Although it’s a little out of the ordinary from her typical setting and style, after reading Jody Hedlund’s newest release from Bethany House I would never guess that faith-based western romances aren’t her primary genre! “A Cowboy For Keeps” is the first book in her new “Colorado Cowboys” series, and is a must-read for fans of Christian Historical Fiction, particularly Westerns. (Basically, if you enjoy authors such as Karen Witemeyer, this story will be right at home on your shelf!)

At first I did not realize this was a marriage of convenience story, which are sometimes prone to inappropriate content, but for the most part I am impressed with how clean it remained. There were a few scenes that were a bit heated, but overall it was a story that I was comfortable to read, and that I can recommend with little reservation.

You may think this is just another western romance novel, but “A Cowboy For Keeps” is unique in that it weaves numerous plots and themes into one compelling story. A very unwell younger sibling, a mail-order-bride plan turned upside down, a ranch that seems destined to fail before it even gets off the ground. . . all of these storylines (and more), along with vivid characters and a setting that seems to come to life through the 5 senses ensure this is a story that will live on in your imagination for a long time to come. The only problem is, I’m not sure how I can wait until this autumn, when the next chapter of the “Colorado Cowboys” saga will unfold!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”