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Christmas in Redemption Ridge #17

Clearing the Cowboy's Name

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Accused of stealing her Austen first editions. Guilty of stealing her heart.

Bookseller Penelope Colagreco is known in Redemption Ridge for her quirky charm, color-coordinated glasses, and her treasured Jane Austen collection. When her beloved books go missing, suspicion falls on Rowan Calder, a horse trainer seeking refuge from his past in this Colorado small town.

As accusations fly and secrets unravel, Penelope faces a trust Rowan despite the rumors, or let doubt drive them apart. Together, they untangle a web of sabotage and false accusations, discovering hope, faith, and the beginnings of love in a close-knit community.

If you love bookish heroines, light mystery, and sweet romance with a touch of faith, don’t miss this heartwarming story set against the wild beauty of Colorado ranch country.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

55 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Elle E. Kay

34 books408 followers
Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.

Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.

In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.

Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.

For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews84 followers
December 22, 2025
Clearing the Cowboy's Name is a clean, sweet romance that will make readers smile. If you're looking for a cowboy romance, then I highly recommend this one. It's got swoony worthy moments, an engaging storyline, and so much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review.
789 reviews33 followers
December 21, 2025
Elle E. Kay has a festive hit on her hands that includes a splash of intrigue with Clearing the Cowboy’s Name! As part of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, readers travel once more to the town of Redemption Ridge where they get acquainted with Bethany’s Book Barn employee Penelope and newcomer-to-town Rowan. When Rowan enters Bethany’s Book Barn and meets Penelope, sparks fly instantly. Being set up immediately by their respective bosses, Ethan and Bethany, Penelope and Rowan instantly click despite being complete opposites. Penelope is the quintessential Jane Austen lover book worm and loves her life in Redemption Ridge working at Bethany’s Book Barn. Rowan on the other hand is your stereotypical cowboy who used to run the rodeo circuit until false accusations ruined his career, making him travel from ranch to ranch training horses to earn a living. While Penelope’s life is an open book, Rowan’s book into his life remains firmly closed. Penelope is so open in fact that she blurts to Rowan about her prized possession: a set of first edition books by Jane Austen worth thousands. Shortly thereafter, Penelope’s prized Jane Austen books go missing and the town quickly points fingers at Rowan—even Penelope for a bit. Rowan and Penelope work together to not only clear Rowan’s name, but to find Penelope’s Jane Austens. As uncovering each clue brings them closer to the truth, Rowan and Penelope find out that things go deeper than just face value, learning that the accusations flying around town are distracting from the real crime at hand.

Traveling to Redemption Ridge again in Elle E. Kay’s Clearing the Cowboy’s Name was a treat and escape with a powerful lesson! I loved meeting Penelope and really related to the bookworm she is! I loved Rowan as well and thought he added a great edge with the mystery surrounding his storyline. I loved Penelope’s personality—especially with her matching glasses to go with every outfit and the way she related to her books as priceless possessions to be cherished and loved. The way Ms. Kay wrote Rowan’s storyline and intermingled it with the mystery of Penelope’s stolen books was a great illustration of how accusations and gossip, especially when they’re false, can ruin someone’s life. I love how, as polar opposites, Rowan and Penelope came together to find Penelope’s stolen items and to clear Rowan’s name. I love how the book progressed, showing how Penelope and Rowan grew and respected each other, becoming fiercely protective of each other in the process. I also loved the lesson that Penelope learned regarding rest, because I needed that lesson as much as I needed the lesson I got from Clearing the Cowboy’s Name regarding false accusations and gossip. My favorite thing that I loved about Rowan was that when Penelope told him about a book that she loved—Rowan actually read it himself! Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay is the perfect blend of festiveness, mystery, finding your person, and learning an important Godly Truth! I highly recommend it!

Have you read Clearing the Cowboy’s Name? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Elle E. Kay for giving me a copy of Clearing the Cowboy’s Name to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on my blog, Leslie’s Library Escape.

Profile Image for Kirby.
866 reviews42 followers
November 17, 2025
I always enjoy Elle E. Kay's stories, but I particularly love her contributions to this multi author series. I'm always up for a Christmas read, and I love how these titles are always heartwarming, and focused around the true reason for the season with just a touch of suspense thrown in to keep the reader guessing.

