Keeping The Cowboy's Promise

Christmas in Redemption Ridge #13

by Hannah Jo Abbott

She married her high school sweetheart, now he feels like a roommate.

Rachel always dreamed of a simple life with the home and family she and Wyatt planned to build. But after years of long hours, quiet dinners, and a house that never quite became a home, she’s starting to wonder if this is all there is.

Wyatt thought he was doing everything right. Since the day he put a ring on Rachel’s finger, he’s worked nonstop to build the life she deserves. But when she says they’ve grown apart and asks for some time, he realizes too late that while he was chasing their future, he was missing their life now.

Rachel throws herself into the holiday season on her own, desperate to discover who she is and what she wants. As Wyatt sees her living life without him, he comes up with a plan to win her back.

But is love still waiting for them, or have the silent years created too much distance to overcome?

Genres: Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2025

Reviews

[Mandi Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Rachel and Wyatt's rekindling romance. These two have been married for a long time, and they've grown apart. The small town and Christmas events are the perfect way to get to know each other again and renew their marriage.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab tissues.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

This one is a little different. The main couple are married to each other. They've worked so hard chasing their goals that they've lost touch with each other.

Maybe love wasn’t just a feeling that slipped away. Maybe it was a choice you made on the days it was hardest.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Wyatt fell in love and started their life together with big dreams. Now it is 10 years later and they seem to have lost their way. Wyatt works non-stop to provide the life he and Rachel always dreamed of; the bigger house, children, etc. The problem is that Rachel just wants a simple life full of love and family. As she and Wyatt continue to grow apart, she becomes more and more hurt and angry and doesn't know if she wants to continue in her marriage. One night, when Wyatt finally comes home from work, she tells him she needs a break and leaves to stay with her parents until she can figure out what she wants.

Wyatt is blindsided and doesn't understand what has gone so terribly wrong. He finally begins to realize that if he wants to save his marriage, he will need to make some changes and prove to Rachel that he really loves her and wants to make their marriage work.

This story is about their journey and whether love is enough to mend what is broken. This was a lovely story about how we, as couples, sometimes grow apart and lose our way and how to take a critical look at what is most important and worth sacrificing everything for. The story is real and beautiful. It is a clean and wholesome portrayal of one couple's journey back to one another.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Rachel and Wyatt's story!! Rachel and Wyatt have been married for ten years. Rachel feels like she's living with a roommate, not a husband. She feels Wyatt doesn't see her, and feels like maybe their marriage is over. She's no longer sure what she wants, she just knows she doesn't want her life as it is. Wyatt is stunned when Rachel tells him they need to be apart for a while, and that she's going to her parent's house. Wyatt knows he doesn't want to lose Rachel, so he decides to take steps to at least spend time with her. Then, he realizes that he really needs to step up and be the man both God and Rachel want/need him to be. Rachel finally sees that everything wasn't Wyatt's fault, that she was to blame, too. Now, if they can just work together and get their marriage back on track.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, wasn't required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC team member. Rachel and Wyatt have been married for 10 years. They got married right out of high school. They had set some goals for themselves to save money to build in a house. Wyatt worked long hours at the ranch. He came home exhausted. Rachel was an ER nurse. Somehow they just forgot to talk to each other and drew apart. The wake up call to why it was when Rachel walked out of the house and said I’m going to go stay with my parents and think about things. Boy was at a wake up call for Wyatt. This is very clean good reading and a Faith based book. I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoy reading Hannah Jo Abbott’s books.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping the Cowboy's Promise is an interesting look at a ten year old marriage. Wyatt and Rachel got married young, planned a future they were working toward and then Rachel realized that she had a roommate - not a husband. There was nothing wrong with their plan except they forgot to keep talking, give the future to God and do some living along the way. This well written book is a look at the journey and growing they had to do to remember why they were married. Things really begin to improve when they start attending a Christian, couples group. We are not promised tomorrow and yesterday is gone. You have to live today for the Lord and each other. A good lesson to remember.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power; sweet Christmas Romance

No cheating!

I loved getting to know Rachel and Wyatt. My heart ached for Rachel because she felt unseen by her husband and for Wyatt, who had to open his eyes even when he thought he was loving her well. Wyatt, while not immediately, is quick to see where he and improve how he loves his wife in their marriage and strives to do just that with the Lord's help. Rachel is a little slower but realizes how she went wrong as well. Watch how Rachel and Wyatt allow the Lord to heal.
I wanted to hug both Wyatt and Rachel at times and was thrilled to rejoice with them.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Wyatt is truly shocked when Rachel walks out because she needs time. I love that he didn’t just give up and sought help from the pastor. He is really trying to “see” Rachel and her needs. The couples group seems like too much of a coincidence but both Wyatt and Rachel agree to go. Their reliance on God’s having His plan for their life gives them the ability to keep choosing each other. Truly enjoyable story.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartwarming book in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series by Hannah Jo Abbott.
Sweet story of love and second chances.
Rachel and Wyatt have been married for ten years. By this time she’d always thought they would have a happy family but that hadn’t happened. He works long hours at the ranch and never seems to have time for her. She works in the ER but still longs to spend time with him.
Is it too late to save this marriage and is it worth the effort?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Heather Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Whew! What a great story! I have to admit that I cried... I can relate so well to what Rachel was expressing, and poor Wyatt... I hated that he didn't have a clue! But what an encouragement to know that it's never too late, as long as both parties are willing to work together. This story challenged me to make some changes of my own in my marriage... whether or not my husband does at all.

