has been killed.

There are many twists and turns in the story that will leave the reader staying up pate at night, like me, to keep turning the pages!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

I confess that western novels aren't a genre I'm typically drawn to, but this was written by Jody Hedlund and I will happily read anything with this talented author's name on it. This was a heartfelt, sweetly romantic story of new beginnings. Can two people desperate to save their loved ones find the answer in the rugged Colorado wilderness? On top of that, can a marriage of convenience survive the many woes that come with such a life? Greta and Wyatt are two endearing characters that you can't help but be drawn to as you make your way through this charming novel. This is a story less about suspenseful plotlines and more about character development. You truly get to know these characters, really get in their heads, and enjoy a slow burn romance while you're at it.

Jody Hedlund is such a good writer, and most of her books have a great spiritual depth, but her newest offering is a bit lighter in plot and character and it is a welcome change. A common trope in historical romances is the mail order bride, and Jody has used this trope quite successfully in A Cowboy for Keeps.

Greta Nilsson and her sister Astrid are moving to Colorado for Greta to be a mail order bride. She wants to move to the high elevations of Colorado because of Astrid's consumption.

Wyatt McQuaid is trying to make a go of his struggling ranch while meeting obstacles at every turn. He is in town when Greta and Astrid arrive on the stagecoach and when Greta finds out that her mail order fiancé is dead. Mr. Steele was also a passenger on the stage coach and had come to know and like Greta. He comes up with a plan to solve Wyatt's and Greta's individual problems that requires Wyatt and Greta to marry.

Wyatt and Greta run into all kinds of set backs and challenges with the ranch and with Astrid. Jody's ability in pulling them out of these challenges is quite sharp. Greta enters into the marriage with partnership foremost in her mind. She is a lovable character with all the caring that an older sister should have, especially for a sickly younger sister. Astrid is a handful in the best of times, her personality is quite precocious. Wyatt is a completely relatable cowboy and his ranch is the perfect setting for the bulk of the plot in this book.

One thing that Jody did with the ending of this book is to give a glimpse into the next book in the series, which promises to be just as good. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a huckleberry hand pie (and my tastebuds are watering at the thought).

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another wonderful read by Jody Hedlund! I have truly enjoyed Ms. Hedlund's writing style! This was a historical fiction genre about a mail order bride with a ailing sister. Greta decides to accept a proposal from an older gentleman in the west in an attempt to get her spit-fire sister (my description, as her little sister is just full of sweet and innocent fun!) into the mountain air, hoping she will recuperate and have a longer life as she battles consumption. Greta has lost other family members to this disease, and her remaining family and in-laws see her and her sister as a burden. However, on her way west, the stage coach is robbed, and she discovers her betrothed is gone (assumed to have died on a trip west preparing for her arrival).

This book is full of many wonderfully deep and detailed characters who just pull the reader right into the pages very quickly. Greta's story unfolds into a wonderful example of just how life can turn our most scary and feared experiences into the most cherished gifts and blessings. Trust can be hard to build when two lives coming together from very different backgrounds and experiences are thrown together in such unexpected ways. However, Ms. Hedlund wove a tale that was spectacular! The ending was truly unexpected, and threw in some wonderfully surprising twists and turns. Some of the characters surprised me in that they had sides to them that I wouldn't have guessed! I wish the ending wasn't quite as abrupt after that last twist, but Ms. Hedlund is not one whom stretches a story beyond need. I am also guessing that since this story is the first of a new series, we will likely be seeing many of these characters again! As a result, she continues to be one of my more favorite authors, and I will continue to seek new stories by her!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This new series by Author Jody Hedlund is going to be another one of my favorites. I am a big fan of this author, and she consistently delivers a story that fills the reader with hope and inspiration. The cowboy on the cover invites you into a page-turner with characters you will fall in love with and characters that you just wish would ride off into the sunset. Set in 1862 Colorado Territory, Rancher Wyatt McQuaid makes an unusual offer to newly arrived Greta Nilsson and the adventure begins. They are both selfless in their shared goal of doing what it takes to save their families but that often leads to misunderstandings and disagreements. Sometimes the only two who show any common sense are Greta’s nine-year-old sister, Astrid, and Wyatt’s friend, Judd. When all is said and done, will Greta find her ‘cowboy for keeps’? You will not want to miss this series. I am so looking forward to Book Two.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

I have always been a fan of westerns. So I have watched a lot of the old tv shows as they don't make them like they used to. I sound like my elderly relatives. So when I have a chance to read a book based on the old west.....I am in heaven.



This book is the newest one from Jody Hedlund. It is going to be part of a series...hooray! The series is called Colorado Cowboys.



I received this free to review from the author. I was so excited as I have read many books by this author. I have never been disappointed. Her books are wonderful to read and not filled with any vulgarity. I appreciate that.



This story is about Greta and her sister, Astrid. There is much love between the sisters. Astrid is a delight. She reminds me of my granddaughter. Astrid loves life!!!



Greta must make a decision quickly that will change their lives drastically. Wyatt gets an offer that is hard to refuse.



The supporting characters were strongly written and I hope they will be in the future books of the series. Judd is quiet but when he talks it is a must listen. A good friend to have.

“You can walk away every time the flies start bitin’. Or you can swat ’em until they’re gone.” This is one quote of Judd's that I loved. This is so true. Anytime things are difficult or not going as planned, what can you do? You have a choice of giving up or put up a fight. GOD is with you throughout the good and bad times. He listens to your prayers. He will take on your burdens.

I highly recommend this book. I loved it!!!!!

Set in 1862 Colorado Territory, A Cowboy for Keeps from master storyteller Jody Hedlund is an impressive beginning to her Colorado Cowboy series. This book checked all the boxes for me with a smoothly constructed plot offering surprising twists and turns that will catch your attention and not let go; wonderful, engaging characters who tug at your heartstrings; brilliantly described settings that bring the scenes to life; sweet romance that evokes varied emotions; and a gentle, inspiring faith element that resonates with spiritual truths about depending on God’s care and provision. Smart, tenacious Greta and kindhearted, charming Wyatt stole my heart. Secondary characters feisty Astrid with her outspoken attitude and reliable Judd with his words of wisdom add realism and fun to the narrative. Ms. Hedlund’s attention to detail ties the story together beautifully. I loved the introduction to Wyatt’s siblings in the last chapter and look forward to reconnecting with them as the series continues. I highly recommend this absorbing read. You don’t want to miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jody Hedlund knocks it out of the park once again! This lady writes one great book after another! Whether you like your Christian fiction filled with romance out west during the civil war or in a fantasy land during medieval times, you will find what you're hoping for in Jody's books.

You will fall in love with Greta and Wyatt as they come to know and care about each other when he marries her as mail-order bride...one meant for his friend who is believed to have died on the trail back from California. We also meet spunky little Astrid and learn of Wyatt's family who he hopes to have come live with them. There are lots of adventures and trials along the way but this book gave me a wonderful afternoon to escape back to the Old West.

I am really looking forward to the next book in the Colorado Cowboys series!

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

What a great story! I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish! I loved reading about how Greta travels west in hopes of finding a better place for her sister to live due to her having consumption. She hopes the air will be better for her, so she agrees to marry a man she has been writing to. Phineas, wasn't there to meet her, but she meets his friend, Wyatt. Wyatt makes a deal with Mr Steele, who rode with Greta on the stagecoach, to marry Greta, since she had nowhere to go, and no money. She agrees to marry this handsome stranger, not knowing what else she can do. As they get to know each other better, they begin to fall in love with each other. This is a great, clean story that I recommend to anyone that likes historical fiction romance. Loved it!

