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When Rachel Donovan, a strong-willed chiropractor with a past, meets Jack Westwood, a bull-headed cowboy looking for a future, it looks like hate at first fight. But when the dust settles, it may be love. Can the chiropractor and the cowboy bridle their growing attraction, or will love ultimately have free reign?

303 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

8 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

Christine Lynxwiler

28 books65 followers
Award-winning author and past president of American Christian Romance Writers, Christine Lynxwiler has numerous novels and novellas published with Barbour Publishing. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their two daughters, four horses, and two dogs live in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in their home state of Arkansas."

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5 stars
118 (30%)
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148 (38%)
3 stars
93 (24%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
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12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,458 reviews
August 2, 2015
SUMMARY: When Rachel Donovan, a strong-willed chiropractor with a past, meets Jack Westwood, a bull-headed cowboy looking for a future, it looks like hate at first fight. But when the dust settles, it may be love. Can the chiropractor and the cowboy bridle their growing attraction, or will love ultimately have free reign?

REVIEW: Based on a theme of second chances and forgiveness, the Pinky Promise Sisterhood is always there to support one another. A group of four women who are there for one another through every up and down of life creates a story that is full of humor, sadness, and love but best of all joy and faith. Full of great characters and romantic tension as well as life's real hurts, this is an easy to read, enjoyable contemporary Christian romance. Rachel is seeking forgiveness for her past mistakes but can't seem to believe that God or anyone else can do that let alone forgive herself. The supporting cast, including her cowboy, the townspeople, her patients, her Pink Promise Sisters, and her family are good characters as well. I will definitely go back and read the first book in this series, Promise Me Always.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Babies complicate life, but the human race can't survive without them."

"Your past made you the amazing woman you are today. But you still need to embrace the future, free of shame and guilt."

"Because she was living a lie. And that's no life at all."
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
Read
January 23, 2016
ALONG CAME A COWBOY is the first book I’ve read from Christine Lynxwiler. And as I’ve said, I’m a sucker for a western. Rachel Donovan is the town chiropractor and a beloved citizen of Shady Grove. As much as she likes her hometown, she struggles with her relationship with her parents, and has a bad taste in her mouth for cowboys, no matter how handsome or rugged . . . or so she thinks. When she is asked to help out on the Centennial Rodeo Committee, she agrees, only to find out too late that she will have to work along side Jack. If that’s not enough of a distraction for her, her teenage niece decides to runaway and seek refuge with her. Rachel is challenged to build and restore relationships and is fearful when others find out about her past, she will lose the relationships she’s worked so hard to nuture.

ALONG CAME A COWBOY is a bit predictable, but hey, once in a while it’s nice to read a book that puts a smile on your face because you pretty much know where it’s going. This is book #2 in the Pinky Promise Sisterhood. Strangely, if I had known that was the subtitle, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. I’m not a real chick-lit fan. But this book kept me entertained and didn’t feel as sugarcoated as some chick-lit novel. An enjoyable read . . . And I might just have to get book #1.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 45 books419 followers
June 21, 2008
Whenever I start a new book--especially a romance--I worry that I won't enjoy it and would've wasted my time. I don't have much time these days to spare, so that would be bad. At any rate, Along Came a Cowboy was a very good read. I love romance stories that have some depth to them and this one delivers. At first I wasn't sure how the author could keep the conflict believeable enough to carry the story, but as Dr. Rachel's issues rose to the surface, things got complicated, and complications are never boring to read about. So without giving any spoilers, I'll just tell you that when the heart is moved to change and when walls come down, it really touches my heart. In this case it had less to do with the hero and more to do with Rachel's family, but it was still beautiful to experience. If you love romance that goes easy on the physical aspects, but deep on the emotional end, you'll love this story.
Profile Image for Lynnda Ell.
Author 5 books30 followers
August 27, 2010
Along Came a Cowboy's simple story is told in an engaging way. Dr. Rachel Donovan has a secret that haunts her to the point of affecting every relationship. In a twist on this common plot device, the reader learns the secret early in the story. The remainder of the book hinges on whether Rachel will find the courage to talk about her secret with the people most involved. The plot takes a few twists that maintain the story's tension and makes the book an easy, entertaining, romantic read. If you're looking for something to do other than watch TV, you will find reading this book a pleasant alternative.
Profile Image for Veronica.
475 reviews
July 26, 2016
I did not finish this book. I really didn't even get past the first chapter. I was able to call what Rachel's secret past was a few pages in. I jumped to the back to check and I was right so I stopped reading. This storyline is too cliche for me to want to read the book. Just my opinion.
Profile Image for Ctf Devourer.
16 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2026
Enjoyable characters. Enjoyable romance. Beautiful friendships. Fun setting.
Personally I don't enjoy the drama surrounding a teen finding out they are adopted when they have a loving caring family. Giving a child up for adoption is often an act of extreme love and sacrifice so the exaggeration of how angry a child is when they find out feels over the top. Also as a Christian I'd appreciate an emphasis on where our identity is found - not in our biological family, not in the family that raises us - but in our relationship with Christ.
There is definitely spiritual emphasis in this book but it's the standard, "Trust God. Stop living in guilt." rather than looking at the root of the issue - both the adult and child are placing their identity in something that doesn't define them.
Profile Image for Karen Montgomery.
38 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2020
This is an unusual love story between the town Chiropractor Rachel Donavan and a former Rodeo star Jack Westwood! It starts when both of them are teenagers, but is not rekindled until much later when she is forced to work on the town centennial Rodeo celebration with him! In the middle of everything she is forced to relieve her past mistake of giving her daughter to her sister to raise! It was a family secret and didn’t come to life until Jack made the discovery! Read the rest of the story to find out what happens?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim Hampton.
1,707 reviews37 followers
March 18, 2022
I adored the first book in the series, and was so excited to find out more about the characters. I would have given this book 5 stars if it hadn't been for a couple of errors. At the end though, they were easily overlooked and I'm so happy I read on! I am really hoping that the author will tell Victoria's story, although it's been several years since this book came out, so I'm not sure if it will happen.
Profile Image for Jessa.
494 reviews54 followers
June 24, 2025


This was ok. I jumped into this series with this book, not realizing it was book two and do not feel like I missed anything reading book 2 first. I was not very invested in the story and finished just to complete a reading challenge prompt. The characters were kind of one dimensional and immature in their problems. Overall, this was a miss for me unfortunately.
Profile Image for Estelle.
126 reviews
May 15, 2021
This book has made me laugh out loud at times. It’s made me giggle and it’s kinda obvious. The big reveal moment happens unexpectedly and it’s great and then there’s a great moment where two friends tell the main character to take a deep breath and shut up!!! Great fun book and just what I needed.
Profile Image for MA.
28 reviews
November 14, 2022
It's REALLY set in Texas so you have to really give it time to get used to the insanity depicted in the book. It gets 3.5 stars for discussing some pretty important principles and focusing on teen education with its scenarios, so not bad, nice try.
69 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2020
i really enjoyed this book really couldnt put it down. it really shows us that we need to forgive ourselves our past and come clean if we can as soon as we do God has a way of working things out
Profile Image for Lori.
41 reviews
did-not-finish
July 8, 2021
DNF.
Read almost half and still don't care about the plot, her "secret," his past, or their relationship. Just not intrigued at all.
Profile Image for Rebecca Kuhl.
19 reviews
March 18, 2025
Is it a good book? Yes. Was it my favorite book? No. I liked parts of it but the ending was not worth it.
Profile Image for Sams reading journal.
89 reviews
August 25, 2024
This book was cute! It was my first jump into the "cowboy romance" genre, and it was a pretty tame and fun start. The book was a little cheesy at times, but I feel like that comes with the territory here. I did enjoy the religious aspects of this book. It didn't go too far into that realm, but just enough that it added nice touches to the book.

Summary: Rachel Donovan is a chiropractor that is back in her hometown. She's successful and mostly happy with her life. She has best friends that love and support her, a loving sister, niece, and 2 dogs. She doesn't have the best relationship with her parents due to some things in her past, but she tends to look past that. Then, Jack Westwood, a retired bull rider moves back into town. Rachel is forced to deal with some of her past mistakes and feelings. Then, her niece runs away from her sister after finding out she was adopted, and decides to stay with Rachel until she can uncover the truth about her birth parents. Rachel is an important person in the town of Shady Grove, and she does what she can to help the people she's grown to love.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,652 reviews115 followers
July 9, 2015
Dr. Rachel Donovan has worked real hard to build a name for herself in Shady Grove’s a town where she grew up. The people of this town voted her Citizen of the Year because she loves them and they know it. She wants to make people proud of her but how can she do that when the past is not far behind. Always overshadowing her achievements. She was the responsible child growing up, always easy going and someone you could rely on until that one summer when her world was turned upside down. One bad choice, that’s all it took to be out cast and all alone. She thought she would never recover from that one decision.

Rachel cries out to God one night when she can’t juggle the past and the present any longer. She asks God to listen to her just like the other times over the years. Her pain was great! ” How many times I’ve asked You to take this whole thing away. What am I doing wrong?” She searches her heart; it’s willing but what was it? Realization hits her hard; she had to forgive herself. Sometimes that’s the hardest person to forgive. She had to Stop punishing herself for what happened but how?