Thank you for writing a different type of romance story... restoration is so refreshing!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Rachel and Wyatt have been married for several years, but she thinks he doesn’t see her, and spends all his time working. They don’t talk or do anything together, so she goes to her parent’s house for some time apart. As he thinks and learns what she is saying, he tries to turn things around to save their marriage. An uplifting Christmas story about reviving a relationship and working together toward goals.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how faith, God's plan, and a church married couples group came together in this story about Rachel, an ER nurse, and Wyatt, a cowboy working at Redemption Ridge Ranch. It was interesting to see how the characters changed as they followed God's plan for them.The book was full of faith and wisdom that really resonated with me. "But a marriage isn't just about provision, it's about presence." I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written faith based story, as Wyatt and Rachel have been married for ten years, but he had been working so much overtime thinking he was doing right by Rachel. She started to feel like, she was not being seen by him any longer. So she made the decision to take some time for herself moving in with her parents, which devastated Wyatt, as he had no clue anything was wrong. A poignant love story following the faith of God. Keep the kleenex handy you may need them.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication, Communication, Communication!! Hannah Jo Abbott brings us a story that probably happens too often in marriages, Wyatt and Rachel have stopped talking to each other. Not in an I’m mad way, but just in a neglectful way. Wyatt is working hard, too hard, to save for that perfect house, that perfect life. Rachel feels like he no longer sees or cares for her. She’s living life alone. This book is a wonderful story of whether they can find their way back together or is their marriage completely broken. I really loved this book.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep the tissue handy for this wonderful story. Rachel and Wyatt are struggling in their marriage, so Rachel decides to enjoy Christmas with or without Wyatt. Wyatt is struggling to know what to do to keep Rachel and I like he finally asks for guidance. So many touching moments in this story as well as some sad ones too. Reading about their marriage challenges was so interesting and thought provoking. Well worth the time.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping The Cowboy’s Promise

This is such a wonderful faith based book of forgiveness and redemption. Rachel and Wyatt had been married for ten years but they had slowly drifted apart. Rachel has had enough of being alone. Wyatt works all the time. He misses meals and they have no social life. Can their marriage be saved?

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise

This is a beautiful story of Rachel and Wyatt, they have let their marriage fall to the wayside by not taking time to talk and be there for each other. I loved how they realize that faith and prayer was the best way back together. The path and things they did was sweet and beautiful. This is absolutely a wonderful story.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe love wasn’t just a feeling that slipped away. Maybe it was a choice you made on the days it was hardest." After ten years of marriage Rachel feels unseen and unhappy with Wyatt always working to save for a better life. Can they go back to what they had or try to build a new future together or has their marriage ended forever? Faith, friends and God is their only hope.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous reminder about taking care of our love

I enjoyed this story of learning how to truly love and see a spouse. This story reminds us that marriage takes work and discussions. It gives hope to those struggling through and shows that one can make things better again if you are both willing to try.

[Stefanie Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute story and refreshing to read about a married couple. Rachel did frustrate me a bit, but towards the end I'm glad she understood marriage goes both ways...I just wish she was more aware of herself, she came off very self centered. I did appreciate the emphasis on communication and being present, they're the most important part of marriage.

[Tania Hubmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and highly recommended for married women, this book deals sensitively with what is needed to sustain a successful Christian marriage.

Congratulations to Hannah Jo Abbott for a very different yet satisfying addition to the Freedom Ridge Christmas series.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book! It does such a great job of walking us through the story of Rachel and Wyatt and what happens to a couple when they look to the future and forget to take care of the present. So full of heart and emotion as they navigate toward the future.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet romance about a marriage that wasn't working any more. Rachel and Wyatt almost lost everything but their friends and their pastor helped them. They were lucky they got their second chance.

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different but in a good way.

It was interesting reading about two characters who were already married but felt more like roommates. I enjoyed seeing them realise what is important and change their priorities.

[Kenni Fewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With God, it’s never too late!

Wow! What a story! Definitely a true to life one! It’s so easy to get caught up in our own Ives and drift away from our partner. Focus on the kids and, when they are gone, have trouble finding us. What a beautiful story of new beginnings!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romi

Marriage always has it's problems as we are reminded in this book. But with God we have a second chance to forgive and move forward.

[ELK Kissling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how these two rediscovered their marriage. It’s easy to lose focus of what really matters in life.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Wayne have been married for 10 years. Rachel is an ER nurse and loves her job. She loves helping people. Wayne works on Redemption Ridge Ranch. They have talked about working hard and having a house and kids. 10 years later and Rachel is lonely because Wayne is never home. When she tells him she needs time and that's she's going to her parents, he is shocked. As he thinks back to the last time they had a conversation, he realizes that he had been so focused on the future, he had lost sight of the present. Sweet, sweet book of healing and redemption

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rachel and Wyatt wed both looked forward to building a life together. Sadly the vision they had to do so was different. Rachel wanted to embrace life, spending time together, having kids and creating a home. Wyatt wanted the same once they had earned and saved up the money to build their dream house. But it is taking longer and longer and as Wyatt works longer hours to earn more, Rachel is left alone with no children and honestly, no husband.

She's done.. needs a break.. needs to learn to live and enjoy life even if it means doing so alone. But as Wyatt sees her enjoying life, he realizes what he wants most and determines to win her back.

I enjoyed reading a romance that centers around a married couple, because romance and love don't have to end once vows are spoken.