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Big Sky Country #5

Montana Groom of Convenience

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Can the ranch save her heart?

Carly Morrison's father has given her an wed or lose her ranch. Desperate to keep her home, Carly agrees to marriage of convenience with Sawyer, a man who needs security for himself and his little sister, Jill. Their arrangement is a marriage in name only, no emotions, and no expectations.

Sawyer's priority is protecting Jill. He'll agree to this wedding because it allows him to keep his heart securely locked up. The deal suits them both perfectly. Or so they think. But as they navigate their new lives together, Carly and Sawyer find it increasingly difficult to ignore their growing attraction. Emotions surface, and their hearts begin to yearn for more.

Can they continue to suppress their feelings to acheive their goals, or will they risk everything for a chance at real love?

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

149 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Linda Ford

207 books357 followers
Linda 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.

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5 stars
260 (67%)
4 stars
92 (23%)
3 stars
26 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews583 followers
September 14, 2022
This is definitely a character-driven story, and I loved how Carly, Sawyer, and his little sister are all strong, yet have hidden vulnerabilities that are slowly revealed as they get to know and rely on one another. Carly's dad is well-meaning but completely manipulative which I didn't care for, and he would have had a much healthier relationship with his daughter learning to communicate rather than manage her life through coercion. That being said, the chemistry and romance are spot-on, turning the marriage of convenience into a genuine friendship and partnership, despite the expectations Carly and Sawyer placed on themselves. Loved this sweet romance!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
January 5, 2018
A reclusive cowboy and a charming tomboy stubbornly match wits as they studiously ignore their growing feelings. Carly and Sawyer unite for some really good reasons, both thinking that a quick marriage can simplify their immediate problems. And it might seem that way on the surface...but it isn't long before things get deliciously complicated. He holds himself aloof from emotions so he's immune to the feisty lady rancher...isn't he? Not quite. And she just wants to keep living her life the way she always has only, of course, everything's different now. I love a good marriage of convenience story and this one is fabulous!
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
May 20, 2018
A rushed wedding to Sawyer Gallagher for Carly Morrison to keep the ranch she grew up on. Sawyer needed a home for his half sister, Jill, and this seem like a perfect solution as he knew ranch work. This is a fun story to read with characters that needed to heal from their past and become who God intended them to be. Carly struggled with Sawyer taking the imitative to complete work on the ranch but her father put his foot down when he discovered their marriage was only one of convenience. Will Carly and Sawyer be able to overcome issues and join in a true marital relationship, along with providing a loving home for young Jill?

A friend loaned this book to me. I was not required to write a review but have shared my own opinion.
1,622 reviews28 followers
January 13, 2018
Montana Groom of Convenience by Linda Ford
(The fifth book in the Big Sky Country series)
Their Marriage Bargain
Carly Morrison's father issued an ultimatum: get married or lose her ranch. But while she can rope and ride as well as any man, leading one to the altar is another matter - until newcomer Sawyer Gallagher suggests a marriage of convenience. Their arrangement might be a sensible solution to her predicament, but Carly's growing feelings are a genuine complication.
Desperate to provide a home for his orphaned sister, Sawyer takes a chance on lassoing himself to headstrong cowgirl Carly. He's convinced he's too hardened by life to love anyone... until their union is threatened. Is it too late to turn this practical partnership into a real Big Sky family?
this is Carly Morrison and Sawyer Gallagher's story.
“Poor Jill. I can’t imagine losing both parents.” “Even worse, she acted so badly that no one would keep her.” “She was hurt and fighting her pain. That little girl is a fighter,” Carly said. “I can never hope to replace the home she’s lost.”
A smile began in Sawyer eyes and spread to his mouth. “Love is an option. That sounds very hopeful.” She sensed an unasked question. Did he wonder if love was available to him? She’d married a stranger.
Jill is Sawyer eight-year-old half sister.
Is it too late to turn this practical partnership into a real Big Sky family? read this book to find out.
Montana Groom of Convenience by Linda Ford is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
more books by Linda

Big Sky Country
1. Montana Cowboy Daddy
2. Montana Cowboy Family
3. Montana Cowboy's Baby
4. Inheritance of Love
5. Montana Groom of Convenience
6. Montana Bride by Christmas
7. Montana Lawman Rescuer

Wild Rose Country: The Complete Series
(Wild Rose Country)


Cowboy Bodyguard
(Wild Rose Country, book 4)



Montana Groom of Convenience
(Big Sky Country, book 5)



Dakota Series Complete Collection
(Dakota)
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
January 7, 2018
An inspiring and uplifting story, filled with encouraging lessons of life and faith in God. I adore Linda Ford's stories because they have such strong elements of faith and convincing, enticing romance, and tight communities that pull together and take care of each other.
With Montana Groom of Convenience, the time frame is just perfect, how Carly Morrison and Sawyer Gallagher get to know each other while their feelings deepen and take root. I loved the talks they had, so sweetly as they often held hands while they shared their deepest thoughts and darkest secrets. The bond between them was real, it came palpable over time, they were a team, in it together, to make the best of it.
The positive, inspirational message of faith in God and attitude, a will to not only survive but strive with the hand you are dealt with was something that sat well in my heart. Sawyer, his sister Jill, or Carly hadn't had it easy in life. There was so much loss of the loved ones, the sorrow could have taken over of them. Yet with the help of each other and with Carly's encouragement, Sawyer and Jill start to dare to show their emotions again, feel again, and embrace life, love, family, and home.
A captivating and delightful story of love, loss, marriage, and family, with heartfelt messages of faith and life.
A mesmerizing addition to the series!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
January 28, 2018
Carly's father has backed her into a corner. He said if she doesn't get married, she won't inherit the ranch that she's been running ever since he was injured. As she sits in the diner complaining to her friend, Sawyer overhears. Sawyer has just received custody of his orphaned little sister and has no clue how to raise a girl. He offers Carly a solution that he thinks will help both of them out of their predicaments. Can the two fool everyone long enough to get what they both want?

This was a sweet story with a predictable ending. But even though I knew how it would end, I enjoyed the story getting there. The author did a great job of weaving faith, romance, drama, and family together to create an enjoyable story. The characters were entertaining and the secondary characters were just as amusing and deep as the two main people. The author did a great job of portraying the difficulties and blessings of a blended family. Overall, this was a sweet, romantic story that would be enjoyed by readers who enjoy clean, historical romance with elements of faith.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Veronica.
457 reviews
December 1, 2018
Ugh, completely disappointed by this book. Ford is one of my favorite authors of this genre (although this particular series has not been my favorite) and I love the books where the couple marries first and falls in love later but I did not like this book. First of all, I could not stand Carly's father and he is central to this story even after the couple had married so you cannot escape him in the story. He is very patronizing to Carly which drives me crazy and he laughs at Carly when she is upset. It's one thing to be a "my way or the highway" father figure but that he laughed when he did it was so irritating. Secondly, this book was pretty close to a whirlwind romance, which I also cannot stand, as you can get with the premise. The whole story takes place over a month. Thirdly, Carly and Sawyer cannot communicate their feelings and then suddenly they can and the story is over.
If this book had been by any other author I probably would not be so annoyed but it is and I am.
Profile Image for Nancy Luebke.
1,466 reviews66 followers
July 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this clean, love-inspired, historical romance. I voluntarily choose to review this story. I've rated this at 5*. Amid the sorrows of loss of loved ones, a touch of humor here and there, lightened the sadness in some of the low moments. This story pulled me in, and had a few feels that touched these old heart strings now and then. There is a lot going on, as in any life. Sometimes we need to stop and enjoy some of the little things around us.

Some of you may have noticed that I've been reading more, older books lately. That's because I've been dipping into my older TBR piles. I've been getting fewer newer books, so I am picking up more from way back. I'm also trying to read more. So happy reading friends.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,389 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2022
Lovely story about a marriage arrangement that spend the *ENTIRE* book wanting to be more. It's about insecurities, loss, hardship, and second chances. And it has an old Irishman, kitten, and orphaned little girl thrown in for flavor.

The story was beautiful, nevertheless I have something against it: Matthew 23:9. For an 'inspirational' novel, it sure did throw scripture right out the window. I'm not okay with that.

Having said, the story itself was sweet - Sawyer's heart is closed off because of loss, while Carly's heart is tormented: both by trying to please her father and trying to be a 'man', while struggling to be seen as a desirable woman and at the same time capable as a female.

The journey was worth it. From agreement to adoration, it was sweet.
Profile Image for Carol.
733 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2018
Montana Groom Of Convenience a story of love, love of her Ranch, his love for his niece. Also love that grows. The marriage of convenience. Do they grow to love each other? When something happens in their lives together do they cling to each other and the LORD or do they turn away from each other? Can they truly trust and love each other with the agreement for marriage between them? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

If you would like to review more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreivewers.blogspot.com
934 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2018
Montana Groom Of Convenience a Big Sky Country series by Linda Ford. Carly Morrison's grandfather will sell his ranch unless Carly gets married. Carly tries to be the son he never had. That wasn't enough. She meets newcomer Sawyer Gallagher who suggest a marriage of convenience. Carly needs a husband to make her father happy and Sawyer needs a family for his eight year old sister. Carly's grandfather see's that its not a real marriage so he puts the ranch up for sale. Which forces Carly and Sawyer to admit how they really feel about each other. Which is love each other. A very good Historical romance book. A must read.
91 reviews
September 19, 2025
Love Can Grow

Linda Ford has a way of bringing to light the love that God intends for his people to know. A young couple marries for their own interests, reasons not of God's. They think their plans will be enough to get what they want. For her the home and land she loves, him a place for his sister. But they learn to love each other the way God wants for all of them. Her home she loves, her father to know his daughter will have love, sister to have a home. Only they all will have the love of all that makes up the family.
20 reviews
October 29, 2025
Thank you

As I sit here, reflecting on the passage of time, I am profoundly grateful for the ability to read and comprehend the world around me, even as the years have gently etched their wisdom upon my soul. The simple act of reading has become a cherished companion, offering solace, knowledge, and connection in my golden years. Each page I turn is a testament to the resilience of my mind and the richness of my life experiences, allowing me to continue learning, growing, and finding joy in the written word.
1,546 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2018
Wonderful story of loss and love

Love marriage of convenience stories, this is the story of three lonely souls. Carly who is trying to be the son her father never had. Sawyer who has lost his parents, and younger brother. Because of that he has pushed his feelings deep down inside. Jill, Sawyer's little sister has become just like him no feelings. But the three of them need each other in more ways than they can imagine.
130 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. Lovely and thought provoking story . Linda Ford has a great writing talent. She draws you in from the very first and keeps you interested to the end.
I definitely would recommend this author to anyone.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,795 reviews12 followers
August 21, 2025
Wanted to love this

But oh my goodness! Carly was so hard to like. At first her attitude was expected, but it continued for most of the book. I had to force myself to finish the story. I did love Sawyer, grandfather and little Jill. But Carly….not so much.

59 reviews
August 27, 2025
Montana Groom of Convenience

The story of Carly and Sawyer was wonderfully written. There was drama and sorrow and so much more. I loved having all of the characters from the beginning of the series return to be part of Cary and Sawyer’s book. Excellent!
327 reviews
October 9, 2025
sweet read

Spend enough time with someone, caring for each other, the hardest of hearts can be softened. I loved this sweet story, but granddad was wanting me to reach in and smack him up side his head!!
1,279 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2024
Why are some fathers so stubborn and set in their ways?
Nothing like growing up an only child - a girl - with a widowed father who wanted a son.
He makes demands that are quite hard to fulfill in order for her to be the owner of the ranch when he dies. Does he really keep the deal that was made?
1,116 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2025
great book

This was a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.


Displaying 1 - 24 of 25 reviews

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