If you love a sweet cowboy love story, this is the book. It was just darling! I could not get over how many times my heart melted at how adorable it was.

Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley and H. Mitchell for providing me with the ARC of such a beautiful book.

You know that wholesome, content feeling you get while reading a truly special story? That’s exactly what I felt while reading My Ellie. It’s not just the romance, it’s the entire setup of the book: the friends, the family, the picturesque setting, it was all so wonderfully written. I couldn’t put this book down and loved every single bit of it without ever feeling bored.

H. Mitchell has masterfully crafted Colton and Ellie’s love story, making it impossible not to fall for these two characters. From their very first interaction to their final moments together, the story is beautifully woven with just the right amount of character development and slow burn. Their dynamic was compelling from the beginning, and I loved how they gradually spent time together, getting to know one another deeply rather than simply acting on their initial attraction. Their relationship blossoming from friendship into love was so natural and heartfelt. The slow burn was absolutely worth it.

One of the highlights of their relationship was their conversations- open and honest discussions about mental health, offering each other a safe space to share their burdens and being the kind of friend they had never had before. This emotional depth made their connection even more meaningful.

Ellie, my sweet girl- I wish I could reach through the pages and hug her. Despite enduring so much mental and physical abuse at the hands of her mother, Ellie remained pure-hearted and such a beautiful soul. I loved her character arc, especially when she finally stood up for herself. Her unwavering support for her friends, whether it was Sanya or Colton, was incredibly endearing.

And Colton? He’s the man of dreams. From the very beginning, he was a walking green flag, and I fell more in love with him with every chapter. The way he cherished all his relationships was so heartwarming. I have a soft spot for men who aren’t afraid to cry, and Colton is one of them. His thoughtfulness and support for Ellie, whether it was cheering her up, waking up early to make her breakfast, or simply being there for her, was beyond swoon-worthy. His bond with Wyatt and Meemaw was also a joy to read.

The supporting characters added so much warmth to the story. The group dynamics between Ellie, Sanya, Colton and Rory were incredibly fun and heartwarming. Colton and Sanya’s family dynamics were another highlight that I truly enjoyed. As for Ellie’s mother- let’s just say she belongs in a psych ward.

Overall, if you’re a fan of slow-burn, heartwarming romances between a cowboy and a dressage rider, then you must pick up this book. The unique concept and setting made it stand out, and I personally loved every second of it. I miss these characters terribly as I write this review!
Lastly, I’m really excited for the next book in the series. Fingers crossed it’s Sanya and Rory’s story!

Wow, oh wow! I found this book and author via threads and Instagram and it did not disappoint. I love a slow burn and the tasteful spice is amazing. The mental health representation of anxiety and depression is one of the best representations I’ve read recently - truly she treated these topics with such care and respect.

Colton, an American cowboy, goes over the pond to teach a Lord’s sons to be cowboys. The Lord is also hosting a group of young adults who are hoping to make Olympic trials. Ellie is one of the hopefuls who is staying on the grounds. This is a forbidden romance, found family story with *amazing* mental health rep, healthy communication and great plot. A fantastic debut!

Side note: if Meemaw’s desserts are based on any real recipes please share because they sounded amazing :)