Colorado Cowboys A Cowboy for Keeps, Book 1, (Paperback)

Greta would do anything to help her little sister, Astrid, get well, including signing up to be a mail-order bride, and move across the country to marry a stranger. Instead of finding better lives, the two arrive in Fairplay, Colorado, robbed, hungry and exhausted, only to discover her fiancé has died. Now penniless, what will become of them in this small, hopeless place? Wyatt is coerced into marrying Greta in exchange for secretly getting an investment in his cattle. Greta and Wyatt work hard for the ranch to succeed, and try to live like a family for Astrid's sake. But every time they make progress, they face almost impossible hardships including someone purposely destroying their cattle to cause them to fail. If Greta learns the truth of why their marriage took place, will she ever believe Wyatt could have feelings for her? Will Astrid's worsening health make it impossible for them all to stay together? Does the surprising truth revealed towards the end of the tale break them up despite how they all feel? Be prepared to be unable to put this book down, every turn of the page will bring more excitement. Exploration of faith in God adds to the reality of the story. This yarn stands alone, however, there is a big cliff hanger leading into the next installment in the series. Those who like tales of the Old West, cowboys and romance will enjoy this 5-star book. Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Cowboy for Keeps, for the purpose of 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.