One of Rachel’s close friends says to her one day …”Your past made you the amazing woman you are today. But you still need to embrace the future, free of shame and guilt.” Rachel wasn’t fooling anyone but herself. She asked the Lord again for help she couldn’t do this on her own.

Jack Westwood cowboy rodeo star the one person she has been avoiding since he has come to town. She wasn’t going to get tangled up with another cowboy; it wasn’t so great the last time. Rachel was determined to not let anyone close to her again but Jack Westwood is turning up every where she goes. She knows his kind but the more she runs into him she is finding out he is not like the cowboys she knows. He’s real and he’s not playing. “Sometimes the most amazing things are right in front of us, but we never see them.” Rachel’s heart starts to feel again but her head and pride say “ No.” Can Rachel allow God to mend her broken heart? Will she continue to punish herself and be left alone and miss the opportunity to love and be loved?

Will Rachel stop hiding and embrace the love many want to give her. Can she embrace the redeeming love that will change her from the inside out. God wants all of her past and present.

This was definitely a feel good book. I totally enjoyed Rachel and her friends lives. This is a story of healing, love and restoration. Treat yourself to a good time cowboy style!

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Profile Image for Brandi.
262 reviews55 followers
June 10, 2014
Along Came a Cowboy - Christine Lynxwiler
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Why in the world did Christine Lynxwiler give away the entire story in the fourth chapter? Once she revealed that Jennifer was Rachel's daughter, the plot was pretty much predictable.
Jack was completely sweet. And he was respectful. And kind. And polite. And considerate. And faithful. And caring. And romantic for the most part. While I do like how he respects Rachel and everything, I kind of wish he kissed her more. Just 'cuz I'm not gonna kiss until my wedding, doesn't mean I want the same for the book characters. I don't read fiction for reality.
Rachel was a pretty great character. That was kind of annoying how she kept going on about cowboys though. It's not like they're all the same. And I think she should have been completely honest - with Jack and Jenn. I really liked reading from her view, though I do wish I knew Jack's thoughts as well. Her light humor made me chuckle. I like the end with her having the song played for her cowboy. That was cute.
Poor Jenn. That would be terrible, just suddenly having your world flip upside down. I can't blame her for being so upset - I would be too! She was a pretty good kid for the most part. I thought Dirk was sweet too. Why couldn't he have a better name though? Dirk? Rhymes with jerk? Dirk the jerk? Not very ideal for a good guy.
Pinkies - Well, I've obviously already done Rachel. I enjoyed Victoria's humor, sass, and "shugah"s. I'm pretty sure Adam's her match. They just need to find out how to get along. Lark was so sweet and naive. I felt sorry for her about the whole 'Sheila scheme'. I don't blame Russ for being grouchy. Allie is awesome. Her wedding was so perfectly beautiful - in my mind at least.
Blair - What an idiot! Oh, she's such an annoying, conniving busybody! I'm so glad Alma put her in her place. That was awesome!
Alma and Ron are so cute. And hilarious.
Rachael's parents were great. Nothing more to say.
Along Came a Cowboy is another one of those spiritually-dead Christian books. Boy, does that sound like an oxymoron! It passes as Christian because it has morals and mentions God. It's spiritually-dead because that's it. No thought-provoking message, no Gospel.
Profile Image for Sheree.
18 reviews
July 6, 2010
In recent months, I have been reading stories about cowboys and bull riders. I think it may have something to do with the real live bucking bull that I won a few months ago. Cowboys are hot, right? :-)

One book I have read recently is Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler. Rachel Donovan, small town chiropractor and Jack Westwood, ex bull-riding rodeo star are thrown together on a project. Rachel, however, doesn't trust cowboys and a cowboy-Jack-is. As you can imagine, there is conflict and flirtation and chaos while working on this project together. Why does Rachel so dislike cowboys? One cowboy from her past broke her heart, can another cowboy from her past capture her present and future?

Right from the start, Christine caught my attention giving just the slightest indication that Rachel had a secret. I was intrigued to find out what that secret was and how it would play out in Rachel's life. I love how Christine divulged just enough information to keep you looking for more. The book comes across as light-hearted and fun, yet also deals with real-life issues and struggles. I liked that the book wasn't just full of romance and fun and good times, but the characters lived real lives with real issues and were forced to overcome pasts and lean on God and His plans for the future. And if you are worried the story is too serious...it will sure to delight and comfort and make you chuckle.

Oh, did I mention I read the entire book in one day? Must mean a good book, eh? :-)
Profile Image for Natasha Hagen.
106 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2014
Every cowgirl's dream of finding her own handsome cowboy. Rachel is not proud of the things she did when she was younger, but you cannot change the past and now she has to deal with it. She has to explain to her niece about the life choices she made and how they are going to proceed from there on. Rachel friends experience some heartache and happiness that affects their close knit group of friends.

