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 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!

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.

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.

2.5-3 Stars! I would like to read more Christian romance this year and when I was younger, I used to really enjoy old Christian historical fiction featuring the American West so I decided to give this first book in this author’s new Colorado Cowboys series a try. In summary, I did like it, but I didn’t think it did anything especially unique or different or memorable, it was just okay and pleasant enough as a story.

The premise is that mail-order bride, Greta, is headed to Colorado with her young, sickly sister to start a new life with her new husband and hopefully find healing for her sisters lungs in the higher-altitude air. On getting to Colorado, she discovers that her husband-to-be is missing and presumed dead, and completely destitute, she enters into marriage with a down-on-his-luck rancher, Wyatt. Together they must all learn to live and rely on each other as a family and overcome their deep-seated demons through love and the Grace of God.

I liked the premise of this but found the execution a little bland. I know novels of this style and genre (Old American West Christian Romance) frequently lack diversity or a deeper, more nuanced look into the historical context at the time, so my expectations weren’t high in that score. There was a lot of mention of indigenous people (“Indians”) as antagonists, but I appreciated that Wyatt had the grace to mention that they were actually encroaching and stealing the indigenous land and that was a trigger for the enmity between settlers and indigenous people. I thought more would be done with the relationship between Astrid/Greta and the Utes in the novel but it wasn’t explored. This overall felt a little piecey to me- I cared about the story and the characters but it didn’t feel cohesive and I kept falling out of reading it.

One thing I really enjoyed were the themes of insecurity and self-doubt that were explored in this novel in differing ways for each character- for Greta, her insecurity comes from believing she’s a burden and that her worries are unimportant to others in the grand scheme of things, and for Wyatt, his insecurity comes from feeling like a failure, an anti-Midas because he’s tried and failed at so many things so many times in life. I loved how faith was used to approach and salve these insecurities and how it was acknowledged that these characters weren’t instantly fixed by knowing God’s perspective but were rather on a journey of changing long-held mindsets, because that was realistic and relatable.

Even though this was definitely closed-door in terms of spice level, I did find this a lot spicier than your typical Christian romance or at least than the ones I used to read. It is chaste in the sense of no “adult” scenes but there is a lot of making out, if that is something you’re currently avoiding in your reads or don’t find appropriate for your Christian romance. It is nothing inappropriate and I think this book is probably Christian teen-appropriate, but went all on different walks with accountability and with our convictions so I’m putting this note in about heat-level.

Overall, I thought this was okay. The last chapter with Wyatt’s family back in Pennsylvania ended on enough of a cliff-hanger that I might check out more books in this series when they come out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.