Today’s book review features
The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund.
Book Blurb
Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be taken seriously by the other team members, but at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.
After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn’t need more complications.
When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn–unbeknownst to Linnea–to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all–falling for a woman he’s determined not to love.
From Goodreads
Author Information
Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
From Author Website
Danielle’s Review
The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Grooms series. This book follows the next eldest brother, Flynn McQuaid, as he drives his older brother’s herd to Colorado along the Santa Fe Trail. He meets up with a botanical exposition after he saves the party’s lone female from a dangerous river.
The sparks fly at once, but both have their own reasons for not wanting to encourage the connection. I’ll admit, the author’s heat level is on the edge of what I generally prefer, however, one reason why I not only keep reading her books, but love them, is because she doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics surrounding the desire she shows within her stories. The Heart of a Cowboy addresses that discussion head on and I love how it makes me think. Here’s Jody’s take on why she writes stories like these: A Romance with all the Feels.
The Heart of a Cowboy can stand alone, but it part of a series that will help add depth to the story if you read A Cowboy for Keeps first. With the way this story ends, I’m excited about book three and the next McQuaid it features!
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.
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