I love all of Jody Hedlund's books and this book didn't disappoint me at all! I especially loved all the details that she includes about the flora and fauna throughout the Santa Fe Trail. The main characters, Linnea and Flynn are so dynamic and relatable and I love how much they grow throughout the story; however, Flynn's younger sister Ivy may have stolen the show as my favorite character in this book. I found myself laughing out loud at her hilarious commentary and I loved that she didn't seem to have a filter (she was beyond outspoken). I also enjoyed reading about Linnea's struggles and triumphs with being a female scientist during a time when only men worked in that field. I found myself rooting for her in multiple areas (her science and her relationship with Flynn) and it made the book incredibly hard to put down! I also loved the last chapter of the book, because it was the perfect ending to this sweet and heartwarming story For me, this story had everything - suspense, a dash of danger and of course romance and I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction. Special thanks to Jody Hedlund, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

This book was a very sweet western romance that will melt even the chilliest heart! Jody Hedlund is an old hand now at creating stories with deep, multi-faceted characters and plots that are unique. I would recommend this to anyone, even non-religious readers.

Oh. My. Goodness.

This. Book. Is. So. Good.

I've been impatiently waiting for The Heart of a Cowboy since reading the first book in the series, A Cowboy For Keeps, and I was so excited to get the chance to be on the launch team for this novel as well. Book one was incredible, but I have to say I think book two might be even better. Jody Hedlund never fails to keep her readers invested in the hearts and lives of her characters, and The Heart of a Cowboy is no exception. I was hooked before I got through the first page, and read this story as quickly as I possibly could.

Recently widowed Linnea Newberry is a brilliant scientist, but she struggles to feel accepted in a world where men thrive and women's ideas are pushed to the side. Having embarked on a voyage with her grandfather and a group of other botanists, Linnea is thrilled to be a part of the discoveries they'll make, but trouble seems to have a way of finding her. When the handsome Flynn McQuaid saves her from drowning in the river, her grandfather immediately hires him, without her knowledge, as a guard for the rest of the trip. But he didn't plan on having to guard his heart too. Despite the immediate attraction he feels, Flynn has sworn off women and marriage forever. He's promised himself that he would never watch another woman he loved suffer like his mother did, and he'll stick to that promise even if it kills him. The chemistry between Linnea and Flynn is apparent from the moment they meet, but a lasting relationship needs more than just sparks and breath-taking kisses. Linnea only married her much-older, now late husband to be allowed to join the expedition, and his recent death has left her confused about how she feels. Add in the one-sided interests of another scientist and the intense attraction between her and Flynn, and you have a pretty fantastic plot already. But Linnea has a secret; one that has the potential to drive Flynn away forever.

I immediately fell in love with Flynn and Linnea's stories. Despite the childhood trauma he's endured, Flynn is slowly able to find healing with Linnea's--and God's--help. Linnea has already overcome many challenges, and she isn't afraid to step forward in faith and face what comes her way, whether it's giving motherly advice to Flynn's younger sister or protecting the ones she loves most. Speaking of Flynn's sister, Hedlund has added some incredible side characters once again. This time, we have Flynn's tomboyish sister Ivy and rebellious brother Dylan along for the journey to find a new home near their oldest brother, Wyatt. Ivy adds humour throughout the book with her rather innocent comments and questions, and had me laughing out loud multiple times.

I could go on forever, but all in all, The Heart of a Cowboy is jam-packed with thrilling adventure and heart-throbbing romance. As always, Hedlund keeps God at the forefront, and expertly weaves faith throughout the chapters. If you enjoy faith-filled historical romance, you won't want to miss this one.

*As a launch team member, I received a complimentary copy of The Heart of a Cowboy through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Jody Hedlund has captured my heart with her latest novel, The Heart of a Cowboy. I loved the first in this series, A Cowboy for Keeps. But this one is even better.

Linnea Newberry and her grandfather are traveling out west with a group of botanist. They are on an expedition cataloging for the Smithsonian Institute. Linnea seems to always get into some sort of trouble. She has a hard time paying attention to her surrounding, often getting lost.

