A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

 

In some ways, A Cowboy for Keeps reads a little like a Hallmark movie. You have the cowboys, the heroine who is starting over, and the sibling she cares for facing a serious diagnosis. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy and predictable and there weren't any major surprises in the plot itself and yet . . .

This book is exactly what I needed for the end of winter blahs, I loved it. 

Hedlund has given the usually western romance a spin by placing her main characters, Greta and Wyatt, in a marriage of convenience so early in the story the characters are barely established. This really gave the story an enjoyable twist as now readers are invited into the newly established McQuaid household during the three months they've given themselves to see if the marriage will work.

I enjoyed the dynamics this brought as Hedlund used this uncertain marriage to explore some of the fears and concerns that can creep into a relationship. Greta's concerns about not becoming a burden were so carefully explored as she sought to prove her worth and find safety. Wyatt's concerns about provision and caring for a family were believable. Also, I'm a sucker for a good mentor character and Judd quickly won a place in my heart with his mix of guarded cowboy and absolutely softy with Astrid. Finally, I appreciated how the story talked about loss and Hedlund's theme of sharing burdens both in faith and in community.

Astrid, though a minor character, was a personal highlight of the story. As a disabled person it's so frustrating to see how often disabled characters are used solely as a burden or as inspiration, misunderstood plot devices instead of characters. Astrid was a delight though. I loved her spunk and drive. I loved her blend of wisdom and naivete. I also appreciated how Hedlund dove into some of the harder parts of long term illness looking at how it can affect caregivers, as well as the isolation and mental effects it can have on the person affected. 

I'm so excited to see where Hedlund takes these characters with the rest of this series.

4 out of 5 stars

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