Living in a small town always means that the whole town knows your business sooner or later. To set things right Rachel has to mend her relationships with the people close to her first and branch out from there making amends so she can have her happy ever after. Thru this whole process one of her childhood friends also return home, Jack the famous bull rider. Rachel has to decide how to proceed with him as he shows some interest in her.

It's hard for her to tell the whole truth, but finally she realises that is the only way she can live happily ever after with Jack and the rest of her family and friends.

Great book for people that are interested in horses and the cowboy lifestyle.
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
710 reviews31 followers
April 2, 2013
This was book two of the two book The Pinky Promise series. It was also my favorite of the two books!

Jack, our hero, is an ex-rodeo star who returned home after purchasing his family ranch. He has had a crush on Rachel, the girl next door, since they were children.

Rachel, our heroine, is the town chiropractor with a big secret. When her 15 year old niece runs away from home and ends up on Rachel's doorstep, her secret is staring her in the face.

Jack and Rachel end up on the Shady Grove Centennial Rodeo Committee. And the sparks start flying.

We also got to visit with the other Pinkies, as well as attend Daniel and Allie's wedding. So sweet.

They all show up again in The McCord Sisters series, which is another don't miss series from this author.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,043 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2013
Being completely preoccupied with
young adult fiction, it had been a while since I have picked up a romance novel. I was pleasently surprised by the clearly focused Christian romance in the novel. It was not smutty but was still very romantic.

The characters are very likable and I really like Jack's patience with Rachel throughout the book. I even liked Rachel evening though she is a bit loony and way too hard on herself.

I also really loved the message of living a life of lies and trying to find forgiveness. This was a actually a romance novel I would not mind a teenage daughter reading, even though the characters have to work threw some difficult problems, it is handled in a very family friendly way.

I would e this book PG.
Profile Image for Mendy.
841 reviews
September 4, 2012
I checked this book out for two reasons, the title and the fact that it keeps popping up and I figured the universe was trying to tell me something. It was an easy read that I finished in two day. The ending was predictable but it was a sweet story about forgiveness of on self for past mistakes. It was cheesy at times and not exactly authentic as far ranch life and rodeoing is concerned but still an enjoyable story for everyone who has skeletons in their closets and be real who doesn't. Forgiving yourself is way harder than forgiving others and thank goodness harder than it is for God to forgive us.
Profile Image for  Mummy Cat Claire.
836 reviews15 followers
December 14, 2010
I could never say this is my favorite book. I, also, could never say it was a quick read. I liked this book well enough to finish it. I thought the plot and characters were good as well as the idea of the book.
I enjoyed all the characters and their small town life.
The book was too long. I became increasingly tired of the premise and mystery within the novel. It became old. I feel that there was a lot of "middle" that could have been cut to shorten the length and then the book would have become a cute, quick read. I think I would have enjoyed that much better.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
Author 2 books15 followers
May 31, 2015
While we were camping this spring, a friend gave me this book to read telling me it was an easy and delightful read. She was correct. Rachel, the small town's chiropractor, is living with a secret that she's not sure others will forgive when they learn of it. Her niece is really her daughter. Lynxwiler's writing is smooth and easy but the depth of her message is not lacking. It's about forgiveness and family, friends and love. I'm going to pass this book on to a friend to read and keep it going.
Profile Image for Emily Ventura.
69 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2010
It was a nice easy read but really really predictable. I also didn't realize it was the second in the series-didn't see a thing about book #1 mentioned on this book. Didn't much matter-I don't feel like I missed any of the story by not reading the first.
The author deals with a very deep, complicated subject in a way that is much too light hearted for me. Not much deep, soul searching crying out for God here.
Don't go seek it out, but it is a good clean easy read.
79 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2014
A fun to read romance about a gal that wants to steer clear of cowboys because of an experience when she was 15 yrs old. But, ex-rodeo star Jack Westwood is back in town & remembers his teen age fascination with Dr. Rachel. A woman has to mend hurts in order to learn to love again.

More fluff and romance and not enough Biblical application to rate room on the church's media center shelf. To "give away" shelf.
Profile Image for Dannielle.
15 reviews
July 30, 2010
What a great book. When I purchased this book, I didn't know what to think. I was really surprised when I started to read this book. The only complaint that I have is that near the last 1/4 of the book, it was almost whining on the subject (which I won't state - as not to spoil it). Other than that it was a GREAT book that I couldn't put down.
Profile Image for Laura Radniecki.
Author 1 book10 followers
August 12, 2015
I picked up this book at the local library book sale, and was glad I did!

It was a fun, fast read, and even though it's clearly a romance, it had some deep levels to it too.

I didn't realize it was #2 in a series until right now, leaving this review. I might have to look into the first one now!
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