Flynn McQuaid has determined he will never marry after watching his mother die in childbirth. He will never put a woman through that. But when he saves Linnea after falls off her wagon as they are crossing the river, he is smitten.

Flynn and Linnea are at a start of an adventure that pulls at heartstrings. Linnea falls in love with Flynn, as he tries not to. I loved the character of Ivy, Flynn's young sister who is constantly prodding Flynn by telling him he needs Linnea in his life.

This is absolutely a wonderful story. Action, adventure, LOTS of kissing. But very clean reading. I love how you can feel the drama of Flynn and Linnea's story.

So now we must wait for Brody's story. We get a taste of it at the end of the book. Can it really get any better?
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Absolutely fantastic!!! That’s how I must describe Jody Hedlund’s book “The Heart of a Cowboy.” Hedlund has an unmatched skill at weaving intricate details into a story so realistic that the reader feels like a part of that story. I felt myself pulling for Linnea and Flynn to get together. I enjoyed the family dynamic between Flynn and his siblings, especially Ivy. I so much wanted to see Linnea find the approval she so dearly seeks from her grandfather.

“The Heart of a Cowboy” is quintessential Jody Hedlund. It is impossible for me to say too many great things about this book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I feel the need to repeat a little about book 1 before I review book 2 of this series. I am anticipating at least 5 books before this series is over and I wish I had them all at hand right now! This is such a fun saga.

In book 1, Greta accepted a request from Colorado for a mail order bride hoping the climate would be better for her little sister with consumption. When she arrived, however the prospective groom was missing. A fellow traveler who lived in the same town, arranged for Greta to marry Wyatt, a struggling local rancher.

Wyatt had left a bad situation back at his family farm in the East to try and find a new situation for his mother and younger siblings.

Meanwhile, (Book 2), Flynn, his next younger brother was left holding the bag on the family farm with an abusive stepfather and an ailing mother and all his other siblings to take care of.. His mother died and his stepfather kicked them off of the family farm that had been in their family for several generations. The Civil war was heating up and one of his brothers snuck off and joined the Union Army. Flynn took the other two siblings and headed to Colorado driving some cattle Wyatt had bought. He met up with Linnea and her grandfather when he saved Linnea from drowning during a river crossing. Linnea's grandfather and herself and the other botanists who made up their expedition started traveling in the same group with Flynn just for protection from outlaws and Indians and other perils of the trail.

Book 1 was wonderful and exciting. Book 2 was even more intrigue and action. Book 3 should be a dandy along with hopefully a 4 and a 5 if there is one for each sibling. You need to read these two and put Jody Hedlund on your favorite authors list so you can keep aware of when the next book in the series will be available..

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The second book in Jody Hedlund’s book is just as engaging and exciting as the first book. Flynn Mcquaid is tasked to drive his brother Wyatt’s cattle west. A difficult task but after saving a beautiful redhead named Linnea, he is also asked by her grandfather to guard her throughout the trip. Little does he know he will have to guard his heart as well. Can Flynn and Linnea set aside their reservations against marriage to see a future together? Find out in this heartwarming story.

After enjoying A Cowboy for Keeps so very much, I’ve been waiting impatiently for The Heart of a Cowboy! Flynn and Linnea’s story did not disappoint!

The story opens with immediate action… poor Linnea Newberry finding herself being swept down the river. But handsome Flynn McQuaid comes to the rescue and that is only the start of their harrowing adventures on the Santa Fe Trail in 1863.

Linnea and her grandfather are traveling with a group of botanists on a mission to complete a guide to the flora on the way and in Colorado once they get there. Flynn and his brother Dylan and sister Ivy are bringing their oldest brother Wyatt a herd of cattle for his new ranch. Turns out their pace is just right for the scientists, and unbeknownst to Linnea, her grandfather strikes a deal with Flynn to be her guardian during the trek. Flynn doesn’t think it will be all that hard… but he only just met trouble-magnet Linnea!

