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Cowboy Crossing #4
My Dearest Madeline
A celebrity chef that can’t cook. A scarred cowboy who hates cameras. And the little girl who could bring them both together.
Madeline Reese has a successful cooking show, a best-selling line of cookbooks and is considered one of the top celebrity chefs in Hollywood.
One small problem – she can’t cook.
Loyal Hudson doesn’t want to open his world-class kitchen to the cameras Madeline will bring with her, but the celebrity chef could be the bridge between him and a future with his little girl.
Madeline can’t cook and could use his help. He can’t reach his little girl and could use hers.
Can they overcome the vast differences between them and work together for the benefit of each other?
A loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State will have you in stitches and possibly shedding a tear or two.
Books in the Cowboy Crossing series:
1. Best Friends in the Show Me State
2. Sold! in the Show Me State
3. A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
4. The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State
5. A Marriage of Convenience in the Show Me State
6. A Second Chance in the Show Me State
7. A Mistletoe Mishap in the Show Me State
8. His Best Friend’s Sister in the Show Me State
Madeline Reese has a successful cooking show, a best-selling line of cookbooks and is considered one of the top celebrity chefs in Hollywood.
One small problem – she can’t cook.
Loyal Hudson doesn’t want to open his world-class kitchen to the cameras Madeline will bring with her, but the celebrity chef could be the bridge between him and a future with his little girl.
Madeline can’t cook and could use his help. He can’t reach his little girl and could use hers.
Can they overcome the vast differences between them and work together for the benefit of each other?
A loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State will have you in stitches and possibly shedding a tear or two.
Books in the Cowboy Crossing series:
1. Best Friends in the Show Me State
2. Sold! in the Show Me State
3. A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
4. The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State
5. A Marriage of Convenience in the Show Me State
6. A Second Chance in the Show Me State
7. A Mistletoe Mishap in the Show Me State
8. His Best Friend’s Sister in the Show Me State
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 26, 2020
I love this series by Jessie Gussman! I love how each of the brothers gets their own story. I loved the Beauty and the Beast aspect of this book. I really love how Maddie sees beneath Loyal’s scars and see the good man he is and helps him to not let his scars define him. I really loved Maddie and Loyal’s romance and how they tried to keep their distance from each other but eventually found that they were better together. I really am loving this series and look forward to the other books.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
April 17, 2021
I borrowed The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Madeline Reese and Loyal Hudson seem like an unlikely couple but she is able to accept his scared face and he is able to appreciate her beauty, quirky personality and the grace she brings into his life. I liked that both main characters had personal problems to overcome and they understood how to help each other. The humor was great along with the irony of a world famous chef that didn't know how to cook.
Madeline Reese and Loyal Hudson seem like an unlikely couple but she is able to accept his scared face and he is able to appreciate her beauty, quirky personality and the grace she brings into his life. I liked that both main characters had personal problems to overcome and they understood how to help each other. The humor was great along with the irony of a world famous chef that didn't know how to cook.
June 24, 2020
Madeline was from the UK and she was the celebrated celebrity show of one of the most popular cooking shows on TV. The only problem was she can't even boil water. She can't cook at all. Now, her friend, Cheryl, and the real cooking brains of the team is leaving the country for a family emergency. She will no longer have someone to whisper in her ear how to make wonderful food. What is she going to do? How will she be able to keep up the charade? Her show is now moving to the midwest to film on a farm in a wonderfully remodeled kitchen. She is in quite a pickle. . .
Loyal is a scarred and taciturn cowboy who owns the property where this cooking show is coming to film. He was burned in a fire trying to save his children and has the scars to prove it. He has no desire to be anywhere near a camera but his brother has made the arrangements and he is stuck with a film crew and a beautiful woman. He doesn't trust beautiful women. His cheating ex-wife taught him that beautiful women are not to be trusted. The problem is that this beautiful woman, Madeline, is unlike any other he has ever met. She is genuine and kind and has a killer smile and quirky personality. He finds himself intrigued and wants to get to know her better. Can he take the risk? She is hiding a secret and he wants her to trust him enough to share it with him.
I have read many of Jessie Gussman's books and this is one of my favorites. Her stories are clean romances with swoon-worthy characters and dialogue. Loyal's character represents so many who are scared to risk love because of the many scars they bear, some seen and some unseen. I love how he begins to change when he finds love that is real and uncompromising and completely without guile.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Loyal is a scarred and taciturn cowboy who owns the property where this cooking show is coming to film. He was burned in a fire trying to save his children and has the scars to prove it. He has no desire to be anywhere near a camera but his brother has made the arrangements and he is stuck with a film crew and a beautiful woman. He doesn't trust beautiful women. His cheating ex-wife taught him that beautiful women are not to be trusted. The problem is that this beautiful woman, Madeline, is unlike any other he has ever met. She is genuine and kind and has a killer smile and quirky personality. He finds himself intrigued and wants to get to know her better. Can he take the risk? She is hiding a secret and he wants her to trust him enough to share it with him.
I have read many of Jessie Gussman's books and this is one of my favorites. Her stories are clean romances with swoon-worthy characters and dialogue. Loyal's character represents so many who are scared to risk love because of the many scars they bear, some seen and some unseen. I love how he begins to change when he finds love that is real and uncompromising and completely without guile.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
June 26, 2020
The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State
Jessie Gussman
Madeline and her friend Cheryl work together on a show
Cooking in the Country with Madeline. Funny thing is Madeline can’t even boil water! Her friend gives her instructions through an ear piece. She has the personality to make the show work. She is from the United Kingdom.
Cheryl has to leave and tend to her sick mother. Which means Madeline is in trouble!
The show must go on so she tries to learn everything, but she refuses to ask Cheryl to stay.
Loyal is leasing out his kitchen for a cooking show. His wife cheated on him, his daughter and son were being put to bed and after he tucks them in he goes out to the barn and gets a feeling something isn’t right when he turns to go into the house he sees flames... he is able to get his daughter out but when he goes back into the house he gets his son but hasn’t made it. Now physically burned and internally scared he must go on.
Great story sad about the loss he suffered.
I enjoyed reading this book.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
Jessie Gussman
Madeline and her friend Cheryl work together on a show
Cooking in the Country with Madeline. Funny thing is Madeline can’t even boil water! Her friend gives her instructions through an ear piece. She has the personality to make the show work. She is from the United Kingdom.
Cheryl has to leave and tend to her sick mother. Which means Madeline is in trouble!
The show must go on so she tries to learn everything, but she refuses to ask Cheryl to stay.
Loyal is leasing out his kitchen for a cooking show. His wife cheated on him, his daughter and son were being put to bed and after he tucks them in he goes out to the barn and gets a feeling something isn’t right when he turns to go into the house he sees flames... he is able to get his daughter out but when he goes back into the house he gets his son but hasn’t made it. Now physically burned and internally scared he must go on.
Great story sad about the loss he suffered.
I enjoyed reading this book.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
February 25, 2021
The Beast Gets His Cowgirl In The Show Me State is a very touching story of tragic loss to a family. Loyal had married Lisa and they had a 5 year old little girl and an infant boy. One night when Loyal was lied to by Lisa he feed the children and put them to bed and went to the barn as one of his mare's were foaling. The next thing he knows the house is completely on fire and all he manages to get out alive was Patty. He runs back in getting set on fire to save his infant son who was already deceased from smoke inhalation. He finds out his wife shows up and blames him while she had been with another man. Two years later she will not allow Patty to spend any time with him, until Chandler gets Madeline to do her cooking show at Loyal's home in his state of the art kitchen. Madeline worked wonders on Patty and they had the best day and night together, something that none of the family could get Patty to do without crying since the fire 2 years ago. Now Madeline has a secret about her show and Loyal helps her out. Ratings go sky high. But, Madeline feels the load of pain she carried was too much to bear and decides the truth needs to come out. The magic she worked on Patty she worked on Loyal too as he changed back to the man he was before the fire. Everyone sees the happiness he has in his life now and it brings such joy to Madeline, Patty and Loyal.
April 1, 2021
I'm just so glad I chose to wait to be in the mood for this story. I remember reading the series and loving it, but after finishing Deacon's story, I was so looking forward to Zane's that getting Loyal's instead threw me off and I couldn't seem to get into it. Well, I'm glad to say that enough time has passed that when I opened this book again, it hooked me in and never let go, so I definitely enjoyed it and loved getting to know both Madeline and Loyal.
My heart definitely went out to Loyal and all the pain and heartache he had gone through with his ex-wife, but I loved how Jessie handled the topics of lying, infidelity, scars after a fire (physical, emotional and spiritual), building walls around oneself in order to cope with all of these issues, but also finding the right person to help him through it all. Madeline was fun to read about. I liked her personality, how good she was with kids, how she could make fun of herself, and her way of "cooking" definitely brought to mind the "Ratatouille" movie, lol. I loved how she was able to help Loyal get reacquainted with his daughter, but how, through it all, she's not perfect and has her own issues too (yet they definitely complement each other).
Overall, a great Christian Contemporary romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a great message on grace and forgiveness. ~ 5 stars
My heart definitely went out to Loyal and all the pain and heartache he had gone through with his ex-wife, but I loved how Jessie handled the topics of lying, infidelity, scars after a fire (physical, emotional and spiritual), building walls around oneself in order to cope with all of these issues, but also finding the right person to help him through it all. Madeline was fun to read about. I liked her personality, how good she was with kids, how she could make fun of herself, and her way of "cooking" definitely brought to mind the "Ratatouille" movie, lol. I loved how she was able to help Loyal get reacquainted with his daughter, but how, through it all, she's not perfect and has her own issues too (yet they definitely complement each other).
Overall, a great Christian Contemporary romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a great message on grace and forgiveness. ~ 5 stars
June 23, 2020
Funny & Heartwarming!
Loyal was living up to his name the night that a fire swept through his home. Despite all the heroic effort he expended to save those who were most precious to him, his life was reduced to ashes that night. He lost such a huge part of himself that he no longer had the ability to let anyone into his life. That is until Madeline arrives with her quirky ways & her ability to see so far beyond his scars that she is able to reach into his inner self and restore parts that have been missing for far too long. With secrets of her own, Madeline is still able to touch those around her and enable them to see beyond where they have been trapped and begin to live life again. My only wish was that we would get to savor the conclusion longer and see more of how their story unfolded.
As with all in the series (and others by this author), a willingness to do the hard work, a commitment to doing the right thing, and unshakable love for family are the bedrock that the plot is built on.There is enough tender romance to capture the heart without needing the graphic stimulation best left behind closed doors.
I requested a early review copy of this title but am willingly posting my impressions of the story.
Loyal was living up to his name the night that a fire swept through his home. Despite all the heroic effort he expended to save those who were most precious to him, his life was reduced to ashes that night. He lost such a huge part of himself that he no longer had the ability to let anyone into his life. That is until Madeline arrives with her quirky ways & her ability to see so far beyond his scars that she is able to reach into his inner self and restore parts that have been missing for far too long. With secrets of her own, Madeline is still able to touch those around her and enable them to see beyond where they have been trapped and begin to live life again. My only wish was that we would get to savor the conclusion longer and see more of how their story unfolded.
As with all in the series (and others by this author), a willingness to do the hard work, a commitment to doing the right thing, and unshakable love for family are the bedrock that the plot is built on.There is enough tender romance to capture the heart without needing the graphic stimulation best left behind closed doors.
I requested a early review copy of this title but am willingly posting my impressions of the story.
June 24, 2020
(3.5 stars) - Beauty & the Beast meets Christmas in Connecticut
Loyal is ashamed of how he looks with the scars from a terrible fire that took his son's life.
Madeline is ashamed of how her learning disabilities make her look foolish to others.
They each end up helping the other & begin to realize that the only shame is in catering to the dishonesty of the superficial instead of embracing bravery.
It's a sweet story with Jessie's hallmark quirky style, though much as I liked the premise, the implementation actually felt a little forced at times, for some reason. It's repetitive on several points, the pace feels stretched & their interest turns serious too quickly.
Still, the resolution is pretty awesome, and while the epilogue sums up their happily-ever-after with brevity, it's still pretty satisfying. Then it sets up the premise for the next book with Zane, which from the book description, promises to be fun
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic (other than references to the ex-spouse being caught at her boyfriend's house)
*Religion: overtly Christian, not preachy
Loyal is ashamed of how he looks with the scars from a terrible fire that took his son's life.
Madeline is ashamed of how her learning disabilities make her look foolish to others.
They each end up helping the other & begin to realize that the only shame is in catering to the dishonesty of the superficial instead of embracing bravery.
It's a sweet story with Jessie's hallmark quirky style, though much as I liked the premise, the implementation actually felt a little forced at times, for some reason. It's repetitive on several points, the pace feels stretched & their interest turns serious too quickly.
Still, the resolution is pretty awesome, and while the epilogue sums up their happily-ever-after with brevity, it's still pretty satisfying. Then it sets up the premise for the next book with Zane, which from the book description, promises to be fun
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic (other than references to the ex-spouse being caught at her boyfriend's house)
*Religion: overtly Christian, not preachy
June 21, 2020
Happy tears! This book tugged on my heartstrings as Madeline and Loyal find their HEA ending. Madeline is a food network chef that harbors a big secret. When her manager signs an 8-week contract to cook on site in Missouri, Madeline knows that she is a disaster waiting to happen. But Loyal, the owner of the Missouri home where the new show is being filmed, dives in to save her reputation and the show. Over the course of 8 weeks, Madeline and Loyal face their challenges with open hearts. In doing so, they learn that love can bloom when you least expect it.
This is a faith based Christian novel that does not preach. Instead, the characters question their faith on several levels. The age old question of "Why do bad things happen to good people?" is not answered with a frivolous HEA ending. Instead, the author has Madeline and Loyal struggling to accept their circumstances and move forward. And yes, I cried happy tears as Madeline and Loyal follow their hearts and find their HEA ending.
This is a faith based Christian novel that does not preach. Instead, the characters question their faith on several levels. The age old question of "Why do bad things happen to good people?" is not answered with a frivolous HEA ending. Instead, the author has Madeline and Loyal struggling to accept their circumstances and move forward. And yes, I cried happy tears as Madeline and Loyal follow their hearts and find their HEA ending.
June 23, 2020
This book provides a beautifully-written, modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Loyal and Madeline and to swept up into their story. I loved the almost instant connection and rapport between Loyal and Madeline. Both are hiding from the world in their own way, not showing their true selves. He believes his scars (from a house fire that claimed the life of his son), make him hideous and unlovable, not that he is looking for love anyhow. She has made a career for herself based on a lie and is now in a position to have that lie exposed. Loyal and Madeline strike a bargain of sorts, though she would help him to reconnect with his daughter without any strings attached or expecting anything in return. They are both pleasantly surprised at their mutual attraction and their willingness to support each other. It is his daughter Patty that helps forge a stronger bond between them, making them both dream of a future together. This is truly a sweet, captivating and delightful romance.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 26, 2020
Rating 4.5 stars
My thoughts about this book:
• During the opening of this book, I was impressed by how the author thoroughly imparted to the reader the sparkle, nervous energy, and distractability that made up Madeline's personality.
• Sometimes we act a part in life. We play a part, because we are afraid others won't like the real person behind the face. We don't want others to see us as less. Both Loyal and Madeline are afraid to show the world who they really are.
• Loyal and Madeline were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read their story. Their story touched my heart. Loyal was sad, and lonely and had built a wall around his heart. Will Madeline knock his wall down?
• I liked the witty banter between Medeline and Loyal. It made the book a fun read.
• I did not find this Christian romance preachy. Religion was just a natural part of the characters' lives. No lectures.
I was given an advance copy by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
My thoughts about this book:
• During the opening of this book, I was impressed by how the author thoroughly imparted to the reader the sparkle, nervous energy, and distractability that made up Madeline's personality.
• Sometimes we act a part in life. We play a part, because we are afraid others won't like the real person behind the face. We don't want others to see us as less. Both Loyal and Madeline are afraid to show the world who they really are.
• Loyal and Madeline were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read their story. Their story touched my heart. Loyal was sad, and lonely and had built a wall around his heart. Will Madeline knock his wall down?
• I liked the witty banter between Medeline and Loyal. It made the book a fun read.
• I did not find this Christian romance preachy. Religion was just a natural part of the characters' lives. No lectures.
I was given an advance copy by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
December 25, 2021
When Loyal is coaxed by his brother to host a cooking show in his kitchen, he is less than thrilled. But then, he meets Madeline, the chef. She is not only beautiful but quirky, cute, and adorable. The best of it, she helps him to reestablish a relationship with his daughter Patty…
Wow, talk about coming clean and stopping living a lie, coming closer to the Lord. This story was amazing in its encouragement to be true to oneself, not allowing what people think of one to dictate one’s behavior. Thankfully the characters show how difficult it really is to follow this adage. The only hitch I saw is that Madeline’s faith seem to occur when needed, especially when Loyal’s daughter is in the picture. However great I find it, her character did not state anything before that in either direction. I don’t think it realistic that if someone’s faith is so important, then it does not only appear when convenient but is an integer part of the person. Nonetheless, I devoured this book and could barely stop reading until I was done reading. I wish you the same experience ☺!
Wow, talk about coming clean and stopping living a lie, coming closer to the Lord. This story was amazing in its encouragement to be true to oneself, not allowing what people think of one to dictate one’s behavior. Thankfully the characters show how difficult it really is to follow this adage. The only hitch I saw is that Madeline’s faith seem to occur when needed, especially when Loyal’s daughter is in the picture. However great I find it, her character did not state anything before that in either direction. I don’t think it realistic that if someone’s faith is so important, then it does not only appear when convenient but is an integer part of the person. Nonetheless, I devoured this book and could barely stop reading until I was done reading. I wish you the same experience ☺!
June 20, 2020
This latest addition to the series, is one of the best in it.
The story centers around rancher Loyal Hudson and celebrity chef Madeleine Reese.
Her very successful show is taking a road trip to Missouri, and Loyal’s kitchen will be featured in it while Madeleine creates her dishes.
But Madeleine has a secret, she can’t cook!!
Meanwhile, Loyal is a man that has not only suffered great pain, but also carries deep physical and emotional scars after a fire destroyed his home, a child dies and another is frightened of him.
In this, at times heartbreaking, but also heartwarming and thought provoking story, God has a plan for them.
Will the healing bring them together, or will it be just a fond memory once they go their separate ways?
Another well written story by this talented author and one that leaves the reader wanting to see what else she has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story centers around rancher Loyal Hudson and celebrity chef Madeleine Reese.
Her very successful show is taking a road trip to Missouri, and Loyal’s kitchen will be featured in it while Madeleine creates her dishes.
But Madeleine has a secret, she can’t cook!!
Meanwhile, Loyal is a man that has not only suffered great pain, but also carries deep physical and emotional scars after a fire destroyed his home, a child dies and another is frightened of him.
In this, at times heartbreaking, but also heartwarming and thought provoking story, God has a plan for them.
Will the healing bring them together, or will it be just a fond memory once they go their separate ways?
Another well written story by this talented author and one that leaves the reader wanting to see what else she has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 24, 2020
Loyal was horribly disfigured while trying to save his infant son from a house fire and his wife, who was away having an affair had the nerve to show up and blame him for everything. The trouble was, he felt guilty. Now he has to live the rest of his life alone. He never wants to marry again but he would like to have some time with his daughter who is afraid of him because of her association of him with a traumatic event, the fire. This was such a sweet story on so many levels. I especially loved the character of Madeline, a chef who has her own cooking show but who can’t cook. She was such a lovable character and as she helped Loyal work through this issues, she found resolution to deal with her own. It’s a good one! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 28, 2020
This was a cute book! I really liked the storyline- though I can’t imagine anyone being THAT terrible of a cook! Ha ha! The details of what Loyal had been through were very sad and it was good to see how hard they worked to make things better for his daughter.
The only thing that I don’t love is - seriously EVERY member of this family made terrible choices in who to marry! How is it possible that no one got a happy marriage?!? Kind of heartbreaking! I wish it was of different people in the town instead of all one family... that said I totally want to live in this town! So cute!
Also- I read and listened to this book in intervals and the narrator was FABULOUS!!! So good! If you like listening to books you’ll love his calming voice!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review!
The only thing that I don’t love is - seriously EVERY member of this family made terrible choices in who to marry! How is it possible that no one got a happy marriage?!? Kind of heartbreaking! I wish it was of different people in the town instead of all one family... that said I totally want to live in this town! So cute!
Also- I read and listened to this book in intervals and the narrator was FABULOUS!!! So good! If you like listening to books you’ll love his calming voice!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
Funny, sweet, and emotional.
Madeleine is a sweet, joyful, and spontaneous woman, even in her most embarrassing moments she has a smile.
She and her best friend have a cooking show, she is the face and Cheryl is the brains. And nobody knows that Madeleine doesn't know how to cook.
Loyal, is a scared man, he lost too much to even smile. He hates how people look at him and treated him. So he kept to himself.
His brother managed to convince him to accept filming a cooking show in his home, and to his surprise, he cannot believe that the looking funny beautiful woman is the chef.
God is good all the time and we don't always see it, even in the darkest moments He is there.
Discover how things go from good to bad and from bad to great, in this awesome story of a second chance, not only in love but in the Lord.
Madeleine is a sweet, joyful, and spontaneous woman, even in her most embarrassing moments she has a smile.
She and her best friend have a cooking show, she is the face and Cheryl is the brains. And nobody knows that Madeleine doesn't know how to cook.
Loyal, is a scared man, he lost too much to even smile. He hates how people look at him and treated him. So he kept to himself.
His brother managed to convince him to accept filming a cooking show in his home, and to his surprise, he cannot believe that the looking funny beautiful woman is the chef.
God is good all the time and we don't always see it, even in the darkest moments He is there.
Discover how things go from good to bad and from bad to great, in this awesome story of a second chance, not only in love but in the Lord.
June 24, 2020
I have read many versions of Beauty and the Beast and this one tugged at my heart. It was a touching, emotional story about how Loyal became "the beast." It was also a fun, romantic story between Loyal and Madeline. It was so funny to think a celebrity chef on television could not really cook or tell vegetables apart.
I really enjoyed how Madeline saw Loyal and how he blossomed when she came into his life, his farm, and his kitchen. I also liked Madeline's way with children, especially Patty, Loyal's seven year old daughter. I also liked the epilogue. The covers on the books in this series are beautiful. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I really enjoyed how Madeline saw Loyal and how he blossomed when she came into his life, his farm, and his kitchen. I also liked Madeline's way with children, especially Patty, Loyal's seven year old daughter. I also liked the epilogue. The covers on the books in this series are beautiful. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 24, 2020
Oh my goodness, this story really tugs at the heartstrings. At the beginning of the story, I thought this might be a comedy because of Madeline's quirky personality but this one touched on a very serious situation. All stories can be written around 9 different plots. Change the names, change the towns and you can write from those 9 plots, with imagination of course. But I have to say, Jessie Gussman takes imagination and ups the game. Her stories are so unique and incredible that I can never decide which one of those plots she has pulled from. She always keeps me guessing.
Thank you to the author for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to the author for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 17, 2020
This was definitely another home run for me from Jessie! Madeleine has become one thing she is not using a lot of creativity and her best friend helping! The world has her as a celebrity chef they watch on tv but the reality is something different. Suddenly she is in a position without her best friend to help her cover. Loyal, a cowboy whose body and heart are scared by a tragic accident ends up not just allowing the use of his beautiful state of the art farm kitchen but in becoming the one who helps Madeline hide the truth. She helps him see himself without the scars. His little daughter learns to be comfortable around her father again and helps the to adults l as well. LOVED THIS STORY. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
September 1, 2020
Jessie Gussman has written each of the stories in this series with romance but also with perceived flaw in either the hero or the heroine. In this one the hero, Loyal, was badly burned in a house fire that took the life of his infant son. Although he saved her, his daughter is afraid of him. I'm going to be frank here and state that I think her mother has a big hand in promoting that fear. Ok I admit it I'm not a nice and forgiving as Loyal. This book is funny, imagine a celebrity chef, Madeline, who can't cook, poignant with Loyal's desire to have a relationship with his daughter, romantic, watching Loyal and Madeline fall in love, and a lesson in how we treat those that look different. I am loving this series .
January 18, 2021
Madeline and Loyal 💞
Madeline is a celebrity chef. Only one problem...she can’t cook. He best friend guides her step by step through an earbud. No one is the wiser. Even the producer doesn’t know.
Loyal is a hard as ice, bitter man. He lost his baby son in a house fire and he’s severely scarred from saving his daughter. All this happening while his wife was with her boyfriend. Which Loyal knew nothing about. He has closed himself off from most everyone.
His brother Chandler asks him if he would help out his friend Madeline and let her use his beautiful, upscale kitchen for a couple of weeks. He owes Chandler, so he very reluctantly agrees.
What happens when a stunning beauty shows up at the door of a very cold hearted beast?
Madeline is a celebrity chef. Only one problem...she can’t cook. He best friend guides her step by step through an earbud. No one is the wiser. Even the producer doesn’t know.
Loyal is a hard as ice, bitter man. He lost his baby son in a house fire and he’s severely scarred from saving his daughter. All this happening while his wife was with her boyfriend. Which Loyal knew nothing about. He has closed himself off from most everyone.
His brother Chandler asks him if he would help out his friend Madeline and let her use his beautiful, upscale kitchen for a couple of weeks. He owes Chandler, so he very reluctantly agrees.
What happens when a stunning beauty shows up at the door of a very cold hearted beast?
March 24, 2022
I love this romance. Loyal Hudson's home caught fire. He saved his daughter and returned to the house to save his infant son. A huge burning beam fell on him scarring his entire left side and his infant son died from smoke inhalation. Madeline has had a famous cooking show for two years. Only problem is--she can't cook --at all. Her best friend Cheryl walks her through every show, step by step, through an earbud. When Cheryl's mother falls ill and the show schedule changes, Madeline is stuck in Loyal's newly remodeled state of the art kitchen without her backup cooking instructor. I love the lessons in recognizing your hurts and forgiving others and yourself in order to move forward. WONDERFUL BOOK!
June 18, 2020
I received an ARC to review: Loyal and Madeline's story is a tribute to how God's grace, which flows through us and is modelled by our actions, can bring healing, restoration and a desire for righteousness and integirity in those close to us. Their individual struggles are nothing new to humankind, yet each of their journeys of discovery toward liberty were beautiful to witness - as well as their falling in love with each other! A sweet tale of two imperfect people finding wholeness through their faith and each other.
Triggers: fire-trauma causing burn-scars and death; willfull, prolonged deceit; child custody battles
Triggers: fire-trauma causing burn-scars and death; willfull, prolonged deceit; child custody battles
June 29, 2020
Gussman Always Cooks Up a Good Story
A badly scarred, reclusive man with every reason to distrust women, ends up helping a cooking show star keep a huge secret. In return, she helps him regain partial custody of his daughter. He stays in the shadows; she lives in the camera’s glare. As unlikely as it seems, they come to love and understand each other, but given their extreme differences, will that love lead to anything but heartache? The answer is “yes” if you’re reading a Gussman story. She writes about flawed, relatable people who face their challenges and work to overcome them.
A badly scarred, reclusive man with every reason to distrust women, ends up helping a cooking show star keep a huge secret. In return, she helps him regain partial custody of his daughter. He stays in the shadows; she lives in the camera’s glare. As unlikely as it seems, they come to love and understand each other, but given their extreme differences, will that love lead to anything but heartache? The answer is “yes” if you’re reading a Gussman story. She writes about flawed, relatable people who face their challenges and work to overcome them.
November 8, 2020
This is such a wonderful story that I loved. A man that suffers burns trying to save his children. The woman with a culinary show that doesn't know how to book. How they get together to help each other. I haven't encountered such an excellent plot in any book I've read & I read a lot.
Then there is the narrator, Jay Dyess. His voice is really exceptional in this story. He does the British accent for Madeline so perfectly every time. I very much enjoy listening to him narrate books. Keep up the good work which I am sure must involve a lot of time.
I received a free copy of the audiobook. This is my voluntary opinion.
Then there is the narrator, Jay Dyess. His voice is really exceptional in this story. He does the British accent for Madeline so perfectly every time. I very much enjoy listening to him narrate books. Keep up the good work which I am sure must involve a lot of time.
I received a free copy of the audiobook. This is my voluntary opinion.
June 25, 2020
Madeleine’s predicament as a fraud had me both empathizing and yet eager to find out when her house of cards would collapse. Loyal has been burned in a fire and his heart is charred as well.
When Loyal’s rough exterior is placed at odds with Madeline’s need to make everyone love her, her pretty face, and her quirky personality things definitely cook in the kitchen. This was a delightfully funny and romantic read!
I received this book as an advance review copy. I am leaving a voluntary review.
When Loyal’s rough exterior is placed at odds with Madeline’s need to make everyone love her, her pretty face, and her quirky personality things definitely cook in the kitchen. This was a delightfully funny and romantic read!
I received this book as an advance review copy. I am leaving a voluntary review.
June 29, 2020
What can I say about this newest book by Jessie Gussman? It just grabs your heart and doesn't let up until the final pages. Another winner with this great family of boys that is easy for me to imagine, having a family of five precious boys (when they were babies). The storyline of this book will give you both flutters and laughter as they progress through all highs, lows and in-betweens. I would have loved to see this kitchen that was built into this house!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
July 4, 2020
The Beast Gets His Cowgirl
Madeline and her BFF Cheryl were a pair to be reckoned with as a Celebrity cook show, until Cheryl has to take emergency leave. Madeline is going to have to do a Country Cooking series on her own in Loyal's kitchen in the country. They've never met and he doesn't really want Madeline, much less the crew, in his home. A serious accident has left Loyal scared inside and out and a very unhappy man. Can Madeline see past that and get to know the real man and perhaps get him to help her while she helps him?
Madeline and her BFF Cheryl were a pair to be reckoned with as a Celebrity cook show, until Cheryl has to take emergency leave. Madeline is going to have to do a Country Cooking series on her own in Loyal's kitchen in the country. They've never met and he doesn't really want Madeline, much less the crew, in his home. A serious accident has left Loyal scared inside and out and a very unhappy man. Can Madeline see past that and get to know the real man and perhaps get him to help her while she helps him?
December 17, 2020
Cooking in Your Ear
This book did not start out as well for me as the first three in this series. It did not seem to follow the same pattern and had a tendency to repeat the "thoughts " of the characters rather than have more dialog. The story line is good with Loyal and Madeline and as they became more involved so did the story. I have enjoyed getting to know the brothers, their issues, and their wives and children. I received a complimentary copy of this book and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
This book did not start out as well for me as the first three in this series. It did not seem to follow the same pattern and had a tendency to repeat the "thoughts " of the characters rather than have more dialog. The story line is good with Loyal and Madeline and as they became more involved so did the story. I have enjoyed getting to know the brothers, their issues, and their wives and children. I received a complimentary copy of this book and have chosen on my own to write an honest review.
January 11, 2021
A lovely clean, sweet, Christian romance, with all the heart one would expect from Jessie Gussman.
Beautiful, quirky celebrity chef, Madeline Reese, has a secret that has suddenly become too difficult to keep.
This dilemma puts her in the path of damaged, broody rancher, Loyal Hudson, who harbours a heartbreaking past.
Can they help each other deal with their painful pasts and the secrets they’re keeping?
The audiobook is narrated by Jay Dyess, and was a pleasure to listen to.
I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Beautiful, quirky celebrity chef, Madeline Reese, has a secret that has suddenly become too difficult to keep.
This dilemma puts her in the path of damaged, broody rancher, Loyal Hudson, who harbours a heartbreaking past.
Can they help each other deal with their painful pasts and the secrets they’re keeping?
The audiobook is narrated by Jay Dyess, and was a pleasure to listen to.
I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
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