I get so excited whenever Jody Hedlund comes out with a new book, and she always exceeds my expectations. “A Cowboy for Keeps” is her most recent offering and I just could not put this one down. Imagine, you are a mail order bride who finds yourself married to a man for whom you were not originally intended. Wow! The growth and development of these characters is so enjoyable as we watch Greta Nilsson (the bride) and Wyatt McQuaid (the husband and rancher) navigate the waters of a marriage neither had anticipated just a short time earlier. Their hopes and dreams are suddenly interdependent upon each other and the success of their marriage of convenience.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

A mail order bride, a marriage of convenience and a swoon-worthy hero....what more could you want from a historical romance?
Jody Hedlund has proven herself over and over to be an author who consistently delivers an entertaining, heartwarming and tender with a bit of sizzle romance. I don't even read the back of the novel, I just dive right in with confidence that she will tell a story I am bound to love. A Cowboy for Keeps is a strong start for this new series. The characters are so loveable, and the story is sweet, engaging and sometimes surprising! I can't wait to read about the rest of Wyatt's family in the next book. If you enjoy historical romance mixed with western adventure then you will enjoy this book.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of A Cowboy for Keeps. The opinions expressed here 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.

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.

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.

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.

This was my first book to read by this author but wont be my last! I LOVE a good marriage of convenience and then they fall in love story and this book hit all the right notes! It was charming, sweet,funny, romantic and had scriptural truths! I loved it!!

"A Cowboy for Keeps" by Jody Hedlund was really good! 5⭐! I read this book in one sitting, and I even got teary-eyed! I loved it. I love marriage of convenience stories, and Jody Hedlund knows how to write a good one! This is the first book in her new series called Colorado Cowboys. I can't wait for book 2!

*Thank you to Bethany House Publishers, Netgalley, and the author for the advanced read. All opinions are my own.

#BookReview : A COWBOY FOR KEEPS by Jody Hedlund 4.5 stars

The story follows Greta Nilsson to Colorado as a mail-in-bride. She decided on this path in the hopes that the weather in the west will help her sister, Astrid, get better from her illness. Then Greta finds herself married to Wyatt instead of her intended.

Astrid’s fearless and childlike approach to life is endearing. I like her as many others. I like how the main characters freely talk to God even during doubtful times. I enjoyed reading their journey in strengthening their faith in Him. Greta always feels like she was and is a burden to others but she has to learn the hard way to cast her burdens to God.

It is sweet to read as Greta and Wyatt start to fall in love and try to hide their feelings. Their first kiss in front of the whole town is unexpected but memorable for both.


Thank you Bethany House and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

A new series from Jody Hedlund, is always exciting. A Cowboy for Keeps is a great start to this series. The story of Greta and Wyatt is engaging and has a lot of twists and turns, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well written and a joy to get to know. Even the secondary characters of Astrid and Judd are entertaining and refreshing. This is a clean Christian western romance. I would recommend this book to anyone, who is now, has ever been or is wanting to be, in love!
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. This review is my own opinion of this book.

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 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.

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

Without a doubt the swooniest cowboy story I have ever read! Fair warning: this is a sleep stealer so be prepared if you start it at night!

This book is a fast-paced and fantastically fun marriage of convenience story of two good people who help each other discover their true worth. There is action, laughs, intrigue, plot twists, and of course, lots of clean but swoony romance!

I have read almost every single one of the author's books but this one is going to be one of my new favorites. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Another five star read from Jody Hedlund!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but a review was not required and my opinion are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps
Colorado Cowboys #1
By Jody Hedlund

Greta Nilsson will do anything to save her little sister's life. With the promise that the mountain air of Colorado will cure Astrid's consumption, Greta agrees to become a mail-order bride. But the final stage of her trip to Fairplay, Colorado, is one disaster upon another. Her expected groom has died, stagecoach robbers took all her savings. With nothing to her name, Greta has few options in a town that is comprised almost entirely of miners and ranchers. So when a rancher claiming to be a friend of the man she expected to wed offers her a proposal of marriage, Greta quickly realizes that is her only choice.

Wyatt McQuaid has been working to get his ranch profitable so that he can send for his ma, brothers, and sister. But starting a ranch in this new land isn't easy. He doesn't have time or the funds to even think about marriage. But when the latest stagecoach arrives in Fairplay after a holdup the mayor offers him a deal - marry Miss Nilsson and, in return, Wyatt will get the funds he needs to expand his herd. But marrying a complete stranger who was set to marry his friend is something that will take some thinking. But Mayor Steel needs the town to grow, to add families of good repute if he hopes to convince his wife to leave the civilization of the East behind.

As Wyatt and Greta deal with their new situation they both have to deal with their pasts. But the past has a way of marking a person and Wyatt and Greta are no exception. Can they see past the hurts to a future of promise or will they allow their insecurities to tear them apart before they even begin?

Without giving away anything - I will say there are a couple of interesting twists that occur that add an interesting element to the story. So be sure you don't jump ahead while reading (I have a family member who does this and then ruins the element of surprise or shock from her books), seriously don't do it. If I had known of these elements before their proper placement in the story it just won't have had the same impact that it did.

A Cowboy for Keeps is the first book in Jody Hedlund's new Colorado Cowboys series and it is another enjoyable read from a skilled writer. Greta is a character with whom one can empathize, basically kicked out by her family along with an ill younger sister, she is willing to do almost anything to save. But Greta has to learn that going it alone isn't the best way. With her plans crumbling around her she needs to learn in who to place her trust and concerns. Not an easy lesson for any of us to learn. Wyatt on the other hand has a plan to rescue his family from the very situation that he left behind years ago. But he is dealing with the guilt of leaving his family behind, of failing them. Then there is Judd who we learn very little about but what we do learn gives a glimpse into his past. I really like Judd who helps Wyatt see what he needs to see. He is just what Wyatt, Greta, and Astrid need as they live and work together. I'm looking forward to the second book in this series - if the final chapter is any indication of what is to come it should prove most interesting.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Once again, Jody Hedlund has written another amazing novel, this time straight out of the Old West!

Agreeing to marriage and moving to Colorado is the only way Greta can save Astrid, her sister. Plagued by consumption, Astrid needs the dry climate in order to breathe more easily. However, Greta arrives to find that her betrothed is no longer alive. And this is where the problems really begin. However, Astrids antics never allow for a dull moment!

Grab your copy of A Cowboy for Keeps for a great, entertaining read! I highly recommend this story for those who love good, clean fiction and a handsome cowboy!

This new series has it all—a swoon worthy cowboy, a strong female lead, and a marriage of convenience story with clean steamy romance! I greatly enjoyed this first book in Jody Hedlund’s new Western series. The historical details are well written and provide a great backdrop to the story. The setting is easy to picture with the beautiful descriptions. I liked Greta and her gumption immediately—she does not let the hardships in life get the best of her as she navigates tough situations, always putting her family first. Wyatt is also an admirable hero; he may have married Greta for a hidden reason, but he is honorable and works hard for her. The romance builds in a realistic manner and the kissing scenes are definitely steamy but still clean for Christian fiction. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more in the series! I recommend this new historical series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Jody Hedlund never fails to write an amazing story! Greta is a mail order bride who is moving west hoping the air will benefit her little half-sister who has consumption. The stage coach is robbed near their destination and upon arrival, Greta is told that her fiance has died! Doesn't this make you want to read more? You will love reading about the ways Greta manages to make an honest income and how hard she works. A handsome, hardworking cowboy named Wyatt, Indians, a crippled wrangler and a mean neighbor make up this great book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received an advance copy of A Cowboy for Keeps from the author and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

What a great start to a new series! I loved the way this story was crafted from start to finish. Nothing was left unanswered when it came to the questions raised throughout the story and the slow burning love story was great too. I loved how Ms. Hedlund allowed her characters to have real reactions to each other and showed their attraction in the pages. God made people to be attracted to each other both physically and emotionally and both were well written in this story. I also loved how both Greta and Wyatt worked so hard to make things better for each other and Astrid. They didn't wait around for others to do a job if it needed doing, they simply took care of it. And I really liked Greta's skills with canning/jarring her fruits and veggies. I recently learned how to can and jar myself so it was fun to read about others doing the same. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the hope that they will enjoy the adventure and the love story as I did. Hopefully the next story will be coming out soon!
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

A marriage for keeps - when God is invited

This is an enjoyable marriage of convenience story. Greta & Wyatt are both sympathetic characters. Astrid is a pip, and I love wise old Judd.

