Belle's Cowboy Cradle

by Kimberly Krey

A woman who desperately wants to be a mother.
A cowboy forced to care for a newborn babe.

Cash Ridley is living his best life. With the word solitude inked on his back, he works the ranch and wants for nothing.

That all changes when his wayward cousin shows up, thrusts a small baby into his arms, and begs Cash to keep the baby safe as danger is on the way. When that danger takes his cousin's life, Cash is forced to raise the child himself and relocate to keep them both safe.

Chase might be stuck with a responsibility he doesn’t want, but that doesn’t mean he’ll become the dad that dreams are made of. First order of business at the new ranch is to hire a full-time, live-in nanny to care for the baby’s every need.

Belle never expected to be divorced and childless at the age of thirty-two. But here she is, newly divorced, jobless, and moving into her childhood home. Just when hope is all but lost, Belle scores a job as a live-in nanny, meaning she won’t have to live at home after all. Best yet, she’ll be able to cuddle and care for a newborn baby.

Too bad her new boss is ornrier than a bull in a bucking chute.
Can a little TLC can tame this cowboy’s wicked ways?

Genres: Westerns, Suspense, Romance

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Kimberly Krey is known as the Queen of Steamy Clean Romance. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry. Her readers count on faith-filled romance novels that stay clean without losing the steam.

* 2021 USA Today Bestselling Author

* 2020 RONE Award Winner

* THREE-TIME SWOONY Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Author Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Book Award Winner

* TWO-TIME RONE Award Finalist

To stay connected, and receive a FREE book, subscribe to her newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8f1uz6q272 To follow her author page on FB @: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlykrey... For a printable PDF of her work (listed by series) see her website @ https://www.kimberlykrey.com

Reviews

[Kimberly Krey]

Guys, I really fell in love with Belle, Cash, and Baby Jane!

Belle's woes are real—hence, the trigger warning regarding fertility issues and miscarriage. Recently divorced in her early thirties, Belle longs for the life she's dreamt of since she was a little girl. But hope comes in the form of a live-in nanny position where Belle will get to care for a newborn full-time!

Cash's woes are just as real. After a difficult childhood in foster care, Cash sinks into a life of solitude as the owner of a Texas ranch. That is, until an unexpected twist makes him the sole provider for a newborn baby. He doesn't want to care for the baby, and he most definitely doesn't want to love the baby, but Cash doesn't have it in him to put her into the foster system after what he's been through, even if it means moving across the country to keep her safe.

These characters were determined to keep me on my toes as the story unfolded, and the suspense elements only added to the thrill. I really enjoyed Cash and Belle's love story, and I hope you will, too.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle's Cowboy Cradle reads like a tantalizing tale of beauty and the beast except in this case the beast is a handsome cowboy who needs to learn that love can heal and transform even the most jaded and broken of hearts. Nothing is more powerful then love proceeded by hope so potent that there is no fighting against it. You either surrender to it, or be taken over by it. When the heart wants something the mind wants no part of, it's amazing to see how rationale ends up supporting it instead of working against it. This is yet another miracle of love. When it sets its sights on you, you are truly a goner.

Cash's watches his life change yet again as another person takes charge and pulls his heart along for the ride. His heart knows what must be done, but his mind has yet to catch up and acknowledge it. When he ends up in Montana, he knows nothing will ever be the same again; he just doesn't know how much he will savor and enjoy that change. Belle feels like her life has well and truly fallen apart. Now, she knows her dreams are farther out of reach then ever before, and she isn't sure how to deal with that. One thing she knows is that she can't stand still, so she takes the next step now knowing the beauty and miracles headed her way. Can two hearts be mended and joined by sheer hope and determination, or will they find that no matter how hard they try the danger in their path will render that wish impossible?

When ugly circumstances pull Cash into Belle's life, we see a world of wonder and possibilities take shape that bring both fear and uncertainty to create a whirlwind of choices and a possible path of hope and redemption. Belle just wants to live a simple life filled with the laughter and joy of family while Cash longs for something more that is always just out of reach. With a quiet courage and endless determination Belle is a beacon in the night for Cash's lonely and thirsting soul. Similarly, Cash is the hope and second change that Belle prays for and silently dreams about. When these two come together, they create something new, something extraordinary, and something that no one should ever live without.

Kimberly Krey never fails to make me fall in love with her stories of unwavering hope and unconditional love. This book is no exception to that standard. My heart was gone once Cash began to reluctantly fight for the baby left in his care. Getting to visit the Copelands again was just a wonderful incentive along the way that made my heart sigh with happiness. This book is a brilliant addition to this superb series! Each book just keeps getting better and better. Although, Shane and Cassie have always remained by favorite couple, Thatcher and Abby sure gave them a run for their money.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out with a suspenseful bang and leaves poor Cash with a newborn baby to care for. What’s a cowboy to do? Why, hire a nanny of course!

Cash is a reclusive, quiet man who really enjoys his solitude and hard work and I was laughing sooo hard when Belle showed up to interview for the job…with her whole family, Grandma C included, tagging along. There’s nothing that makes my cheeks hurt from smiling than a sassy and spunky granny.

Belle’s had some hurt in her life and little Baby Jane is just the thing to soothe her pains. This story *almost* made me a little baby hungry–just to snuggle a little cuddly babe once again. She has such a nurturing nature and is such a kind and caring person, thriving on the care and well-being of those around her.

The thing I love about this author’s books is the “romance that’s clean without losing the steam.” And the wisps of suspense really solidified the story for me. This is such a great addition to the Sweet Montana Brides series.

Content: talk of death/drugs; mild peril/suspense/danger; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash is a very private person, choosing this over having any meaningful relationships or friendships. Being in the foster system since a young age he's learnt the only person who looks out for you is yourself. Having no family of his own to suddenly find out at 18 his grandfather had left him a farm as his inheritance. A grandfather he knew nothing about. Now years later he's left literally holding the baby, his only chance of saving the child's life is to disappear. Belle is back home after her divorce living back with her parents, how life has a way putting you in the right place when really all she wants is a family of her own. When her mom and Grandma C come home saying they've found her the perfect job. Who is the stranger who bought the old farm out from under her Daddy. Where was the child's mom. Why was he so secretive. Yet he offered her the live in Nanny job, and she wasn't imaging the sparks between them. Will Cash open up to Belle or will he again keep the walls around him up. This is a brilliant story and its lovely to have the characters from previous books helping to build the story, the Copeland family is so closely knit that to someone like Cash it can be quite intimidating. Yet somehow Belle helps him realise sometimes it good to have others to help you. I loved this book and can't wait to read this next in this brilliant series

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where are my cowboy fans? I know you're out there! Cash is one cowboy you'll want to meet. He's quiet, sensitive (in a positive way), protective and won't let anyone hurt his girls! Seriously he's the best! You'll love him and his goodness. He might be a little gruff around the edges but he's had a rough past that he's working through. And nothing melts a rough, gruff cowboy like a sweet little baby girl and a strong woman who also has heartaches and sorrows from her past.

Belle is a character who needs love and healing and what better way than to become the nanny to a little baby girl! You'll love the sweet bond between these two and the way that they nestle their way into Cash's life and heart. And Belle is spunky and not going to let the hard from life get her down. Plus, she's going to tell Cash how things are, like how he can't avoid her and baby Jane, that's just not going to work at all!

If you like stories full of family then you'll love Belle's family. Oh my word, I giggled so much when they all showed up at her initial meeting/interview with Cash. Hahahaha! I couldn't stop laughing. Talk about an awkward and embarrassing first meeting between our main characters. Oh heavens! Too funny! I loved that so much.

There is suspense mixed in throughout the whole story that will keep you on your toes and waiting for the bad guy to show up. I loved the balance between the humor, sweet romance and suspense! Very well done!!!

Content: Clean. There are some sweet kisses and mild innuendos but nothing further. There is mild peril and danger. Some talk of drugs and death. All very mild and not overly graphic. I'd let my teenagers read it.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle had hit a low point in her life—jobless and divorced with no children in her early thirties. She was dreading having to move back home even though she came from a loving family so she was thrilled to obtain the job of her dreams as a live-in nanny to a newborn baby. Her boss, Cash, was a handsome man but not very warm or personable and he worked from early in the morning until late at night. Belle felt that it wasn’t fair to the Baby Jane for him to neglect her, little understanding that Cash had never asked for the care of the tiny human and he was simply trying to keep the baby alive and hidden away from the deranged man who had killed her parents and now sought her life. This romantic suspense novel had a slow burn romance that featured some delicious kissing (the author is known for her clean without losing the steam stories) and just enough suspense to make me hold my breath but not scare me silly. I enjoyed it and gladly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions. Rating 4.5

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know where love will find you
A wonderful story about finding love where and when you least expect it. Belle has returned to her parents’ home after a divorce after her miscarriage. Her biggest desire is to have a child and she sees her only hope of that through reconciling with her ex. Then her mother and grandmother see an ad for a full-time nanny and think that is a perfect fit for Belle. When Belle is offered the job, she sees it as a perfect way to meet her desire while she tries to figure out how to reconcile with her ex. It is love at first sight when she sees the baby, Jane, but there are secrets held by Cash, Jane’s guardian, that could destroy her chance with Jane as well as any possible relationship with Cash. When danger comes to the ranch where they are living, it will take Cash, Belle, and all of Belle’s family to keep everyone safe. An engaging read to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! This story has all the feels. Fate certainly lends a hand or two at poignant moments in Cash Ridley’s life . A child of the foster system he quickly learnt to depend on one person , himself. When he’s dealt a lifeline at eighteen he steps into the shoes of Farm owner, he works his ranch and takes up the solitary reins reaping his own rewards, until fate steps in to say hello once more. This time a distant cousin begs for shelter from the tsunami of danger that heads his way … Cash and his big strong arms must keep the defenceless baby from harm. “The brightest of dawns follow the darkest of nights. And in that light, you find joy once again.” Belle newly divorced after unsuccessfully trying for the coveted baby she’s been yearning for , u hauls all her worldly possessions back to her childhood homestead the Copeland Family Farm . She is a teacher by profession but it’s her own little one she longs to hold. When grandma C and her mama find a leaflet in the fabric shop in town, providence comings a calling . Cash agrees for Belle to come to the ranch forthwith but not with her all family along for the interview, …..him with a bare chest and all …All’s well with Belle and Baby Jane suddenly has a live in Nanny and what has Cash ? Two vulnerable people and a little lady . Cash sees fit to give baby Jane the start in life he missed out on being in the foster system. Belle’s heart sees fit to burst at the sight of the little mite, her cup runneth over with unspent motherly love. Can the queasy king of the castle and the heroic nanny ( it becomes clear on reading) be more than friends? Families come in all forms , it’s the love that binds them together. “I believe we have another mutual passion.” Swoon! Brilliant! Awesome storytelling.by Kimberly Krey . It flows beautifully and the characters are sublime . The humour too is bountiful as well as the empathetic narratives and solid dialogue. Supporting characters are well thought out and add depth and realism . An Immersive joyous experience that was unputdownable. I was forwarded this book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own thoughts

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cowboy romance! I liked it very much.. Sweet and swoony, emotional and heartwarming..

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engrossing story grips you right away! Full of romance, intrigue, and danger.

Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons

[Mindy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Great addition to the series. I loved Belle and Cash and of course Baby Jane. It was good to see them become a family despite the odds.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle’s Cowboy Cradle

Absolutely wonderful book. Emotions run high in this book as does the danger and suspense. Cash Ridley grew up in the foster system. He was a loner. When he turned 18 he received an inheritance from a grandfather he never knew which changed his life considerably. Then years later his life is disrupted again when a stranger beats on his door, thrusts an infant into his arms and tells him to run or they all would die. He has no choice but to take the child and run as fast and as far as he can. He finds a ranch In Montana but needs help with the child. Belle has returned to the home she grew up in after the end to her marriage, never imagining she would be divorced and childless at her age. When she learns of a rancher needing a live in nanny, she immediately applies and is hired. Will they be safe from the danger or will they suffer the same fate as the child’s parents?

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Cash and Belle, it is basically a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but loosly! Cash was orphaned and raised in foster care, so he has a lot of baggage, Belle has been through a divorce and has her own baggage. Cash has a baby basically dropped on his doorstep and needs a nanny, Belle wants a baby to love, so this seems like the perfect arrangment!! Loved this book, from Belle's first meeting with Cash, until the last page! It has some suspense, but not enough to be too stressfu.l This is a wonderful clean book with all the feels!! It is part of a series, but I think you could read it alone and not miss a beat, for those who have read other books by Kimberly Krey in thise series, we got a window of "what they are doing now" and got to visit some beloved characters, but as I said if you havent read the others, you'd be just fine, and still love this story!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The brightest of dawns follow the darkest of nights"

Belle has no idea that the crazy cowboy looking half homeless, half Hollywood and one hundred percent trouble is going to be the answer to all her questions....even those she didn't know to ask!
Cash and Belle both have emotional baggage, Belle seems to deal with hers a little better than Cash does, but he has had years to build up his resentment and his walls - although it doesn't take long for one little girl and her feisty nanny to break those walls down. They are both sweet characters, even when they are unsure and doubting, they don't do it cruelly. I really like the "home" they find in each other and the confidence that gives them to finally face their fears so they can look towards the future....a beautiful future together.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, clean book in the series by Kimberly Krey.
Cash was in foster care and didn’t have a good experience there so he left before he aged out. Just after he turned eighteen he received his inheritance from a grandfather he didn’t even know existed. Years later an unknown cousin shoves a baby into his arms, tells him to run and hide then the cousin was murdered.
Needing to get away until the murderer is caught, Cash buys a ranch out west. He puts an ad on a bulletin board for a live-in nanny.
Belle is back home after her marriage failed, she desperately wanted a baby but that wasn’t in the cards for them. She answers the ad for the nanny.
It seems fitting that Cash and Baby Jane bought the ranch next to the ranch that has help protect witnesses and people in need of protection.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Christina Evenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and feel it was the best of the three most recent books in the series (Sweet Montana Brides 4-6). This felt the closest to the original three books in the series, which I loved.

Cash is a Texas Ranched, who had a tough and violent childhood. Years after inheriting a ranch from the Grandfather he never knew, he is forced to flee his ranch with a baby that isn't his. He ends up in Montana, where he hires Belle as his live-in nanny. She's had her own struggles, having recently divorced and moved back from Texas.
Sparks fly, and Cash and Belle find themselves healing, while growing closer to each other. When the man looking for the baby threatens them, Cash finds himself surrounded by more family than he ever dreamed of having.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.  It started out sad and suspenseful and turned into something beautiful.  The banter between Cash and Belle was a lot of fun and it was interesting how Belle was able to peel back the many layers of Cash to find out who he truly was.  He preferred solitude because he would not get his heart broken again but that would change if he would let it.
I also liked Belle's family who was always there for her and everyone else.. They were used to protecting people. In the past they had  taken in women who were in witness protection.  It was interesting to see why Cash mig need their protection too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This title is an appealing, Christian mystery & suspense romance. Belle has returned to her childhood home after her divorce to find Cash Ridley and Baby Jane have taken up residence in the ranch her dad had intended to buy. He needs a live-in nanny while she needs a job. He's closed off, she's pining for her ex, and a murderer is hunting the infant.

The character growth is fantastic. The romance is endearing. The suspense aspect is acceptable. Overall, this story is engaging.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solitude. After growing up abused and feeling unloved in the foster system, Cash thinks all he wants is a life of solitude. When a baby, not his own, is thrown into his life, he strives to remain unattached to the the precious gift he has been given. But, little does he know that little bundle, along with her carer, will become the most important people in his life. Suddenly, solitude is looking much less like a lifetime goal… This is a clean romance with a touch of suspense and a protective, loving family that has a tendency to take in orphans! It’s a sweet story.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Recently divorced because she couldn’t carry a child to term, Belle returns home and gets a job at a neighboring ranch as a nanny for the baby Chase is parenting after the baby’s father, his cousin was murdered. Chase is hoping that the murderer won’t come after Baby Jane. As he tries not to get attached to Jane, he becomes attached to Belle and her family. This is an intriguing book about relationships, growing up without family, and finding your way in life.

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story of two wounded hearts drawn together by a sweet little baby. While protecting the little one from her late father’s unsavory past, the hurting hearts of the hero and heroine begin to heal. Kimberly Krey masterfully weaves just enough danger, intrigue and romance through this story to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Krey’s storytelling strengths shine through in yet another enjoyable read. I received this book as an ARC reader and I am honored to leave my honest and voluntary review.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Belle and Cash’s sweet love story. Belle is recently divorced and moved back home. Cash is a private person who had a baby given to him and told to leave Texas to save the baby’s life. Cash is jaded because of his childhood and life and thinks that it isn’t good to love someone. But Belle and baby Jane helped him to realize differently. This book is full of love, family, suspense and trials that leads to a happily ever after but also kept me entertained and I was not able to put the book down until finished, I highly recommend!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Belle's Cowboy Cradle, both Belle and Cash learn to trust again as they care for and protect Baby Jane. This well written book can be read as a stand alone, but it was great to revisit the Copelands. Ms. Krey’s books are clean, hopeful, and heartwarming; have great stories and characters, and tremendous family support; plus, in this series, some danger. The reader is rapidly drawn into this story. I find I can never put them down!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash and Belle

This book has some suspicion, lots of hesitation, is filled with no romance and getting to know you’s and is fraught was suspense. I enjoyed getting to know Cash and Bella along with their friends and families. I love the family dynamics. It was great and anticipating the danger that would ensue and the resolution of the dangerous situation. This book is a great addition to the witness protection, rancher style series of books.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

All she wanted was to be a mother
Her husband divorced her because she could not conceive. She moves home - and finds an ad looking for a nanny. She goes there the same day and got the job . . . little knowing that a crazy man wanted to kill him AND the baby. This is an amazing love story, full of friendship, grace and God’s love. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own

[Lissa Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belles Cowboy Cradle
Kimberly Krey

Cash had a hard childhood and never wanted a marriage relationship. He never had anyone he could trust or count on.

Belle had a wonderful loving family. She married and it didn’t end up so well.

This story was beautifully written and told. Exciting and alarming at times. Great story!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this beautifully written contemporary western romance with characters you want to know and root for and just a bit of suspense that makes it a page-turner. Kimberly Krey has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her feel good Christian Montana brides romance. Belle's Cowboy Cradle is my favorite so far and I can't wait for the next book in this must-read series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action starts at the very beginning and we’re left with a lot of questions, foremost is what will Cash do now. Kimberly Krey is a master at having unusual situations happen to normal people. As romance readers we know that deciding you’re not going to get involved doesn’t mean that is what will happen, the question is how will it happen. Belle is not what Cash expected when he advertised for a nanny, but she is just what he needs. Laughter and tears with this book.

[Marilu Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got my attention from the first page to the last this book have romance suspense, this book is witty and have very funny moments have drama and sad moments and some action but a happily ever after too. The characters are very likable I enjoyed it immensely and I recommend it wholeheartedly. I received a cope from the author and this is my honest and voluntary opinion and nobody else.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you cope with an infant that is suddenly pushed into your arms for safekeeping?
Interesting story of how a cowboy with no family became a family man.
Well done! Easy read and action-packed.