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Cowboys of Eden Valley #3
The Cowboy's Unexpected Family
Her dream on her terms
With her own business, Cassie Godfrey is finally self-sufficient. But her plans are interrupted by four young orphans and one persistent cowboy. If she'll care for the children until their uncle claims them, Roper Jones will build Cassie's house. To her business mind, the proposal makes sense. To her independent spirit, it's a reminder of the commitments she's promised to avoid.
Roper can't help admiring Cassie's pluck, even if he's exasperated by her stubbornness. All he can offer Cassie is the love and acceptance she claims not to need. But dreams, like hearts, can change and grow…especially in a land made for brave new beginnings.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
About the author
Linda Ford
217 books369 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 11, 2013
This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews: This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews at: This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews: This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews at: This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
This book took me alittle while for a Love Inspired book. It was a good book with a good story, but I was not a fan of the way it was written. I feel like it was alittle choppy.
I really did like the story though. It was about learning how to love again without feeling like it's an obligation. Cassie struggled with this because of her past. She felt she couldn't accept anything from anybody without giving something in return, because she hated feeling like she owed something. In her opinion that was like being controled, which is something she never wanted to experience...
Untill she accepts a business agreement with Roper:)
Roper had a hard life growing up, and because of it he doesn't stay anywhere awhile because he feels unaccepted, like he doesn't belong. His motto is Don't lay down any roots, and so he moves on whenever and wherever he wants.
At first it is hard for Cassie to accept Ropers kindness because she feels he is giving more in the agreement than her. As time goes on Roper helps her see that it is okay to receive something as a gift without strings attached while he is learning that his past does not need to effect his choises in his future.
I thought it was a very enjoyable read with two lessons worth learning. People now days need to know that they are not chained by things they've done/had done to them in their pasts, and that they can change their futures if only they believe they can and see themselves through Gods eyes.
Please visit my blog for more reviews at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
May 30, 2018
I liked the plot and the concept of this story. Really liked Roper for the most part, but had a hard time with Cassie, especially at the beginning.
Maybe it was just my perspective, but I had a hard time seeing consistency in a lot of the character motivations. Cassie had no problem offering the children love without strings (and telling them so), but she refused to believe that Roper would do the same. Roper's protectiveness and tenderness just didn't seem to mesh with his insistence that he wasn't going to put down roots. I know in real life people are complex and don't always make sense, so maybe authors are held to a ridiculously high standard, but I just had a hard time believing that the different pieces of their personalities were sides of the same coin. For some reason, it just didn't click for me. And the children opened up much more quickly than felt natural. Also, everyone seemed ready to talk to just about anyone at the drop of a hat, even on very painful and private subjects, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine.
The children's situation bugged me a little bit; I know they could have traveled alone, but I had a hard time believing that they could have walked for who knew how long across the prairie without any kind of supplies or transportation. I also had a very hard time believing that a man would kiss a woman, hold her hand repeatedly, and share several close and tender moments with her, and then both of them would write it off as "just being a friend." Sorry, but that's not friendly behavior, especially in the historical context.
I did like a lot of things about the story, and I would probably have liked it better if I had believed in the characters a little more. Final rating--3 stars
Maybe it was just my perspective, but I had a hard time seeing consistency in a lot of the character motivations. Cassie had no problem offering the children love without strings (and telling them so), but she refused to believe that Roper would do the same. Roper's protectiveness and tenderness just didn't seem to mesh with his insistence that he wasn't going to put down roots. I know in real life people are complex and don't always make sense, so maybe authors are held to a ridiculously high standard, but I just had a hard time believing that the different pieces of their personalities were sides of the same coin. For some reason, it just didn't click for me. And the children opened up much more quickly than felt natural. Also, everyone seemed ready to talk to just about anyone at the drop of a hat, even on very painful and private subjects, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine.
The children's situation bugged me a little bit; I know they could have traveled alone, but I had a hard time believing that they could have walked for who knew how long across the prairie without any kind of supplies or transportation. I also had a very hard time believing that a man would kiss a woman, hold her hand repeatedly, and share several close and tender moments with her, and then both of them would write it off as "just being a friend." Sorry, but that's not friendly behavior, especially in the historical context.
I did like a lot of things about the story, and I would probably have liked it better if I had believed in the characters a little more. Final rating--3 stars
July 1, 2020
I was intrigued by Cassie in the previous book in the series (Linette and Eddie's story), and Roper's dogged pursuit to catch her attention. This book fills in a few details, and then tells its own story, and I really enjoyed it.
I liked how we got to see further into what made Cassie so 'prickly'. My heart broke for her as I learned of the emotional abuse she suffered after the death of her father. No wonder she didn't trust that love and caring didn't come with strings attached!
Roper was a bit of a surprise, I admit. But, I loved that, despite (well, actually . . . BECAUSE of!) his childhood circumstances, he chose to help others be happy. It made me sad that he felt he couldn't reach for his own happiness though.
Add in a quartet of children trying to find 'home', a good dose of humour, and a generous heaping of teaching each other how God wants us to not only follow Him, but to find happiness and joy while doing so, and you've got a really enjoyable book!
I liked how we got to see further into what made Cassie so 'prickly'. My heart broke for her as I learned of the emotional abuse she suffered after the death of her father. No wonder she didn't trust that love and caring didn't come with strings attached!
Roper was a bit of a surprise, I admit. But, I loved that, despite (well, actually . . . BECAUSE of!) his childhood circumstances, he chose to help others be happy. It made me sad that he felt he couldn't reach for his own happiness though.
Add in a quartet of children trying to find 'home', a good dose of humour, and a generous heaping of teaching each other how God wants us to not only follow Him, but to find happiness and joy while doing so, and you've got a really enjoyable book!
February 27, 2020
The main characters are Cassie Godfrey and Roper. At the beginning of the book Cassie had decided that she was going to go out of town for a little while, she is an independent woman that doesn't need a man in her life to make her happy. Roper is a cowboy and has a good heart and helps the kids that he finds; Daisy, Billy, Pansy, and Neil who are looking for their father.
Roper finds four young kids walking in the woods and asks them why they are alone and they tell him that they are looking for their father and that their mother died a couple days before and she told them to find their father. Cassie eventually comes home and is confused why Roper is taking care of these four kids and he explains, they take care of the kids together and live like a family.
One strength of this book is that it shows love and devotion, even though Roper didn't know the kids he tried to help them find their father and took them under his wing and when Cassie got back in town she helped Roper out even though she just met the kids. One weakness is that the kids had to find their dad on their own and were wondering through the woods by themselves until Roper found them and offered to help them.
Roper finds four young kids walking in the woods and asks them why they are alone and they tell him that they are looking for their father and that their mother died a couple days before and she told them to find their father. Cassie eventually comes home and is confused why Roper is taking care of these four kids and he explains, they take care of the kids together and live like a family.
One strength of this book is that it shows love and devotion, even though Roper didn't know the kids he tried to help them find their father and took them under his wing and when Cassie got back in town she helped Roper out even though she just met the kids. One weakness is that the kids had to find their dad on their own and were wondering through the woods by themselves until Roper found them and offered to help them.
October 2, 2024
Cassie had an unloved life after her father died and her grandfather took over. She and her mom became slaves to him and Cassie even was beaten. She meets George and marries him as an escape. Then he died. So Cassie packed up and left for the West with friends hoping to start a new life not dependent on men. She buys a piece of land from the owner of the mercantile. Then she meets Roper and the fun begins. He agrees to build her a house if she will take care of him and 4 lonely children who have no parents. Great story about hope and caring that will touch your heart.
April 24, 2025
God Can Overcome Doubts
Another great story of how God can work in the deep hurts of a heart. Enjoy how Linda Ford uses her own love of people (orphaned children) into her stories. How the pain of being abandoned or even change of living life leaves one hurting. Only putting faith in God can cover those hurts.
Another great story of how God can work in the deep hurts of a heart. Enjoy how Linda Ford uses her own love of people (orphaned children) into her stories. How the pain of being abandoned or even change of living life leaves one hurting. Only putting faith in God can cover those hurts.
July 22, 2025
Cassie had surgery and her brother was taking care of the 18 months old twins. He went to see Roper and told him of the twins. Roper takes over and Cassie isn't happy about the situation because Roper walked out on her 2 years ago saying he didn't really want to stay married 24 hours, was enough and wouldn't be a father.
March 18, 2018
Great book! Heart warming all the way through! I really enjoyed reading another book by Linda Ford. I plan on reading more. Cassie & Roper are adorable!
March 7, 2024
Loved this book
May 14, 2013
I thought it was a touching story. Sometimes in life we don't have the best beginning, and therefore we feel that our life won't get any better or be happy due to our past, but stories like this reminds me that my past do not determine my future. I have to believe and work so that I can be happy. I believe we all have this choice if we choose to. So I say take chances and you may be surprised at the outcome.
April 1, 2015
Linda Ford has written a sweet, touching story that takes place in the late 1800's. The hero and heroine of this story face the pain of dealing with their own personal loss, and as they care for four orphaned children, learn to trust each other. The trust leads to love, and eventually they overcome their own personal demons and learn how to give away their hearts in order to find what they both are so desperately looking for - family.
January 21, 2016
I found the beginning of this book VERY repetitive, always talking about Cassie's particular angst. But it got better once things began to warm up with Roper. In the end, the storyline was nice and fulfilling.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Cowboys of Eden Valley
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
Read
March 3, 2013Miniseries: Cowboys of Eden Valley
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
April 11, 2013
A sweet, well written book, though, I hope, someday, someone will explain to me romance writers fascination with cowboys.
December 30, 2013
I enjoyed the book, it was a touching story of learning to love someone without feeling you have to repay them. But in my opinion, it went on a little to long...
July 9, 2014
Enjoyable
Lovely book, great characters, wonderful story line. I enjoyed the book but there were a couple of times I wanted to see more happen between certain characters.
Lovely book, great characters, wonderful story line. I enjoyed the book but there were a couple of times I wanted to see more happen between certain characters.
May 13, 2013
This is an amazing series. Loving it!!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews