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Wyoming Legacy #0.5

Courted by a Cowboy

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Welcome to Bear Creek, Wyoming — where faith, love and family prevail — in this novella from Lacy Williams's Wyoming Legacy series!

Wyoming, 1895

Sam Castlerock's return to Bear Creek, Wyoming, may be the answer to Emily Sands's prayers. Though she's not the kind of girl to rely on anyone else, the handsome cowboy-turned-banker may be able to get her family a much-needed extension on their loan. But Sam also reminds Emily of her dreams of a husband and family of her own….

After years on the range, Sam is determined to prove himself to his father by turning around the local bank, even if he must call in loans from his struggling neighbors. But being reunited with Emily stirs old feelings to life, and he's soon torn between his obligations and following his heart. How can Sam do his duty if it will hurt the community — and the woman he loves?

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

835 people are currently reading
493 people want to read

About the author

Lacy Williams

192 books1,285 followers
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

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5 stars
561 (48%)
4 stars
323 (27%)
3 stars
203 (17%)
2 stars
58 (4%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,744 followers
June 24, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox

Courted by a Cowboy was a sweet tale of forgiveness and family ties. I was surprised, though, that the forgiveness wasn't from God. Faith played a large role in the story, yet when it came down to the core theme, it seemed vacant. If "forgiving yourself for the mistakes of the past is the only way you'll ever be free of it," then why do we need Jesus? The Bible declares that Jesus is the only one who can cast sin as far from a person as the east is from the west, so I found this main theme to be severely lacking in biblical truth.

The only other thing I disliked was the use of history dumps to fill in the reader on the backstory of the lead characters. I understand novellas don't allow a lot of space, but this one was a bit on the short side at only seven chapters, so there was room to spare to get a bit more creative in how to catch up the reader on the history of the characters without dumping a lot of information at them, which is often difficult to absorb so quickly. This is the reason it took me two days to read this book rather than only one; I had to pause in my reading to absorb all the history.

The opening line was fabulous. It intrigued me. I also liked the sweetness of this story. My favorite character was Winnie, but I wish she played a larger part in the story, especially since she was so key to the lead female's story arc.

I was not compensated for my honest review.
Profile Image for Regina Jennings.
Author 31 books1,292 followers
July 18, 2013
What do you do when you fall in love with your best friend's girl? That's what Sam wants to know. Years ago Sam fled town because of his attraction to Emily. He didn't explain, or even say good-bye. Now he's back, and can tell his desertion hurt her, but he can't tell her why. Not when there's still a chance that Maxwell loves her.

This is a quick, sweet story. I loved Emily and her nurturing spirit. She's perfect for sensitive Sam.


A great read.
Profile Image for Annie.
372 reviews
January 11, 2016
Wonderful novella. Being able to forgive ourselves for past mistakes can be rather difficult. It was really touching to read how both Emily and then Sam learned to do just that. I look forward to the next book....
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,360 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2024
This was a short romance but also it is about forgiveness and doing what is right. Sam rebelled as a teen at his father's strict rules and things have been strained since until Sam's father asks him to try and make the bank more profitable and Sam sees it as his chance to earn his father's respect. Emily is the girl he fell in love with two years ago but she was dating his best friend.
I loved the characters and the story line and this book was a great fast read about helping each other out, standing up for what you want and moving ahead instead of looking back.

A great book and now I will have to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2019
This was a nice read but it seems in the wrong order. Maybe I read it in the wrong order so you get a few spoilers if you read this before the Homesteader's Sweetheart. Good story, well written. It is nice to see the young man grow into a great man, especially one that causes so much upheaval in other books of William's. :)
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
March 12, 2023
Courted by a Cowboy was a super short story, which made it a little difficult to get into. The characters were fine and I liked how the romance was one where they already knew each other, so it didn't seem too fast.
The ending was way too quick in my opinion. I loved how Oscar got Maxwell to tell Sam that it was okay to pursue Emily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa C..
609 reviews
August 30, 2014
Couldn't pass this show story up because it had cowboys and the Old West. It was refreshing to not find any spelling or grammar mistakes.

This was pretty well written because the author was able to show decent character development. The reader can fully understand the dilemma Sam is in when Emily takes him around to meet the townspeople.

The down side was the predictability. I knew where it was headed within about the first five pages and it wasn't long enough to throw in any suspense or interesting side stories. With all that said, I'll look for more from this author. Would like to see what she does with a full length novel.
Profile Image for Sherry Bohrmueller.
1,249 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2015
I received a audio copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love Cowboys and romance and this book has both. The story line was very well written. It was a very nice story.

It was my first audio book I listened to, it was different, but I think I enjoy reading better.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
467 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2018
Sarah did not want to date a cowboy because it was a dangerous occupation. She was a school teacher and had spent her time raising her sisters who were now happily married. Oscar White was a wonderful guy. He feel in love with the way she cared for her students even when it could cost her her job.
Profile Image for Mya.
1,502 reviews59 followers
February 22, 2022
This was such a sweet story!
2,365 reviews12 followers
February 27, 2021
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical western romance novella Courted by a Cowboy (Wild Wyoming Hearts Book 5){Wind River Hearts book 5} by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
This story takes place five years after The Homesteader's Sweetheart and features Penny's former delinquent younger brother, Sam Castlerock, who after three 3 years working as a cowboy is tasked by his banker father with a six week deadline to overhaul the Bear Creek Bank and show a profit in order to prove to his father that he/ Sam deserves forgiveness and a place in the family business. Challenges arise when Sam literally runs into his childhood crush,best friend Maxwell White's former girlfriend Emily Sands and as he becomes personally acquainted with the families with delinquent loans.
2,244 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2022
Courted by a Cowboy

This is a good short story. A cowboy banker, Sam, left town because he had deep emotions for his best friends girlfriend. While gone he worked as a cowboy. Now he is back in town to help his dad collect on the outstanding debts of the townspeople for the bank and reconnects with Emily. He knows his friend has gone to college out of town and the pair had cut ties before he left but the question is whether the friend still has feelings for Emily. What will happen when he confronts her about her fathers outstanding loan?
Profile Image for Tricia Cox garrett.
926 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2020
Courted by a Cowboy

I really like the way that these books are tied together. We first meet Sam in Marrying Miss Marshal. He wasn't a main character, but had a small part. Then we really got to know him in Homesteader's Sweetheart. I'm glad he got a story of his own. He's in love with his best friend girl! Good clean romance.
248 reviews
October 19, 2021
The cowboy was a banker!

This was a short story; I wasn’t expecting it to end when it did. The ending just seemed to come out of nowhere and just suddenly stopped. There really wasn’t very much to the story. It was a good story if you are in the mood for something quick to read, but I feel the author could have done so much more with both the story and the characters.
Profile Image for Natasha.
371 reviews
July 16, 2023
sweet novella with important message

I love the talent of the author to bring a good, solid value to attention in a short story. Sam, a character we meet as a restless, rebellious teenager in the previous installment, gets to learn and share the importance of relationships over profits. Sweet, clean, easy read
1,448 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2025
Sam, son of the bank owner, was given the job to collect overdue accounts . Emily I'd the daughter of the mercantile shop that has the largest overdue to collect, but Emily has told Sam the reason for the account not being paid and Sam has told his father of a plan where the bank works with the town instead of closing things
1,232 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2019
Fantastic Book

I enjoyed reading this short book. Reading about Sam's persists to getting the girl he has loved for so long, is very inspiring and encouraging. Always turn to God for your guidance.
282 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2021
Courted by a Cowboy: Wild Wyoming Hearts (Wind..

I again have enjoyed another book in this series. The story line is good and the cast of characters couldn't be beat.I would recommend it to anyone.
329 reviews
April 22, 2023
shortest book ever

Nice, short and sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book shorter than this one. Glad it was included in my kindle read for free or I may have been highly disappointed.
Profile Image for Connie Skief.
911 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2024
Sam has changed so much

Sam the brother of Penny. I just realized this how intertwined the people in this series are. Bravo! Looking forward to seeing how everyone turns out. Highly recommended for all readers.
Profile Image for Jan Silvera.
267 reviews
June 7, 2024
Short but sweet!

It’s nice to have a shorter story, but it was so good as we continue on with this series. I really have enjoyed reading all the stories so far. Now on to next adventure. ❤️📖📖❤️
Profile Image for Jane Culbertson.
158 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
Sam and Emily's story was a blessing to read. Neighbors helping neighbors bring a good lesson to us all. We could all use a helping hand on occasion. Great characters in a small town setting. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,964 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2019
Sam

Sweet and simple the cowboy returns home and helps out the town's people and renews old acquaintances. It plays out with their interactions.
Profile Image for Jan St Clair.
184 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2019
I had a hard time with this book.

First, I really liked the first three books. This one I had a hard time getting in to. Lacy Williams is an amazing author though!
212 reviews
January 14, 2020
Short

It was a fun short story. I don't know what else to say. If you are looking for a fun quick read this is the story for you.
Profile Image for Sonya.
485 reviews
February 11, 2021
This was an awesome cowboy book. Loved the characters & the sweetness of the people. Just goes to show Christian books can catch your heart too!!
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,920 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2024
Really Great Series

I'm so enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. I loved Sam and Emily's story and can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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