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Big Sky Country #1
Montana Cowboy Daddy : A Christian Historical Western Romance of Faith, Family, and Second Chances
One lonesome little girl. Two wary people.
Dawson needs help with his daughter, but Isabelle is a city girl and entirely unsuitable. He wants his little girl to be content on the ranch. He's already lost one woman who couldn't handle his ranch life, and fears Isabelle will do the same for him and his daughter. But as much as he tries to deny it, he can't help but feel drawn to Isabelle's beauty and strength.
Isabelle hopes that hiding her identity as an heiress will allow her to find acceptance in the Western town of Bella Creek. Taking care of a sweet little girl after school goes a long way toward achieving this goal even though the child's cowboy father isn't keen on the arrangement.
What will happen when Dawson learns that Isabelle has been hiding the truth about who she is? Will Dawson allow his heart to see past his hurt? Will Isabelle find the life she longs for?
(previously published with HQ Love Inspired)
Dawson needs help with his daughter, but Isabelle is a city girl and entirely unsuitable. He wants his little girl to be content on the ranch. He's already lost one woman who couldn't handle his ranch life, and fears Isabelle will do the same for him and his daughter. But as much as he tries to deny it, he can't help but feel drawn to Isabelle's beauty and strength.
Isabelle hopes that hiding her identity as an heiress will allow her to find acceptance in the Western town of Bella Creek. Taking care of a sweet little girl after school goes a long way toward achieving this goal even though the child's cowboy father isn't keen on the arrangement.
What will happen when Dawson learns that Isabelle has been hiding the truth about who she is? Will Dawson allow his heart to see past his hurt? Will Isabelle find the life she longs for?
(previously published with HQ Love Inspired)
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
About the author
Linda Ford
221 books373 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 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 10, 2019
Title: Montana Cowboy Daddy
Author: Linda Ford
Series: Big Sky Country, 1
Format: ebook
Length: 645 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis:
The Rancher's Ready-Made Family
With a little girl to raise, widowed single father Dawson Marshall could sure use some help—he just didn't expect it to come from city girl Isabelle Redfield. Dawson has encountered city women before. He even married one. What if his little girl grows attached to Isabelle and the woman tires of ranch life just like his late wife did?
For heiress Isabelle, the fledgling Western town of Bella Creek, Montana, offers something more meaningful than her wealth: a chance to forge a useful life. But if she wants the townsfolk to value her for more than her money, she has to keep her identity hidden. A difficult feat, especially when it comes to the cynical cowboy whose sweet daughter she cares for after school. But will hiding the truth ruin her chance of earning Dawson's love?
Favourite character: Isabelle
Least favourite character: Dawson
Mini-review:
This was interesting. I liked this more than I usually like cowboy ranch stories, so that was nice. Dawson annoyed the crap out of me, but as he shares a name with my ex, that's understandable. But in all honesty, Dawson drove me nuts with his constant judgement of all city women based on one. Other than that, I liked it. Will be continuing the series.
Fan-cast:
Isabelle Redfield - Rooney Mara
Dawson Marshall - Luke Hemsworth
Author: Linda Ford
Series: Big Sky Country, 1
Format: ebook
Length: 645 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis:
The Rancher's Ready-Made Family
With a little girl to raise, widowed single father Dawson Marshall could sure use some help—he just didn't expect it to come from city girl Isabelle Redfield. Dawson has encountered city women before. He even married one. What if his little girl grows attached to Isabelle and the woman tires of ranch life just like his late wife did?
For heiress Isabelle, the fledgling Western town of Bella Creek, Montana, offers something more meaningful than her wealth: a chance to forge a useful life. But if she wants the townsfolk to value her for more than her money, she has to keep her identity hidden. A difficult feat, especially when it comes to the cynical cowboy whose sweet daughter she cares for after school. But will hiding the truth ruin her chance of earning Dawson's love?
Favourite character: Isabelle
Least favourite character: Dawson
Mini-review:
This was interesting. I liked this more than I usually like cowboy ranch stories, so that was nice. Dawson annoyed the crap out of me, but as he shares a name with my ex, that's understandable. But in all honesty, Dawson drove me nuts with his constant judgement of all city women based on one. Other than that, I liked it. Will be continuing the series.
Fan-cast:
Isabelle Redfield - Rooney Mara
Dawson Marshall - Luke Hemsworth
April 24, 2026
Great book. I really enjoyed the characters and can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
I have to say my only critique would be the title. The book was loaned to me and I left it sitting on the shelf for a while because the title was so cheesy I thought the book would be too. But it’s not.
I have to say my only critique would be the title. The book was loaned to me and I left it sitting on the shelf for a while because the title was so cheesy I thought the book would be too. But it’s not.
November 24, 2016
Montana Cowboy Daddy by Linda Ford. A big Sky Country series. Takes place in 1890. Dawson Marshall was married to a "City" girl who did not like living on the ranch. She took off on a horse, the horse threw her and she died. Dawson is raising a six year old girl. There was a bad fire in town. Because of the fire the doctor and school teacher left town. The town brought in replacements. Along with them came a "City" girl, Isabelle Redfield, who has no talents. Dawson's little girl really likes her but Dawson is staying away from her. The story has ups and downs, drama, romance and understanding and not judging a person by what someone else has done. A very good read.
April 13, 2025
Isabelle is an heiress. She has moved to Bella Falls with her friends, Kate and Sadie. Sadie will be the new teacher. Kate's father is the town doctor. She wants to get out of St. Louis where everyone knows that she is an heiress. She just wants to be accepted for herself. When she gets to town, she meets Mattie - a precious 6 year old - and her father, Dawson. Dawson's granddad is one of the founding town members. Dawson immediately hates Isabelle because she's a city woman. Mattie's mom was a city girl and was unhappy living on the ranch. She was killed in a horse race. Dawson has to ask Isabelle to watch Mattie after school while he helps to rebuild the school that had burned down, but makes it clear that he does not like her. Isabelle just wants to be accepted for who she is. Not her money. Such a really good book.
April 22, 2025
Can Dawson leave his painful past behind him and find love again?
Heiress Isabelle Redfield arrives on the stage in the Montana town of Bella Creek with her best friend Kate, Kate's father the new town Dr. and Sadie the new school teacher.
All Isabelle wants is to be treated like everyone else and not be treated like she is the heir to a large fortune, so she chooses to keep her past between herself and her friends.
Dawson Marshall has seen the type of woman Isabelle is. She's a city woman and he knew that she was not for him his dead wife had shown him that a cowboy like him and his family were not what a city girl wanted.
When Dawson's young daughter Mattie makes friends with Isabelle and he begins to spend more time with her, can he let himself care for the rich city girl?
Heiress Isabelle Redfield arrives on the stage in the Montana town of Bella Creek with her best friend Kate, Kate's father the new town Dr. and Sadie the new school teacher.
All Isabelle wants is to be treated like everyone else and not be treated like she is the heir to a large fortune, so she chooses to keep her past between herself and her friends.
Dawson Marshall has seen the type of woman Isabelle is. She's a city woman and he knew that she was not for him his dead wife had shown him that a cowboy like him and his family were not what a city girl wanted.
When Dawson's young daughter Mattie makes friends with Isabelle and he begins to spend more time with her, can he let himself care for the rich city girl?
February 28, 2025
This was another great, faith filled story by Linda Ford. Dawson, still dealing with betrayal and heartbreak, will do anything to protect his young daughter from knowing the pain he has felt. Isabelle, an heiress to a large fortune, is longing to be accepted for who she is, not what she has. The two clash as each is unable to forget the pain of the past. When they are thrown together caring for Dawson's sister and daughter, they begin to see each other in a new light and find their feelings growing. Their faith in God brings them to the place where they are able to find their way to happiness and love.
June 17, 2019
Somewhere between a 3.5 to a 4 star rating.
I really enjoyed the writing and the premise of the plot. The characters were enduring and the town very inviting. However I’m not sure how I felt about the ending.... I mean the loose ends were wrapped up but I’m not sure if I agreed with how everything was wrapped up. I also found that the ending was a little rushed. This was my first introduction into the Love Inspired Historical fiction world. What a great entrance into these books, Linda Ford’s writing was such a delight.
I really enjoyed the writing and the premise of the plot. The characters were enduring and the town very inviting. However I’m not sure how I felt about the ending.... I mean the loose ends were wrapped up but I’m not sure if I agreed with how everything was wrapped up. I also found that the ending was a little rushed. This was my first introduction into the Love Inspired Historical fiction world. What a great entrance into these books, Linda Ford’s writing was such a delight.
May 1, 2025
As Good As I Expected! Yea!
I love the way Linda Ford creates lively, believable characters a reader can easily relate to and connect with. This clean, historical, inspirational romance wasn’t easy to put down. It wasn’t long before I was deeply invested in the story. The plot moved along smoothly and the resolution was exactly as it should be. I’m satisfied. If you enjoy this genre, I think you should check it out.
I love the way Linda Ford creates lively, believable characters a reader can easily relate to and connect with. This clean, historical, inspirational romance wasn’t easy to put down. It wasn’t long before I was deeply invested in the story. The plot moved along smoothly and the resolution was exactly as it should be. I’m satisfied. If you enjoy this genre, I think you should check it out.
May 5, 2025
Delightful Story of Fearful Widower
Dawson, the Montana Cowboy, is a delightful Daddy to his daughter Mattie. Unfortunately he has very strong and negative opinions, feelings, and attitudes towards "beautiful city women!" Dawson is extremely fearful of making the same mistake he made when he married his late wife, Mattie's mother - a 'beautiful CITY woman' who hated life on a ranch in Montana!
Dawson, the Montana Cowboy, is a delightful Daddy to his daughter Mattie. Unfortunately he has very strong and negative opinions, feelings, and attitudes towards "beautiful city women!" Dawson is extremely fearful of making the same mistake he made when he married his late wife, Mattie's mother - a 'beautiful CITY woman' who hated life on a ranch in Montana!
January 14, 2025
A New Life Is Possible
When the town comes into view, from the window of the stage, one of its riders hopes for something new. Not so much adventure just a new start to an old life.
The cowboy riding into town, to meet the new Doctor and fellow riders of the stage. Is comforted by one of the stage riders, dressed as a rich city girl. He judges her before he knows who she is.
When the town comes into view, from the window of the stage, one of its riders hopes for something new. Not so much adventure just a new start to an old life.
The cowboy riding into town, to meet the new Doctor and fellow riders of the stage. Is comforted by one of the stage riders, dressed as a rich city girl. He judges her before he knows who she is.
April 5, 2025
Finding faith to go on
This was a very nice Christian historical Western romance. She had left the city with friends to move west where people didn't know she was an heiress. He was living with his daughter and his family after losing his wife who didn't fit in their life style. He'd never marry a city girl again. Oh the changes they made!
This was a very nice Christian historical Western romance. She had left the city with friends to move west where people didn't know she was an heiress. He was living with his daughter and his family after losing his wife who didn't fit in their life style. He'd never marry a city girl again. Oh the changes they made!
August 27, 2025
Chapter 1 laughed twice. Love Mattie.
While for the sake of the plot, having Dawson being the only one working on school construction, it's illogical.
Less humor as book progresses.
Giving up her wealth is one way to solve his problem but his learning to not be threaten by her wealth would have shown maturity on his part.
While for the sake of the plot, having Dawson being the only one working on school construction, it's illogical.
Less humor as book progresses.
Giving up her wealth is one way to solve his problem but his learning to not be threaten by her wealth would have shown maturity on his part.
January 4, 2026
Very disappointing
Dawson the male character in this story was really stubborn, too quick to anger. I’m disappointed that Isabelle was constantly too forgiving. Seeing her having so little self respect was not entertaining. Then she gave her whole fortune away for him. So stupid. A shame she didn’t donate to rebuilding the town she was so in love with.
Dawson the male character in this story was really stubborn, too quick to anger. I’m disappointed that Isabelle was constantly too forgiving. Seeing her having so little self respect was not entertaining. Then she gave her whole fortune away for him. So stupid. A shame she didn’t donate to rebuilding the town she was so in love with.
April 2, 2026
3½ stars
I enjoy this author's stories, but Dawson was a bit of a jerk throughout most of this story. He never seemed to see just how judgemental and hurtful he was. Mattie, as a 6 year old, behaved better than her father. It was also a tad repetitive at times. The end seemed a bit rushed but it was a very nice ending.
I enjoy this author's stories, but Dawson was a bit of a jerk throughout most of this story. He never seemed to see just how judgemental and hurtful he was. Mattie, as a 6 year old, behaved better than her father. It was also a tad repetitive at times. The end seemed a bit rushed but it was a very nice ending.
December 31, 2016
Linda Ford does a great job in weaving this western romance tale set in Montana. Her characters are well designed. Ms. Ford's main characters are opposites and as such their personalities add to the tension of the developing plot line. This is a clean wholesome romance.
March 19, 2025
Living up to expectations.
I really enjoyed this book about an heiress who just wants to be loved for who she is and not what she has, and a widowed cowboy scarred by his previous marriage. An interesting and believable romance underlined by a living faith.
I really enjoyed this book about an heiress who just wants to be loved for who she is and not what she has, and a widowed cowboy scarred by his previous marriage. An interesting and believable romance underlined by a living faith.
April 8, 2025
Captivating Story
A story that grabbed my attention on the first page and held it to the last. I found this touching story difficult to put down. If you enjoy wholesome stories with interesting characters, this book is for you.
A story that grabbed my attention on the first page and held it to the last. I found this touching story difficult to put down. If you enjoy wholesome stories with interesting characters, this book is for you.
May 1, 2025
Montana Cowboy Daddy
A good story about faith family and second chance at love.Isabella is wealthy but runs to Montana to try and beloved for herself She falls a rancher that has been betrayed by his first wife and has a daughter and even with all the doubts they find happiness
A good story about faith family and second chance at love.Isabella is wealthy but runs to Montana to try and beloved for herself She falls a rancher that has been betrayed by his first wife and has a daughter and even with all the doubts they find happiness
September 13, 2025
Montana Cowboy Daddy
This was a great story. It’s hard to learn how to forgive people when you have been burned or betrayed. Having a daughter complicates the situation because a father is concerned for the impact on their child and introduces a new person into their lives
This was a great story. It’s hard to learn how to forgive people when you have been burned or betrayed. Having a daughter complicates the situation because a father is concerned for the impact on their child and introduces a new person into their lives
October 10, 2025
As happiness came alive!!
This was a very good book very worth reading if you are a Christian you will love it As you can guess the book has a very happy ending but it has its twists and turns!!
This was a very good book very worth reading if you are a Christian you will love it As you can guess the book has a very happy ending but it has its twists and turns!!
March 4, 2026
Great first book in a series
I couldn't put it down, it kept my interest! I read straight through the night. It was an àmazing story. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
I couldn't put it down, it kept my interest! I read straight through the night. It was an àmazing story. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
August 19, 2017
Another great book/story by Linda Ford.
January 6, 2018
It was a good story. Kept my attention. I dont usually read any type of romance novels but received this book as a gift. Very sweet.
July 11, 2024
Just how much do past hurts play in to the future beliefs? How easy is it to overcome the bad memories?
Great story of trust and determination!
I loved it!
Great story of trust and determination!
I loved it!
January 22, 2025
I enjoyed the book! I recommend reading it!
February 10, 2025
Cowboy
A wonderful story of love, betrayal, greed and God's goodness. This book brought tears, joy, laughter and faith. A great book.
A wonderful story of love, betrayal, greed and God's goodness. This book brought tears, joy, laughter and faith. A great book.
March 12, 2025
A very good read
I enjoyed reading Montana Cowboy as I do all of author Linda Ford’s books. I found it hard to put down once I started. I am looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed reading Montana Cowboy as I do all of author Linda Ford’s books. I found it hard to put down once I started. I am looking forward to the next one.
April 8, 2025
Excellent story! Faith an reliance on God are woven throughout the is book. A joy to read.
April 11, 2025
I enjoyed reading Isabella and Dawson's story.
April 21, 2025
great story!
This is a page turner. Keeps you on your toes - from beginning to end. Some romance. Think you will enjoy.
This is a page turner. Keeps you on your toes - from beginning to end. Some romance. Think you will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews