Ember Meadow

by Abigail Morgan

They were a match … will they reignite?

Katie MacPherson has it all figured out. Successfully running vacation rentals across the west for her parents’ company, avoiding said parents outside of business, learning to live on her own without her beloved Aunt Millie nearby. And, of course, following her strict no-dating rule. No reason to repeat her parents' mistakes, after all.

The last thing she expects when she arrives in Wyoming for her summer project is to see an old flame. Miles is the cowboy next in line to inherit the ranch Katie’s new project sits next to. He’s everything she’s quiet, perpetually grumpy, and part of a loving family she’s just a tiny bit jealous of.

Something strange is happening with the cabin she’s renovating, pushing her and Miles together at every opportunity. Sometimes even literally. Katie can no longer ignore her feelings or the strange occurrences inside the cabin. From hidden photographs and postcards to symbols branded into the wood, she’ll have to figure out what it all means.

For fans of Emily Henry, Ashley Poston, Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver.

Genres: Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

Abigail Morgan writes stories with her boots in the dirt and her head in the clouds. Usually, the kind drifting over the Rocky Mountains. Her romance novels mix the wild west with cozy charm and always carry a dash of mountain magic. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found chasing golden-hour light with her camera, sipping coffee that’s almost too pretty to drink, or swimming in the lake.

Reviews

[Sarah | TwoBestiesOneBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝑰 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 90’𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕, 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒔, 𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚.”

If I could bottle up this book’s vibe, it might be this sentence but add something about a hot, grumpy cowboy 😂

I’ve been waiting for this books release since I first found Abigail on Instagram. I mean cowboy romance with magical realism? IM SO IN. And this one was exactly what I wanted/needed. This story had everything I love: small-town charm, simmering tension, a little enchantment, and one very swoon-worthy man. I mean all the right elements and whew she knew how to build up tension for the reader.. I was screaming when we got the flashback from their one night stand. 😭🔥

“𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎, 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆.“

The cabin’s subtle magic and its way of pulling these two back together? Chef’s kiss. It was the perfect sprinkle of magical realism without taking away from the emotional heart of their story.

If you’re entering your cowboy era (or have been living in it like me 🤠), this book is a must-read. It’s warm, atmospheric, and will make you wish you could escape to Jackson Hole, Wyoming — and yes, you will fall in love with it too.

“𝑰’𝒅 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆.“

[Rianna Paez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Meadow by Abigail Morgan

⭐️5/5

“And then, something utterly terrifying happens. As I stand in Miles Autry’s arms, in the middle of a field in Wyoming, so far out of my comfort zone I can’t even see it from here, my heart sighs and the wind whispers the word home.”

I didn’t know how much I needed a small town cowboy romance with magical realism but I do and Ember Meadow DELIVERED on that!!! ✨

A hot one night stand with a sexy cowboy, and then…..4 years pass by until they meet again!

Katie MacPherson is our stunning fmc who works for her parents company and renovates and runs their vacation rentals. She’s assigned a new property to renovate in the beautiful town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Littles does she know the cabin her parents company purchased just happened to belong to the parents of her one night stand, Miles Autry🥵

Miles, our grumpy cowboy mmc, helps run his parents ranch and comes face to face with Katie, after not having heard from her in 4 years and there are quite a bit of unresolved feelings.

My favorite part, watching Katie flourish and blossom in this town. Forming new friendships with the locals and parents of said grumpy cowboy. For someone who was ditched by her parents at such a young age, she found solace in this town and magical cabin that unbeknownst to her was drawing her towards something she swore off, and that’s love.

And Miles? Well let’s just say it was beautiful to watch him slowly break down that tough exterior he carried. 🥹

Can we also have a moment for the amazing side characters? Omg I was devouring every interaction with Parker! He’s just truly THAT GUY, you know that one who makes us laugh loudly and swoon?! I need more of Parker ASAP😍

Ember Meadow is truly a beautiful story that I believe everyone should read ✨🫶🏼

[Lauren Bevilacqua · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most picturesque Wyoming setting, writing that draws in you, and a sweet love story. What’s not to love? Such a fan of Abigail’s debut novel!

[hellothriftypages · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨
Ember Meadow
Book 1 in The Elements Series
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: .25🌶️

What a strong and seriously addictive debut from Abigail! Ember Meadow felt so different from anything I’ve read lately. The slow burn is SLOW (in the best way), mixed with self discovery, subtle magical elements, and love showing up when you least expect it.

It’s set in Jackson Hole, but all the Idaho references made it extra special for me since that’s where I grew up. The ranch setting was described so beautifully I felt like I was right there.

Miles Autry… mmhmm. Fitted black shirts, tattoos, big broody energy, but it’s his heart and the pain he’s carrying that really got me.I just wanted to hug him. Katie’s free spirit and inner thoughts made me love her even more.

The tension and yearning between them had me glued to the pages. Just know….they really take their time acting on those feelings. Do with that what you will.😉 But the flashbacks we get are *sigh*😌

If you’re in the mood for a cowboy romance where time slows down and following your heart feels risky but worth it, definitely pick up Ember Meadows!

Tropes
•cowboy/home designer
•one night stand
•second chance romance
•close proximity
•slow burn
•magical elements
•grumpy/sunshine

[Kenzie Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
This debut novel completely swept me away! As someone who’s actually been to Jackson Hole, I was so impressed by how vividly the author captured its beauty — the mountains, the air, the quiet magic of the place. Her descriptions made me want to hop on a plane and go back immediately!

The romance was everything I love in a cowboy story — tender, a little stubborn, and full of heart. I found myself literally yelling at the heroine, “Girl, stop getting in your own way!” Their connection felt so real and earned, and I adored the subtle spark of magic woven through their story.

This was such a strong debut, and I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Abigail writes next!

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Chance encounter that leads to a life altering one night. Then, silence… for four years. The universe isn’t having that though.

I’m here for all of it!!

Magical realism meets cowboy romance in the sweetest way in Ember Meadow. Abigail’s debut left me aching for more. Miles and Katie are 100% magnetic. The tension between these two is something else!

I love the world Abigail has created here. The heart and raw honesty these characters exhibit was so refreshing. I really enjoyed every part of Miles and Katie’s story, and the side characters were greatness!! So many times I just wanted to hug Miles & Katie and assure them they are safe with each other. I can’t wait to see where Abigail takes this series.

If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with a different twist that has the sweetest surprise element, this one is for you!!

[Michael Shemkunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut cowboy romance by Abigail Morgan had it all. A hard-working, chiseled, no b.s., top ranch hand in Miles. An accomplished, confident, yet vulnerable designer of vacation rentals in Katie. Throw in a magical old cabin, set in the shadow of the Grand Teton’s, and all just a stones throw from the thriving western town of Jackson Hole, and you’ve got Ember Meadow! Abigail clearly has the gift of character development, low burn relationship ebbs and flows, and vivid scenery descriptions. With a beautiful postcard front cover and a bonus map inside, this book is on point!

[Marley Crofoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in Idaho with Jackson Hole basically in my back yard, it was so nostalgic to read a book in this setting. The Tetons have a special place in my heart and I’m glad that Ember Meadows did it justice in describing the beauty of the area and literally capturing its magic. What a magical setting for two people to fall in love! Aside from the epic setting, Ember Meadows is packed full of dynamic personalities that you just can’t get enough of (even the side characters)! Can’t wait to read more from Abigail Morgan!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cowboy romance blew me out of the water! My literal message to Abigail Morgan was "GIRLLLLLLLL I needed this book in my brain WEEKS AGO! so mad at myself for waiting. This is a piece of ART." 

I put it off for a few weeks before picking it up and I'm still so mad about it. 😂 I could of had this magic in my brain already! But I'm so glad I picked it up in the first place. You know that moment when you're just pulled to a book?! That was this one for me.

The banter this book had was phenomenal. I giggled like a school girl at times. I am just such a sucker for a boy in boots. 

This was a well written debut novel and I will 100% be picking up the next thing Abigail writes. 

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What drew me in was “Western romance with a hint of magic”and oh did it deliver on the vibes I was hoping for. This is one of those books that was just perfect for me personally, small things I love to experience in stories. This felt warm, cozy, and magical… All while still being a cowboy romance. Abigail knocked it out of the park with this debut and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store! Out 10/14

[Monica Barnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Cowboy Romance! 😍 Ember Meadow is SO GOOD! It was so captivating. The pull between Miles and Katie. The mystery and magic of the cabin bringing them together. The way I said JUST KISS ALREADY so many times in this story. Omg. I couldn’t put this book down once I started. And can we talk about Miles being so damn HOT?! Phenomenal. Give me more. Now!!

[Abby Laswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet cowboy romance set in Wyoming! I’m from Utah and am very familiar with Wyoming so this hit so close to home for me! I thought Morgan did such a great job getting the imagery and small town vibes right! Definitely impressed it’s a debut novel, and so excited for the next book!

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! Cowboy romance with magical realism, it was a quick and easy read. I loved the slow burn between Katie and Miles. Although it was a short book, I loved the different relationships Katie built with her new friends in Jackson and Miles’s parents, and the strain with Katie’s parents brought some conflict to the story. The ending felt rushed but that’s probably because I wasn’t ready for the book to end 😂 Can’t wait for the next book to release later this year!

[Jamie Gormley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cowboy inspired love story with the tiniest smidge of magic and a found family. I should have probably read the physical book instead of listening thought. The AI reader didn't do the best job. No inflection and said some words a little funny. Thankfully that version was free! Luckily I have an autographed physical book for my shelf!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than five hours!!!! That’s how good it was that I couldn’t put it down. This book had the romance, the giggles, warm feeling that I crave in a book. I needed more for the end 😭 I want to know what happens after that last chapter!!!! But overall it’s a good book the cowboy, the storyline, the girl being a yearner it was just a great book!!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. The magic element seemed a little random and not needed but the story was cute. A little flat but not enough to loose my interest. Even though this is a cowboy romance it still felt contemporary. Quick read.

[Katie Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!! All the yearning, times you wanted to shake the fmc to get out of her own way. LOVED the little magic element in there too!

[Greer Lassey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was real slow for me. I took me so long to get through the first half but I devoured the second half

[Sarah Crowley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️s. Woof.

[Aspen Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite part was how in detail she described every scenery. This book was truly incredible. I never wanted it to end!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun debut novel!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cowboy romance has second chance mixed with a little ranch magic. Katie NEVER expected to run into Miles, her sexy one night stand who never called. Imagine her surprise when she arrives at a huge ranch in Jackson Hole to renovate her parents new rental property and comes face-to-face with Miles. Who is not happy to see her- in fact he's rather grumpy about the whole thing.
This is as sweet as any cowboy romance I have read. There are some great supporting characters, too! The "magic" was so subtle, but painted the soul mate angle of the plot- I could have been okay with or without it. I want to go live on the Autry's ranch now!!!!

[cupids 🩶 · Rating 4 out of 5]

it took me way too long to finish this book 😔

i loved the cowboy romance trope but all they were saying was that they couldn’t be together again and again only for the plot to really evolve in the last 30 pages

otherwise it was a great story i loved reading about the cabin’s renovation and the family story!!

[Tyann Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard that there was magical realism, it caught my attention! I have never heard anything like that. I like the close proximity, small town atmosphere. Just everything about this book was cute. I like the setting being in Wyoming, I have never been to Wyoming and it feels like I have been to Wyoming with her book. I would 100% pick up another book by Abigail Morgan

[Brea Wooster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly strong debut novel. Blending small town romance with a touch of magic, the story centres around an old cabin in Jackson Hole and completely draws you in from the very beginning. Abigail’s descriptions of Jackson Hole were so vivid and beautiful that they made me want to book the next flight there, pull on a pair of cowboy boots, and share a whiskey sour with Miles and Katie. I loved watching Katie grow and come into her own while renovating the cabin, building meaningful friendships with the locals and with Miles’ parents along the way. It was equally rewarding to see Miles slowly let his walls down throughout the story. Abigail has created such a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, and I’m already excited to see what she writes next.

[Jessica Ballow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! Sooo cute I love the small town meets fancy girl. I thought that him being divorced didn’t really add much to the storyline and was kinda out of place but otherwise no notes!!

[Joy Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became completely swept up in the story and could deeply identify with all of Katie’s feelings.
From the very first page, this book completely consumed me. It is the definition of a true page-turner—the storyline kept me completely engaged and it was so incredibly easy to get lost in these pages! Abigail Morgan writes a world that is so heart-warming and immersive that I didn't just read the story; I truly lived it with them.
What I Loved:
Katie's Journey: While I didn't necessarily feel like I was Katie, I could deeply identify with her feelings and everything she was going through. The character development is fantastic, and being able to step directly inside her thoughts drove home the root causes of her actions. She is a phenomenal protagonist who you can't help but root for.
Miles: He completely stole my heart. He is reserved and mysterious, but as you learn about his past experiences with love, you realize his hesitation is so deeply warranted. (And seriously... where can I find my own Miles?!).
The Heart-Warming Dynamics: I am usually someone who prefers a lot more spice in my romance reads, but Abigail managed to find the ultimate exception here. The spice level was just enough, and the emotional payoff of this story completely won me over.
The Old Cabin: The settings in this book are magical. The way all the little pieces came together to push Miles and Katie into each other's orbit genuinely made the cabin feel like a main character in its own right. I also completely fell in love with the supporting characters who bring this world to life.
The Epic Connection: The emotional payoff of this book is incredible. Seeing how two people can overcome time, distance, and past misunderstandings to find their way back to one another completely made me believe in love all over again.
Final Thoughts:
This story is incredibly well-written, beautifully paced, and filled with deep connections and heartwarming moments. If you want a book that will hold you captive and make you believe in true love from start to finish, this is it.

[Dee Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who's already read this book twice, I was sucked into this story from the first chapter both times!
I rarely LOVE an FMC in a romance novel, but Katie is amazing! She's feisty, grows as a person, learns what she wants and how to set boundaries, forms amazing friendships, let's her talent blossom, and of course, snags the cowboy...twice 😉 Miles is super relatable for me with his introverted extrovertedness, family loyalty, hotheadedness, and grumpy exterior. Watching his shell slowly breakdown was fun & exciting but also heartwarming. Him getting his well-deserved HEA was magic in itself (which the Old Cabin aided in ince the right woman came along)!
This book had me giggling and kicking my feet 1 second then gasping and anxiously reading to find out what was in store the next. If you haven't read a cowboy romance & are intrigued let alone if you already do love them, this one's for you! If not, still grab it so you can fall in love with Miles & Katie, Ember Meadow, and Jackson Hole instead of getting left in the dust! I can't wait to read what Abigail has in store for their amazing friends!!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pissed that whoever recommended this book didn’t mention it was debut novel and I don’t have more stories to read from this author!
This story was so cute with no spice which was refreshing. I loved Katie and the Autry family; even the secondary characters were interesting and the magical realism was an unexpected bonus that added something wonderful to the book. I only took away one star because I wanted more of the relationship between Katie and her parents to be explored and the reason for Miles’ silence for a week really annoyed me. Also (I’m being petty here) not every character in a romance novel needs to have green eyes! People are attractive with blue or brown eyes I promise. With that being said, I think I know who the main character of the next book would be if this is a continuing series (which I hope it is).
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a romance without all the explicit sex scenes but all the swoon.

[Kim Blea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star
Super cute story! I am from Utah so having Salt Lake City and Bear Lake mentioned made me happy. Loved the found family trope. The setting of Jackson Hole WY wanted me to go visit there. The side characters (the main characters friends) I really liked. I hope the next book is tied to the first one and we dive deeper to one of the friends stories. Maybe Parker?
I loved the mystery with the cabin, I just wish there was more. More of the cabin magic/mystery early on instead of towards the end. If you’re looking for low spice cowboy romance- this should be your next read! Such a great debut book, can’t wait to read more from this author!