Clearing the Cowboy's Name revolves around our main characters Rowan and Penelope. Rowan has spent years running from the rumors that destroyed his rodeo career, but suddenly they seem to have followed him to Redemption Ridge when the woman he's smitten with (Penelope) has a valuable set of Jane Austen novels stolen from her cottage, and all clues seem to point to him. As the two of them work together to clear his name, they'll discover that feelings are developing that may lead them on their way to their own happily ever after.

A sweet and heartwarming romance that was well written, swoon worthy, and Christ focused, I had a hard time wanting to put it down. I enjoyed both Rowan and Penelope as characters, and I loved how they brought out the best in each other along the way. I always enjoy a return visit to this charming small town, and Clearing the Cowboy's Name is a wonderful title that I'd highly recommend to anyone who enjoys clean, faith based romances with a touch of suspense.

Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to Elle E. Kay for allowing me to advance read and review this title!



I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC Team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

1,759 reviews33 followers
November 17, 2025
Whenever I read books about false accusations, I always wonder what I would do in a situation like this. I imagine it would frustrate me to no end and also be emotionally heartbreaking! This is the situation Rowan finds himself in. He's new to town, having taken a job training horses for a local rancher and finds that he loves the community. However, before he can even get settled in, he's accused of stealing a priceless set of first edition books belonging to Penelope! He met her his first day in town and had a definite connection to her. The feeling was mutual! Penelope - or Pen, as she's called - doesn't know what to think. All the clues lead to Rowan as the one who stole the books, but she just can't believe it!
I was struck by how shallow the community was! For a tight-knit, close small town, they sure do turn on people fast! All the gossip and meanness towards a person who is only suspected of a crime was surprising to me. It seems like even though Rowan was new to town, they would give him a little benefit of a doubt first! I was proud of Pen and a couple of others who stood by Rowan though. Then there is the danger than comes to town and how it is dealt with. A very good story and I enjoyed it all! A good reminder about gossip, standing up for people and being true to yourself. I loved the characters and the situations!
658 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2025
I enjoyed this story - and really like this author's writing style.

Rowan Calder had been accused of hurting another rodeo cowboy. He was innocent but those around him didn't believe him. Leaving his past behind he starts a new life as a horse trainer in a small Colorado Town, Redemption Ridge.

On his first day he met bookseller Penelope Colagreco who runs the small bookstore for her employer. Her employer is married to the man that Rowan is now working for. When her employer sees the sparks between them she tries to play matchmaker. When they meet for dinner Penelope updates her employer on the estimate she got for a rare set of Jane Austin books left to her by her aunt. Rowan is with them at the dinner and hears her story. Soon after someone steals her precious books and the town lays the blame at the newcomer cowboy Rowan. So Rowan has to decide if he will run again from false accusations or stay and clear his name.

Since he feels a connection to Penelope, he decides to stay and try to discover who stole the books. Working with Penelope on this situation only allows them to grow closer. When someone from his past starts working on a neighboring ranch, he tries to stir up the town and Penelope against Rowan.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
578 reviews
December 23, 2025
Clearing The Cowboy’s Name is a story of faith and strength that Penelope shows Rowan and how to believe in himself again.   He is accused of stealing her expensive books that she inherited from her aunt.  She thought he might have done it but as he talked to her about it they decide to work together to try and find them.  Then when his childhood friend turned rival shows up and Rowan knows where Blaise is, trouble follows.  But when Blaise takes Penelope, Rowan risks his life to find her as he says he knows how Blaise thinks.  But he had no idea who would show up in Redemption Ridge to give him the proof he needed to finally put Blaise away.

 

Rowan’s name was cleared and he put his effort back into being involved in church.  He had found what made him happy and that was getting his life back with the Lord and making memories with Penelope.  His work with Ethan was so good he was promoted to Ranch Manager and then he felt like he was where he should be to love Penelope, but, did she want him to stay?
1,156 reviews6 followers
November 25, 2025
LOVED Rowan and Penelope's story!! Rowan and Penelope meet when Rowan goes into Bethany's Book Barn to ask directions. Rowan is captivated by Penelope then, and his attraction to her only grows as he gets to know her. When Penelope's books are stolen, she doesn't want to think Rowan stole them, though most of the town does. Rowan doesn't want to run, he wants to stay and prove he didn't take them. He really wants Penelope to believe him. When an old "friend" and than an ex girlfriend show up, Penelope has to decide who is really telling the truth. Then, when trouble comes for her, Rowan shows just how much he cares, in a way that no one can deny. I loved Rowan from the time he appeared, which was the first page!! Love how he changes through the book, for the better, by getting his relationship with God back on track!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
389 reviews18 followers
November 18, 2025
The truth will set you free!

Rowan just wants to live in peace from the past and for the truth to be known. But problems seem to follow him everywhere. Can Redemption Ridge be the place to call home? Penelope is spunky, funny, and likes her regency. She may have just met her hero in Rowan, until he is accused to stealing her most precious possession. Can she trust again? Together they work to find the truth and encounter mystery, suspense, danger, and betrayal while discovering friendship, trust, and forever love. Great story line where truth overcomes.

A good addition to the series. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
41 reviews
November 19, 2025
Another lovely story. It was great visiting Bethany’s Book barn again, and meeting some character’s from previous books. I always love the way Elle weaves her faith into the story line. Another wandering sheep brought back into the fold.
There were enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages late into the night. There’s mystery, suspense, romance, betrayal, gossip, false accusations, friendship, love and laughter, something for everyone.
A challenge to us all as to how we would react in the same situation.
I also love how at the end of Elles books she shares her testimony, remind us all no matter what we’ve done God still loves us.
I was gifted an ARC edition of this book, these thoughts are all my own.
1,428 reviews12 followers
November 17, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Former Bronk rider Rowan Calder arrives in Redemption Ridge to train horses. He meets bookstore worker, Penelope Colagreco. Later, when her rare books are stolen, people think Rowan is responsible, but Penelope trusts and sticks up for him and they try to discover who actually did it. When his former fiancé shows up, things get more complicated. Action packed book which features themes of trust, working to clear a name, and moving forward.
Profile Image for Alison.
7 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2025
Clearing the Cowboy's Name is a cozy romance with a bit of mystery & intrigue. Rowan arrives in town to work as a horse trainer. He stops in the bookstore where Penelope works to ask directions to the ranch. Sparks fly between them during the encounter. When Penelope's first addition Austen books disappear, the townspeople's suspicions fall on the new man in town. However, Penelope trusts him and the two of them ban together to solve the mystery. The Christian element was expertly woven into the narrative.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.
380 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2025
Rowan meets Penelopy when he moves to Redemption Ridge to be a horse trainer. Shortly after his arrival, he is accused of being a thief when a very valuable item goes missing from Penelopy’s house. Rowen and Penelopy join forces to prove his innocence by finding the true culprit. Will they find love at the same time.

This is a lovely romance with good Christian elements and a mystery to solve. The characters are well-portrayed, and the story is very enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

536 reviews
November 21, 2025
Redemption Ridge is a great place to start over. But for once, the town wasn't so friendly towards the newcomer. It's a little hard to fit in when there's a shadow on your name. I have loved all the characters I have been introduced to in the Redemption Ridge series and these characters are no different. They all have their little quirks but I am convinced that there is no better place to work. It's ok if you are constantly late, if you need to leave early, or if you need to take off completely. What I wouldn't give to have a boss like that!
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
490 reviews7 followers
November 23, 2025
Rowan has come to Redemption Ridge to train horses. He was a rodeo star, but when a friend was hurt, he stepped away from the rodeo. He's been traveling from job to job for 2 years. When he arrives in town, he stops at the book store to ask directions and meets Penelope. They are taken with each other, but Rowan isn't sure he is staying. When Penelope's prize books are stolen, all the townspeople point to Rowan. Penelope defends him and they work to solve the mystery together. A lot of twists and turns. Rowan has to learn to stand his ground and trust his new friends.
76 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2025
A little late night reading.

This one is defintely a 5 Star Read for me. I can't say too much more than the summary because I don't want to give anything away.
If you're looking for a high stakes Christian Christmas romance you'll find it here. Rowan is our protective, tough, and kind cowboy with some mystery in his past. Penlope is our strong and sweet bookworm with a touch of sass and beloved by Redemption Ridge.
What happens when fingers start pointing newcomer, Rowan?
Will Pen and Rowan working together be able to clear his name?
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,143 reviews47 followers
November 15, 2025
Clearing the Cowboy's Name is a sweet small town romance read that has a mystery involving the disappearance of books. Not any books but a set of first-edition Jane Austen books. The characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the dynamics between Rowen and Penelope and trying to solve the mystery. Fantastic read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
30 reviews
November 15, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am giving my own opinion in this review.
I really recommend this book, the characters were realistic and it was delightful to watch their relationship develop. Rowan and Penelope were attracted to each other but the mystery of her missing rare books caused some distrust. The suspense and drama of finding the true thief kept me turning the pages until the very end!
2,682 reviews20 followers
November 18, 2025
I always enjoy returning to Redemption Ridge. What's not to like? Sexy, loyal, honest cowboys, strong women, and a mystery to solve. I really enjoyed the romantic suspense and the romance that brewed between Rowan and Penelope. It was fun, heartfelt, and full of surprises., the kind that keeps me turning the pages. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
227 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of love, trust, and redemption. Rowan came to town for a fresh start, but it did not take long for rumors to start. The pastor in the town made an excellent point about bearing false witness and the crowd turning on an innocent man, and that seemed to help with the town gossip and suspicions. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Rowan and Penelope as they navigated the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding Penelope’s stolen books. Well done!
2,276 reviews26 followers
November 19, 2025
I loved the chemistry and first meeting between Penelope and Rowan—both of them are absolutely adorable. When a theft occurs, Rowan is immediately suspected, which always makes me wonder why people rush to judgment instead of assuming innocence until proven guilty. Pen and Rowan team up to clear his name, uncovering the real villain in town—someone who brings anything but peace. A definite romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,007 reviews11 followers
November 22, 2025
Love revisiting Redemption Ridge. Rowan has been running for a long time. False accusations abound, but Penelope might just be the reason for him to stay and clear his name. Their connection is sorely tested in many ways. They both discover what is truly worth fighting for. The characters are well written and believable. Great story.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
1,008 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2025
Building trust!

A wonderful story about Penelope and Rowan building trust and a relationship after a devastating theft of Penelope's collector books.  While the town turns against Rowan, Penelope opens her mind andd works with him to solve the mystery.  All this despite rumors of Rowan's past influencing the town folk's perception of his worth.

I read this story as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
985 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2025
Great addition to the Christmas At Redemption Ridge series this one by Elle E Kay.
Penelope works at the Books Barn and is attracted to Rowan, the new horse trainer for Ethan.
While on the rodeo circuit, Rowan was accused of sabotage. When Penelope’s very valuable book set is stolen, eyes start looking at Rowan.
He ran before but now he’s staying to prove his innocence.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Cooper.
250 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2025
Rowan and Penelope “Pen”; Rowan left his previous world after false accusations. Pen works at Bethany’s Book Barn and the road intersects right there. A theft and lots of people jumping to conclusions. “He thought that God had rejected him…. But maybe he’d had it all wrong.” Enjoyed the many slow revealings of truth.
2,225 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2025
Clearing the Cowboy’s Name

Penelope and Rowan have a great story of mystery, trust, hope and faith. When Penelope gave Rowan the directions to Haven Creek Ranch, she did not know her life was about to change. Rowan has secrets but the quirky book loving Penelope just may be the one to uncover them. I highly recommend you read their story.
Profile Image for Michelle Dodge.
494 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2025
Great Clean Romance

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed this book and the quirky Pen. There is romance, misunderstanding, intrigue and more. It’s a great read and I am loving the series. I didn’t want to put it down.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,896 reviews29 followers
November 14, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

The new characters were great. They were instantly smitten, and getting to know each other only strengthened their attraction. Even through the rumors and lies.

I'm glad they got their HEA.
153 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2025
Another great read by Elle! I enjoyed how the story unraveled and the truth came out. It was intriguing and kept you guessing. I enjoyed the characters and the way the book pulled you into the small town. I was given a complimentary ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,635 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2025
This is a sweet small town romance that has just the right amount of mystery, action and suspense to keep you turning the pages. Penelope and Rowan's story was a great read.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,914 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2025
Great Series

Another great book in a great series. I enjoyed visiting Redemption Ridge again and catching up with characters. I loved Penelope and Rowan's story. He's running from his past and runs right into love. A captivating read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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