Wyatt gives Greta a 3 month trial period after they made vows before God & witnesses including to be together till death do they part. I was bothered by that aspect. One's word is supposed to mean something, but especially one's word to God. At least it was unconsummated during that time though.

Additionally, Greta puts Astrid as her first priority over the husband she promised God she'd cleave to, instead of communicating with the man to whom she'd agreed to be yoked & approaching the problem as a team.

However, while the plot doesn't directly address these issues, the spiritual growth of the characters does to some extent, and that really helped assuage my concerns somewhat.

The ending is happy, if a little pat, and yet it all works out plausibly enough that I barely noticed let alone was bothered by it. I'm looking forward to reading more about Wyatt's family

*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion: overtly Christian with a very light touch; both characters believe in God, but struggle with trust & belief that His love is personal

A fun historical western. There's lots of adventure - stagecoach hold ups, stand offs with guns, disappearances, and much more.

A swoon-worthy cowboy hero, a steamy yet clean romance, an exciting plot, and relevant spiritual lessons make A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund one of my favorite Christian fiction books of all time. I absolutely love marriage of convenience stories, but when you add mountains and cowboys I am totally hooked! Greta has brought her sickly little sister to Colorado in hopes the mountain air will heal her, and the only way she could so was to serve as a mail order bride. However, when she steps off the stagecoach having been recently robbed of every penny by bandits, she finds that her intended has died. She is homeless, penniless, and needs to find a way to stay in Colorado to help her little sister heal. Wyatt McQuaid is a new rancher who needs an investor to purchase cattle and get his ranch started. The town’s mayor offers a solution to Wyatt which helps Greta too—the mayor will invest in Wyatt’s ranch if Wyatt marries Greta to help the mining community become a respectable place for families. Thus begins a whirlwind love story that is packed full of adventure and will keep you totally riveted until the very last page! I read this book in one sitting because I was so caught up in the wonderful romance and exciting storyline of this book. The chemistry between Greta and Wyatt is steamy, but remains clean and tasteful, which is perfect for a marriage of convenience story. The plot has so many twists and turns and is full of surprises that keep you guessing until the last chapter, which makes this an incredibly thrilling read. Of course, cowboy Wyatt is at the center of the adventure and is one of the most swoon-worthy heroes I have read to date! Best of all, this story touches on dealing with failure and giving God control of the future, which are incredibly important and relevant spiritual lessons. I absolutely adored this book, and I wholeheartedly give it the highest rating possible. Jody Hedlund has delivered yet another wonderful historical romance, and I recommend A Cowboy for Keeps to anyone looking for their next great read.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

A Cowboy for Keeps
by Jody Hedlund
Back of the Book: “Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.
Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.”
Impressions: This was a fun, well-written mail order bride gone wrong romance.
Rated: Passionate kisses
Liked: I enjoyed the relationship development between Greta and Wyatt. I can see this being played out into a movie or a tv series. Judd and Astrid were great supporting characters.
Disliked: I think it would have been interesting to add more side dialogue from Brawley. It would have added some more depth to hear his thoughts on how things were playing out.
Quotes: “My pa always told me and my brothers that even if we don’t like doing hard things, it's those hard things that make us strongest.” – This is a lesson I’m trying to teach my boys right now!
“Although she’d been taught to say her prayers, and did so regularly, she’d always wondered why God would listen to her. Not when He was busy with other more important matters elsewhere.”
“But she still couldn’t shake the feeling that her concerns were too trivial for so great a God…” – I too have felt this way before. All it is is Satan’s lies. When you feel doubt or question something the best thing to do is turn to the Bible and prayer. The Bible is full of promises of God's love for us and his desire for us to be close with Him. His love for us is great and the best way to understand this is to read the Bible.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

“But I reckon you’d rather she come to you with her problems than run away.” “Very true.” “The good Lord wants us to do the same. He says: ‘Cast they burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” I enjoyed the book and finished it in one day. I loved the family element that the author weaved into the story, the romance, suspense, and characters that I could relate to.

A great start to a new series. “A Cowboy for Keeps” is set in 1862 in Fairplay, Colorado and the Colorado territory. Greta was determined to help her sister get better. She traveled to Colorado as a mail order bride and ended up marrying Wyatt who was not the man who brought her there. I love historical romance books and highly recommend “A Cowboy for Keeps.” This is a first in the and looking forward to reading the next book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

All in all, a delightfully sweet western to fall in love with! A Cowboy for Keeps introduces us to Greta and Wyatt as the main characters, but don’t be mistaken, the secondary characters are just as loveable. Astrid deserves a place in the heart of all readers for her childlike faith and ability to friend anyone. Greta’s grit and determination won me over and had me cheering for her because of her character and integrity. She just wants to see her sister well and contribute her part along the way. Wyatt is a man plagued by failure who just wants to do the right thing. Together, Greta and Wyatt have a lot to learn and their marriage of convenience is exactly what they need to teach them about success and true love. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I think this is a great start to a new series by Jody Hedlund! I loved all of the characters in this book and look forward to reading what comes next for them! I was able to read this in one day because I enjoyed it that much!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I was SUPER excited to see that Jody Hedlund was writing a western novel. I love the rugged setting and the resilient characters, who face so many hardships but keep pressing on. Greta and Wyatt both show these traits in different ways. Greta will do practically anything to help her sister, Astrid, to find relief from consumption. At times, her stubbornness on this issue can be a little off-putting, but it does contribute to the plot and tension in the story. Astrid is a bit spoiled due to her illness (which sometimes annoyed me as well), but she also had some heartfelt moments that I enjoyed. Wyatt is a handsome rancher who agrees to step in as Greta's mail order husband when the other man is assumed dead, but he isn't doing it completely out of the goodness of his heart. This aspect of the story also adds to the plot. Each time I post a review of a Jody Hedlund book, I always mention the romantic tension...because she is the queen of clean romance! She has a way of directing the characters to some fantastic moments that really drive the story.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would like to read the next book or books in the series. What I hope to see is some pre-epilogue resolution of all of that tension : ). I'm totally good with a fade to black...but please don't leave me hanging, Jody! :D

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**

From the start I held such empathy for Greta Nilsson. She’s holding such a burden and determined to not be a failure. But then again, so is handsome rancher Wyatt McQuaid.
I loved the imagery of the story and could picture everything perfectly. I loved to see the growth of Wyatt and Greta’s relationship. Wyatt was such a great hero and his care for Greta’s sister and his heart to help his family endeared me to him.
Top it off, this is a start of the series which means we get to see the rest of the McQuaids. A Cowboy For Keeps is a solid start and one that has me looking forward to more.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

This was a most enjoyable read and a great one to start off 2021 with. We have two characters who find themselves in a marriage of convenience due to circumstances that neither could control and the marriage would benefit both.

Greta is trying to save her little sister from the consumption that is slowly stealing her life away. She will do almost anything for Astrid and coming to Colorado as a mail order bride so her sister can benefit from the air there is something she is willing to do. But as she and her sister wind up penniless and in town, Greta is told her fiancé is dead.

Wyatt is trying to start a profitable ranch so he can bring his mother, brothers, and sister out west. Hopefully saving his brothers from joining up for the Civil War. But Wyatt is broke and faces a formable enemy. His solution is to marry Greta on the advice of the mayor who has interests of his own.

What I really liked was just how organic Wyatt and Greta's relationship takes shape. They still are working towards their own separate goals, until they begin to merge into one. Just like their marriage, they are strangers to friends all within holy matrimony. And that means something. It is a special bond that opens both of their eyes.

As they navigate this new life together, both must face their innermost demons. Wyatt thinking he is a failure and Greta believing she is a burden. I so enjoyed watching as they helped heal each other of these misconceptions.

Love, romance, family, and danger make this already my number one read for this year and a new favorite by author Hedlund.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This was a nice easy read, quite an enjoyable story. I loved the characters and the slow burn friendship and romance. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series

Digging into Jody Hedlund's A Cowboy for Keeps was an easy prospect for me. I enjoy her books and was curious to start her new Colorado Cowboys series. It wasn't long before I found myself fully engaged in the story. Marriages of convenience are a popular topics and sometimes dismissed as lightweight fiction. Not so when you dig deeper. These men and women endured a hard life and their rewards were very different than what we expect for ourselves today. I enjoy reading these stories because they remind me that this was how many parts of our country were settled into communities. Communities with families, schools and churches became the fabric of life for the men and women who had the gumption to work hard and build homes on their ranches or farmed their land.

Greta was a courageous young woman for leaving her home behind to forge a new life in an unknown territory to marry a perfect stranger. A stranger who promised to also support her ailing little sister Astrid, whose life depended on this move.

Watt hadn't planned to saddle himself with a wife, but the mayor's proposition to help him increase his herd was too good to overlook. The conditions of the deal were another story, but he had plenty of time to meet the requirements so he agreed. Time, though, is a funny thing as it slips by day by day until finally something has to happen and it all happened as predicted. Yes, this story was predictable but I didn't mind because the characters were likable and the author wove the tale together in a unique way.

The location was also a character in this story with descriptions that are picturesque and engaging. I don't think Greta could have found her new home in a better place. It seemed to have it all with plenty of hills, plains and of course, hot springs. I think this is one of those books that would appeal to any reader who enjoys good, clean historical fiction. I am already looking forward to the second book in this series.

A Cowboy for Keeps is a great start to a new series! I enjoy western stories and am excited to have a new series to read. The author kept me happily turning the pages to see how things would work out for Greta and Wyatt.

I really enjoyed watching these two navigate their marriage of convenience. They took things slowly and there was a lot of self-doubt on both sides. Wyatt carried feelings of failure with him from past experiences, while Greta felt that she was a burden.

Greta sister, Astrid, drove me crazy a few times in the book with her antics, however, she was extremely important to the story and I loved the way the author worked things out for this new family and showed how close they had all grown throughout their months together. I liked the peek into Astrid’s heart and feelings, it made me understand her better.

The last chapter of this novel points the reader toward the characters who will be taking center stage in book two and I am even more excited about seeing what happens next in this series now that I have read a little bit about them!

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

What an amazing story. Well written. Greta is a mail order bride who traveled west with her sick little sister, hoping that the fresh mountain air would help. Greta ends up in trouble many times but Wyatt seems to bail her out, time and again. Sucks you in and makes you excited to read the next story.

Ooh, I'm so excited about this new series by author Jody Hedlund and after reading this book I'm even more excited!!

I love a good cowboy story and Wyatt is the very vision of all I imagine a strong, rugged cowboy to be. This story has a lot of different dynamics with a mail order bride, a sick little girl, bandits, secrets, and unfortunate events but all throughout is growing friendship and trust, healing and love. It was such a good blend of emotions, engaging me from start to finish.

The epilogue gives a glimpse into Wyatt's family and set things up nicely for the next book.

Content: mild peril, mild violence, kissing

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

I just love marriages of convenience. I can't seem to get enough of them. I love seeing two characters make a decision to commit to something before feelings are involved and then work towards finding a way to develop those feelings. Logic usually ties the two together in the beginning, something they both get out of the agreement, and then the process of them working together towards a common goal and learning about each other brings about the feelings and emotions one would hope to be involved in marriage. Well A Cowboy for Keeps was right up my alley.

Greta is the only one left to take care of her little sister. Her mother and father have both passed away, and her brothers have married and have families of their own. Astrid suffers from consumption and her medical needs have become a burden to her brothers' families. Greta is encouraged to marry and take Astrid with her when she does. That being said, Greta has heard that the mountain air out in Colorado is good for consumption, and she accepts a mail order bride offer from a nice middle-aged man in Colorado. The only problem is, when she shows up in the town he's from, it appears he's died leaving her in a worse position than she was in before. The mining town offers nothing for a single woman except work that Greta isn't willing to take.

Wyatt left his family in hopes of striking gold, but when mining didn't turn up much luck for him, he switched to ranching. His goal is to bring his mother and siblings to his ranch once he gets it established to get them away from his abusive stepfather. The only problem is that Wyatt is struggling and using every spare penny to invest back into the ranch. He needs an investor and finds the potential for one in the town mayor. The only trouble is, the Mayor needs to convince his city-wife that the town is turning from a manly-mining town into a civilized, family-oriented place. So the Mayor seizes the opportunity of Greta being a single woman in need of a husband and Wyatt needing an investor and himself needing a family town to make an agreement. Wyatt will marry Greta and get his cattle.

Of course, things aren't all that simple. Wyatt gives Greta a three-month window for them to get to know each other before they decide whether to continue their arrangement or to split ways. Astrid isn't getting better. And the entire purpose of coming to Colorado was to help Astrid. Wyatt has an enemy in a neighbor and fellow cattle rancher. The nature of their arrangement hasn't been fully spelled out to Greta (even though she would have accepted it either way). And more issues that would be spoilers to mention.

I've read Jody Hedlund before and enjoyed her books and this one was no different. I finished it basically within a day, and I was left wanting more. The last chapter gives you an idea of the direction for the other books in the series, and I am certainly interested in them and will be stalking her to find out information on future releases. A Cowboy for Keeps had characters I liked and was happy to root for, a conflict that was a little predictable but not in a bad way, and a relationship of convenience which I happen to love. A Cowboy for Keeps gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Cowboy for Keeps? What did you think? Let me know!

”She needs a husband,” Steele said firmly. “You need an investor. And I need a civilized town for my wife.”

With that ultimatum, how can Wyatt resist a chance to finally start his own cattle ranch? But then again, who is he to play with hearts? As for Greta, what other choice does she have but to enter a marriage of convenience for the sake of both herself and younger sister? What a quandary!

I already love Jody Hedlund's historical books, so I was especially excited to read her first Western one! Her stories are character driven, which is something I enjoy very much. I fell in love with Wyatt at first sight; not just because he's ruggedly handsome, but for his heart of gold. He learns that Greta & her young sister are in desperate need and reluctantly agrees to the mayor's marriage bargain. How this story plays out from there was all consuming for me, a book that was thoroughly engrossing. It was also a gentle love story between Wyatt & Greta, an absolute pleasure to watch these two together. They both have insecurities they fight within themselves, but in the end faith, hope & love overcome. The secondary characters added their own personalities & flavor; I especially loved Judd—Wyatt's unofficial cowhand & sage advice giving grizzled older gentleman. He was a favorite of mine.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fantastic western historical & eagerly look forward to the next installment of “Colorado Cowboys”!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine. *

A Cowboy for Keeps is a marriage of convenience story.
If I had lived during this time period could I have done it? Truthfully I'm not sure but probably if I was desperate enough and had a child to support like our main character did. She did it mainly for her half-sister.
All marriages are a chance we take, as much as we think we may know someone we don't know how they will act under all situations and circumstances.
He needed her for the advancement of his ranch as much as she needed him for a home and her sister's health.
Jody Hedlund excels at whatever genre of book she writes including her western series here she has started.
Wyatt and Greta, I really enjoyed reading how their slow burned romance developed but I'll admit now Astrid is the little sweetheart in A Cowboy for Keeps and how she is portrayed as someone needing a little extra care because of her medical condition but she is so strong willed she definitely doesn't let anything hold her back, maybe to the point of being slightly reckless.
I really need to read the next book and look forward to it.

Published January 5th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps is the start of a new series, Colorado Cowboys, by Jody Hedlund, and it’s quite a change from her previous series that I’ve read. With a change of scenery to the Colorado territory in 1862, and the introduction to the McQuaid family, this book set the stage for the new series. I enjoyed meeting the fascinating characters in this book. Wyatt McQuaid is an interesting hero with insecurities and past failures, but his courage, work ethics, and compassion shine. Greta Nilsson is independent, caring, and focused on improving her sister Astrid’s poor health. Astrid is a great addition to the cast, as is Wyatt’s ranch hand, Judd, whose wry wisdom and loyalty enhance the story.

“The way I see it . . . a team of oxen can carry more together than apart.”

“You can walk away every time the flies start bitin’. Or you can swat ‘em until they’re gone.”

I enjoyed this charming and enjoyable marriage of convenience tale, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of Wyatt’s family in the rest of the series.

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

A Cowboy for Keeps, by Jody Hedlund, is the first tale in her latest series, Colorado Cowboys. When Greta Nilsson and her young sister, Astrid, arrive in Fairplay, Colorado, she is surprised to learn that the man she came to marry is thought to be dead. After she lost her life-savings when their stagecoach was held-up, Greta does not know which way to turn. When Wyatt McQuaid offers her a proposal of marriage, Greta feels like she has found the answer to her problem!

Little does Greta know that the mayor has offered Wyatt financial assistance with starting up his ranch, if he agrees to help bring respectability to Fairplay. Wyatt thinks he can simply marry Greta and start a family. Unfortunately, this endeavor is not as simple as Wyatt assumes!

This marriage is starting off with a pretty big secret. Greta had come to Colorado with a different focus in mind. She is hoping to find a climate that will help Astrid's battle with consumption. Now Greta's focus is being complicated with details needed to help Wyatt, her new husband, achieve success!

This is a fun tale to follow as Greta and Wyatt adjust to their new way of life in the wild, wild West. You will be reading page after page to discover how they overcome the complications that unexpectedly spring up on their path!

This book immediately caught my attention because it is set in Colorado, where I grew up! I always love reading about my home state in historical novels. Of course, being in Colorado this book had more of a Western vibe than most of Hedlund's other books I have read but it did not disappoint!

The book opens with Greta Nilsson and her sickly 9 year old sister Astrid's stagecoach getting robbed as they attempt to summit the last pass before Fairplay. All their money is stolen but since Greta is coming to Fairplay as a mail order bride she hopes all will be taken care of by her fiancé. Unfortunately, upon arriving, she discovers her fiancé is missing and presumed dead. With no money she doesn't know what she can do. She came to Colorado not only to wed but in a hopes the climate would help her sister heal from her consumption.

Wyatt McQuaid is a rancher who just happens to be in Fairplay when Greta and her sister arrive. The Mayor, who got to know Greta and Astrid on the stagecoach, offers Wyatt cattle in exchange for marrying the homeless, penniless Greta. Wyatt has been struggling to get his ranch up and running and upon observing the sisters' interactions he offers for Greta and they marry that night.

Greta and Astrid quickly adapt to life on the ranch although Astrid's health does not improve. Both Wyatt and his ranch hand Judd adapt quickly to the newcomers and enjoy Astrid's antics and Greta's hard work. Her good cooking and ability to bring in extra cash through butter, pie and jam making soon make her indispensable to the men and the success of the ranch.

The teamwork, selflessness and faith to overcome adversity in this book were uplifting. I loved Greta's strength throughout the novel. She was never a damsel in distress and in fact was able to help Wyatt physically and financially several times. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean western romances!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and author for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I love Jody’s books. I was anxious to read how she would handle cowboys. No need, she had her typical spin and style that created a beautiful story.

I’m pretty sure she writes the best romantic scenes and kisses. She is a master of romantic tension and this book is full of it.

The last chapter gives us a glimpse into what the next book will be about and who. I can’t wait to get to know Wyatt’s brothers and see what romance they will get themselves into.

If you enjoy historical romance I am sure you will enjoy this book.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A marriage of convenience is the only option for Greta Nilsson, but not the one she expected.

Heartwarming, engaging, and at times humorous, with a sense of romantic tension throughout, A Cowboy for Keeps is the first in what is sure to be a winning new series. I mean, this book has everything that I could possibly ask for, a beautifully wild landscape, compelling characters, simmering romance, marriage of convenience, an adorably forthright child, faith, and a handsome cowboy, what more could I ask for?

I admired Greta for her devotion to her 9 year old sister, Astrid, her strong work ethic, and could relate all too well to her desire to not be a bother to anyone. Astrid is a little firecracker, doesn't let her perceived weakness fool you, she shoots straight with her questions and adds much of the humor to the story, I loved her friendship with Judd. In fact Judd was one of my favorite supporting characters and I hope to see more of him in the upcoming additions to the series, he doesn't say much, but when he does you listen.

Wyatt is a hardworking man, he is fair, wants to make his ranch a success. I loved how he welcomes Greta and Astrid to his home, even though it was far from the original plan, and he fights for them as well. He is respectful and has a strong set of values instilled in him.

Overall, a terrific start to what is sure to be a fantastic series. I loved how Greta and Wyatt worked together as they got to know each other, and neither of them is afraid of hard work. A well balanced, well paced read, with characters that you can cheer for throughout. Romantic, compelling, with moments of humor, faith, and survival in the mountains of Colorado. Highly recommend!


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

A Cowboy for Keeps is the first book in Jody Hedlund‘s new historical romance series Colorado Cowboys. Wyatt McQuaid is trying to build a cattle ranch in order to bring his mother and siblings out west. Greta Nilsson traveled west as a mail-order bride in order to bring her sister to the healing Colorado air. When plans go awry they must decide whether to help one another or attempt to make it on their own.

Wyatt and Greta have a marriage of convenience, each hoping not to disappoint the other and needing to succeed in order to help their siblings. They work well together, when they actually work together – something their ranch hand Judd readily points out. But things don’t go easy for either of them and all their plans still might end in disaster.

I enjoyed this story and rooting for the characters meant not wanting to put down the book. Greta and Wyatt had so much stacked against them. Their motivations were easy to understand and relate to, even when those motivations blinded them to a better future. One note is that I found they focused on physical attraction more than I generally prefer. However, their self sacrifice for the good of those they cared about shone bright.

A Cowboy for Keeps is an entertaining beginning to Colorado Grooms. I’m excited to see how the series develops and to get to know the other characters. The hard part now is waiting for book two.

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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.

Little sisters always make books better... Or for the most part they do, and the sister relationship between Greta and Astrid was so sweet! I loved getting to read about them and how Greta was trying to protect, help, and raise Astrid.

Even if the hero had a very common name his character wasn't quite as common, at all. Wyatt McQuaid's character arc was a favorite, I just love reading about characters who realize they aren't what they were once told or they grow from their pasts.

As to "A Cowboy For Keeps" plot line it was well done, I wasn't surprised by anything that happened but that didn't upset me.

In all this was a nice kick off to Jody Hedlund's first venture into telling a cowboy's story and new series, Colorado Cowboys. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series and Jody Hedlund's writing career.

This book is so good! Basically, it's like Western Romance gold. The characters weren't even given a moment of rest before the next exciting thing happened. For instance, Greta is traveling with her sick sister to marry a man she doesn't know. The stagecoach gets robbed, which leaves her penniless. Then she and her sister arrive at their destination to find out her betrothed is dead. In a blink of an eye the mayor sets her up with Wyatt. All this happened within a matter of chapters.

But then there's more! So much more! You'll have to read it to feel the desperation of both Greta and Wyatt. And *let me fan myself* there's really amazing swoony scenes that were perfectly executed. Did I mention Wyatt has a shirtless moment? I probably should have mentioned that earlier... meow 😻

