Review: Kissed by a Cowboy + GIVEAWAY

Kissed by a Cowboy
By Debra Clopton
Four of Hearts Ranch, #3
Thomas Nelson, 2016


Summary

Having lived through her parents' divorces, Cassidy Starr knows when the stakes are not in her favor. Divorced herself and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground Cassidy is done with love. Finished. So over it.

Instead, she's returned to Wishing Springs Texas and the rundown farm she's inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She'll reopen the organic strawberry farm and a Bed & Breakfast --- follow in her aunt's footsteps and remain forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan's hands are full running the ranch, helping to look after his ailing grandfather and track rustlers on the loose. He's pushed all longings for a family of his own right off of his list of priorities. Besides he was in love once and ran scared and lost his shot. But suddenly the regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart determined to become a spinster . . . and that's not happening on his watch.

Suddenly sparks are flying as Jarod has one thing taking priority and that's breaking down the walls around Cassidy's stubborn heart. He's going to prove that being kissed by this cowboy comes with a lifetime commitment and the matrimonial bliss she's given up on.

And the good folks of Wishing Springs have decided that falling in love has never been so fun to watch.


My thoughts

Set in the small community of Wishing Springs, Texas, Kissed by a Cowboy is a fun and entertaining read, filled with comical moments as well as heart-melting moments. What can you expect to find in this story? Cowboys, spark-filled romance, a quirky and loveable supporting cast, cattle rustlers, cowboys, recovering alcoholic, a pet pig named Clover, Thanksgiving in July . . . and did I mention cowboys? I never fail to enjoy Debra’s humor and her writing style that flows so easily across the page.

Family is at the heart of this series, which is built around the love Bo, Tru and Jarrod Monahan have for their grandfather, Pops. Each brother has his own story, and while Kissed by a Cowboy can stand alone, reading all three books in order would give a more pleasurable reading experience. I really can’t pick a favorite book, as it might be a case of loving whichever story I’m reading at the moment – yet I have to admit that there was something especially touching about Jarrod and Cassidy.

I was drawn to this quiet, committed older brother in the first book and have been looking forward to his story ever since. While Tru and Bo contributed through their horse training and custom stirrup businesses, it was Jarrod who shouldered the responsibility of managing the family ranch, literally keeping it afloat, and he was fearful of letting his brothers down. And as a result, he had put his own life and dreams on hold.

For Cassidy, a marriage filled with betrayal behind her, the story has a sweet “coming home” feel. Cassidy has trouble letting go of the past and its guilt, a theme to which many of us can relate, and her steadfast refusal to open up her heart was often frustrating to me – yet had I lived through the rough times she experienced, I could see myself reacting similarly. I loved these words of wisdom from Reba, “One bad ride does not mean the rodeo is over.”

A Christian element is definitely present in this story, but I longed for more spiritual depth. The Monahan family attends church and we’re told that Cassidy drifted away from God during her divorce, but I missed seeing their personal belief and how it affected their lives. Yet on the other hand, Christian values are reflected in character actions. The theme of legacy runs throughout – not just a physical legacy, but that of a life well lived. Most touching to me is love for family, especially the wonderful example set by the Monahan brothers in caring for their grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

I look forward to more entertaining reads from Debra. Recommended.

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Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online at debraclopton.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Litfuse landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

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GIVEAWAY

Is spiritual depth important to you in a Christian fiction novel? Is Debra Clopton a new author to you, or have you enjoyed some of her previous books? To enter the drawing for Kissed by a Cowboy, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here.

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