Do you like historical western romance? Then you will love this book. You don’t like historical western romance? Give this one a try! What’s not to love. A young lady, that has a strong drive to becomes a great botanist. Her Grandfather that believes in her and is willing to take her on an expedition. A rugged attractive cowboy, that swoops in to save her from a raging river. Danger at every turn, bad guys, beautiful scenery, and horses. Not to mention, they can’t take their eyes off each other! This is a swoony clean romance. I say swoony, for some suggestive interlude's that could give it a PG13 rating. But nothing crude or revealing. It has some Christian references, but not preachy. Wonderful writing, strong characters and great story. It is the 2nd book of the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Although the glimpse of the next book, will have you waiting with anticipation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy, a historical, western romance is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. This book can be read as a stand alone although I personally think it’s better if you read the first book, A Cowboy for Keeps.

Western is typically a genre that I’m not drawn to but I will read anything by Jody Hedlund and especially after reading the first one I couldn’t wait for this one. It did not disappoint. Jody Hedlund excels at every book she writes no matter what the subject matter is. The characters and scenes are so well developed that you feel like you personally know the everyone and actually are traveling the Santa Fe Trail with Linnea, Flynn and their family. If you are looking for a 5 star book to read look no further.

My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy is a fantastic story of daring rescues and sweeping romance that should not be missed by anyone who loves a good western! In this second installment of the Colorado Cowboys series, intelligent and independent Linnea meets strong and protective Flynn McQuaid when he saves her life on the trail out West. Linnea, a botanist, keeps running into trouble on her scientific expedition, so Flynn is secretly hired by Linnea’s grandfather to protect her as they travel together towards Colorado. Through the weeks of the trip, we see plenty of dashing rescues and romantic moments that made me want to swoon! However, I really appreciated the deeper spiritual element that Jody Hedlund brought to this story. Flynn battles some deep-seated fears of starting a family because of his mother’s death in childbirth, and he uses that fear to place barriers between him and Linnea. It is not very common to see a hero work through such crippling fear as a vital part of a plot, and I thought Jody Hedlund did a wonderful job of depicting Flynn’s battle to trust God and pursue a happy ending despite his own fear. I also loved how Jody Hedlund balanced chivalry and feminism in this story. She paired the intelligent and independent heroine with a strong hero who respects her intelligence but also strives to protect her. They work together to support each other, and it is a wonderful depiction of a relationship built on mutual respect and love. The character development in this book was excellent, and when you mix in some adventure and romance, it is the perfect recipe for another wonderful read by Jody Hedlund.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author for review purposes, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

I was excited to read this book because I enjoyed book one and the McQuaid siblings. I thought I wouldn’t like Flynn more than I did Wyatt, but I was wrong.

Flynn has so much on his plate and though he doesn’t always handle things perfectly, he’s trying. That is so appealing! I loved that he was trying to do right by his brother and sister and help his older brother.

I also liked the way he interacted with Linnea, being more amused than annoyed. He was able to see her in a way no one else (not even her grandfather) did.

There were a couple of times that I was bothered by Linnea’s actions, but in the grand scheme of things, considering the times, I could understand why she did what she did.

All in all, another good book and one that has me looking forward to the next McQuaid sibling.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

Travel West in a covered wagon with botanists and cowherders during the 1860s, in The Heart of a Cowboy, the second book in the newest historical fiction series by Jody Hedlund. This story chronicles Linnea’s journey as she navigates the journey as a new widow with an interest in plants and Flynn McQuaid.
The Heart of a Cowboy is a great addition to Hedlund’s new Western series but can also be read as a standalone. I recommend The Heart of a Cowboy 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.

Jody Hedlund does not disappoint with this new read, set on the Santa Fe Trail, we are headed west bound, with a different group of people than the usual Western travelers!

The author has paired up scientists with cowboys bringing a herd of long horns to Colorado, along with a group of scientists studying the plants that grow in this country. We are along for the journey, and what a journey we experience!

We are given a young woman whom is trying to prove herself in a man's world, and a young man fulfilling a promise to his mother. There is danger with renegade confederates, this is Civil War Time, sabotage, and throw in a bit of sweet romance.