I am a great fan of Hedlund and always enjoy her books. A Cowboy for Keeps is the first book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. It took me a little longer to get into this one as it was different from her other books. It did not seem to have the depth all of her other books had. Still I enjoyed it, just not as much. ….This is a mail order bride story but with a different twist. After Greta Nilsson becomes an orphan, and her stepsisters make her and her little ailing half-sister Astrid feel like a burden, she decides to become a mail order bride. She travels to Fairplay, Colorado, to meet her future husband, an older man she knows only by letter but he seems to be kind and willing to take care of her sister too. She hopes that the western climate will help heal her little sister who is a very spunky child. Her love for her is all consuming and she does not consider her own feelings. When she arrives after much hardships, she finds out her husband to be has died. But all is not lost, there is a young man there that knew her to be husband and has offered to marry her, along with a little persuasion. ….You will need to read the book to see how it all unfolds….I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors and I was so intrigued about this new western genre she started with this book. And with a marriage of convenience, my favorite trope! My expectations were high and I was not disappointed!
This is a promising series, with a wonderful start in this first book of the “Colorado Cowboys Series”!
After Greta Nilsson becomes an orphan, and her stepsisters make her and her little ailing half-sister Astrid feel like a burden, she decides to become a mail order bride and sets out west from Illinois with Astrid to Fairplay, Colorado, to meet her future husband, an older man she knows only by letter but seems kind enough and is willing to take care of her sister too. But everything goes awry from the start: their stagecoach gets robbed and they take all her belongings, and then when she arrives to the mining town, she discovers her husband-to-be has passed away because of an accident. Totally destitute and jobless, she providentially met Mr. Steele, the town’s mayor, on the stagecoach, who kindly determines to help her in his own way.
Wyatt McQuaid has a cattle farm and is in dire need of an investor to buy more cattle and make it profitable. Mr. Steele sees the potential in Wyatt not only as a ranch owner but as a good and honorable match for Greta. And since he has interest in making Fairplay a more familiar town so he can get his wife to come, he decides to offer Wyatt to generously invest in his cattle if he marries Greta. Wyatt promises to think on it, and is almost set on not accepting the mayor proposal until he casually meets Greta, and he is totally compelled to aid the helpless beautiful woman and proposes the marriage of convenience. After Greta confirms Wyatt is a good man, she decides to accept, especially for Astrid’s sake, who is battling consumption, and is in need of a stable home and care. After being married, Greta feels the need to prove herself useful to her attractive husband so he won’t regret marrying her. But Wyatt wants her to feel at home, and the more time he spends with her and charming Astrid the more attached he becomes to them. Is it possible for them to pass from total strangers to a couple in love? Greta knows nothing of the mayor’s financial proposal to Wyatt. Will that knowledge break the trust in him?
You’ll have to read the story to know! I can only tell you the journey of this conveniently matched couple is beautiful and so heartwarming! It’s full of obstacles and lots of adventure that will keep you engaged until the last page. But the best is the characters: they were complex yet deep, kind yet flawed, very relatable. Greta’s selflessness, hard work and love of others was humbling. Wyatt had a heart of gold and the way he treated “his” women was a sight to behold. Then there were the secondary characters: Astrid, even in her sickness, was a restless, outgoing and charming girl that stole my heart, I loved her! I also loved Judd, Wyatt’s friend and ranch help, an older, quiet yet kindest man! The way he cared for Astrid was so sweet!
And the slow -and yet not so slow- progressing romance between Wyatt and Greta was sweet, tender, and made me sigh! So romantic! As always, behind the characters struggles there is an inspirational message of kindness, true love, and trusting God. It flowed natural, not preachy. A beautiful love story in the wild west!! I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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

A Cowboy for Keeps was written by Jody Hedlund and is book one in the Colorado Cowboys series.

Summary: Greta Nilsson will do anything to help improve her little sister’s health-even if that means moving to the West and marrying a complete stranger.

When Greta and her sister arrive however, they find the man Greta was to marry has died. Without a husband and no money to speak of, how will Greta manage to provide for them?

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to keep his ranch afloat. He needs more cattle, but doesn’t have a way to pay for them.

The mayor steps in and offers to loan Wyatt the money he needs-in exchange for marrying Greta.

Both Greta and Wyatt are desperate for different reasons, and agree to a hasty marriage. Can this marriage of convenience survive such shaky beginnings? And what will happen when Greta discovers the real reason Wyatt married her?

My Thoughts: This is definitely a (clean) romance story. I don’t typically go for romantic books as they tend to get cheesy pretty fast, but the author did a wonderful job with this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story as it progressed, and Greta and Wyatt got to know each other better and build a relationship. It was not corny or cheesy-just a nice sweet romance.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice, light, romantic read. It was very good, and I look forward to reading the next one.

I want to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

This was a sweet and delightful read. More and more I find myself turning to Christian historical romance for comfort reading. I've always enjoyed marriage of convenience stories, so this was just perfect for me.There's lots of adventure and romance. The hero is perfect and swoon worthy. I really enjoyed the Colorado setting as well I'm looking forward to continuing this series and getting to know the rest Wyatt's family.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Ever since a trusted friend recommended An Uncertain Choice over six years ago, I have been a fan and an admirer of Jody Hedlund. I truly do not understand how she is able to write so many books, on various topics, in such a short amount of time… and not let it diminish the quality of her work. Just last year, she released 6 new books. 6 BOOKS?! I know people that try to read at least 6 books a year, let alone write 6 marvelous reads. While I was doing some research for my review, I was reminded of how many of her books are on my favorites list. Books that I would re-read again in a heartbeat, and have many times. I often forget how many books I’ve read by her due to the diversity in her writing. From her young adult medieval series to biographies about key Christian figures such as Martin Luther and John Newton, to retellings of classic fairytales. Just now, I read about a time-travel book she is releasing this summer, and am already searching for ways to get my hands on an advanced copy.

The first in a new series, and the first book by Hedlund set during the Wild West, A Cowboy for Keeps was just as riveting and endearing as the rest of her books. I found myself just as engaged in the outcome of the story, as Greta and Wyatt. Hedlund does not shy away from difficult or heart trenching topics. She doesn’t go into details surrounding a graphic event, but it does create real, vulnerable characters that you immediately pull for. The Wild West was not an easy place to live, not even remotely, but Hedlund does a wonderful job of capturing the raw beauty of the Colorado landscape mixed with the daily struggle to merely stay alive.

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

I was instantly engaged in the book; although to be honest, I was from the moment I read the description. I had just finished another book and it was rather late, but it’s a three day weekend, and I felt inspired. So I decided to start another book. I immediately made my decision and after I noticed the sky outside starting to welcome me into a new day, I sadly decided it was time to say goodnight. It did not take me long to finish the book the next day.

Now it might sound like all I have to say is praise and what kind of reviewer would I be without some critique. So here goes, I will say that I often found myself frustrated with how the story progressed. The characters had the same inner disagreements throughout the whole book, and despite some unexpected turns of events, they kept going back to the same inner struggles. I just wanted to yell at them - COMMUNICATE! USE YOUR WORDS! CHOOSE LOVE! BE BRAVE!

With all of that said, I really did enjoy the characters. They were both hardworking, kind, and endearing. I empathized and fell in love with both. I wanted everything to work out splendidly for them, and although, just like we know in our own lives, it doesn’t always work out that way. I’ll let you read the book to discover the meaning behind my words, but just know, that if you feel the story is progressing rather slow, just keep reading. There are a lot of twists and turns, and things do not turn out the way may you think they will.

The book definitely left me hanging. The moment I finished I literally said, “what?!” I was immediately researching to find out when the second book is going to be released. If you are like me, then I would suggest you wait to read this new release until the second one is published, because once you finish, you’ll want to start the next.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
*** 4 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline (.5), Unable to Stop, Desire to Reread (.5)

I really enjoy a good marriage of convenience story. This one does not disappoint either. This story starts with Greta and her sister Astrid heading to Colorado and are part of a stagecoach heist. They are looking for a place to belong and Greta had answered an ad for a mail order bride. Once she gets to town, her groom to be is reported dead. So the mayor talks Wyatt into marrying her instead. Honestly, I had moments of bleh while reading, but kept on and I was so glad I did! The story turned and not exactly how I’d anticipated! It turned from a I’m not sure about this to I love this story. So well done to the author. I’m looking forward to continuing this series from the author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

Yippee-ki-yay! Just when I thought I couldn't love author Jody Hedlund any more, she writes A Cowboy for Keeps and I'm torn between not wanting it to end and impatiently waiting for the next book in this new western series.

Danger, trials, and the beauty of the Colorado mountains are all important parts of this book that is set the Colorado Territory in 1862, but my favorite parts are the scenes with Wyatt McQuaid, Greta Nilsson, and her little sister Ingrid. Yes, there is definitely a physical attraction between Wyatt and Greta, and their interaction varies between wary and sweet to extremely charged with chemistry. It is, however, the glimpse of them, along with Ingrid, becoming a real family that I especially loved, because they obviously care about each other and they want to make this arrangement work. If...they can overcome all of the obstacles in the way! Can this arranged marriage turn into something more? Will there be a happily-ever-after or two shattered dreams in the Colorado Territory?

Great characters, action and adventure, and a faith-filled story make this a book that you won't want to miss. I think it's obvious that I loved A Cowboy for Keeps and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance. I look forward to more books in the Colorado Cowboys series.

I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review wasn't required and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts.

Greta came into town with her sick little sister, intent on being a Mail Order Bride to take care of her. But she learned that the husband she had come to marry had died before she got there. A kind man she had ridden on the stagecoach with organized a deal with another young man to marry her instead. It wasn't what Wyatt had intended to do, but Mr. Steele pretty much forced him into it. He took Greta and her precocious sister home, and they moved on trying to make the best of things. As time moves on they find they are good together, but each carries their burdens and denies themselves to a closer relationship. An engrossing tale of living in rugged early Colorado and people struggling to make their lives better. Deeply wounded, tugging at your heart strings the whole time. It's going to be an excellent series with more of Wyatt's family and Astrid growing up. Looking forward to the next one!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is an interesting and thought-provoking work of historical fiction. The book takes place during the post-Civil War era and follows a naive, but desperate young woman named Greta Nillson on her journey to Colorado to become a mail-order bride. As one might expect, her adventures are not just that of learning to live with her never-before-seen husband.

The focus of the story is on the main characters and their path to becoming a family, but the secondary characters stood out more than usual. Judd's story is finally told and it is a heart breaking one for sure. More than anything it teaches strength, endurance, and the ability of humans to rise from the ashes of their lives.

Another character wants so badly to be reunited with his family that he goes to great lengths to achieve this. It really gives one pause to consider what sacrifices one would be willing to make to be united once again with a loved one.

The story is enjoyable and filled with all sorts of emotions. Greta herself is a sad tale of abuse and endurance. Readers will sympathize and some will empathize with her desire to finally find a place to call home. Romance, danger and historical tidbits fill this book.

A Cowboy For Keeps is what I would consider to be a mail-order bride story with a twist. I have always enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s books but I don’t remember one with a western setting. Since I tend to gravitate toward any novel that features cowboys, I was excited to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed.

Greta had tried everything she knew to help her young sister’s deteriorating health and becoming a mail-order bride was a desperate last ditch effort to save her. Naturally nothing went as planned and Greta ended up in a strange town with no money only to find that her husband-to-be was dead. The mayor came up with a scheme to keep her in town by persuading Wyatt, a young rancher to marry her in exchange for help establishing his new ranch.

As most readers will quickly guess, Wyatt and Greta will eventually fall in love but not without plenty of obstacles along the way. This story had everything necessary to capture and hold my attention. With ample twists and turns, a bit of danger and action, a wise and mature friend, a precocious young girl, and at least one major surprise, A Cowboy For Keeps kept me turning the pages right up to its end.

A different style for this author but well worth reading in my opinion. If you love cowboys, check this one out.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.

This is going to rank as one of my favorite Jody books no question. I adored Wyatt, what a cowboy hero! Astrid was a hoot and Judd was a great secondary character. The story line was really good and I enjoyed the story watching Greta and Wyatt find their happily ever after. All in all, a fantastic start to the Colorado Cowboys series and I can not wait for the rest of the series!!

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

If you would like to experience the Colorado Territory in the 1860s, don’t miss A Cowboy for Keeps, the first book in the newest historical fiction series by Jody Hedlund. This story chronicles Greta Nilsson’s journey as a mail order bride to find a place where she and her ailing sister Astrid can thrive. Wyatt McQuaid offers Greta more than she knew she needed.
A Cowboy for Keeps is a great start to Hedlund’s new Western series and provides a foundation for future books. I recommend A Cowboy for Keeps to readers who enjoy sweeping family sagas with a Christian message. Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps is Book One in the Colorado Cowboys series by award winning author Jody Hedlund. Set in Colorado’s Gold Rush of 1862 this book is a treasure itself. I was immediately invested in the story and characters. This is another page turner by talented author Hedlund.

This is the story of Greta Nilsson. She is a sweet, selfless, caring older half sister to Astrid. Poor Astrid is all energy and inquisitiveness wrapped up in a body filled with consumption. Greta has her hands full. Greta accepts a mail order bride offer in hopes that by moving to the clearer/higher altitude air and environment, Astrid will have a better quality of life.

This is also the story of Wyatt McQuaid. He meets Greta when she first comes in town. He is a swoon-worthy cowboy. He has left his home to start a ranch in Colorado. Unfortunately, it is struggling.

These are three wonderful characters that I immediately loved. All of the characters are realistic and relatable. I adored Wyatt’s friend and helper, Judd. He gave sage advice and developed a heartwarming relationship with Astrid.

With her deft pen, author Hedlund whisked me off to a time and place that I could almost feel with her vivid descriptions. She has a beautiful style of writing. It is clear, easy to follow, and smooth. My imagination easily forms a movie of my reading. By the way, this would make a great movie.

There are so many twists and turns in this tale. It is a fun, historic, western tale filled with romance, life and spiritual lessons, and action. I highly recommend this to everyone. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the author, but these are my honest words.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Westerns aren't often my thing, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I'd read and enjoyed Hedlund's Lost Princesses series though, and was excited to try this one.

I am so glad I did! I loved reading this and can't wait to continue the series!

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.

A Cowboy For Keeps by Jody Hedlund – 4 Stars

I do enjoy my mail order bride stories. I know they aren’t very deep…but interesting. This one is based on Fairplay, Colorado. Greta has to travel there with her sister to leave a city where no one would marry her because her sister was a prostitute and died leaving her with a daughter that no one wanted to take on if they married her. The entire city was talking about it so she left town, got a ticket for a mail-order bride for a man when she arrives, she finds out has died. The Mayor in the little town says he’ll help her, he does by telling Wyatt that help invest in his herd of cattle to help him out if he’ll marry and start a family to help change the reputation of the city….more families….less men who are troubled and hang in saloons eventually. It was a fast read, interesting Jody Hedlund can always weave a story, I always trust her books….I liked it.

I received this book free in the kindle format from NetGalley.com my opinions and comments on this book are my own and freely given. #ACowboyforKeeps #JodyHedlund #NetGalley


Description From NetGalley.com:
Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is an entertaining historical romance. The author plays around with several familiar tropes including the marriage-of-convenience. While some predictable situations occurred, Greta’s devotion and determination to help her sick sister added originality and depth.

A Cowboy for Keeps includes Jody Hedlund’s trademark romantic tension. I enjoyed watching Greta and Wyatt’s relationship grow. As they shift and adjust to their new life together, both characters learn life lessons. Greta’s learning to trust in God reminded me to do the same. I appreciated the theme of a person being valuable, not an object to be bartered with. With the romance, an entertaining storyline, and themes to contemplate, I enjoyed this novel and did not want to put it down.

A Cowboy for Keeps is the first installment in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. Returning fans of Jody Hedlund will likely enjoy this novel. For readers not familiar with Jody Hedlund’s books, this is a good place to start. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I often find myself thinking that I don't really like western/cowboy stories too much... but then a book like this one comes along and I find myself realizing, hmmm... maybe I do. Or at least when they are written well anyway... and Jody Hedlund writes them well!

First of all, there is just something about a marriage of convenience story, isn't there? Perhaps it's because it's more unheard of these days, or perhaps there's something fascinating about an upside down love story- the marriage agreement before the falling in love, it's all very intriguing. That is certainly the case for Greta and Wyatt when they find themselves agreeing to marry each other as a solution to both of their struggles. What follows is a slow burn romance between the two that is hard not to fall in love with yourself.

As the first book in the Colorado Cowboys series, it was a great start. I cannot wait to read more. Whether you're typically a fan of these western type stories or not, don't let that keep you away, it's certainly one not to be missed.

**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Blame The Mandalorian, but I was in the mood for some gunslingers. A Cowboy for Keeps brings a little of that Wild West showdown to historical romance with a cowboy (Wyatt) who's both tough when it's called for but tender with his unexpected new bride and her ailing little sister.

The secondary characters, especially Judd, were each interesting in their own right, even the villain. Wyatt's self-doubt is both relatable and endearing, and Greta's notion that she's a burden is understandable (though it seemed to hang on longer than natural or necessary).

Astrid is one of the more memorable child characters I've read, and I smiled each time she launched into a question or comment with her trademark "W-e-l-l-l-..." I could almost hear her childish voice.

The chemistry between Wyatt and Greta is palpable, making for some good romantic tension. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, when Wyatt's brothers and sister make their way to Colorado.

Greta accepted a request from Colorado for a mail order bride hoping the climate would be better for her little sister with consumption. When she arrived, however the prospective groom was missing. A fellow traveler who lived in the same town, arranged for Greta to marry Wyatt, a struggling local rancher. It was an odd way to start a marriage, but Greta didn't have any choice stranded in a small mountain town in Colorado with no prospects. What transpired was a love story mixed with trials and missteps along the way.



I love this author's stories and can't wait for the next installment in this series! I highly recommend this book to my fiction loving friends.



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

A sweet beginning to Jodi Hedlund's McQuaid family series, "A Cowboy for Keeps" brings together two people who, in their own way are in dire straits, but together they make each other stronger.

Greta Nilsson left her home, partly because she felt like a burden to her sisters-in-law once her brothers went to war. She also left to find a place for her little sister to heal from the consumption that sucks a little more of her life away with every coughing fit. She accepts a proposal of marriage from a man she's never met, but has corresponded with. Could the Colorado air be the answer to the restoration of her sister's health?

When Greta and Astrid finally arrive in Fairplay, Colorado, they've already endured the robbery of their stagecoach which has left them completely destitute. Unfortunately, the news only gets worse. They learn that Greta's intended is dead, and they have nowhere to go. Beautiful Greta's only job offers come from the saloons and bawdy houses of the town. Isn't there anyplace she can work that won't compromise her character?

Wyatt McQuaid's ranch is struggling. He chose his land well but his neighbor says he stole it from him and spends his days making life miserable for Wyatt. Buying cattle in town, Wyatt is stunned when the mayor offers to invest in a herd for him if he'll marry his friend's mailorder bride. On the one hand, he needs the cattle but his tiny cabin doesn't need a wife in it! Once he meets Greta and Astrid, though, he decides that helping them might gain him more than just cattle.

I liked so many things about this book. Greta was so much more than just a pretty face. She knew how to work HARD and it became pretty apparent early on that her business acumen would be beneficial to Wyatt's ranch. Astrid was a little pill! Even though she was very sickly, she also had a knack for getting into trouble - starting right at the beginning, when she told the stagecoach robbers that her sister had money they could have. Wyatt was also a hard worker, but he also had a gentle side that was compelling. I also liked his side-kick, Judd. I kind of hope he gets a "love interest" somewhere in the series!

Romance readers who like cowboys will love this one. It's a sweet romance, but the attraction between Wyatt and Greta fairly sizzles. It also has a touch of mystery for those who like that. All in all, this was a fun, fast read, and I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to the next book in the series!

I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley, but every opinion here is my own!

I do enjoy mail order bride stories and when I saw that Jody Hedlund had written one... I had to read it.
When Greta arrives in Colorado as a mail order bride she finds her groom has died. Now, what will she
do? She had been robbed on the stagecoach on her way here and so her story begins.. When Wyatt
hears she has arrived he is persuaded to offer to take his best friends place. Then their real story begins.
There were secrets, surprises and I always enjoy when younger kids are involved. I really enjoyed this story.

At the end of a mentally trying day, I sat back and opened this book. The first thing I read was the opening scripture in Psalms. In black and white was a direct answer to a prayer I hadn’t found the energy to pray.

As I continued to read “A Cowboy for Keeps”, I found myself getting pulled into the relatively low key, easy going story of Wyatt & Greta. Brought together more by chance than plan - it felt unhurried and almost a sense of calm. Given the concerns about her sisters health, and the typical struggles of carving out life in the West, I felt a sense of peace in the story.

I really enjoyed the subliminal messages, and the goodness of both the main characters, and that they would win the day was rewarding. I actually appreciated the different style of the author. Given the tense climate in the real world right now, the escape to one less so was welcomed.

A wonderful story of love blossoming in a marriage of convenience a tale so often told, and one worthy of your time in reading.

I received a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

This book is an excellent entry in what's sure to be a really fun--and romantic--series! Greta and Wyatt decide to enter a marriage of convenience after mail order bride Greta arrives in Fairplay to learn her groom died while returning home from the West Coast with supplies to furnish their future home. Wyatt and Greta both have their own, slightly selfish reasons for consenting to the marriage, but they end up making a good team ... and feelings, of course, develop.

Greta and Wyatt are both likeable characters (though Greta's independence and stubbornness did grate on me at times), and I really loved Greta's precocious sister Astrid and Wyatt's crusty ranch hand Judd.

While I didn't find myself fully immersed in the novel at all times (largely due to some personal circumstances, I'm sure), I did enjoy every second I spent reading. And while I did anticipate a fairly major plot point well ahead of time, I certainly didn't expect it to resolve in the way that it did. If you like marriage of convenience and/or cowboy romances, you'll want to check this one out! 4 stars.

Jody Hedlund did a great job with this book. It has wonderful characters with a storyline that keeps the reader turning pages to find out what happens next in the lives of Greta, Astrid, and Wyatt. I loved both the historical setting and the ranch in Colorado. This a cowboy story with elements of faith, hope, and love all throughout the book. This is fun, entertaining reading, and I’m looking forward to this author’s next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to hug these characters created by Jody Hedlund. ❤ The characters had struggles, triumphs, faith, friendship, and love. You can read it as a standalone, but it is the first book in Hedlund's newest historical fiction series, Colorado Cowboys. I can't wait to read the next book!

This is a lovely Christian, Historical Romance. My rating 4.5.

Greta agreed to move west to Colorado as a mail order bride. She is willing to marry a stranger in hopes that the weather in the west will help her little sister, Astrid. A day away from her destination the stagecoach is robbed. Then she arrives to learn that her fiancé is believed to have died. The mayor in town, who wants more families in the community, decides that the best plan is to have Greta marry a local rancher, Wyatt.

Wyatt is struggling to make his ranch successful, and he has not thought about finding a wife and growing a family. He is competing with a brutal neighbor who is willing to kill Wyatt’s cattle rather than allow him to succeed. Wyatt wants the mayor to invest in the future of his ranch by financing the first herd of cattle. The mayor makes a deal agreeing to invest if Wyatt will marry Greta.

Both Greta and Wyatt come to the Judge with doubt and concerns, but they agree to get married. Greta manages to find ways to contribute to the household. But Wyatt worries about his cattle and Greta worries about Astrid’s health. As they face hostile neighbors and fragile health issues, they begin to find a mutual respect and attraction. Will they be able to move beyond their doubts to begin to trust each other and most importantly to trust God’s love and plan to prosper them?

Greta and Wyatt are wonderful and compelling characters. Greta showed sacrificial care for her sister which was lovely. Wyatt too showed a great caring for Greta and Astrid as did his friend and ranch hand, an older cowboy who became close friends with Astrid. The self-doubt that the characters struggle with is a realistic human flaw that allowed the author to show the depth of God’s love and grace in a gentle fashion. I found myself drawn into the story and eager to keep reading as I rooted for Greta and Wyatt. I recommend this to fans of Christian, historical romance.

Source: NetGalley 2020.

I think this may be her first venture into Westerns, but she brings her wealth of excellent writing to this genre. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the narrative. I am looking forward to future books in this series!

absolutely love western historical fiction, especially set during the Civil War era, and this book did not disappoint! This story truly had it all, from a mail order bride to a marriage of convenience. I loved how Wyatt was strong and capable, but still had a soft, vulnerable side. Greta was a perfect heroine, being a devoted sister, smart, industrious, and loving. The romance between the two was a slow burn, very appealing and the perfect amount. The details were spot on and made the story come alive, especially the beautiful Colorado setting. I truly can’t wait to read about the other brothers in this series, and I hope Judd is in all the other books! I loved him