I became so invested in the outcome of the expedition right away. I’ve read books on the Oregon Trail, but I don’t know remember any set on the Santa Fe Trail before this one. Jody Hedlund did wonderful research to highlight certain perils and topography, along with what must have been copious amounts of research on plants they would have encountered! She uses Linnea to oh-so-subtly educate us about them as we go.

I was also immediately swept up into rooting for Flynn and Linnea’s relationship. After watching his mother have stillbirth after miscarriage and eventually die in childbirth because of his brute of a stepfather, Wyatt has made the decision to never marry and subject a woman he loves to that possibility. Linnea married an older man- one of her grandfather’s friends- to be able to be a part of the expedition in the first place. But his untimely death has left her confused and at a bit of a loss dealing with the unwelcome interest of another scientist and her sizzling chemistry with the reluctant Flynn. As the dangerous trail continues to drive them together, a secret of Linnea’s threatens to drive them apart.

As always, Jody Hedlund’s secondary characters shine. I immediately fell in love with precocious twelve-year-old Ivy and I just know her story is going to be extraordinary when we get to it. I also felt like Dylan’s personality is going to get him in a bit of trouble later! And while Brody doesn’t physically appear until the epilogue, we already deeply care about the quiet, sensitive, stubborn young man determined to fight in the war through what we know about him through his siblings. And of course reconnecting with Wyatt, Greta, Astrid, and Judd from the first book was a joy.

I couldn’t stop reading and finished this story in a day. Jody Hedlund’s ability to pull me in to a situation and become invested in characters is one of the things I love most about her writing. This story is like a Colorado sunset- beautiful colorful characters shining through an equally stunning but treacherous landscape. Action-packed and wonderfully romantic, The Heart of a Cowboy is full of heart and adventure. You are not going to want to miss this story or this series- set in one of my very favorite settings by one of my very favorite authors!

I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.

I love a good Western, so this book is right up my alley. If I had not had other responsibilities, I doubt I would have put it down except for essential things like eating. To be honest, I did let a few things slide so I could read. Linnea, the heroine, kept the action lively because of constantly getting in trouble, like falling off the back of the covered wagon during a river crossing and almost drowning. Flynn, the brother of Wyatt in the first book, is the hero of this story. He agreed to deliver about two hundred head of Shorthorn cattle to Wyatt in South Park, Colorado. His younger brother and sister were making the trip with him. I enjoyed the way his sister Ivy held nothing back. If she thought it, she said it. I reckon it would have been different if she was my sister, but she could liven things up in her own right. Besides having an unusual name, Linnea was different from most women of that era because she had studied to become a botanist and was traveling with her grandfather to identify and document the many plants they found along the trail. Flynn had been a farmer back in Pennsylvania but he gained a lot of experience with cattle as they made their journey along the trail to Colorado. You will especially enjoy this story if you like action and romance mixed with faith and good values. Preceding the first chapter is a verse of Scripture that talks about the grass of the field. What a fitting verse since Linnea, her grandfather, and the other botanists were studying all the different kinds of grass and other plants encountered while Flynn was constantly on the lookout for good grazing areas for the Shorthorns. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

I sincerely hope that Jody Hedlund is having as good time writing this series as I have been having reading it.

Flynn is taking his younger brother and sister, and a herd of shorthorn cattle west to another brother's ranch in Colorado.

Linnea and her grandfather are on a botanical expedition for the Smithsonian Institute along with some other botanists. Linnea is newly widowed and all she wants to do is prove her mettle as a botanist to the point that she sometimes loses herself in her work and neglects her environment.

In order to keep her safe, Linnea's grandfather pays Flynn to keep her out of trouble and act as a bodyguard, but Flynn is not to tell Linnea about it. This arrangement gives Linnea and Flynn a lot of time together. Flynn begins to fall for Linnea but he thinks he doesn't want a wife. He doesn't want to put a woman through what his mother went through with his stepfather.

The Heart of a Cowboy takes childhood trauma, and delicately moves through the healing that must happen for health to come. It also takes on dealing with girls growing up without mother figures and feminine influence. Flynn has had to be both mother and father to his younger siblings since his mother passed away and his stepfather kicked him off the farm.

There is a bit of "romance formula" in this book, but it is not so overwhelming to the story that it detracts from the plot, but it adds credibility to the plot. It is ultimately an enjoyable read that will give a few hours of solid entertainment. Four Strong Stars.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

THE HEART OF A COWBOY by JODY HEDLUND is not only a cowboy story, it is a beautiful romance novel which takes place in 1863.
Linnea Newberry is a botanist who is on a scientific expedition headed by her grandfather, Dr Howell. She is hoping that her work will be recognied, particularly because she is a woman. Having been brought up by a liberal mother, ahe says things that could be seen as shocking, but she gets away with it due to her beauty and enthusiasm for life The scripture she holds on to and which helps her trust in the Lord is Matthew 6:30, “Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Because of her habit of wandering off in search of flora, and having been saved from drowning by the handsome cowboy, Flynn McQuaid, her grandfather hires Flynn to guard her.
Flynn is travelling with his sister Ivy and his youngest brother Dylan, heading for his brother Wyatt’s homestead with a herd of cattle. Flynn is very kind and helpful, but does tend to “play God” in the lives of his loved ones. Will he ever get over the guilt he feels for not being able to stop his brother Brody from joining the army, his hatred for his stepfather for the way he treated his mother and the fear of women dying in childbirth!
The journey is dangerous and you will be kept on the edge of your seat.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you.
I highly recommend this book for the exciting story, unforgettable characters and strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Excellent new story from Jody Hedlund! The plot and pacing were well thought out and believable. Perfect blend of seriousness and humor. Flynn and Linnea were refreshingly real in their strengths and flaws, and their chemistry was undeniable! Appreciated that while it was a clean romance, it was still passionate.

Great job by Ms Hedlund in putting some twists and turns that I was not expecting. Not your average, predictable romance…and I loved it! While this book is the second in the series, it can still be read on its own. (Readers also get a bonus at the very end by getting a sneak peek into the next story for the McQuaid brothers. I’m already looking forward to it!)

I received this book as an advance copy from the author and Baker House Publishing with no obligation for a positive review.

'He was about as good at parenting Ivy as a hen was at mothering a porcupine.'

I have loved Jody Hedlund's books since her very first. She is very adept at switching genres, and I love each one she does. This series, her cowboy one, she proves yet again how great a writer she is. Fromm crafting believable characters and wonderful plots, when you sit down to read a Hedlund book, you can be sure of a pleasurable reading experience. Well done1

My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not expected to write a positive review and the opinion here is my own.

Once again Jody Hedlund has taken me on adventure. This time we traveled across plains in a wagon train headed to Colorado. Mrs Hedlund never fails to transport me to the place she has set her books. I always leave feeling as if I have just experienced life right alongside the people within the story. For this one I rode along with and befriended a female Botanist named Mrs Linnea Newberry. We traveled the Santa Fe Trail with her Grandfather, Dr Linnus Howell and his team of fellow scientist. When Dr Howell thought Linnea might need a bit of extra watching over he enlisted the help of Flynn McQuaid and his siblings, who were on their way to Colorado to live with family. Along the way things happen that will make you want to hold and will make you want to cheer. I was sad to see this story end, however, I am excited and anticipating the next. The Heart of a Cowboy is book 2 in the Colorado Cowboys series.

** I was given an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest opinion. These words are mine and mine alone.

What a wonderfully captivating, entertaining addition to the Colorado Cowboys series by storyteller extraordinaire Jody Hedlund. Continuing the saga of the McQuaid family, this book surpassed my expectations which were really high after reading the first book in the series A Cowboy for Keeps.
Once again, Ms. Hedlund excels in bringing the characters to life and making them relatable and memorable. Flynn and Linnea are now on my list of favorite fictional couples! Well-crafted secondary characters add depth and interest. Twelve-year-old, precocious, outspoken Ivy is one of my favorites!
The romance is sweet and sometimes steamy, albeit fraught with complications! The fast-paced plot takes the reader on a gripping journey down the Santa Fe Trail featuring beautifully drawn settings. Extensive research is evidenced by detailed descriptions as botanist Linnea analyzes the flora and foliage of the area. I especially appreciated the thoughtfully integrated, inspiring spiritual truths in the story.
I love the glimpse of the next McQuaid sibling’s story at the end of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it especially for lovers of historical romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! This book was even better than the first book! I am always amazed by all of the books that Jody Hedlund has written, they are so good! The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. I was excited to read this story because I wanted to learn more about Wyatt’s family and finally get to see Flynn. The Heart of a Cowboy was such a sweet and heartwarming book.
Flynn wanted to prove that he was better than his older brother, Wyatt. He was determined to deliver cattle to his brother no matter the cost, he would keep the cattle alive. Linnea Newberry is loving traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Howell on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She wants to prove to her grandfather and the others on the team that she was trustworthy and just as capable. What Linnea and Flynn never expected was to grow a bond as they travled together.
Flynn was an awesome hero, he wanted to protect his family and do his best to bring his brother’s cattle to him. I loved his relationship with his siblings and how he tried to be the best big brother he could. He was strong but he had to learn to trust that he could not save everyone or stop bad things from happening. He was grappling with how to care for his family and let them grow. It was sweet to read about him falling for Linnea, she was fearless and helped him see the good in life again.
Linnea was really cool. She was a botanist in a time where women could not do much. I adored her and I loved how much she loved God’s creation. It was also fun to read about her interaction with Ivy, Flynn’s younger sister. However Linnea had to learn to trust God’s plan and stop trying to worsen her way of things. It was so cool to see Linnea grow in her faith. She was a lovely character
Linnea and Flynn were cute together. They balanced each other. They were able to talk to each other, which I always love. Bantering is one of my favorite things that can be written into books, and I really enjoyed Linnea and Flynn’s bantering. I liked the progress of their romance and also the balance with the rest of the story. I was really interested to read about them transporting cattle and to read about Linnea’s rescue. There was so much going on and I kept on wanting to read more.
Some of my favorite things about Hedlund’s books are the great quotes. Here are two of my favorite quotes: “If we tuck tail and run everytime we’re scared, we’ll end up running in circles, never getting anywhere.” This quote reminded me that sometimes we have to push through the hard things and just try our best. The second quote was “Was it finally time to stop trying so hard in her own strength and to let God carry her where He would, working thighs out in His way?” I loved this quote because it reminded me that I need to trust in God’s plan and not my own.
The Heart of a Cowboy was a great book! There were some twists and turns and I ended up staying up late reading. I am excited to read Dylan’s book, I know it is going to be good! I would totally recommend The Heart of a Cowboy! It is a clean christian romance but it is a little heavier on the romance so I would probably recommend it to at least 13 and up.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

This is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s new Colorado Cowboys series. It will help if you read the first book, A Cowboy for Keeps, before this one, since the hero in this book, Flynn, is brother of Wyatt, the hero in the first book. There’s a lot on family relationships and responsibilities in The Heart of A Cowboy, and how one person’s perceptions may not be the actual situation.

I liked the “setting” of the characters traveling to Colorado with a wagon train and a herd of shorthorn cattle. There are plot twists to keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat, swoony kisses, obstacles to the relationship between Flynn and Linnea, villains intent on killing people or cattle, and irrepressible younger siblings to keep everyone on their toes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and can’t wait for the next book!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #TheHeartOfACowboy #NetGalley

An absolutely phenomenal second story in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series! The Heart of a Cowboy was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it exceeded my expectations. Hedlund just writes so incredibly well—I always connect with her characters, I always feel inspired, and I’m always enraptured by the stories she tells.

Each book Hedlund writes just impresses me further. Flynn and Linnea are intensely relatable characters, as are the other members of the McQuaid family. I learned something unique from each character, and I absolutely can’t wait for the rest of this series. And we even get a glimpse into Brody’s story, which is going to be so hard to wait for, in this book.

If you like historical romance even a little bit, there is no author I recommend more than Jody Hedlund. Grab your copy of The Heart of a Cowboy as soon as you’re able! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.