The Favored Cowboy

Noble Ranch #2

by Jody Hedlund

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is doing his best to start over in the high country of Colorado. He’s gaining back his life, but he’s missing one thing—his mail-order bride, who should have arrived well before Christmas.

Fleeing from her husband’s murderer, Amelia Stone makes it to Breckenridge, Colorado, as a mail-order bride. When she’s thrust into a wedding with her groom by an excited crowd, she hopes that this time she will have a respected place in the community and a happy home to give to her unborn baby.

Thatcher is relieved his bride has finally arrived, but it doesn’t take long after the wedding for him to realize that many things about his new wife don’t add up. When he and Amelia finally figure out there’s been a bride mix-up, they’ve already started developing feelings for each other. But Thatcher’s real mail-order bride is still on the way. Can they find a way to stay together before it’s too late?Mail-order brideMarriage of convenienceMistaken identityBride mix-upForced proximityPregnant widowBachelor veterinarianThe inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Romance

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit back to Summit County, Colorado!

Where book one was set in the Fall of 1879 and featured Hyacinth and Sterling, book two is set in December 1879 and features mail-order bride Amelia Stone and veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt.

I love it when I feel that I know more than the characters and, in this case, it made for a really compelling read. I kept wondering when Thatcher would realize what Amelia was withholding from him. The tension and angst was well-written. I loved seeing things from Thatcher’s point of view, too - especially those scenes that happened after he was made aware of the ‘mistake.’

I don’t think I’ll ever look at almond glaze quite the same after this book! Jodi Hedlund could probably write about a grocery receipt and make it sizzling. Oh. My. Goodness.

I loved the focus on finding true love, on the pain of rejection, on getting justice, and how providence has a way of turning messes and mistakes into miracles.

I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Audrey Colman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful twist on the mail order bride trope! I adored Thatcher’s gentle nature, and the way he and Amelia blended so well — clearly a perfect match.

They both had their past mistakes and self view struggles that they had to overcome, and they were able to encourage each other and help each other grow.

I was nervous about how things would play out, and the end was tied up so perfectly, but also made me wonder about Beckett’s story.

Thanks again for an advanced copy, and a chance to read and review early!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thatcher and Amelia's story was a short and sweet picture of how wonderful it can be when you truly love and care for another and are shown that love in return. Amelia comes from a tumultuous past. Losing her mother at a young age, having a father who took care of her but didn't show his love, and being given in marriage to a ruthless man to help pay her father's debts shaped her into someone who had never known what tender care and genuine affection was like. Thatcher knew that anything in life could change in a moment. They both get swept away in a mail order bride marriage mix up that leads them on a journey of discovering the joys in loving another and sticking it out even through the hard times. Their romance was sweet and sizzling. From the first moments they are together you can see they are the perfect fit for each other. This along with Amelia losing her letters and not being good with names makes the mix up more plausible. It does toe the line with being a bit unbelievable when neither of them questions facts they know to be true; however, the additional explanations that are given later in the story do help to smooth this over. The veterinary elements add a lot of fun and interesting moments to the story. The ending is hopeful and leaves the promise of a wonderful future. There is a great hook at the end for Beckett’s story in the next book. I can’t wait to see what other adventures are in store. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Life of Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun twist on the mail order bride romance trope! I was excited to read more about Thatcher after briefly meeting him in book one. Here, he and Amelia end up married after a miscommunication. I really liked how his relationship with Amelia developed respectfully. I was cheering for them to fall in love the whole book! Thatcher and Amelia both have to overcome inner voices that say they aren’t good enough, and I liked that they were able to support each other as they grew. The romance is clean, but carries some of Jody Hedland‘s signature sizzle. This book stands well on its own although I have enjoyed the whole series and cannot wait for Beckett to get his story next. Recommended for those who enjoy romantic historical fiction!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Favored Cowboy

Amelia comes to town as a Mail-order bride. She lost her letters so she doesn’t remember who she is supposed to marry. Thatcher who is the town veterinarian marries her but he is the one ? I love Amelia’s character, how caring she is with the animals. I love how she helps Thatcher with the animals. I enjoyed reading this book so much. This is the 2nd in the series. I can’t wait to read more of the series.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Favored Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Noble Ranch series. Set in Summit County in Colorado in 1879, the community veterinarian, Thatcher, is waiting for his mail order bride and is ecstatic when she arrives early. Amelia is down to her last dime and hoping her future husband is all that he seems to be from his letters. On arrival, things happen quickly, and in the chaos, Amelia and Thatcher are married by days end. They are a perfect match, and even in the confessions of some misunderstandings, they are determined to work things out. Unfortunately, things get even more chaotic and confusing as more hidden truths are revealed. The one constant is how they feel about one another and their commitment to work it out. I do love how giving Thatcher is and his sweet, happy personality. He truly desires to serve his community, and I really enjoyed seeing Amelia out there working side by side with him. There is fairly low angst, sweet romance, and happily ever afters in this delightful story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, the opinions are my own.

If you enjoy mail order bride stories and marriage mixups, you will love The Favored Cowboy! You really can never go wrong with a Jody Hedlund book! Can a marriage built on withholding the full truth last? Especially a hasty marriage with a mail order bride? Thatcher is an honorable man, will he fall for Amelia, the wrong mail order bride!? Did God ordain all that had happened and brought them together in this unique way? It’s definitely a fun read and I highly recommend it! The idea of mail order brides are so intriguing.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Favored Cowboy is a captivating, heartwarming addition to the Noble Ranch series. I was excited to reconnect with honorable veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt and experience his story that centers around a mail-order bride mishap. The well-paced, emotionally rich plot pulled me in from the get-go and kept me reading uninterrupted to the end. Wonderful, easy to connect with characters drew me into their world and made me care deeply about their happiness. Thatcher and Amelia are truly an adorable couple. I could feel their attraction and the emotional strain they were under in their marriage of convenience when the extent of the mistaken identity was fully revealed. I enjoyed the slow blooming clean romance with those fireworks kisses! I appreciate the light inspirational moments. I highly recommend this engaging, entertaining book. I look forward to reading the next book in this western historical romance series.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[AMB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading, The Favored Cowboy. It took me a day to read, it was hard to put down and now I am anxious for the next book.

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm slowly catching up on my ARC Reads after the chaos of this year. The Favored Cowboy is one of my absolute favorites! The review below reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

Amelia Stone is desperate to escape from her husband's murderer. Pregnant and alone, she's desperate for a clean start where she can escape the pain of her past. In an effort to disappear, she becomes a mail-order bride and flees to Breckenridge, Colorado. Upon arrival, she's thrust into a wedding by the excited crowd. It isn't until much later that her new husband, Thatcher Hoyt and she discover that there has been a mistake. While Thatcher was expecting a mail-order bride, Amelia wasn't the bride he was waiting to arrive.

Thatcher had come to Colorado for a clean start after a mistake cost him his veterinarian practice and his reputation as a vet. In Colorado, he's slowly making a name for himself as an excellent veterinarian and the only thing he's missing in his life is a bride. After seeing the wonderful marriage his friend has with his mail-order bride, he decides to send for one himself.

When Thatcher and Amelia realize the mistake, feelings have already begun to develop on both sides. Can Thatcher and Amelia come up with a plan that will allow them to remain together and peacefully resolve the situation? Will Thatcher be able to keep Amelia and her unborn child safe from his deceased husband's murderer?

I really enjoyed seeing Thatcher and Amelia's relationship develop. The plot definitely kept my attention and I quickly devoured this story to find out how it ended! I highly recommend reading The Favored Cowboy if you enjoy clean, high-stakes, marriage of convenience stories!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC of The Favored Cowboy by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

The Favored Cowboy is book two in the Noble Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone but is best read in order if you want to avoid any spoilers from book one.

This book was such a sweet and tender romance while also discussing some heavier topics. I appreciated how the characters were able to heal some from past hurts and trauma and have hope moving forward.

Thatcher was a veterinarian in this story that sent away for a mail order bride. While I think he would have accepted a lot of different women as his bride, I am glad that he ended up with Amelia because they fit together so well.

Because of Thatcher’s occupation, there were some scenes that could possibly be triggering for some people. There were animals that died on and off the page, although they were not animals that were talked about very much. There was also some medical content regarding animals.

One thing I appreciated about this romance was the amount of respect that Thatcher showed Amelia from the very beginning. He was so patient and kind towards her, and in return, Amelia was able to experience healing from past relationship trauma.

I thought there were a lot of romantic moments between Thatcher and Amelia as well as some very tender moments of emotional vulnerability.

Overall, I would recommend this book, and I am excited to read more of this series in the future.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly just so cute! I wasn’t sure how the story would turn out but I ended up loving it. The Favored Cowboy is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Noble Ranch series. I loved both of the characters and the way that the story progressed. I read this book so fast and honestly it is now one of my favorite books from Hedlund.
Poor Amelia was just trying to protect herself and her baby. She had been through a lot but was trying to make the best of her circumstances. Thatcher was so kind and I really loved helping people. But he was also running from his past and feared making a mistake. I love how well they fit together, they had a lot of miscommunications but they were so cute together.
The storyline was so interesting. Amelia and Thatcher were brought together because of a miscommunication about a mail order bride but they ended up being perfect together. The way that they cared for each other was honestly so cute.
I would totally recommend this book! The book was engaging and easy to read. The characters were lovable and I was rooting for them the whole way. I am so excited to read the next book in the series. The Favored Cowboy is a closed door historical romance

Book Highlights:
Cameos of old characters
Pets and animals
Working together
I received a complimentary copy

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a first for me. The mail-order bride left the letters from her future husband behind when she took off for Colorado and cannot remember his name. I would think she had that name burned into her mind, but I suppose that would take away a lot of the excitement in the story. Arriving in Breckenridge, she has no idea who is expecting her. Although there may have been several in the area waiting for a mail-order bride, several promptly suggested that she was the one the lonely, local veterinarian had been looking for daily. Amelia did remember that her husband-to-be worked with livestock, which of course would be the case with a veterinarian. Within a few short hours, Amelia is married to a man who thinks she is someone else. What in the world have they gotten themselves into? Thatcher thinks she is Eileen until he gets her to his home where she finally gets the opportunity to tell him her real name, and she still doesn’t remember the name of the man she was coming to marry. What a way to start a marriage! Admittedly, this was at a time in our history where some parents still arranged the marriages of their offspring, but those were typically marriages where the families knew each other. The reader keeps waiting for either the real Eileen to show up and find Thatcher already married, or for another man in the area to step forth and claim that Amelia was supposed to marry him. Regardless of how it happened, it was difficult to imagine how the matter would get resolved without someone getting hurt. The anticipation just continued to mount. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen to a mail order bride who has trouble remembering names, misplaced her letters, and pregnancy makes her forget the name of her groom to be? She just might marry the *right* wrong groom. With all those names, places, and information swirling in her head from the three men with whom she corresponded, it is the perfect recipe for disaster.

Jody Hedlund's The Favored Cowboy is a sweet read with swoony kisses and just the right amount of passion. While Amelia and Thatcher work through all the misunderstandings, love grows.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Favored Cowboy. I feel that the relationship was allowed to progress at a good pace and did not feel burdened down by the extent of their difficulties. The novel was a pleasant read that could be enjoyed over an evening or two. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of The Favored Cowboy, which I received from the author.  All views expressed are my honest opinion. 

[Amy Bapty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book just before bedtime and I did not put it down until I read the last page.

The Favored Cowboy opens with Amelia about to arrive in Breckenridge as we are told that she really struggles with names and then we find out that she doesn't have the letters from her husband to be to help.

Things move quickly and she is married before the day is through - to the wrong man, Thatcher, who has been waiting for his very own mail order bride.

At first, it seems a little far fetched but then little by little things happen that make them realise their mistake... by then they have fallen in love with each other and have some hard decisions to make.

I appreciated both Amelia and Thatcher working through rejections that they have faced and learning to trust and rely on each other.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mail order bride gone wrong. Amelia is left a widow after just a few months of marriage. Her husband was not an upstanding or a kind man. Her father also had recently passed away and she had nowhere to go. She decided to apply for a mail order bride ad. She has been corresponding with a man out west. All she wants is a God-fearing man and a roof over her head. Thatcher has left his home and veterinary practice under some unfortunate circumstances. He’s made his way out west and has started life again, but he’s very lonely. With few women to court he requests a mail order bride to whom he has been corresponding with and is expected to arrive soon. All of this sounds pretty straightforward, but nothing is ever as easy as it sounds. The twists and turns in this story are intriguing, engaging and heartwarming. I love the characters. I loved watching them grow and develop and most of all get their sweet reward. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of love! I honestly started out not liking the female protagonist, Amelia! What woman would be making a trip to Colorado as a mail order bride and forget the name of her intended?? True, she was pregnant. Her late husband was murdered. Her father died. She was afraid of her late husband's family. Luckily, when she arrived at her destination, the townspeople seemed to all know the name of her intended! But after the wedding, she realizes her husband is calling her the wrong name! Amelia and Thatcher begin to admire and fall in love with each other when another man claims that Amelia was supposed to be his bride. You will enjoy all of the twists in this romance! I thoroughly enjoyed The Favored Cowboy and recommend it to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many reasons to love this book! There's a mail-order bride, a marriage of convenience, and major miscommunication involving two people who deserve only the best that life has to offer. The question is, "Will they enjoy it together?"

The Favored Cowboy is the second book in the Noble Ranch series. It has great characters, a beautiful Montana setting, and the adventure we expect in a Jody Hedlund novel. It also has heart-tugging emotions and sweet, but sizzling, romance that left me swooning. Who knew that a lost letter could be the start of something so special?

This story is everything that I've come to expect from Jody Hedlund. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical western romance!

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation of a positive review.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia was desperate. Becoming a mail order bride is her only chance of escaping her husband's killer.
Thacher, the town's veterinarian, is desperate for a companion. After only a few letters, he send away for one.

Thatcher and Amelia marry as soon as she arrives. It takes awhile before the truth comes out. And the truth threatens their future.

I enjoyed this story of mistaken identity. You would think Amelia could have put two to two together right away. I'm sure she was nervous and was desperate.

Thatcher was beyond understanding with Amelia's circumstances. She was fortunate that he was a good man but also hot!

I recommend this book. Fast read. Lovely couple. Drama. Romance.

Thank you, Jody Hedlund, for accepting me on your tour.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second exciting book in the Noble Ranch series.
After having read the first book in the series I was excited to start on this one.
I really enjoy mail order bride stories, and this one was really lovely.
A mail order bride loses the letters from the man she is to marry and can't remember who it is when she arrives in town.
It turns out there is another man in town who is also waiting for a mail order bride, but a mixed-up match up happens.
Full of what I've come to expect from the author an exciting story that absolutely captivated me. Full of compassion, empathy and a heartwarming story.
Looking forward to more in this Western Historical Romance series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Hedlund’s new Noble Ranch series. It’s a mail-order bride mix-up that’s full of intriguing plot twists, a slow, sweet romance, and a veterinarian main male character!

As with the first book, The Forever Cowboy, there are appearances of characters from Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series. You don’t need to have read that series, but if you have, you’ll enjoy the glimpses of those characters.

I enjoyed the characters, the lessons they each must learn, and the way love blossoms for Thatcher and Amelia.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #TheFavoredCowboy

[Kathryn Pfeifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about Jody Hedlund’s latest, The Favored Cowboy. This story was not only a sweet romance, but a beautiful depiction of the healing power of love. The hero and heroine of Thatcher and Amelia could not have been better chosen for this plot filled with discovery, forgiveness, and truth. With cameo appearances from past characters I have come to love and a breathtaking setting that flooded my imagination, The Favored Cowboy was simply outstanding. I think I’ve found a new Jody Hedlund favorite! Absolutely perfect!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage mix-up. Widow, Amelia Stone came to Breckenridge, Colorado as a mail order bride, the only problem, she couldn't remember the man's name. When she arrives and it is announced she is looking for her groom the townspeople believe it is Thatcher Hoyt the local veterinarian. Even though there are a couple of things that make them think it isn't the right person they marry and soon have feelings for each other. The story focuses on their growing love for each other, overcoming rejection from their pasts, and learning to trust each other. Another swoon worthy romance from the author.

[Margarita Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet love story for a mail-order bride. In this story, both the groom and the bride are a perfect match and like each other from the start, until they find out about the mix-up. I love that Amelia doesn't second-guess herself and just goes for it. I like the fact that Thatcher is a man of integrity and has self-control. There were some steamy scenes between husband and wife, but it didn't cross the Closed Door line. I appreciate Jody bringing past characters from the other series back. If you're looking for a sizzlin hot book to read, this is the one!

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of mistaken identities and mail order brides. Although Amelia didn’t end up with who she was corresponding to, she ended up with the right person for her. I loved how she saw the best in Thatcher and believed in him even when he doubted himself. I also loved how Thatcher helped Amelia to see what a loving husband was like. I thought they were a great couple and loved how they worked together and grew in their love.

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.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book#2 in the Noble Ranch series but it can be read as a standalone book.

This is a mail order bride mixup this story has plot twists and a sweet romance and how love can be a powerful healing tool.

I would highly recommend this book if you like historical western romances and ones who enjoy family closeness with a bit of sizzling romance.

Can't wait for the next book in this series because I have fallen in love with all the characters already.

I received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Eunice Marsala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Jody's books are hard to put down. H & h are mistakenly married when a short conversation would have corrected the error. The h is pregnant by her 1st husband who was a jerk. The H is the opposite & gives her time to know his character & understand that marriage is a relationship not a list of duties. Conflict comes when the intended groom realizes the h was his intended bride & wants her back.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Jody Hedlund’s books! The Favored Cowboy is so romantic and sweet; I enjoyed the characters a lot and am excited to see more bits and pieces of their stories in future books. I can’t wait for more in this series! 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Favored Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Noble Ranch series and a definite must read if you love western historical romances. It has just enough inspirational themes in it along with plenty of sweet romance. I'm looking forward to reading more book in this series in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

The Favored Cowboy by Jody Hedlund was a really good western mail order bride book. The mix up with her loosing her letters showed how much these brides did not know about their grooms. It was a wonderful love story about two people that were meant to be together. I highly recommend this book and this author.