Member Reviews
There is something about a cowboy in Colorado that just calls out to me, and this story by Jody Hedlund didn’t disappoint!! Not the first book in the series, but the first book in the series I’ve read (it won’t be the last, though!). Ivy is such a fun and interesting woman. She is the perfect match for Jericho, and he is a man strong enough to be the perfect match for her! The writing was amazingly beautiful and painted a perfect picture all the way around and throughout this story. Loved this book!
This is book four in the Colorado Cowboy series, even though it is a stand alone book, i feel I missed a lot of history and some great reads by starting with this one. I was not lost so I do feel if you just read this one you can follow along just fine. I would like to read the others now though.
Ivy McQuaid is the beautiful lone girl in the McQuaid family. When her childhood friend and her secret crush, Jericho Bliss, comes back to town, the sparks really fly.
Jericho is set on keeping Ivy at a distance for her own safety, however he is not prepared for all that is in store for them. I loved the sparks between them.
This book is full of family, some misunderstanding, mystery, laughter, romance and more. I would recommend this book if you enjoy historical romance books. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Oh my goodness! After the author's last book in the series, I was extra excited for Ivy's story to be released. This story does not disappoint!
The characters were supreme, and their growth was fantastic.
I really really loved this story, and I'm not typically a Western book "fan"!
I was looking forward to reading Falling for the Cowgirl quite a bit, because Ivy's character was interesting and full of life in the previous book. She definitely had a decent character here, albeit reckless and quick-tempered at times.
Jericho (I love that name so much) as well had a good character. His and Ivy's banter was so fun to read. The dialogue and writing in general was great!
My main issue with this book was the romantic content, and certain plot points that were just way too convenient to be even remotely believable:
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The fire moving so quickly (for drama was my guess; Jericho's blindness to Hance "fitting the physical profile in nearly every way" pretty much the whole book until near the end, and the "always coming across her when she was indecent" (which was annoying as well).
The romance was very prominent (of course), but I found the content and heat level to be more than what Hedlund's books normally are, which is the reason why my rating is low-ish.
I did enjoy this book for the most part, but it could have been better as far as the plot and romance content.
I love that I can pick up a Jody Hedlund novel—any Jody Hedlund novel!—and know I'm going to be in for a good read. Doesn't matter what time period it's set in, what genre...she just absolutely knows how to craft a plot that keeps me engaged. I've enjoyed the whole Colorado Cowboys series and this one was no different. Ivy's a fun character and this story is sprinkled with amusing situations. The romance is great, and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series!
Ivy McQuaid can ride and rope with the best of the boys, she has big dreams and no one has been able to stand in her way until Jericho Bliss comes waltzing back into her life and threatening her secrets.
A fast paced western romance with a headstrong heroine, set against the mountains of Colorado. From reading the previous books in the series I knew that this pairing was coming, and it didn't disappoint. Jericho is a principled man on a mission, he has a strong sense of duty and responsibility which I admired. Ivy is more impulsive, though I liked that she was always up for a challenge and never let fear stop her from doing something.
It was fun to revisit to the McQuaid clan, and see how their families had grown, as well as learning more about Jericho's past.
Overall, an action packed read, with sparks flying, and a thrilling ending that only made me want to read the next book even sooner! Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers romance and stubborn heroines!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ivy McQuaid is one amazing cowboy, I mean cowgirl. She is caught between the world of men who don’t accept women ranch hands, and she doesn’t fit in with the women either. Disguised as a man to win prize money to buy some property for a ranch, she enters competitions and wins handily every time. Her grit and determination are admirable as she competes with the men and I was a bit on edge hoping she wouldn’t get caught.
Ivy is always trying to prove that she is a capable ranch woman to her brothers and to Jericho, her secret childhood crush. She finds herself in all sorts of scapes, sometimes awkward, and a couple of particularly dangerous situations. It’s a good thing Jericho steps into save her every time.
Ms. Hedlund wrote a great story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The ending was so good, with a wayward sibling getting a chance to start all over again. I am sure it will be a great book. This can be read as a standalone if you like. I hadn’t read the other books in the series, but I can tell by the interaction that Ivy has with her brothers that I would enjoy reading those too.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. My opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
I love this series. Jody Hedlund brings us the McQuaid family and here we are with Ivy's story. Ivy, who is rambunctious and always getting in trouble. And enter Jericho Bliss, back again after a two year absence. Jericho, who has loved Ivy for years. And she loves him. But they've never admitted it to each other. Now Jericho is a Pinkerton agent searching for a desperate criminal and is determined not to letting Ivy close to his heart. Good luck with that.
Hedlund is a dab hand at a cowboy story. She switches genres effortlessly and I love every one she does. This series has been great and there is yet one to come. I can't wait for it! I loved the spiritual thread here. Well done!
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is entirely my own.
Ivy's story and if you've read the others, you will be excited to finally see Ivy grow up and mature. She was a little more unrelatable than some of the other girls in this series, but I enjoyed Jeb's character a lot. I liked seeing their story finally flesh out and come together in typical Jody Hedlund style. Lots of dramatic tension between the two, lots of awkward moments, and plenty of subtle spice that probably pushes the boundaries for your typical Christian fiction. If you're one of those people who hate even the tiniest bit of description of physical things happening, you will not be comfortable with Hedlund's style because I've seen some complaints, so just be warned. But if you like it you'll like this one. And I'll say this one reminded me of Misty Beller's latest series and a little of Mary Conneally as well, so if you enjoy those authors, you'll enjoy this cowboy story set in Colorado. It's exactly what I expect from Hedlund's books.
This book, just like Ivy, is full of sass and vim and vinegar. And I love it (I *may* have a *little* sass myself)!
Ivy. ~sigh~ I can relate to her so well. I literally cried with her. Felt her pain. The lack of belonging. The empty place in herself. That spot that needs filled. The feeling of constantly disappointing everyone. My heart broke with hers.
This book is definitely edgier than the previous ones in the series, but it suits Ivy. And you know, it's kind of nice to see a couple from the 1800s struggle with temptation. So many times, we-and maybe it's only really I-put people from "back then" on a pedestal and assume that they didn't struggle like we do today. But of course they did. They were human, too. So it's kind of...a reality check, I guess, to see them face temptation.
It's been wonderful to watch Ivy grow up through the previous books, and now become her own woman. I am very much enjoying this series and following this family, and can't wait for Dylan's book!
Quite gripping with amazing depth of characters. Reminded me of the importance of integrity and openness in families.
Hold tight to your horse because Ivy McQuaid will keep you laughing, cringing, and reading just one more chapter to find out how in the world her years-long affection for Jericho could work out when so much is going wrong. During the years Jericho has been absent, Ivy has pursued her dream of owning her own ranch in the Colorado Territory. Some of her methods for earning the money are a bit unconventional, and Jericho returns unexpectedly to find her, as always, causing him to fear for her safety and trigger conflict with his interventions.
This story is sweet romance and delightful angst and explosive chemistry and conflict all through, and the ending took me by surprise. Whether or not you've read the other books in this series, you can dive into Ivy's story and not feel behind; the author is great at setting the stage and keeping each book in the series complete in itself.
This was just as good as the others! I have loved the past books in this series, so I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint. Falling for the Cowgirl is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. We finally get to read about Ivy and see her get her happy ending, and let me just say it was so good!
Ivy was definitely a fun character to read about, and she was so feisty and full of life. However, she was still trying to find herself and figure out what she wanted to do. I loved how independent Ivy was but also how she tried to trust her brothers. Ivy was so sweet and her interactions with her brothers were cute but I also loved how she didn’t let them push her around. Ivy was strong but Jericho had a way of reaching past her walls. Jericho truly saw Ivy and loved her even though she was more “wild” and “adventurous.”
Jericho was complicated but I loved him. He cared for Ivy and her family, but he also tried to stay away because he wanted to protect her. He had a dangerous job and his past kept him wary of letting people in.
Ivy and Jericho were the perfect match and I loved reading about their interactions. They were both so fiery and full of life. Their romance was sweet and it was fun to read about their reconnecting. They had known each other for a long time, but they left on a bad note when Jericho left with Dylan. Ivy and Jericho had to learn how to communicate with each other and how to help each other become better people.
The story line was very interesting and I was so invested in this book. I wanted to know how Ivy and Jericho would end up together. I also love how Hedlund is able to weave in faith so seamlessly into her books. Ahh, this book was just amazing! I loved the characters and I am super excited for Dylan’s book!! Judd was also a wonderful character and I loved his parts in this book.
Falling for the Cowgirl is an amazing book and I would totally recommend it! I have loved all of Hedlund’s books and this one was no different. However I do think that this one is better enjoyed as part of the series. Falling for the Cowgirl is a clean Christian historical romance.
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.
Falling for the Cowgirl is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s spectacular Colorado Cowboys series. The series follows the McQuaid siblings as they carve out lives in the early days of Colorado.
Ivy is the only girl in the family… and her brothers have no idea what to do with her. They are grateful for her independence, but can be overbearing and worried because she’s anything but a typical female. The story opens with Ivy disguised as a man so she can enter roping competitions! Ivy just wants her brothers to see how capable she is and that they’ve done a good job raising her… but that it’s time to let go and let her be her own person. She dreams of owning her own land and raising sheep so that she can be independent and is working toward saving money for that goal. At the root of her desire for independence is what happened to her mother long ago, and Jericho Bliss’ abandonment when he left Colorado with her brother Dylan.
Jericho has thought about Ivy a lot during the years he’s been gone, even though long ago he promised Dylan he would always treat her as a sister. Now back in Colorado in pursuit of a dangerous war criminal, he’s shocked when he easily sees through her disguise. He can’t help the fact that he’s drawn to her like a magnet, despite knowing his career is far too dangerous to allow her to be a part of his life.
As Jericho and Ivy literally fight their way toward love, danger speeds toward them. Can they overcome all the people and things and circumstances standing in their way for a chance at forever?
I loved this story! That being said, I wouldn’t say it was my favorite in the series just because I feel like Ivy and Jericho both showed their immaturity frequently, Flynn (who I love) was often a bit of a hardheaded idiot, and honestly, all these months later I still have a little book hangover from Brody and Savannah in Book 3!
However, both Jericho and Ivy grew up in this book. Ivy’s character matures with the help of good old Judd, one of my favorite side characters having a much more active role for the first time since Book 1. Jericho learns to rely on God instead of himself and learns to forgive himself for something that was never his fault to begin with. And Ivy’s brothers finally see that they don’t handle situations with their sister all that well!
The romance sizzles and the undercurrent of faith is everything I love about Jody Hedlund’s writing. In this one, I especially liked Jericho’s search for the war criminal, which becomes a bit of a whodunit mystery, a treasure hunt, and disaster movie all rolled into one. Once I reached a certain spot, there was no stopping until I finished! I don’t always get mystery/suspense elements in Jody Hedlund books, and I really enjoy it when I do!!
I can’t wait for the final book and series conclusion. I am truly looking forward to prodigal Dylan finally getting to come home and get his own happy ending.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Jody Hedlund, Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley. My opinions are my own and I was not asked to leave a positive review.
No one writes clean, romantic passion like Jody Hedlund! Every time I pick up her books, I know I am guaranteed a ride of emotions. Falling for the Cowgirl finally tells Ivy’s story. I have loved every one of the McQuaid stories and the part that Ivy played in each of them. Now she is grown into a beautiful woman who is just as wild and free spirited as she’s always been. I love her competitive side and her fiery sense of independence. She loves her family but wants to stand on her own feet. Jericho has done a great job of staying in the background, but Ivy has a way of drawing out emotions from everyone she encounters. Ivy and Jericho have been thick as thieves since they were kids on the cattle drive. The problem is, there are not kids anymore and the electricity that surges through them when they are together is too risky. I relished in their stolen moments of joy and cheered when they forgot why they were a bad idea. I loved the protectiveness of her brothers along the way as well. Everyone’s faith keeps them grounded and they have plenty of lessons to learn and share along the way. The setting in the Colorado high country is well written and described perfectly. I was not even close to ready for this book to finish and wholeheartedly recommend it to others who love clean, inspirational stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
The fourth in Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series, and this one definitely has got to be a favorite. Ivy and Jericho both had some growing up to do, and as much as it was painful reading of one mistake after another, about 65% into the book, you start to see switches turning on, only the last 20% unfortunately was about their maturity finally sinking in and finally started to see the right choices being made. I enjoyed Ivy's fiery spirit, and the adventures she had from the beginning right to the end. The gold searching was probably one of my favorite parts, as was seeing justice served on the criminals. What I probably liked least was how Ivy's family treated her, I think much of her personality and flaws come from wanting attention, and they didn't often give it to her until she got into trouble. Jericho in the same right treated her in a gaurded manner for most the book even when they opened up about their true feelings, wish he would have been more open from the start, maybe then I would have liked him better. The only plot hole I found was concerning why Hance sought out a relation with Ivy, but much later in book admitted to having a wife. Not sure where I missed the why there, but assuming it was because he was probing all the locals for info on the gold hunt, correct me if I am wrong. Jody definitely held my interest in this story right to the end, and I look forward to the final book in this series.
Yeeessss!!!!!! It is finally time for Ivys story and it did not disappoint!!! I love her sass and spunk and that she found a man who appreciates it! Love this family and sad to see this series end.
Some books just connect so strongly to a song in my mind - and with this one - I couldn't stop hearing Long Live Cowgirls. Because Ivy is definitely a cowgirl - she's fierce, strong, independent, and driven to be her own person - not someone else's idea of what she should be. She's also very young - only 18. She's been left behind and not made anyone's priority in her life. Throughout this book she really is trying to build a foundation for an independent life in a time where women really didn't do that - and I appreciated it so much.
Jericho has not had an easy time of it - he's experienced so much loss and carries huge weights of guilt with him. He clearly has been in love with Ivy for a long time - but has stayed away for "noble" reasons and because her brother's don't want him to have anything to do with her. When he returns back to Fairplay tracking a criminal - everything changes between them.
So here's the thing. I've loved all the books in this series - and that is saying something because I am rarely a fan of inspirational romances. This series had had just the right blend of spirituality and romance for me. but where this one didn't work for me was the relationship between Ivy and her family - and ultimately her relationship with Jericho. Ivy's family really treated her pretty poorly - and I loved all of them in other books. Because she didn't fit the mold of what a woman should be, they just didn't know what to do with her. So they seemed to alternate between ignoring her and then being totally overbearing when she did something that finally got their notice. It was just painful to watch. This same attitude translated into her relationship with Jericho. The best parts of the book was when Jericho and Ivy were alone together. They really bloomed - but as soon as families entered into things - it just fell apart. Jericho did not treat Ivy well - and she really didn't seem to understand him at all below the surface. Where she sees only abandonment - he feels he's doing what is best for her and ensuring she gets what she wants. Both Ivy and Jericho don't really behave rationally for a good portion of the book - and that made it a bit of a rough go. They also just felt so young.
Overall - I liked this one - but didn't love it as much as other books in this series.
I received this as an ARC via NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
FALLING FOR THE COWGIRL is the fourth novel in the Colorado Cowboys series by JODY HEDLUND, but it can easily stand alone. It is a delightful and most enjoyable romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages. There is a strong Christian message based on psalm 37:23-24 which starts, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…….”
The characters are well developed and interesting.
Ivy McQuaid has never stopped loving Jericho Bliss and when he comes back to Colorado after being away for two years she does everything she can to win his attention. Jericho, on the other hand, tries to tamp down his feelings for this beautiful, vivacious young woman because of his dangerous work as an undercover Pinkerton agent.
I highly recommend this action packed read to anyone who enjoys this genre. I am hoping there is going to be another book in the series giving us Dylan’s story!
I have really enjoyed this series.
I was given a free book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
Wonderful story! Jericho and Ivy have known each other for years. Since childhood. While growing up, Jericho had promised her brothers he would never be interested in having Ivy as a girlfriend or anything. He leaves with her brother, Dylan, but when he returns as a Pinkerton agent searching for a criminal, he returns to find her quite grown up and much more beautiful than she was two years ago. Ivy has always loved Jericho, and has always been frustrated that he sees her as a little sister and nothing else. He doesn't tell her he is a Pinkerton agent, so she just sees him as Jericho. He's afraid of getting close to her, because it will put her in danger. His father was also a Pinkerton agent, and because of that, his mother was abducted, tortured, and killed by criminals. He had every reason to stay away from her, but she made it very difficult. He and Ivy find the criminal he was after, and he finally tells her about his job, after she figures it out on her own. They both find they are very much in love with each other, but he won't put her in danger by marrying her, and when he leaves, she is broken hearted. He soon realizes his heart is broken also. Wonderful story with a great ending!