This quickly became a page turner for me, I needed answers, and in the end I wanted more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in Colorado Cowboys series. The first book gives us a glimpse of Flynn's character and sets up the journey west with his brother and sister. I don't think you need to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, but you learn his older brother's story and why Wyatt is the way he is. And it was a good book, so why not read it first? I'm not a huge fan of western's in general, but I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund so if a western theme isn't your thing, I would recommend giving it a shot because this is a story worth reading! Full of clean romance, a well-muscled yet tender-hearted hero, a damsel who is always in some sort of predicament, and a dangerous journey to Colorado. I was completely glued to the pages. Jody Hedlund is such a good story teller, I always feel immersed in the story, like a bystander, seeing and hearing it unfold in my minds eye. Such a satisfying read, and the teaser for the next book has me already counting the days until I can "visit" the McQuaid family again.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

#BookReview: THE HEART OF A COWBOY by Jody Hedlund

You are in for an adventure with this second book in the Colorado Cowboys series. It’s nice if you have read the first book, but I think it can still be read as a stand alone. This is much better though in my opinion.

Historical romance lovers will surely appreciate Flynn and Linnea’s story. Set in 1863, Flynn was on his way to Colorado to bring cattle to his brother, Wyatt. Flynn was a responsible and caring brother. He would also offer help to anyone who needs it. Linnea was a botanist on an expedition with her grandfather and some other scientists. She gets distracted easily and often finds herself in unfortunate situations. Well, Flynn and Linnea met in one of her misadventures. He was her hero.

They came from different backgrounds but this trek to the west made them appreciate each other’s finer qualities. The way they made each other smile and laugh brought joy to their challenging circumstances. Their chemistry and conversations were a delight to read.

The banters among the McQuaid siblings were fun. Ivy was a typical younger sibling and liked to tease Flynn. I anticipate what the future holds for her.

Flynn had to learn to let go of his fear and to forgive. They also had to learn that despite all the difficulties, God has always been there for them and their loved ones. I am glad how Linnea’s career path turned out.

This was a romantic and enjoyable read with some suspenseful incidents. Ms. Hedlund is a great storyteller. Flora was so cute and I can’t wait to read Brody’s story next. 4.5 stars

Thank you Bethany House and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a *Must Read* book! This book was an absolute wonderful read. The author brings the story to life with her words and makes you feel like you are there. I can't say enough good things about this book without letting a spoiler slip out, it's a heartwarming read that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Jody Hedlund via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What an interesting unique story! Flynn is heading West with his brother and sister to meet his estranged brother, driving cattle. They meet up with a group of scientists heading the same way. The beginning starts with quite the action! Linnea is a scientist and not very observant to her surroundings when she’s observing fauna and floral. As you can imagine this can cause some issues traveling the Santa Fe Trail. There are some twists and turns and things each character overcomes. An enjoyable read and also a reminder of what those who settled the West went through, Danger, weather, Supply shortages. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

I've read a couple of books about wagon trails to west America in the last year or so. They're often full of pain and suffering. And sure, maybe every good story needs some pain and suffering. But I don't always like to go into a story expecting it. I like to be as surprised by it as the characters are. Anyway, I said that to say that I wasn't stoked to see The Heart of the Cowboy focus so much on the journey to Colorado. But it makes sense. Wyatt needs more cows added to his herd. Flynn, Dylan, and Ivy need a reason and way to travel to Colorado. And so it just makes sense.

Flynn was easy to love with his struggles. He has seen so much. His dad died, and his mom remarried an abusive man who stole their family farm out from under them. Then his mom has struggled from one stillbirth to another. Flynn decides that he won't ever put a woman through childbirth. He also couldn't prevent his younger brother, Brody, from heading off to enlist in the war. And he and Wyatt have always had tension and disagreements. So he's looking forward to starting a new life in Colorado, but also, he needs to distance himself from his past. I could also relate to his struggles to parent Dylan and Ivy. They both need a parent...or better yet, two parents, but the harder he tries the more they rebel or resent him for it.

Linnea. Bless her. She's a magnet for life threatening situations. She's an educated botanist. But she's rarely taken seriously because she's a woman. She convinced her grandfather to let her join on his expedition to catalog the plants on their journey to Colorado and back for a manual he was compiling with a group of other scientists. No matter how hard she worked, her contributions weren't appreciated by the group. And despite everything stacked against her, Linnea was just a sweet character. She was also easy to love.

Desire was rampant between these two. And I don't often find that Christian authors touch on this too frequently. So it was nice to see these two have to struggle with this. The tension between them was glorious. And it felt like the relationship was the driving force of the story. I always prefer books where this is the case.

I was happy to get to know Wyatt and Flynn's siblings a little bit through this story. Dylan is quite the ladies man, so I can see his struggles coming from a mile away. Ivy is a firecracker. And I can't wait for her story. Brody's book will come next. And we didn't get much about him except a chapter at the end of The Heart of a Cowboy to set up his book.

Also one quick note, I liked how the Native Americans weren't the bad guys during this wagon train tale as they so often are.

Favorite quotes:
-“I could never be like you.”“And you don’t have to be. You just have to be the truest form of you.”

-Did a man need to cast aside all chivalry in order to respect a woman’s worth? Or was it possible for men to regard women with high esteem while also valuing their intelligence?

-The God who took care of the grass and the flowers and the trees had taken care of her just as He’d promised.

The Heart of a Cowboy was the first book this month to really hold my attention from the beginning. Of course, it helps that the opening sequence is Linnea basically drowning and being rescued. Linnea and Flynn were both easy to love. And I can't wait to read more from the McQuaid siblings. The Heart of a Cowboy gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Heart of a Cowboy? What did you think? Let me know!

I read the first book in this series at the start of a holiday break and once again I found myself at the end of a big and exhausting term and I picked up the second book in the series. Perfect timing indeed, because once again, slipping into a Jody Hedlund historical romance was exactly the way I needed to start my school holidays.

The second book in the Colorado Cowboys series can be read as a standalone novel, so if you haven’t read the first book don’t hesitate to read this one.

I love when historical romances give me the taste of the past with all the comfort of today’s views and opinions. The Heart of a Cowboy does just that. Linnea is a botanist and an excellent scientist. She is travelling with her grandfather and a group of scientists on a botanical expedition to Colorado. Despite her excellent scientific discoveries and abilities, she had to twist her grandfather’s arm to allow her to accompany the expedition and he worries greatly about her safety - and not just because she’s a woman. Linnea can become so distracted by her work she wanders off and finds herself in all sorts of danger. Like when she falls off the wagon during a river crossing and needs to be rescued by Flynn McQuaid. Flynn has no need for extra people to rescue and look out for. He is already managing the care of his younger brother and sister, while driving a herd of cattle to Colorado for his older brother and mourning how he couldn’t stop his other younger brother from joining the war. When Linnea’s grandfather asks Flynn and his family to join the expedition and employs Flynn to keep an eye on Linnea, Flynn thinks it will be easy - just another body to look out for. But caring for Linnea, as Flynn soon finds himself doing in more ways than just physical safety, puts everything he has decided for himself and his future at risk.

If this isn’t a swoony romance, I don’t now what is. Flynn and Linnea have incredible chemistry and the many mishaps she finds herself in and the many times Flynn has to rescue her give them plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal. Of course, while Linnea is prone to mishaps, she is no wilting flower. She is strong, intelligent and kind. Her kindness towards Flynn and his family, bring the McQuaids out of their grief. She also demonstrates how being a woman is not going to stop her or her dreams for her future.

Readers of the first book in the series will likely find Flynn’s last name familiar. We followed his older brother in the first book and things look set to join the next brother in the third book.

If you enjoy a good adventurous and very romantic historical novel, then you are sure to enjoy The Heart of a Cowboy - I know I did. And now I think I’ll just wait and see if book three aligns with a future holiday break, hopefully in the near future, because I can’t wait to slip into this time zone and delightful family again.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Oooh, ooh, ohh, I love Hedlund's cowboys and their heroines!

I've been looking forward to continuing the Colorado Cowboys series since I first read "A Cowboy for Keeps" and let me say that I loved it just as much as I expected! Flynn was even better than I expected and Linnea was just the sweetest!

I won't spoil anything but I highly recommend "The Heart of a Cowboy" for western romance lovers!

And, that snippet of the next book... Ahh, it hurt not to have the book in hand yet!

16/18+ for romance.

Content warning: a good bit of attraction, kissing, suggestions that a character went too far with an old girlfriend before marriage, romantic content, a scene with the guy removing his shirt in front of the heroine, suggestion of immoral conduct.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Jody Hedlund is definitely a favorite author! She can write an amazing book in any genre. This second book in the Colorado Cowboys series was a quick read full of swoon worthy romance and fast paced action that kept me turning the pages. The characters were endearing, especially Flynn, and I quickly became invested in their growth and happiness as the story progressed.

Taking place during Civil War times, this book follows Flynn and his family as they make their way west from Missouri to Colorado bringing a head of cattle to Flynn’s somewhat estranged brother Wyatt. Flynn is a funny, romantic, caring person who is always willing to put others before himself. When he rescues a beautiful woman who has fallen into the river, he is immediately smitten with her and agrees to allow the group of botanists to travel with them.

Linnea is a botanist and desires to make a name for herself helping her grandfather as well the other scientists in their group document the various plants along the Santa Fe Trail. She’s somewhat prone to danger and as a result, when Flynn heroically rescues her from the river, her grandfather hires him to look after her. Despite their sizzling chemistry and immediate attraction to each other, both are leery of entering into a romantic relationship. Linnea’s husband just died and Flynn grew up with an abusive stepfather and watched his mother suffer and eventually die. Despite their hesitations, they build a strong friendship and get to know each other very well as they travel along the trail. Fraught with danger from the weather to Indians to a terrorizing group of Confederate soldiers named the Irregulars, there is never a dull moment as this group tries to make their way west.

Flynn was such an endearing character. I loved his constant exclamation of “holy horses.” He’s thoughtful, caring, strong, and brave. Even his fears are understandable and sympathetic. Linnea was also a fabulous character. It’s easy to like her kind, determined character who wants to prove herself worthy of her place in the expedition. The side characters were also likable. Ivy, Dylan, and Linnea’s grandfather all added extra depth and enjoyment to the novel as well as Wyatt, Greta, and Jude who show up later on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed story filled with romantic tension and religious messages of trusting in God’s love and not being afraid to do the hard work to get what you want. While this is the second book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! I received this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

I am somewhat new to Jody Hedlund's books but she has quickly become a must read author for me. I am fascinated by the way she is able to write books written back in time, alongside books based in today. Or the 1400s/1600s. I think her cowboy romances are my favorite though. She KNOWS how to write a beautiful, funny, swoon worthy, Christ honoring love story with a back story behind it, like no ones business!

It is hard to resist a book by Jody Hedlund and The Heart of a Cowboy is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Ms. Hedlund and would highly recommend it. From the first pages, the readers are thrown into a fast-paced adventure following Linnea Newberry a scientist on an expedition in Colorado Territory. Linnea is passionate about science and exploring nature, but she often seems to fall headlong into danger. The reader first meets Linnea with a rush of danger as she is swept into a flooded river and nearly drowns if not for the quick actions of a handsome, strong, and quiet stranger, Flynn McQuaid. Flynn McQuaid never hesitates to help someone in need and is happy to have saved Linnea from a watery grave. Flynn soon realizes the great responsibility he now has of protecting Linnea as her grandfather hires Flynn to act as Linnea's bodyguard for the remainder of the dangerous trek west. Flynn has determined to not get pulled into a relationship or marriage with any woman. Flynn's mother suffered in her marriage and in childbirth, ultimately dying in childbirth, which left Flynn's heart full of grief and scars as well as his hands full with the responsibility of his siblings. Flynn has heavy weight on his shoulders with his siblings as well as his commitment to deliver his brother's cattle out west. Will Flynn be able to hold all of his commitments? Can he truly make it out west and start a new life? Will he be able to keep Linnea safe throughout all the hazards of a journey out west? Can Flynn keep his heart safe from falling for the beautiful and danger-prone Linnea? Read The Heart of a Cowboy to find out for yourself! when I started reading this book that it is second in Ms. Hedlund's series Colorado Cowboys. Although The Heart of a Cowboy could easily be read as a stand alone work, I could see the benefit to reading this book in order. As I continued reading the book, I saw that there was more backstory to Flynn's brother, but nothing that would make this book hard to understand the context. I will enjoy reading the first book in the Colorado Cowboys series in the near future. ;)
readers. I love how clearly Ms. Hedlund conveys each character's feelings, struggles, and perceptions. The characters of Linnea and Flynn were very realistic and adorable. I enjoyed their interactions and banter, as well as how they dealt with tragedy, difficulties, and disagreements. I was surprised by how much I related to Linnea in her struggles and attempts to make a way for herself in a very tough world. I loved Linnea's positive attitude, her tendency for getting herself into trouble and lost, as well as her friendliness and sweet naivety. Flynn's character was refreshing to see with his genuine selflessness as a protector for his siblings as well as his loyalty, bravery, and chivalry. I thoroughly appreciated Ms. Hedlund's characters in this work. The plot was very well written and the historical context gave extra depth and dimension to the overall themes of the book.
The Heart of a Cowboy was a genuinely entertaining, wholesome, and intriguing book with a unique plot full of just the perfect mixture of adventure, heartache, faith, and humor. I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Hedlund's writings and I highly recommend The Heart of a Cowboy. I hope that you have the opportunity to read and enjoy this work as much as I have. Happy readings!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

The relationship between Flynn and Linnea blossomed slowly but with a passion that none of them expected. Flynn was a great character: caring, helpful, and willing to do whatever he needed to take care of his family and those he cared about.

Linnea was a sweet character who quickly bonded with Flynn's siblings especially his younger sister, Ivy.

I liked seeing their interaction as their friendship bloomed into love and the challenges they faced only made me root for them more.

One of the major themes in The Heart of a Cowboy was that God takes care of us. Linnea was fond of ruminating on Matthew 6:25-32 which is a reminder that God cares about nature and He certainly cares about us.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I love how Jody hedlund writes historical romance. She let's you dive right into a scene with action or has meaning through the rest of the book.
In this case we witness a rescue scene that sets the stage for two very different characters to be thrown together.
The chemistry between Flynn and Linnea was on point and you could feel it even though they each had their own reasons for trying to fight it. Ah such good conflict!
I did enjoy the character arc of Flynn the most, I really appreciated how he had to learn how to let go of the need to be in control, a need truly based off fear.
I often find the "lady scientist " character type hard to like because they often times come across as pushy, abrasive and downright rude. Linnea was a really sweet character and her motivation felt genuine from her love of exploring nature. I do wish her character grew a little in the area that her identity didn't depend on what she did (I personally believe we are more then a chosen profession).
Well paced and romantic.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are my own and honest.

In each book in the Colorado Cowboy Series, you will find all the components of a first-class cowboy story, a handsome cowboy, his horse, and a six-shooter. No matter the genre Author Jody Hedlund fills her stories with emotion, inspiration, and great characters all ingredients for unforgettable adventures. The author’s meticulous attention to details transports the reader to the setting of the story. We met the first McQuaid brother, Wyatt in Book One. In this story we meet Flynn, the second McQuaid brother. I look forward to Book Three in the Colorado Cowboy Series eager to learn more about the third brother, Brody. Each book is stand-alone but trust me you will want to read them all.
I received a copy from the publisher and author. The opinions are my own.

I absolutely fell in love with Linnea and Flynn's story and couldn't get enough of them! It was such a blast to go back to the McQuaid ranch and meet another brother. Linnea and Flynn meet when he rescues her from one of her many mishaps on the Santa Fe Trail. She is traveling with her grandfather and other botanists and he's herding cattle for his brother. They try so hard to stay away from each other...but ya know how handsome and intriguing those cowboys are! All the extra characters are just as wonderful. This will go down as one of my favorite series.

Jody Hedlund never disappoints! She's definitely on my top 10 favorite author list!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 5 October 2021.