What do you think?
Rate this book
Wyoming Legacies #1
The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
Getting back in the saddle…
Means opening his heart.
Recently divorced Dalton Cambridge can’t afford to turn down a ranch manager position—even if the boss is his ex-wife’s new husband’s ex-wife. After all, providing for his son is what’s important. And working for Erica Black is strictly business. But when the cowboy finds himself caring for the cattle and the single mother, will he risk everything for a holiday family he could never imagine?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Wyoming Legacies
Book 1: The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise
Book 2: United by the Twins
Means opening his heart.
Recently divorced Dalton Cambridge can’t afford to turn down a ranch manager position—even if the boss is his ex-wife’s new husband’s ex-wife. After all, providing for his son is what’s important. And working for Erica Black is strictly business. But when the cowboy finds himself caring for the cattle and the single mother, will he risk everything for a holiday family he could never imagine?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Wyoming Legacies
Book 1: The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise
Book 2: United by the Twins
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
32 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Jill Kemerer
117 books621 followersJill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels with Harlequin Love Inspired. Nearly a million of her books have sold worldwide.
A former electrical engineer, Jill now writes full-time. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She rarely passes up a bookstore and spends too much time at the library. She resides in Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.
A former electrical engineer, Jill now writes full-time. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She rarely passes up a bookstore and spends too much time at the library. She resides in Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 21, 2023
This is a Cowboy meets a Cowgirl Christmassy romance. It is a bit confusing at the beginning of the book but once I got past the confusion a beautiful story emerged from the pages. The two main characters were newly divorced and they both had two young sons. What gets confusing is that their ex-spouses got married to each other. Erica’s husband cheated on her with Dalton’s wife Haley. So we have Erica and Dalton both trying to recover from ugly divorces. Erica has custody of her two year old son Rowan and Jamie gets visitation. Haley has custody of Dalton’s and her three year old son Grady and Dalton only gets visitation every other week.
How does Dalton and Erica get together? Erica inherited her great Aunt’s ranch and now she needs to hire a ranch foreman. Dalton Cambridge comes highly recommended to fill the job and Erica offers the position to him. She makes an offer he can’t say no to so Dalton excepts and moves to the ranch. Now comes the problem with visitations with the boys. Erica doesn’t want Haley on her property but Jamie insists on bringing her every week when he picks up Rowan. Dalton now lives on the ranch and when Haley brings Grady to visit Dalton he doesn’t want to run into Jamie . It’s a stressful situation. So where in all this mess does romance fit in? Over time Dalton and Erica become interested in each other. Neither one of them want a relationship because they need time to get over their divorces. Inspite of all the stress and tension this turns into a good story. Very Christmassy.
I thought this story was realistic and different. The characters needed to forgive and move on with their lives. The ending was beautiful. It was a clean read. I enjoyed reading this book.
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and to those who like to read Love Inspired books. Fans of Jill Kemerer will enjoy this book.
I purchased my own copy of this book.
How does Dalton and Erica get together? Erica inherited her great Aunt’s ranch and now she needs to hire a ranch foreman. Dalton Cambridge comes highly recommended to fill the job and Erica offers the position to him. She makes an offer he can’t say no to so Dalton excepts and moves to the ranch. Now comes the problem with visitations with the boys. Erica doesn’t want Haley on her property but Jamie insists on bringing her every week when he picks up Rowan. Dalton now lives on the ranch and when Haley brings Grady to visit Dalton he doesn’t want to run into Jamie . It’s a stressful situation. So where in all this mess does romance fit in? Over time Dalton and Erica become interested in each other. Neither one of them want a relationship because they need time to get over their divorces. Inspite of all the stress and tension this turns into a good story. Very Christmassy.
I thought this story was realistic and different. The characters needed to forgive and move on with their lives. The ending was beautiful. It was a clean read. I enjoyed reading this book.
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and to those who like to read Love Inspired books. Fans of Jill Kemerer will enjoy this book.
I purchased my own copy of this book.
October 28, 2023
Loved this book -- total Shania Twain vibes! 😍
November 11, 2023
Loved it!! The romance between Dalton & Erica didn't come and easy as in so many romances. They had to work at it and they did. Loved it. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read the next book!!
October 26, 2023
If you are looking for a good cowboy/rancher romance, look no further than the books of Jill Kemerer. The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise is a sweet romance between two people who have been hurt by their former spouses. It doesn’t help their relationship that their spouses just happen to be married to each other. I love the way Kememer pairs up a smart female ranch owner with a rugged cowboy ranch manager. They make a wonderful pair, but can they get over all the baggage that they carry? Add in two cute little boys and you have a recipe for second chance love. Kemerer packs this book with plenty of romance and brings the characters to a satisfying “happily-ever-after.” I am looking forward to more stories in this series.
I was given a copy of this book but was not required o give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was given a copy of this book but was not required o give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2023
Love love and love this story!! What a beautiful reminder that God loves us in spite of the times when we don't feel loved or deserve it. He has a plan and purpose for our lives even when it doesn't make any sense, that is when and where He works best.
December 27, 2023
This book started off good, but I did not like the end.
December 15, 2023
Appreciation. That is the first thing that came to my mind when I was reading this book. I appreciate the difficult subjects of divorce and custodies as one of the storylines. I also appreciate how Kemerer wove those subjects into a holiday story that, to me, was eye-opening, deep, and hope-giving at the same time.
The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise is a story of two recently divorced people, Erica and Dalton, who work together at a ranch and learn to navigate life with the knowledge that both of their exes got married to each other. A tricky situation indeed, especially when children are involved.
Despite the challenging theme, the book reads as a wonderful Christmas story. There are lots of cookies, tree decorating, cold weather, Christmas songs, and even a Christmas extravaganza involving reindeer.
Clean, credible characters (the narcissistic exes are spot on), very holiday-ish.
Reading this story from a faith angle, I wanted to take Erica's hand (and her mom's and the babysitter's, pretty much everyone's), sit her down and tell her about my Jesus.
Erica and Dalton are obviously in the rather beginning of their faith journey as it did not factor into their conversations much. It was good to see both main characters praying every now and then.
Although God is mentioned a few times, He is not fully acknowledged in characters' lives at first. Erica "fell" into her jobs vs. God leading her; Dalton was hoping to achieve peace, but what about forgiveness as a big part of healing? And I saw a number of situations that were perfect opportunities to point to God, but He was never in the picture.
Healing from the trauma of divorce can be long and hard. I am thankful Erica and Dalton were not doing it on their own, but began to trust in God in all of this. And I hope that in their fictional world, both Erica and Dalton will grow in their faith and knowledge of God.
The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise is a story of two recently divorced people, Erica and Dalton, who work together at a ranch and learn to navigate life with the knowledge that both of their exes got married to each other. A tricky situation indeed, especially when children are involved.
Despite the challenging theme, the book reads as a wonderful Christmas story. There are lots of cookies, tree decorating, cold weather, Christmas songs, and even a Christmas extravaganza involving reindeer.
Clean, credible characters (the narcissistic exes are spot on), very holiday-ish.
Reading this story from a faith angle, I wanted to take Erica's hand (and her mom's and the babysitter's, pretty much everyone's), sit her down and tell her about my Jesus.
Erica and Dalton are obviously in the rather beginning of their faith journey as it did not factor into their conversations much. It was good to see both main characters praying every now and then.
Although God is mentioned a few times, He is not fully acknowledged in characters' lives at first. Erica "fell" into her jobs vs. God leading her; Dalton was hoping to achieve peace, but what about forgiveness as a big part of healing? And I saw a number of situations that were perfect opportunities to point to God, but He was never in the picture.
Healing from the trauma of divorce can be long and hard. I am thankful Erica and Dalton were not doing it on their own, but began to trust in God in all of this. And I hope that in their fictional world, both Erica and Dalton will grow in their faith and knowledge of God.
November 8, 2023
Hope for mor get stories
I love the characters and the story line. The way divorces can be hard on everyone involved. I’m waiting to see who gets married next and to see if there more babies in this family.
I love the characters and the story line. The way divorces can be hard on everyone involved. I’m waiting to see who gets married next and to see if there more babies in this family.
November 5, 2023
Delightful Christmas Romance and the full meal deal with characters and settings all pleasant and breathable. Pop over to my blog for the big review. https://cozysuspensefulandsweet.wordp...
October 28, 2023
There is a lot to love about this book. First, it's Christmas.
Second, I've never read a book that throws together the exes of the characters' exes. What a wonderful idea and very well executed. Super creative and realistic take on this.
I also love that the author picked up minor characters from the Wyoming Ranchers series and included them in this story. It's fun to read Erica's story.
Like all of Jill's book, this one stands on it's own so you can pick it up and not feel like you're missing anything.
This is one of my top 5 favorite reads of the year. You have to read this one.
Second, I've never read a book that throws together the exes of the characters' exes. What a wonderful idea and very well executed. Super creative and realistic take on this.
I also love that the author picked up minor characters from the Wyoming Ranchers series and included them in this story. It's fun to read Erica's story.
Like all of Jill's book, this one stands on it's own so you can pick it up and not feel like you're missing anything.
This is one of my top 5 favorite reads of the year. You have to read this one.
October 18, 2023
The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise
Jill Kemerer
I really loved this Christmas story, and the characters were real and likable. The two main characters Dalton and Erica both have past and painful issues they can’t get over. Dalton needs a job and Erica has one for him. Should he take it? Each one has a small child , which I would have loved to have heard more of. A story of faith, forgiveness, hope, and second chances. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
Jill Kemerer
I really loved this Christmas story, and the characters were real and likable. The two main characters Dalton and Erica both have past and painful issues they can’t get over. Dalton needs a job and Erica has one for him. Should he take it? Each one has a small child , which I would have loved to have heard more of. A story of faith, forgiveness, hope, and second chances. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
October 26, 2023
The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise is a Christian, heartwarming, second chance romance for Erica, Dalton and their boys. This well written book has themes of second chances, hope, love, forgiveness and following God’s plan. The main characters are three dimensional, fallible humans who learn to make the best of their respective situations and find love. I think I would like to live on the Winston Ranch!
October 29, 2023
I enjoyed Erica and Dalton's story. I think custody agreements are difficult enough without the person who was cheated on having to face the person their former spouse cheated with when their child is being picked up or dropped off. I thought that was a very real part of the story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2023
Loved the setting. I'm not a rancher or a farmer, but I believe I could live on this ranch or at least in the town of Jewel River, Wyoming. Characters play well off each other, making the exes of exes romance authentic. Christmas story filled with faith, forgiveness, and hope.
Read
October 1, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wyoming Legacies (Book #1)
Miniseries
Wyoming Legacies (Book #1)
Read
October 1, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wyoming Legacies (Book #1)
Miniseries
Wyoming Legacies (Book #1)
October 27, 2023
I would recommend this story to anyone
December 19, 2023
I absolutely love Jill Kemerer's books! The characters are always well-done and well-developed and the setting is always lovely plus she includes the spiritual lives of the characters. This one was no exception. Dalton and Erica plus the kids and Gemma were wonderfully done and add in the town of Jewel Creek and it's a recipe for a good time.
November 25, 2024
Sweet cowboy/cowgirl romance story!
May 26, 2024
I continue to enjoy the overlapping characters in Jill's books. That, coupled with the Lutheran scripture and beliefs, has me obsessed. Looking forward to the next in this series, for sure!
Read
November 22, 2023A good, interesting story.
November 16, 2023
Another great read by Jill. The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise Is about Dalton and Erica- who are both divorced and their exes are each others new spouses. Dalton starts to work for Erica and the sparks start to fly! Loved seeing some characters from the Wyoming Ranchers series, but this is #1 in a new series! Can’t wait for the rest!
December 13, 2023
If you're looking for an uplifting seasonal romance, you should look no further than The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise by Jill Kemerer. This is the first book in the author's new Wyoming Legacies series.
Dalton Cambridge shouldn't be turning down a ranch manager's position. He needs to provide a stable life for his son Grady, even if his potential new boss is the ex-wife of his ex-wife's new husband. And if he can keep the focus on business, then all should be fine. But when he finds himself falling for the single mother, will he take a chance at building the family he has only been able to imagine?
Erica Black searched everywhere for the perfect ranch manager, but all recommendations were that Dalton Cambridge was the man for the job. How could she hire him? Dalton's ex-wife was now married to her ex-husband, and with that would come tons of baggage Erica had no time for since inheriting Winston Ranch. If she risks it, she will have to do all she can to protect her heart and all her hard work from getting hurt in the process.
With The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise, Kemerer puts together two unlikely characters who have every reason not to get involved. Thinking of all the challenges they might face makes your head spin. Dalton and Erica approach life and their ex-spouses in different ways, which is bound to create a bit of friction, especially when the exes don't abide by court-mandated agreements. But the two of them need each other--Dalton needs a place to raise Grady and help him appreciate all that ranch life has to offer; while Erica needs an experienced ranch manager and time to focus on what to do with the pole barn (a promise she made when she inherited Winston Ranch). Though people around them feel the two are great together, Dalton and Erica are determined not to stay outside of a business relationship. When things come to a head with both of their ex-spouses, they learn a lot about themselves and each other.
This inspirational romance is truly inspirational. Set during the Christmas season, readers witness the evolution of two people drawn together by faith, family, and love. I look forward to future books in the series.
Dalton Cambridge shouldn't be turning down a ranch manager's position. He needs to provide a stable life for his son Grady, even if his potential new boss is the ex-wife of his ex-wife's new husband. And if he can keep the focus on business, then all should be fine. But when he finds himself falling for the single mother, will he take a chance at building the family he has only been able to imagine?
Erica Black searched everywhere for the perfect ranch manager, but all recommendations were that Dalton Cambridge was the man for the job. How could she hire him? Dalton's ex-wife was now married to her ex-husband, and with that would come tons of baggage Erica had no time for since inheriting Winston Ranch. If she risks it, she will have to do all she can to protect her heart and all her hard work from getting hurt in the process.
With The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise, Kemerer puts together two unlikely characters who have every reason not to get involved. Thinking of all the challenges they might face makes your head spin. Dalton and Erica approach life and their ex-spouses in different ways, which is bound to create a bit of friction, especially when the exes don't abide by court-mandated agreements. But the two of them need each other--Dalton needs a place to raise Grady and help him appreciate all that ranch life has to offer; while Erica needs an experienced ranch manager and time to focus on what to do with the pole barn (a promise she made when she inherited Winston Ranch). Though people around them feel the two are great together, Dalton and Erica are determined not to stay outside of a business relationship. When things come to a head with both of their ex-spouses, they learn a lot about themselves and each other.
This inspirational romance is truly inspirational. Set during the Christmas season, readers witness the evolution of two people drawn together by faith, family, and love. I look forward to future books in the series.
February 28, 2025
Great intro to a new series that follows after the Wyoming Ranchers series!
Erica asks Dalton, her ex-husband's wife's ex-husband to be her ranch manager when hers has to step down. Her son. Rowan and his son Grady are now step brothers and see each other more than Dalton sees Grady. Gemma is Erica's housekeeper and loves on all of them. But what happens when all this time together brings up feelings of attraction. Can they get past all the emotional baggage they both have? Read this to see.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and endearing, including both m d's and Gemma as well as many fascinating secondary characters. The Christian ideals are what moves the story forward. This is the start of a new series, but it actually takes place after all the stories in the Wyoming Ranchers series. So I recommend reading that series in order first and then reading this one. If you Luke your inspirational romances with cowboys and cute kids, then this is for you. Enjoy!
Erica asks Dalton, her ex-husband's wife's ex-husband to be her ranch manager when hers has to step down. Her son. Rowan and his son Grady are now step brothers and see each other more than Dalton sees Grady. Gemma is Erica's housekeeper and loves on all of them. But what happens when all this time together brings up feelings of attraction. Can they get past all the emotional baggage they both have? Read this to see.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and endearing, including both m d's and Gemma as well as many fascinating secondary characters. The Christian ideals are what moves the story forward. This is the start of a new series, but it actually takes place after all the stories in the Wyoming Ranchers series. So I recommend reading that series in order first and then reading this one. If you Luke your inspirational romances with cowboys and cute kids, then this is for you. Enjoy!
October 10, 2023
Newly divorced Dalton Cambridge hesitantly takes the job working for Erica Black, who happens to be the ex-wife of his ex's new husband. Can two broken hearts trust again?
Gripping me right from the beginning, I liked how the author did a great job of realistically showing two people in an understandably difficult situation. I liked how Erica and Dalton found a true friend in each other through tough times, and there was great interaction and encouragement between them.
Engaging, and well written, I liked how this book dealt with the challenges that Erica and Dalton both faced, with themes of forgiveness, hope, and faith. There is plenty of drama, growth, adorable children, and faith.
Overall, a wonderful read with characters that I could cheer for all the way through. An emotional read, filled with hope and second chances. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Gripping me right from the beginning, I liked how the author did a great job of realistically showing two people in an understandably difficult situation. I liked how Erica and Dalton found a true friend in each other through tough times, and there was great interaction and encouragement between them.
Engaging, and well written, I liked how this book dealt with the challenges that Erica and Dalton both faced, with themes of forgiveness, hope, and faith. There is plenty of drama, growth, adorable children, and faith.
Overall, a wonderful read with characters that I could cheer for all the way through. An emotional read, filled with hope and second chances. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 28, 2023
When I read the premise of this book, I wondered how author Jill Kemerer was going to pull off realistically a story about the ex-spouses of ex-spouses getting together. But pull it off she did, and very believably at that. When Erica Black is desperately trying to find a manager for her inherited ranch, the last person she wanted to ask was the ex-husband of her ex-husband’s new wife. However, he was perfect for the job, and he needed the income, plus the job was right up his alley. The interaction between Erica and Dalton was realistic and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change through the difficult situations. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, growth, faith, and hope. I’m looking forward to more books in this series. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2023
“The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise” by Jill Kemerer is the first book of the Wyoming Legacies miniseries.
Erica Black needs a ranch manager and Dalton Cambridge needs to find a way back to the life he loved.
Yet, with wounds that go deep from failed marriages, the two have to figure out a way to stop comparing their pasts with their present life. They can help each other heal and find value in who they are if they’d let themselves.
With its daring premise for a Love Inspired book, the story shows you can find happiness and love when you give yourself grace and compassion and learn to understand you are not the person others say you are.
Ms. Kemerer writes flawed characters that we root for and introduces us to a new town that needs its own bit of compassion and hope.
Erica Black needs a ranch manager and Dalton Cambridge needs to find a way back to the life he loved.
Yet, with wounds that go deep from failed marriages, the two have to figure out a way to stop comparing their pasts with their present life. They can help each other heal and find value in who they are if they’d let themselves.
With its daring premise for a Love Inspired book, the story shows you can find happiness and love when you give yourself grace and compassion and learn to understand you are not the person others say you are.
Ms. Kemerer writes flawed characters that we root for and introduces us to a new town that needs its own bit of compassion and hope.
January 22, 2024
I am a fan of books by Jill Kemerer. This book has the most unique trope that I have read. The two main characters of the book are Dalton Cambridge and Erica Black. They are connected because both of their exes cheated on them with the other. His ex-wife cheated on him with the ex-husband of Erica. On top of that both couples had a son that was effected by the divorces. Erica inherited a ranch from her aunt and needs the help of a really good ranch manager. She decides to hire Dalton as that manager. This book was such a great story of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I also really enjoyed the side story with Gemma. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance.
October 7, 2023
I love Christmas books and this one didn’t disappoint. Please know that it’s not your typical holly jolly Christmas story. Both Dalton and Erica are dealing with painful situations in their lives. Author Jill Kemerer handles it all honestly and carefully. Yet through it all Christmas prevails for them and for the town.
I enjoyed this story a lot as we watch both main characters grow and learn to forgive. And the little ones in the story are so cute that I would have liked to have seen a bit more of them. I highly recommend The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I enjoyed this story a lot as we watch both main characters grow and learn to forgive. And the little ones in the story are so cute that I would have liked to have seen a bit more of them. I highly recommend The Cowboy’s Christmas Compromise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
February 2, 2024
This is the first book in A Wyoming Legacies Novel. Jill Kemerer writes a heartwarming story with an interesting storyline, good believable characters, and a satisfying ending.
Erica Black has inherited Winston Ranch in Jewel River from her great aunt. She needs a manager and everyone says Dalton Cambridge is the man for the job. The complication is that Erica’s ex husband is married to Dalton’s ex wife! They both have child custody issues with their exes and feelings of inadequacy thanks to their exes.
Several characters are introduced that will be part of the next book. Looking forward to it!
Erica Black has inherited Winston Ranch in Jewel River from her great aunt. She needs a manager and everyone says Dalton Cambridge is the man for the job. The complication is that Erica’s ex husband is married to Dalton’s ex wife! They both have child custody issues with their exes and feelings of inadequacy thanks to their exes.
Several characters are introduced that will be part of the next book. Looking forward to it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews